This guide provides a comprehensive summary of the chakras, which are the energy centers in the body according to ancient Indian philosophy. There are seven main chakras located along the spine, in our astral body, from the base to the crown of the head, each associated with different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.
“The seven chakras are vortexes of energy that represent our seven levels of consciousness,” explains author, yoga teacher, and certified holistic practitioner Thimela Garcia. “Through these seven chakras, we move from the lower self, or an unconscious state, to the higher self, or conscious state.”
By Thimela Garcia
The chakras radiate a specific colour and energy. Each one coincides with a gland in the physical body. Since each chakra relates to specific spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of our being, it is believed that their blockage or malfunction can lead to physical, psychological, and emotional disorders. The conscious awareness and balancing of these energy centers, on the other hand, is believed to lead to well-being and good health.
Mostly, we hear about the ‘seven chakras’ but, there is an infinite number of chakras in the human body. A specific vibration, color, symbol, and sound are associated with all 7 chakras. Depending on whether these energy centers are healthy or blocked, you may experience different attributes of your physical, mental, and emotional health.
The 7 Chakras
We will start with the strongest chakra, the Root Chakra, or the Muladhara Chakra, which is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals, and is the basis of existence and is associated with stability, security, fear, ambition, feelings of groundedness, and connection to the earth. Keep this chakra balanced for overall well-being. Practice grounding exercises, connecting with nature, and practicing mindfulness to achieve this. However, when the Root Chakra is balanced, these are replaced by more positive emotions, and you feel stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent, and strong.
Symbol; The Root Chakra symbol consists of a 4-petalled lotus flower, a square, and a downward-facing triangle. Each element is said to represent the 4 aspects of the human mind, uniting to form the birth of the human consciousness.
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Deity; Lord Ganesha. One worships and asks for his help to activate this chakra.
Gemstones: Any red or red/brown colored stones (e.g. ruby, garnet, hematite, black onyx, smoky quartz, and red jasper)
Essential Oils: Sandalwood, labdanum, olibanum, copal, styrax, white ceremonial sage, frankincense, myrrh
Herbs: Burdock, clove, dandelion, rosemary, paprika, cayenne, allspice, nutmeg
Moving up, the Sacral Chakra, or the Svadhishthana Chakra, is located in the lower abdomen, about four fingers below the navel, and is connected to creativity, pleasure, emotions, self-worth, and sexuality. It is important for this energy center to maintain emotional balance with activities like dancing, painting, or engaging in hobbies to stimulate this chakra. When balanced, it makes one feel more vibrant, happy, positive, satisfied, compassionate, and intuitive.
Symbol: The symbol for the Svadhishthana Chakra or Sacral Chakra is made up of multiple circles, a crescent moon, and six lotus flower petals. The circles and crescent moon represent the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, while the 6 petals portray the 6 negative aspects of our nature that we need to overcome to open this chakra.
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Deity; Lord Varun, the God of water (for women it is also associated with the Goddess Saraswati connected with the womb area)
Gemstones: Any orange-colored stones (e.g. carnelian, orange sapphire, imperial topaz, Tiger’s Eye, and goldstone)
Essential Oils: Vetiver, black pepper, rosemary, cedarwood, angelica, clove
Herbs: Coriander, calendula, fennel, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla
Next in line, the Solar Plexus Chakra, or the Manipura Chakra, is located in the upper abdomen, between the navel and the bottom of the rib cage, and is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence, perfectionism, and digestive health. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra promotes a healthy self-image and assertiveness. Practices like tapping into personal strengths, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care nurture this chakra. By balancing this chakra, we feel more energetic, confident, productive, and focused.
Symbol: The Solar Plexus Chakra symbol consists of a downward-pointing triangle within a ten-petalled lotus flower. The ten petals symbolize ten negative character traits that we have to conquer, while the triangle is the Agni tattva or fire of kundalini energy which signifies our inner strength.
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Deity; Lord Shiva (rudra)
Gemstones: Any yellow-colored stones (e.g. citrine, yellow pyrite, red creek jasper, sapphire, and amber)
Essential Oils: Lily of the Valley, lemon, helichrysum, juniper, grapefruit, neroli, tea tree
Herbs: Anise, celery, cinnamon, lily of the valley, marshmallow, mint, melissa, turmeric, cumin
Further up, the Heart Chakra, or the Anahata Chakra, situated in the center of the chest, governs love, compassion, and relationships. It is important to keep this chakra open and balanced to experience unconditional love, and trust, and encourage healthy relationships. Rituals like practicing forgiveness, and self-compassion, and engaging in activities that evoke love and joy will help keep this chakra open. By harmonizing this energy center, a person begins to feel more compassionate, caring, optimistic, friendly, and motivated.
