Becoming Who You Truly Are: Kundalini Yoga and Jungian Individuation
Carl Jung called it individuation—the journey to become who you truly are, not what society, family, or even your own ego insists you must be. Kundalini Yoga calls it awakening to the Self, yet this Self is not a psychological abstraction—it is experienced as the subtle, radiant presence that animates and sustains life. In Hindu philosophy, this essence is known as Ātman—the true Self, beyond body and mind.
Ātman is not the individual personality, but the timeless core within each being, the sustaining life-force akin to water for a fish or wings for a bird. It is the divine spark within, the gateway to liberation (moksha) and unity with the Infinite (Brahman). In Jungian psychology, the Self is the central archetype of wholeness and the organizing principle of the psyche, guiding the ego toward integration.
Though arising from distinct lineages, both views speak to a sacred process in which the conditioned self gives way to a deeper truth. In this four-part series, we explore how these two traditions—depth psychology and yogic technology—illuminate each other and guide us toward wholeness. Each week will weave kriya, meditation, breath, and brief reflection, aligning the psychological and energetic pathways of transformation.
The process of individuation is not a journey of self-improvement—it is a journey of self-becoming. In Jungian terms, this means integrating the conscious and unconscious realms so that the ego no longer tries to dominate or mask the deeper truth of who we are. The ego, which develops early in life as our center of personal identity, becomes over-identified with the persona—the social mask we adopt to gain approval or avoid rejection. But the deeper Self longs for authenticity, integration, and freedom. Through individuation, the ego surrenders its illusion of control and takes its rightful place as a servant of the Self, no longer mistaking the mask for the soul.
In the yogic tradition, this parallels the refinement of the ahamkara—the “I-maker” or false ego—which is purified through disciplined practices such as pranayam, kriya, and meditation. As the nadis are cleared and the chakras balanced, the awakened Kundalini energy reveals layers of unconscious content and latent potential. To individuate is to peel away the layers of persona and loosen the grip of collective archetypes that unconsciously direct our lives. This delicate and courageous work clears the way for the emergence of a unique, whole human being—one who lives from inner truth, not outer expectation.
In both Jungian psychology and Kundalini Yoga, the goal is not perfection, but wholeness. Wholeness includes both light and dark, masculine and feminine, joy and sorrow. Jung saw the mandala—a circular symbol of psychic unity—as an archetypal expression of the Self. Yogic cosmology recognizes this same archetype in the thousand-petaled lotus at the crown of the head, where Kundalini merges with divine consciousness.
This series bridges these two transformational disciplines, showing how Kundalini Yoga can support the integration of shadow, the awakening of archetypes, and the discovery of the Self.
Rooted in breath, movement, and meditative stillness, we’ll journey together into the depths of the psyche and the height of our energetic potential. This is not a path for the faint of heart—but for those who hear the call, it is a sacred and illuminating return to the truth of who you are.
This is not a theoretical journey alone. Each week, we will anchor these insights into practice, using specific Kundalini Yoga kriyas and meditations to engage the subtle body and explore the unfolding of the psyche.
Together, we’ll navigate the archetypal landscapes of shadow, anima/animus, the inner sage, and finally, the symbol of the mandala as an expression of the Self. Through conscious breath, movement, and stillness, we’ll create space for both inquiry and embodiment—allowing individuation to be not only understood, but felt. Whether you are new to Jungian thought or a longtime practitioner of Kundalini Yoga, this series offers an opportunity to deepen your journey toward inner coherence, creative integrity, and spiritual maturity.
Guided by Anne Taylor, Ph.D.—a teacher, mythologist, and longtime practitioner and KRI certified teacher of Kundalini Yoga—this series weaves together the wisdom of Jungian psychology and yogic awakening to illuminate the journey toward wholeness.
COURSE OUTLINE: 4 SUNDAYS
Time: Sundays at 10:00 AM Eastern / 7:00 AM Pacific
Length: 75 minutes live on Zoom + replay access
Includes: Guided kriya, breathwork, meditation, and optional integration time
WEEK 1 — Meeting the Shadow: Turning Toward What We Reject
“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
— C. G. Jung, Alchemical Studies
Theme: The first step of individuation is recognizing and integrating the shadow—those aspects of self we’ve denied or disowned.
Kundalini Focus: Kriya for Balancing the Aura / Kriya to Confront Inner Anger
Meditation: Antar Naad Mudra for clearing karmic blocks
Integration: How do I project or reject parts of myself?
WEEK 2 — The Inner Other: Anima and Animus as Guides
“The anima is the Kundalini.”
— C. G. Jung, The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga
Theme: The confrontation with our inner opposite—feminine (anima) for men, masculine (animus) for women—challenges ego attachments and awakens intuitive and emotional depth.
Kundalini Focus: Kriya for Elevation or Navel Center Activation (to shift identity and balance polarities)
Meditation: Venus Kriya (for polarity balance) or a heart-centered mantra
Integration: Where do I seek outside what I must find within?
WEEK 3 — The Inner Sage: Listening for the Guide Within
“The archetype of the wise old man appears in dreams as a teacher, priest, physician, king, or magician—someone with authority and profound insight.”
— C. G. Jung, Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
Theme: The archetype of the Wise Old Man/Woman emerges in dreams and insights, often as a bridge during difficult transitions.
Kundalini Focus: Kriya for Intuition or Ajna Activation (Third Eye)
Meditation: Kirtan Kriya or Meditation for the Inner Teacher
Integration: How do I receive inner guidance? Do I trust it?
WEEK 4 — The Mandala and the Self: A Glimpse of Wholeness
“The Self is a circle, whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.”
— C. G. Jung, Mysterium Coniunctionis
Theme: The Self, symbolized by the mandala, is not the ego’s triumph but the soul’s quiet realization. This week we reflect on the journey so far.
Kundalini Focus: Kriya for the Ten Bodies or Kriya for Creating Self-Love
Meditation: Sodarshan Chakra Kriya (or another meditative mandala practice)
Integration: What patterns have I reclaimed? What is being born?
📜 Disclaimer & Lineage Clarification
These classes are intended for educational and experiential purposes only and are not a substitute for medical or psychological care. Please consult your physician before beginning any new physical or breath-based practice. Always honor your body’s limits and rest as needed.
This series draws from a wealth of ancient yogic, psychological, and spiritual themes rooted in diverse traditions. While Kundalini Yoga has been popularized in the West through various lineages, including that of Yogi Bhajan, I do not endorse or condone the actions he has been accused of. My teaching is informed by years of study, personal practice, and a deep respect for the timeless wisdom that transcends any one individual.