Chakras 101
The Chakras
The Bodyâs Energy Centers
Chakras are spinning energy centers at various locations along the center of the body where life force flows through us (in and out), balancing our physical, emotional, and spiritual connection with the Universe. The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word for âwheel,â or âturning,â but in the yogic context it more specifically translates to âvortex or whirlpool.â In the Vedic traditions, chakras were said to have been created in the beginning when Shiva and Shakti (the masculine and feminine aspects of cosmic energy or consciousness) were united in the cosmic lotus (Sahasrara, also the crown chakraâour connection to the infinite). Shakti asserted her power by disjoining from Shiva and simply walking away. As this happened, six lotus flowers sprung up from her footprints (symbolic of the remaining six chakras). That separation of Shakti from Shiva created the entire knowable universeâfrom its most subtle realm to its most crystallized one. Each chakra left behind then corresponds with one of these realms. This process of creation is also present in the human body, from the Sahasrara chakra on the top of the head (Crown Chakra), down the spine to the Muladhara (or Root Chakra), where Shakti now lives in separation from her mate. It is foretold that at some some point, Shakti will rise up again and rejoin her partner in the cosmic lotus. She will take with her the entirety of creation and live with Shakti again in cosmic unity.
There are seven main chakras, but potentially thousands, according to yogic tradition. When a chakra is blocked or too open, instead of being balanced and healthy, it can often lead to illness and emotional instability. It is important to understand what each chakra represents and what can be done to keep energy flowing freely. The simple fact that we can control the opening and closing of the chakras is testament to our connection with the Divine Infinite and the fact that as humans we are truly co-creators of ourselves, the universe, and all of reality. When we consciously balance our chakras (by using associated gemstones, for instance!), we become our best and healthiest selves, reaching our highest potential as humans. Following is a summary of the seven main chakras and their relation to emotions, bodily systems, sensations, and metaphysical correspondences:
The Root Chakra Muladhara
Location: The base of the spine and tailbone area (alternately called the base chakra) Color: Red Sanskrit: Muladhara (root support) Emotional: Grounded, Secure, Connected to others, Fears, Instincts Physical: The skeletal structure, Teeth, Large intestine, Kidneys, Blood Psychological Survival, Self-preservation Balanced: Grounded, Centered, Belonging in this world, Trusting, Independent, Alive, Poised Overactive: Bossy, Domineering, Big ego, Greedy, Violent, Cunning Underactive: Unloved, Sexually inadequate, Frustrated, Fearful, Shy, Unsure Identity: Physical Affirmation: I Do, I am Seed Sound: âLANGâ Challenge: Fear Developmental Stage: Conception - 12 months Element: Earth Incense: Cedar Herb: Sage Planet: Saturn, Earth Deities: Brahma, Dakini, Ganesha Sephira: Malkuth Power Animal: Elephant
Root Chakra Affirmations
I feel deeply rooted. I am connected to my body. I feel safe and secure. Just like a tree or star, I have a right to be here. I stand for my values, for truth, and for justice. I have what I need. I am grounded, stable, and standing on my own two feet. I nurture my body with healthy food, clean water, exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature. I am grateful for all the challenges that helped me to grow and transform. I trust in the goodness of life. I make choices that are healthy and good for me. I trust myself. I love life.
The Sacral Chakra Svadhisthana
Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel Color: Orange Sanskrit: Svadhisthana (sweetness) Emotional: Abundance, Well-being, Pleasure Physical: Womb, Genitals, Kidney, Bladder Psychological: Movement, Connection Balanced: Friendly, Passionate, Sexually fulfilled, Good mood, Playful, Naturally flirty Overactive: Needs power, Manipulative, Craving Underactive: Shy, Guilty, Afraid to interact, Lost, Overly concerned about what others think Identity: Emotional Affirmation: I Feel, I Want Seed Sound: âVANGâ Challenge: Guilt Developmental Stage: 6 months - 2 years Element: Water Incense: Gardenia, Damiana Herb: Fennel, Coriander Planet: Mercury, Jupiter, Moon Deities: Indra, Rakini, Vishnu Sephira: Yesod Power Animal: Crocodile
Sacral Chakra Affirmations
I love and enjoy my body. I have healthy boundaries. I am open to experiencing the present moment through my senses. I am passionate. I feel pleasure and abundance with every breath I take. I nourish my body with healthy food and clean water. I know how to take care of my needs. I value and respect my body. I am open to touch and closeness. I allow myself to experience pleasure. My sexuality is sacred. Emotions are the language of the soul. I take good care of my physical body. I am at peace.
The Solar Plexus Chakra Manipura
Location: Upper abdomen, in the stomach area Color: Yellow Sanskrit: Manipura (lustrous gem) Emotional: Self-worth, Self-confidence, Self-esteem Physical: Digestive system, Liver, Gall bladder Psychological: Willpower Balanced: Respect for self and others, Confident, Outgoing, Problem solving, Calm, Integral Overactive: Judgemental, Stubborn, Critical, Bullying Underactive: Low self-esteem, Apathetic, Procrastinating, Not knowing what to do Identity: Ego Affirmation: I Can, I Do Seed Sound: âRAMâ Challenge: Shame Developmental Stage: 18 - 42 months Element: Fire Incense: Saffron, Musk, Sandalwood Herb: Cinnamon, Ginger Planet: Sun, Mars Deities: Rudra, Lakini Sephira: Hod, Netzach Power Animal: Ram
Solar Plexus Affirmations
I love and accept myself. I stand up for myself. I am strong and courageous. I am worthy of love, kindness, and respect. I choose the best for myself. I express myself in a powerful way. I am proud of my achievements. I honor myself. I choose healthy relationships. I am authentic. I direct my own life. I appreciate my strengths. I feel my own power. I am free to choose in any situation. I seek opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. I am at peace with myself.
