"Kundalini" means “coiled serpent.” A metaphorical word and concept used to describe both the latent and active states of sexual energy in the overall process of human spiritual transformation. When kundalini is awakened, it is the activation of sexual energy from the pelvic region in an upward flowing direction, permeating the entire nervous system with great transforming power. The name of the feminine energy "Shakti" is often used interchangeably with "kundalini" once the energy becomes dynamic. In the Christian tradition, it is called "the Holy Spirit".