Symbol: In the Heart Chakra symbol, two triangles intersect to form a yantra which represents the balance of yin and yang, or upward and downward forces. Outside, there is a lotus flower with 12 petals symbolizing the twelve divine qualities associated with the heart.
Color: Green
Element: Air
Deity; Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the God of. Balance.
Gemstones: Any green or light pink colored stones (e.g. jade, rose quartz, emerald, and green aventurine)
Essential Oils: Rose, jasmine, cacao, cardamom, palmarosa, bergamot, black spruce
Herbs: Cayenne, hawthorn berries, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rose, thyme, cilantro, parsley
Moving up to the Throat Chakra, or the Vishuddha Chakra, located in the neck region, coincides with the thyroid gland, and is associated with communication, self-expression, and authenticity. It is important to maintain a clear and honest expression of thoughts and emotions for a balanced Throat Chakra. Rituals like journaling, singing, or speaking affirmations to enhance communication and expressiveness will make this chakra happy. When this chakra is balanced, it enables creativity, positive self-expression, constructive communication, and a sense of satisfaction.
Symbol: The symbol of the Throat Chakra consists of a 16-petalled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle which holds a circle within. This represents spiritual growth and the purification of the body, mind, and spirit.
Color: Blue
Element: Space
Deity; Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and illumination.
Gemstones: Any bright or light blue colored stones (e.g. turquoise, aquamarine, blue topaz, and sodalite)
Essential Oils: Petitgrain, blue chamomile, bay laurel, blue yarrow, Peru balsam, fir balsam
Herbs: Coltsfoot, blackberry, elderberry, common sage, salt, lemongrass, bay laurel, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium
Continuing to the Third Eye Chakra, or the Ajna Chakra, situated between the eyebrows, is connected to concentration, intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. A balanced Third Eye Chakra assists in developing psychic abilities, inner wisdom, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Practices like meditation, visualization, and working with symbols will enhance this chakra. It is said that meditating upon this chakra destroys the karma of past lives and brings liberation and intuitive knowledge. When this chakra is active and balanced, a person feels more vibrant and confident, both spiritually and emotionally. In the absence of the fear of death, one becomes his own master and remains free of all attachment to material things.
Symbol: The Third Eye Chakra symbol consists of an inverted triangle resting in a circle between two lotus petals. The two petals and the downward-facing pyramid both signify wisdom, emphasizing the Third Eye Chakra’s role in our journey to spiritual awareness.
Color: Indigo
Element: None
Deity; Lord Shiva
Gemstones: Any dark blue or indigo-colored stones (e.g. amethyst, fluorite, lapis lazuli, sapphire, or tanzanite)
Essential Oils: Mugwort, blue lotus, juniper, cypress, yarrow, opoponax
Herbs: Eyebright, juniper, mugwort, poppy, mandrake root, blue lotus, cypress
Lastly, the Crown Chakra, or the Sahastrara Chakra, located at the crown of the head, is associated with spirituality, connection to higher consciousness, and inner peace. Crown Chakra is a connection to supreme power and it is long-lasting happiness and freedom which is achieved by only some great gurus on earth. It is important to integrate spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, or contemplation into our lives to activate and balance the Crown Chakra. A balanced Crown Chakra promotes spiritual understanding, inner peace, and a clear perspective on the world.
Symbol: The Crown Chakra symbol is depicted as a ring of a thousand lotus petals surrounding an inverted triangle. This symbolizes the rising of divine energy into the Crown Chakra, bringing spiritual liberation and enlightenment.
Color: Violet White
Element: None
Shiva; the deity of the crown chakra
Gemstones: Any purple or clear colored stones (e.g. amethyst, quartz, moonstone, and diamond)
Essential Oils: Gotu kola, lavender, pink lotus, palo santo, spikenard, frangipani
Herbs: Gotu kola, lavender, pink lotus, St. John’s wort
In conclusion, the guide provides an overview of the seven chakras, emphasizing the significance of maintaining balance in these energy centers for overall physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It suggests various practices and techniques to align and harmonize each chakra, enabling individuals to lead a more fulfilled and harmonious life. By learning about the functions and symbols of each chakra, we can identify imbalances or blocks and work to restore balance and harmony within our bodies and minds. Restoring imbalances in the flow of energy can clear emotional disturbances and strengthen your physical body, helping you to operate at your optimal level of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
THE 7 CHAKRAS MEANING ARE:
- Muladhara = I am
- Swadhisthana = I feel
- Manipura = I do
- Anahata = I love
- Vishuddha = I speak
- Ajna = I see or I know
- Sahasrara = I understand
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