Understanding the Chakras

While the word “chakra” has Hindu (Sanskrit) roots, the energy involved is not partial to any particular religion. It is a universal energy, and all people inhabiting physical bodies on this earth have them. These energy vortexes are the channels through which spiritual energy flows through to manifest in the physical. (Matter is merely slowed down or crystallized energy, hence, our bodies are energy!)

The chakras and other smaller energy vortexes (such as acupuncture points) are openings and channels for universal energy to flow into and out of the aura. Through chakra meditation and learning and experience with the energetic nature of the universe, we can awaken our conscious minds to our true spiritual natures.

There are many slight variances to how people describe the chakras, colours and location but the basis to all is consistent and the beliefs about how they function. The base chakra extends down and the crown chakra extends up, while the chakras in between have vortexes both to the front of the body and to the back.

When all the chakras are “whirling,” open, bright and clean, then our chakra system is balanced. When a chakra becomes blocked, damaged, or muddied with residual energy, then our physical and emotional health can be affected. Often this occurs habitually as the result of negative or incomplete belief systems. The effects of our habits, feelings, beliefs, thoughts, fears and desires can be found in our chakras.

For example, if you eat poorly (a lot of processed food, for instance) and don’t exercise, chances are your root (red) chakra is going to become sluggish, darkened and dull. If you “close off” your emotions because they’re painful or overwhelming, your heart chakra is likely to become tight and closed and block emotional energy. If you are extremely centred in your intellect, you may have a bulging and bright brow chakra, but a disproportionately small heart chakra or root chakra. Or perhaps you’re cerebrally focused on finding answers to deep questions about “reality” (if so talk to us about Crystal Dreaming).

The goal is a strong, clear, balanced energy system. The more open, clear and balanced the chakras, the more energy can flow through your system. This energy is essential for vitality, health, and continued growth on all levels.

The 7 Main Chakras

ROOT CHAKRA (MULADHARA)

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with red. It is the chakra that governs our physical existence, our bodies and our health.

HARA-SACRAL CHAKRA (SWADHISTHANA)

The second chakra is located in the area of the womb or spleen, and is associated with the colour orange. This chakra governs creativity.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA (MANIPURA)

The third chakra is located at the solar plexus and is associated with the colour yellow. It is associated with the will or desire.

HEART CHAKRA (ANAHATA)

The fourth chakra (the middle chakra in the chain of seven) is the heart chakra and is associated with the colour green, and also the colour rose, which is the “colour of love.” This chakra is connected with emotion and human love.

THROAT CHAKRA (VISHUDDHA)

The fifth chakra is located at the throat and is a bright blue. It governs communication and personal magnetism. It is the chakra that most influences intercommunication and our “personas.” It is also the link between emotion and thought.

THIRD EYE CHAKRA (AJNA)

The sixth chakra is located at the third eye (mid-forehead) and is indigo (deep purple/blue). This chakra is associated with thought and with vision, particularly psychic vision. It is also the chakra of spiritual love and connection.

CROWN CHAKRA (SAHASAR)

The seventh chakra is at the crown of the head, and is violet fading to white further away from the body. This chakra is our connection to our “higher selves” and to the “divine.” It is associated with wisdom and integration of our eternal selves with our current physical selves. It is like our umbilical cord to “God” or “Universal Life Force” however we see this according to our own beliefs or religion.