The Granthis (pronounced grahnt-hee) are energetic “knots” which in their healthy state hold our consciousness within our physical body. These are located at the approximate location of the Muladhara to Svadhisthana Chakras (Brahma Granthi), Manipura to Anahata Chakras (Vishnu Granthi), and around the location of the Ajna to Sahasrara Chakras (Rudra Granthi).

If the Granthis are too loose, one will be more scattered, spacey, overall weaker, and less able to navigate the duties of the physical realm and daily life; similar to having a Rajasic Sahasrara chakra and all other chakras being Tamasic. The consciousness is not fully rooted in through all chakras, which is to one’s detriment as all of the chakras are imperative for spiritual advancement and the full expression of the truest nature of your individual Self.

Even though we are spiritual beings, especially us Zevists, life here on Earth was gifted to us by our Gods and They encourage us to live life, not to deny life. Living life is part of spirituality. All of our chakras are sacred.

But if the Granthis are too tight, or blocked, other problems arise:

Brahma Granthi – When this is blocked, one is trapped in the realm of the problems of Muladhara chakra and hyper-focused on acquiring and gratifying basic needs. Always thinking that they need more money, a better job, a bigger home, and so on, in order to feel safe and secure enough to then move ahead in life. One neglects other areas of life making excuses that they will deal with those areas once they feel secure… which does not even come, due to the blockage in the chakra, the blockage in that area of the mind and psyche. Physical barriers.

Vishnu Granthi – When this is blocked, one remains trapped in the realm of the problems of the Manipura chakra, hyper-focused on gratifying the ego and physical/material appearances. This is the person who is overly concerned with competing against others, comparing oneself with others, neglecting the sense of community, and neglects buildings relations with others. Lack of a sense of connection with others, over-emphasis on trying to make things happen their own way without compromising with other people. Being stuck in the same emotional patterns, the same relationship problems. Emotional barriers.

Rudra Granthi (Rudra is an aspect of Shiva) – When this is blocked, one becomes trapped in the realm of the problems of the Ajna and Sahasrara chakras, in intellectual mind only and unable to tap into the right brain hemisphere, not able to perceive wisdom or self-realization. One is unable to reach a higher state of consciousness, and may have difficulty meditating and trance. One tries to over-intellectualize or force spiritual experiences instead of allowing them to happen. Consciousness is unable to connect to a Higher Source, one is unable to use spiritual information for understanding and growth. Mental barriers.

The way to improve these states and allow the Serpent energy to rise, is to pierce the Granthis. Not to remove or destroy altogether, but to pierce through them so the energy and consciousness rises up and properly circulates through the entire being.

This is done with 2 methods. The first we already have in the Temple of Zeus: Opening the Watchtowers.

The other method is by using Bandhas. Note: The Bandhas can also cause problems if overdone, use your better judgement as to how often to apply these. Safe alternatives for the bandhas are given below for each.

Bandhas require a breath retention on the inhale or exhale. The safe alternatives included below are also useful for people who cannot retain the inhalation or exhalation. An inability to hold the breath for even a brief moment on the exhale shows a fear of losing control, lack of grounding, unable to “go with the flow”; whereas an inability to hold the breath for even a brief moment on the inhale shows one feels they are unworthy, not deserving of good things or a better life, not able to grow and expand in life. (From Mastering the Breath.)

Mulabandha will pierce the first granthi, and allow the Base energy to rise from there.

Method: This bandha is easier to apply on the exhalation and hold. Exhale, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles surrounding your urethra and rectum and your abdomen. Focus on allowing the energy to rise through the granthi. Hold for a comfortable count, release and inhale.

A more gentle and safe alternative to pierce this granthi is activation of the pelvic floor while in grounding yoga asanas or while exhaling in breath awareness meditation. To activate the pelvic floor: gently squeeze and lift the muscles surrounding the urethra and rectum. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being full Mulabandha, this alternative method should be a 2 to 4. Release the pelvic floor activation for inhalations, apply again during exhalations.

Uddiyana bandha will pierce the second granthi and free the energy stuck in the lower chakras.

Method: Exhale fully and suck your abdomen in and up, like you are trying to reach your bellybutton up under your ribs. Hold for a comfortable count focusing on allowing the energy to rise through the granthi, release and inhale.

A more gentle and safe alternative of piercing this granthi is through pranayama such as long deep breathing done slow and steady, 5 minutes or more daily, with an emphasis on releasing the lower abdomen on the inhale, and engaging the abdomen on exhale to push the last thread of breath up and out.

This can then be followed with Kapalabhati (breath of fire) for a few rounds, then remain meditative with a normal breath while visualizing your energy rising to the higher chakras.

Jalandhara bandha will push the energy through the Throat chakra and pierce it through the upper chakras, allowing energy and consciousness to rise, and also for higher energy to descend to the other chakras.

Warning: this bandha is often over-used resulting in keeping the Serpent stuck in the lower chakras and unable to rise higher. When applied correctly, it will pierce the Rudra granthi.

Method: Sit upright. Inhale to about 75-80% of your capacity, hold the breath, drop your chin to your neck/chest or between your collarbones and lift your sternum up to meet your chin. It’s fine if your chin does not touch your neck or chest, if there is a gap. Hold for a comfortable count focusing on allowing the energy to rise through the granthi, release and exhale.

More gentle and safe alternatives of piercing this granthi:

-Ujjayi breath while in yoga asana or meditation. Gently constrict your throat to make an audible sound as you inhale and exhale, it will sound like the ocean waves.

-Using mantra. One simple beneficial mantra to use is AUM, simply vibrating that as many times as is comfortable for you while feeling it resonate through your being. This (mantras in general) should be done daily, skipping the occasional day is fine.

These alternative methods are gradual but safe, the soul needs time to open. You can begin with these alternatives for a few days, weeks, or months as needed, and then practice the bandhas in yoga practice when you feel you are ready.

May you all advance in spirituality and in your life, in the best way for your Path as an individual and child of our Gods.