The Chakras
Come journey with me to a place where the mind, body and spirit intersect......
I call them Seeds Of Light (pure potential), but they are universally known as The Chakras. 'Chakra' means 'Spinning Wheel Of Energy'. Everything is made of energy, vibrating at its own unique rate. Energy moves you, it moves through you, and all around you. It is a flow that has no beginning and no end. The seven main (some say there are more than 7) Chakras govern the physical, emotional & spiritual aspects of a person (or an animal--they have Chakras too!). Each chakra represents a level of awareness, of being; and each contains functional and dysfunctional aspects, as well. It may seem complicated, but if you are able to grasp the idea that your body contains seven levels of energy, from the most primal physical aspect (Root Chakra) to the highest, divinely-connected aspect (Crown Chakra), you'll be on your way.
Each chakra possesses energetic qualities, and as you read further, you'll learn more about this complex network of light energy which contains clues to your health and well being.
Interestingly, healers from all walks of life often use this energy system as a reference guide during their healing sessions. Likewise, all ritual work requires an awareness of energy in all its forms. Successful magick or healing depends on one's ability to affect, harness and interact with energy. The chakras are often seen or perceived as spinning wheels of light-energy when healthy, and sluggish/ lacking vibrancy when unhealthy.
As you read further, notice how you feel about yourself and your life. What challenges you? What frustrates you? What do you enjoy? What are your strengths/weaknesses? Be honest with yourself.....this is vital as you begin this journey on your own personal path of healing.
As you learn about and begin to work with your Chakra system, you'll find that color plays a very significant role in this process. Each Chakra has a color counterpart, but that's not all. There are plants, foods, crystals, and essential oils which align with, fortify and balance each Chakra. Take your time in learning about your Chakras. The more time you take to learn something, the more it 'sticks'. I recommend a fabulous 4 cd set by Caroline Myss, called 'Spiritual Alchemy', which will not only assist you with your energetic work, it can also help you learn exactly why you're here on this earth---and so much more! I admit, I listen to this cd set about once a month, as a refresher. Its that amazing!
I will also suggest books and teaching materials if you're interested. There is no time like the present to begin to bring your body back into balance. And so it begins...
The Root Chakra
The Root Chakra, known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine where the tailbone is found. It is said to form between the ages of 0-7. This chakra is our Mother Earth connection, connecting and grounding our higher energies with the earth, and our physical reality. This is our survival chakra, where we process our ability(or not)to make our way and achieve security in the physical world. It relates to financial security, family connection/roots, adequate food & shelter, and our sense of 'belonging'. When we lose our connection with Mother Earth, or are deprived of shelter, safety, the ability to earn a living, or when we lose our family ties, this chakra becomes damaged. It is vital that this chakra be supported and nurtured when a child is young, because it forms the foundation of what we build our lives upon. Damage to this chakra can result in a lifetime of feeling as though we cannot survive the daily challenges of life.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, it is a deep, rich red color. We feel strong, grounded, centered, and we know where we fit in the physical world. We know where we have come from and where we are going. Little things, and even bigger things, are seen as challenges, not catastrophies. These challenges bring us wisdom, an even stronger foundation, and we get a very good sense of just what we are made of and how strong we are when we are put to the test. We understand that life has limitations, but we never give up reaching upwards through the chakras to achieve that divine connection with Spirit.
Functional archetype: The Mother
Dysfunctional archetype: The Victim
The color associated with the Root Chakra is Red. Healers who work with Color Therapy---commonly known as Color Therapists, will attest to the fact that color affects our lives in profound ways. To give you an idea of color's limitless potential, it can fortify (red), energize (yellow), relax (light blue), inspire (purple), make us feel more loving (pink), and much, much more. Notice as you go about your daily life---what color are the walls at your job, or your doctor's office; the hospital walls? The local restaurants? Do you see a pattern? Do you feel hungrier when the walls of a restaurant you're dining in are painted red? Careful, you might leave feeling too full, and with empty pockets, too!
The color Red is known for its ability to fortify, motivate, jump start, and inspire passion. This Chakra governs the bloodstream, spine and kidneys, large intestine, adrenals, back, legs feet, bones. Weakness, imbalance and disease in these body systems may indicate an imbalanced Root Chakra.
