All things are connected on an energy level that is neither electrical or physical, and is not confined to time or space. This cosmic energy is consciousness itself, sometimes called kundalini, or chi, or orgone. Call it what you will, it is truly the consciousness of the universe itself that is the fundamental energy. And what drives it? Love. Even your individ- ual physical body, the end of the differentiating process of manifestation, is tuned to the so-called body of God, or the universe at large. Moreover, every part of each human body is connected to all others on an energy level. The simplest and most direct example of this is that, if I take a pin and poke it through my finger, a certain discomfort is felt in all that witness. You may argue that this is "mere sentimentality" or "empa- thy." But these are just names given to the invisible energy that binds us outside of space and time. Your body contains many subtle pathways through which all of your energy passes-including electrical, emotional, spiritual, and mag- ical energies. The most important of these passages runs directly through your spine, connecting your whole body electrically and metaphysi- cally at the same time. This passage is the pathway you must travel to find your super-conscious mind and explore your soul. It is also the path- way through which the powers of the universe may be drawn into you. In Indian yoga philosophy, this pathway is known as the sushumna. It has also been called many other names throughout the ages-the inner reed, inner flute, the path of kundalini, and the Middle Pillar. The sex force, your central core, the divine power within you, begins at the base of your spine in and around the area of your gener- ative organs. As you awaken this force within you, it moves more and more actively into your whole body, awakening you to evolutionary experiences of consciousness, spiritual ecstasies, and magical powers. It moves up into your body along the central path of your spine. When you discover how to manipulate it, this energy operates del- icately between your physical and mental sensations, leaning definitely toward the physical. It can be experienced in any part of your body, leading to deliciously pleasant sensations all over. It feels a bit like an internal chill, or a mild orgasmic ripple. The easiest access points for this flow of energy are the top of the head and the base of the spine, or the sex organs. Eastern yogis always begin the energy flow from the lower access point. On the other hand, the Western Middle Pillar exer- cise and many other rituals draw energy from the crown of the head down. There is no one correct way of accessing this energy. I find it just as satisfying to access it from either direction. As you awaken this force within you, it moves more and more actively into your whole body, awakening you to evolutionary experiences of consciousness, spiritual ecstasies, and magical powers. It moves up into your body along the central path of your spine. When you discover how to manipulate it, this energy operates del- icately between your physical and mental sensations, leaning definitely toward the physical. It can be experienced in any part of your body, leading to deliciously pleasant sensations all over. It feels a bit like an internal chill, or a mild orgasmic ripple. The easiest access points for this flow of energy are the top of the head and the base of the spine, or the sex organs. Eastern yogis always begin the energy flow from the lower access point. On the other hand, the Western Middle Pillar exer- cise and many other rituals draw energy from the crown of the head down. There is no one correct way of accessing this energy. I find it just as satisfying to access it from either direction. "Kegels," (exercises to tone women's perineal muscles) have been a part of the yoga tradition for thousands of years. They are called mula- bandha, the root lock. In our context, the mulabhanda is of critical importance because, by focusing on its contraction, you draw your magical energy up through your root or Muladhara chakra into your body, awakening you to greater and greater sexual power and ecstasy. First, however, you must learn to locate and use the muscle.ၑ