Chakras

Situated along the spine are seven major chakras (additional “minor chakras” can also be found throughout the body). The chakras are like pools or swirling disks of energy that bathe and fuel the organs in their proximity. They govern the endocrine system and carry information about the person’s history. They also encode and process physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual experiences.

These circular spirals of energy differ in size and activity from person to person. They vibrate at different levels relative to the awareness of the individual and their ability to integrate the characteristics of each into their life.  The lower chakras are associated with fundamental emotions and needs, for the energy here vibrates at a lower frequency and is therefore denser in nature. The finer energies of the upper chakras corresponds to our higher mental and spiritual aspirations and faculties.

The openness and flow of energy through our chakras determines our state of health and balance. Knowledge of our more subtle energy system empowers us to maintain balance and harmony on the physical, mental and spiritual level. All meditation and yoga systems seek to balance out the energy of the chakras by purifying the lower energies and guiding them upwards.

Each center has an integral function in creating our energetic balance. It is through the study of our energetic and physical being that we can create health, emotional stability and spiritual bliss. The following chart maps out the primary qualities of each chakra, its corresponding location in the body, color, physical and emotional realms of influence, and its greater significance.

Crown Chakra
Sahasrara
Spirit 
Shiva/ Consciousness / Bliss of Divine Wisdom
This chakra represents the highest level of consciousness and enlightenment.  It is the connective center to spirit. This center integrates all the chakras with their respective qualities.  Mastering the lower vibrational aspects of our being we reside in the full awareness that we are spiritual beings living a human existence

Third Eye Chakra
Ajna
Light
Knowingness / Intuition / Perception
The seat of intuition and direct spiritual vision; it is here that we visualize things through our “third eye” of  intuitive knowledge.  The opening of the third-eye corresponds with spiritual awakening. It is the chakra of forgiveness and compassion.

Throat Chakra
Vishuddha
Ether
Self expression / Desire to speak and hear the truth
The center for communication, self-expression and creativity. This is where the inner voice of one’s truth is expressed.  It is the chakra of diplomacy, of pure relationships with others, and of playful detachment. Speaking with a knowledge of our interconnectivity through Spirit reflects mastery of this energy.

Heart Chakra
Anahata
Air
Compassion / Love / Open-hearted
The center of real, unconditional affection, spiritual growth, compassion, devotion and love. It is the bridge connecting the lower and higher energies of our being and is the place where resides our Spirit, our true Self, free and independent.

Solar Plexus Chakra
Manipura
Fire
Will / Power / Joy / Motivation/ Self-esteem
Located at the center of the body it is the place where physical energy is distributed. It is the center for unrefined emotions and personal power.  It is the center that give us the sense of complete satisfaction and contentment.  Our creativity is fueled by our power of will.

Sacral Chakra
Swadhishtana
Water
Relationships / Sexuality / Empathy / Pleasure
This energy is the center for creating relationships of  all kinds.  It is where we develop an inward sense of self and an outward awareness of others, ego, sexuality, and family and defined as we work with this energy.  The feelings of other people are directly perceived through mastery of  this chakra’s energy.

Root Chakra
Muladhara
Earth
Shakti / Manifestation / Survival / Grounding / Stability
The seat of physical vitality and the fundamental urge to survive. It regulates those mechanism which keep the physical body alive.  It is the chakra whose main aspect is innocence.