The third week after conception, a primal midline appears within the matrix of our cells. This precursor to the spinal column is celebrated in mystical traditions as the susumna, the placeholder for the body's vitality. Grounded at the base by the muladara chakra, this energetic centre responds to a deep steady beat that will ground and steady.

In psychological terms, our unconscious is linked to the mythological serpent at the base of the spine; the spiritual self is entangled in the roots.

The ancient vedic text of the Taittiriya Upanishad explores the idea of the human consciousness through a series of five sheaths.