The Heart Chakra Anahata
Location: Center of the chest, just above the heart Color: Green Sanskrit: Anahata (unstruck) Emotional: Love, Joy, Inner peace Physical: Heart, Lungs, Circulatory system, Arms, Hands Psychological: Love Balanced: Loved, Loving, Empathic, Contagiously good vibes Overactive: Entitlement, Jealousy, Blaming others, Giving too much Underactive: Unloved, Self-pity, Fear of rejection, Neediness, Clinginess, Uncertain Identity: Social Affirmation: I Love Seed Sound: âLAMâ Challenge: Grief Developmental Stage: 3.5 - 7 years Element: Air Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Rose Herb: Yarrow, Meadowsweet, Oris root Planet: Venus, Sun Deities: Vishnu, Lakshmi, Krishna Sephira: Tiphareth Power Animal: Antelope
Heart Chakra Affirmations
I am open to love. All love resides within my heart. I deeply and completely love and accept myself. I nurture my inner child. I am wanted and loved. I live in balance, gracefulness, and gratitude. I love the beauty of nature and the animal world. I forgive myself. I am open to love and kindness. I am grateful for all the challenges that helped me to transform and open up to love. I am connected with other human beings. I feel a sense of unity with nature and animals. I accept things as they are. I am peaceful.
The Throat Chakra Visuddha
Location: The throat Color: Blue Sanskrit: Visuddha (especially pure) Emotional: Expression, Truth, Inner voice Physical: Throat, Ears, Mouth, Shoulders, Neck Psychological: Communication Balanced: Good self-expression, Truthful, Creative Overactive: Talkative, Boring, Critical, Stubborn Underactive: Poor self-expression, Fearful of public speaking, Creatively blocked, Timid, Dependent Identity: Creative Affirmation: I Speak, I Express Seed Sound: âHAMâ Challenge: Lies Developmental Stage: 7 - 12 years Element: Spirit Incense: Frankincense Herb: Chamomile Planet: Mercury Deities: Sadasiva, Sakini Sephira: Geburah, Chesed Power Animal: White elephant
Throat Chakra Affirmations
I am open, clear, and honest in my communication. I have a right to speak my truth. I communicate my feelings with ease. I express myself creatively through speech, writing, or art. I have a strong will that helps me resolve my challenges. I nourish my spirit through creativity. I live an authentic life. I have integrity. I love to share my experiences and wisdom. I know when it is time to listen. I am a good listener. I express my gratitude towards life. I listen to my body and feelings to know what my truth is. I take good care of my physical body. I am at peace.
The Third Eye Chakra Ajna
Location: The forehead, between the eyes (Also called the Brow Chakra) Color: Indigo Sanskrit: Ajna (command) Emotional: Intuition, Imagination, Wisdom, Thinking, Decision making Physical: Eyes, Base of skull, Brow Psychological: Intuition, Imagination Balanced: Intuitive, Charismatic, Meditative, Knows self-purpose, Wise, Decisive Overactive: Spaced out, Lost, Worrisome, Fantastical, Unsure Underactive: Unaware, Easily influenced, Confused self-purpose, Doubtful Identity: Archetypal Affirmation: I Know, I Think Seed Sound: âOMâ Challenge: Illusion Developmental Stage: Adolescence Element: All elements, Light Incense: Mugwort Herb: Almond blossom Planet: Saturn, Moon Deities: Hakini Shakti, Shiva Sephira: Binah, Chokmah Power Animal: Black Antelope
Third Eye Affirmations
I am in touch with my inner guidance. I listen to my deepest wisdom. I seek to understand and learn from my life experiences. I am wise, intuitive and connected with my inner guide. I nurture my spirit. I listen to the wisdom of elders. I trust my intuition I forgive the past and learn what was there for me to learn. I forgive myself. I love and accept myself. I know that all is well in my world. I am connected with the wisdom of the universe. I am open to inspiration and bliss. My life moves effortlessly. I am at peace.
The Crown Chakra Sahasrara
Location: The very top of the head Color: Violet Sanskrit: Sahasrara Emotional: Perceptive of inner and outer beauty, Spiritual connection, Pure bliss Physical: Central nervous system, Cerebral cortex Psychological: Awareness, Understanding Balanced: Joy, Connected to The Source but aware of individuality, Wise, Compassionate Overactive: Addicted to spirituality, Attention greedy, Need for popularity, Overly erotic imagination Underactive: Misunderstood, No joy, Blind to spiritual connection Identity: Universal Affirmation: I Am, I Understand Seed Sound: âAHâ Challenge: Attachment Developmental Stage: Entire life Element: Nothingness (no thought) Incense: Myrrh Herb: Gotu Kola Planet: Uranus Deities: The Guru within Sephira: Kether Power Animal: Egg (potentially any)
Crown Chakra Affirmations
I am part of the divine. I honor the divine within me. I seek to understand and learn from my life experiences. I cherish my spirit. I seek experiences that nourish my spirit. I listen to the wisdom of the universe. I trust my intuition. I am able to let go of attachments. I live in the present moment. I am grateful for everything in my life. I love and accept myself. I know that all is well in my world. I am connected to the wisdom of the universe. I am open to divine wisdom. My life moves with grace.
