the word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body that correspond to nerve ganglia branching out from the spinal column, as well as states of consciousness, developmental stages of life, archetypal elements, body functions, colors, and sounds. together they form a profound formula for wholeness. the chakras interact with the body’s ductless endocrine glands and lymphatic system by feeding in good bio-energies and disposing of unwanted bio-energies. much of the original information on Chakras comes from the Upanishads, which are difficult to date because they are believed to have been passed down orally for approximately a thousand years before being written down for the first time between 1200–900 BCE.
Chakra One: Mūlādhāra
Earth, Physical identity, oriented to self-preservation
Located at the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, stillness and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical world. Ideally this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence.
gemstones to balance this chakra: ruby, garnet, hematite, smokey quartz, snowflake obsidianfire agate
Chakra Two: Svādhiṣṭhāna
Water, Emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification
The second chakra, located in the abdomen, just beneath the navel, lower back, and sexual organs, is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change. Blockage manifests as emotional problems or sexual guilt.
gemstones to balance this chakra: amber, bloodstone, carnelian, citrine quartz, fire agate, mahogany, moss agate, rutilated quartz, tiger’s eye, topaz (imperial, golden)
Chakra Three: Maṇipūra
Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition
This chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. It rules our personal power will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power. Seat of Emotions. Blockage manifests as anger or a sense of victimization.
gemstones to balance this chakra: amber, apatite (yellow), malachite, peridot, rhodocrosite, sulfur, sunstone, topaz (golden)
Chakra Four: Anāhata
Air, Social identity, oriented to self-acceptance
This chakra is called the heart chakra and is the middle chakra in a system of seven. It is related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centeredness. Blockage can manifest as immune system or heart problems, or a lack of compassion.
gemstones to balance this chakra: aventurine (green), chrysocolla, chrysoprase, emerald, green tourmaline, jade, kunzite (pink), moonstone, peridot, pink tourmaline, hrodocrosite, rose quartz
Chakra Five: Viśuddha
Sound, Creative identity, oriented to self-expression
This is the chakra located in the throat and is thus related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language. Tied to creativity and communication. Feels pressure when you are not communicating your emotions properly.
gemstones to balance this chakra: amazonite, apatite (blue), aquamarine, blue lace agate, blue tourmaline, kyanite (blue), larimar, turquoise
Chakra Six: Ājñā
Light, Archetypal identity, oriented to self-reflection
Third Eye Pineal Gland This chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As such it opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us “see the big picture.” Clairvoyance, psychic abilities, imagination, dreaming
gemstones to balance this chakra: amethyst, azurite, calcie, fluorite, iolite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, lazulite, moonstone, pyrite, smithsonite, sodalite
Chakra Seven: Sahasrāra
Thought, Universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge, spiritual connection
This is the crown chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss. Connects you with message from higher realms. Can be experienced as a pressure on the top of the head, understanding, knowing, bliss, God
gemstones to balance this chakra: adamite, calcite, clear quartz, diamond, moonstone, satin kyanite, onyx, zebra stone
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda describes charkas as:
“powerhouse in the way it generates and stores energy, with the energy from cosmos pulled in more strongly at these points. The main nadis, Ida, Pingala and Shushumna (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and central nervous system) run along the spinal column in a curved path and cross one another several times. At the points of intersection they form strong energy centers known as chakras. In the human body there are three types of energy centers. The lower or animal chakras are located in the region between the toes and the pelvic region indicating our evolutionary origins in the animal kingdom. The human chakras lie along the spinal column. Finally, the higher or divine Chakras are found between the top of the spine and the crown of the head.”
Anodea Judith provides a modern interpretation of the chakras:
“A chakra is believed to be a center of activity that receives, assimilates, and expresses life force energy. The word chakra literally translates as wheel or disk and refers to a spinning sphere of bioenergetic activity emanating from the major nerve ganglia branching forward from the spinal column. Generally, six of these wheels are described, stacked in a column of energy that spans from the base of the spine to the middle of the forehead. And the seventh which is beyond the physical region. It is the six major chakras that correlate with basic states of consciousness…”
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