Kali Kapali

She who wears the mala of skulls around her neck, shall never abandon you. She shall be with you always, lifetime after lifetime, and unending, tenderness, and devotion, conquering that which would alienate you from your truth and creative power. Trust in the effectiveness of your prayers and requests for her assistance. Have confidence in Divine intervention. No matter how dire things may seem, you shall transform a negative experience into a positive one that honors your soul.

Kapali is the war of skulls. The kapalamala, or ‘skull mala’, is a version of the prayer or mala beads used to call in and strengthen divine presence by using sacred sounds – repeating mantras or prayers – while counting the beads. You are encouraged to speak to her from your heart about whatever is troubling you. She will do whatever it takes to release you from your suffering.

This form of Kali arises in a reading when you need to know a truth. She will make sure you find it, even if you would rather continue in peaceful ignorance for a little longer! This truth, however, disruptive it may be, is not a punishment. It is protection. You may not be able to see that at the time, but you will be grateful for the changes that come from her revelations later on. Skulls mark the passing of time. Trust that time can be your ally to heal and emerge anew. You will need faith, but indoor course, you will see how the universe has been supporting you in always when you feel restored and supported again.

Often an encounter with Kali Kapali entails direct confrontation with the thing we fear the most. Like a physical therapist, placing pressure on a point of tension to get it to release, Kali Ma’s presence can give rise to acute pain. She is not causing the pain. She is the method by which it is released. It takes a pure and courageous heart to approach Kali for she is unpredictable and does not respond well to those who try to control her. She always defies the grasp of ego. You cannot know how or when she will enact her Divine will. You may feel led right into the emotional, psychological or physical issues that have thus far avoided healing. She gives no credit or honoring to our fears because she knows our real capacity to overcome them and awaken. Her sacred medicine breaks down our resistance and our confusion and shows us we are made of more potent stuff. Encountering her is rarely a comfortable experience, yet the pathway forward ultimately becomes more gracious because of her intervention.

When Kapali manifests her presence, the powerful symbolic teachings of the skull are at play. Skulls represent an ending and also a triumph of a more powerful force (in this case, Divine will) over a lesser force (in this instance, typically, human ego or plans). The skull indicates a need to acknowledge that while we are a powerful divine spirit with free will and much creativity, we also need to operate within the higher power of far greater wisdom. Such a spiritual hierarchy is not oppressive in any way. It is a sacred order that keeps us safe and helps us to grow. At a soul level, we have agreed to walk a particular spiritual journey this lifetime. Our empowerment comes not through resisting but engaging with our life path, no matter how mysterious, devastating or deeply challenging our experiences may be. Kali Kapali signifies that somehow, even out of the darkest interior struggles, suffering will give away to spiritual freedom and deep peace. Commit yourself to participating and co-creating your life path with all the passion of your mind, body and soul, while submitting to the greater workings of your destiny with all the trust your heart can muster.

The skull, especially without a jawbone, has been a symbol of those who operate outside traditional, moral conventions in eastern and western cultures. Kali Ma is the queen of such unconventional spirits. The appearance of Kapali can be a sacred message that your soul path shall not be limited by societal conditioning of any kind. Conformity will not support your journey and threaten to rob you of your spiritual freedom – especially at this time. She is here with you, reminding you that you have the strength to remain true to yourself, even if that means standing apart from others. Tune in to the spiritual power within. It is beyond what society understands and can offer. It will nourish, protect, inspire and guide you through any troubles. If your path is diverging from your original plans, or your journey is out of sync with those around you, trust in what is happening and know that you are within her care.

Invocation Ritual

Say this prayer:

Beloved Kali Kapali, wearer of the sacred garland of skulls, I implore you, Ma, be my Sanctuary and savior against the falsehoods of ego. Block all malefic energies from taking effect. Help me Ma, so that I may find the courage to be true to my higher self and engage joyfully with my authentic, passion, and purpose. For the spiritual benefit of all beings, Jai Ma Kali!

Touch your head lightly and, as if feeling for the school beneath. When you are ready, say:

This sacred skull is an expression of the soul, yet it too shall pass. May I have the courage and divine protection necessary to fulfill the divine purpose for which I was born. May I be protected from that which is not meant for me so that I can receive my glorious divine destiny for the spiritual liberation of all beings. Jai Ma Kali!

Place your hands in prayer and since the loving connection between head and heart.

You have completed your sacred ritual.