Chasing the Serpent’s Tail with Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Anya Foxen

About this episode

Michael Taft discusses the history and complexities of Kundalini with Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Anya Foxen.

Join host Michael Taft as he talks with Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Anya Foxen about the wild history of Kundalini—from it’s ancient Tantric roots to modern global yoga culture—including subtle-body maps, spontaneous awakenings, and so-called “Kundalini syndromes.” They explore how different traditions define the serpent power, when experiences become breakdowns or breakthroughs, the role of teachers and lineages, and why “energy” can’t be reduced to either neuroscience or fantasy. Along the way they dive into siddhis, the imaginal realm, goddess-centered practice, and what actually changes in your life and psyche when this mysterious force wakes up. Sravana Borkataky-Varma specializes in Hindu traditions, in particular, she delves into topics such as esoteric rituals and bodily concepts, especially in relation to Hindu śākta tantra traditions, often referred to as goddess tantra. She adopts a research methodology that blends social anthropology—examined from an outside perspective—with elements of reflexive autoethnography that reflect her personal experiences. As an educator, she holds the position of Instructional Assistant Professor at the University of Houston. She has…

People in this episode

Host: Michael Taft

Guests: Sravana Borkataky-Varma, Anya Foxen

Topics covered

• Kundalini
• Tantric roots
• yoga culture
• subtle-body maps
• spontaneous awakenings
• Kundalini syndromes
• serpent power
• breakdowns
• breakthroughs
• teachers
• lineages
• energy
• neuroscience
• fantasy
• siddhis
• imaginal realm
• goddess-centered practice

Keywords

• Hindu traditions
• esoteric rituals
• bodily concepts
• goddess tantra
• social anthropology
• reflexive autoethnography
• kindness
• compassion

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Chasing the Serpent’s Tail, The Serpent's Tale: Kuṇḍalinī, Yoga, and the History of an Experience, Embodied Pedagogies in the Study of Religion, Sravana, Inhaling Spirit: Harmonialism, Orientalism, and the Western Roots of Modern Yoga, The Serpent’s Tale: Kuṇḍalinī, Yoga, and the History of an Experience

Places: San Luis Obispo, California

More episodes of Deconstructing Yourself

• A Conversation with Wystan · April 28, 2026 · 35 min
• Michael Taft Interviewed by Pranab · February 7, 2026 · 34 min
• The Power of the Heart with Stephen Snyder · January 29, 2026 · 46 min
• Nonduality and the Ego with Jake Orthwein · September 21, 2025 · 1h 2m
• Talking about Deity Yoga with Peter McEwen · August 29, 2025 · 55 min
• Talking about Dark Retreat, Part 2 with Andrew Holecek · August 1, 2025 · 1h 13m