Plants that strengthen the Root chakra: Hibiscus, Red Rose, Red Tulip, Salvia, Rose Hips. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the Root chakra: Strawberries, Watermelon, Raspberries, Tomatoes, Grains, Broccoli, Cranberries, Dairy, Protein(nuts, soy, legumes).
Essential Oils: Bergamot, Vetiver, Sandalwood
The Root Chakra aligns with the Element of Earth
Exercise is very beneficial to the health of the Root chakra. Adequate oxygen and healthy, pure water are vital, as well.
Some suggested stones for healing the Root Chakra are: Red Garnet, Raspberry Quartz, Red Jasper, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Black Onyx, Hematite(very good for assisting with anemia or inflammation), and Red Aventurine.
Key Phrases For The Root Chakra: I am safe, I belong, I take care of myself, I am fullypresent in the moment, I am connected to others, I am accepted, I trust, I am fulfilled, I am at home in my body, I nurture myself & attend to my needs, I am grounded in Mother Earth, I nurture my inner child.
The Sacral Chakra
The Sacral Chakra, known as Svadhisthana in Sanskrit, is located just below the belly button, near to the ovaries & uterus(in women). It is said to form between the ages of 7-14. This chakra is our center of well-being, abundance, pleasure, creativity, sexuality, one-on-one relationships, & fertility (in women). This is our emotional/relationship chakra, and typically, the years between 7 and 14 often find us experiencing the sweet innocence of first love. In this chakra, we find our self-worth, our emotional flow, and we learn how to have confidence in our own creativity. When this chakra is not balanced, we may feel overly emotional, or conversely, we may shut down emotionally. Also, problems with relating to others, poor emotional boundaries, excessive clingyness, and manipulation may indicate a Sacral chakra imbalance. Physically, this chakra governs the hips, sexual organs, bladder, small intestine, lower abdomen, lower back and the ovaries/uterus in women. Damage to this chakra can result in urinary problems, lower backache, infertility, and lack of interest in sex.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, it is a bright orange color. We are able to surrender to life and give up the need to control. We form healthy relationships with others, setting healthy boundaries and maintaining our own identity without feeling lonely when we are on our own. We enjoy our bodies and experience pleasure without guilt, and we maintain flexibility--- understanding that energy is always moving and changing; and change is necessary for growth.
Functional archetype: The Empress/Emperor
Dysfunctional archetype: The Martyr
The color associated with the Sacral Chakra is Orange. Orange is known for its ability to inspire creativity, encourage friendliness & strengthen the life force.
Plants that fortify the Sacral chakra: Tiger Lily, Basil, Orange Blossom. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the Sacral chakra: Tangerines & Oranges, Tea, Yams, Butternut Squash, Carrots
Essential Oils: ylang ylang, jasmine, orange
The Sacral Chakra aligns with the Element of Water
Laughter, & also the cleansing properties of crying help to keep this chakra healthy; I also suggest regular visits to the ocean, lakes, rivers, ponds, streams----wherever there is water, places where you can connect with life 'flow'
Some suggested stones for healing the Sacral Chakra are: Peach Aventurine, Tangerine Quartz, Carnelian, Moonstone(peach variety is especially helpful), Orange Calcite, natural Sunstone, Lepidolite (although this is purple, it encourages emotional balance)
Key Phrases For The Sacral Chakra: I go with the flow, I do not allow my emotions to control my life, I listen to my intuition, I am creative, I am open to the changing nature of the tides of life, I experience pleasure without subjecting myself to unnecessary guilt, I nurture my creativity, I trust my ability to choose an appropriate & loving partner to share my life with, I let go of situations and behaviors that are not beneficial to my health/healing path.
The Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra, known as Manipura in Sanskrit, is located between the chest and the navel, at the "V" where the lower ribs meet. It is said to form between the ages of 14-21. This chakra is the home of the ego, and also where gut feelings originate or are received. It is our center of personal power & willpower. It governs digestion, and is the chakra in which we 'feel our way through the world', or in other words, where we process our experiences. Between the ages of 14-21, we form our sense of identity, self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem and personal power. For teenagers, this can be a terribly angst-ridden time, filled with constant contradiction---we often feel one way inside ourselves, projecting the exact opposite to the world. But, as self-confidence grows, we learn how to make healthy decisions & become empowered by what we can do and have achieved. If a young person is not encouraged/supported during the teen years, he or she may come into adulthood feeling powerless, overwhelmed at the thought of making decisions, needing to escape, and feeling small or invisible. There can be feelings of rejection, apathy, resentment & greed displayed as well. Physically, this chakra governs the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and adrenal glands. Damage to this chakra can result in ulcers, digestive imbalance, metabolic disturbance, diabetes or hypoglycemia, hepatitis, arthritis, gout, gallstones, and food allergies.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, it is a Sunny Yellow/Gold color. We feel a strong sense of identity, a healthy self-respect, a warrior spirit & sense of staying power('the world won't get ME down!'), a sense of trust in one's abilities, and a feeling of having found one's niche' in the world.
Functional archetype: The Warrior
Dysfunctional archetype: The Servant
The color associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra is Yellow. Yellow is known for its ability to heal, increase physical energy, burn out negativity, and bring warmth to the coldest, darkest crevices of the soul. It lightens, enlightens and brings inner power.
Plants that fortify the Solar Plexus chakra: Daffodil, Honeysuckle, Lemon Verbena, Yarrow, Chamomile, Saffron. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the Solar Plexus chakra: Lemon, Bananas, Whole Grains, Grapefruit, Pear, Complex Carbs
Essential Oils: Lemon, Ginger, Peppermint
The Solar Plexus chakra aligns with the Element of Fire
Adequate sunlight is essential to healthy function of this chakra, as well as activities that challenge perceptions, build inner strength and self-trust. Trivia, crossword puzzles, scrabble----these games help build self-confidence, as do sports and competitive activities, as long as they are approached with a playful spirit.
Some suggested stones for healing the Solar Plexus Chakra are: Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Yellow Topaz, Yellow Calcite, Canary Diamond, Tiger's Eye
Key Phrases For The Solar Plexus Chakra:
I trust myself, my intuition, my ability to persevere. I am confident in my decision-making ability. My ego does not rule my life, nor do my emotions---I possess inner balance. I am assertive when I need to be. I follow my instincts without needing to explain myself to others. I understand that perfection does not exist, and I do not expect it from myself or others. I give my best in my work, and I allow myself time to play, and also time to rest and recharge. I am generous & kind, and I know where I belong in the world.
The Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra, known as Anahata in Sanskrit, is located in the center of the chest. It is said to form between the ages of 21-28. This chakra is our heart center, and is associated with unconditional love of self, others, & Spirit. It is the balance point between the lower and upper chakras, with the lower 3 being physical, the upper 3 being spiritual. The Heart chakra represents kindness, generosity, devotion, friendship, partnership, and moves the human experience from the lower 'me' to the higher 'we'. Between the ages of 21-28, we are learning how to be compassionate, thoughtful, selfless, and understanding. We are out in the 'real' world, working jobs, experiencing emotional attachments that go beyond just satisfying our own needs; we may marry, have children, or find ourselves becoming deeply connected to our goals & dreams, pursuing them with passion----developing a loving purpose. If we experience deep wounding or loss during our twenties, we may lose our ability to trust, both others and ourselves. We may become jaded, cynical and isolated from those we love, and who love us. Heart chakra weakness can cause feelings of abandonment, loneliness, deep sadness, separation, shyness, and suspiscion of others and their intentions.
Physically, the Heart chakra governs the lungs, heart, diaphragm, chest, shoulders/arms/hands, the circulatory system, and the thymus. When this chakra is unbalanced, there may be problems in the cardiovascular system, the shoulders, upper back, hypertension, respiratory ailments/disease & stroke.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, we are able to give and receive love, express unconditional love for ourselves and others; we are kind, hopeful, forgiving, compassionate, and are able to be sympathetic & empathetic.
Functional archetype: The Lover
Dysfunctional archetype: The Actor
The color associated with the Heart Chakra can be either green or pink. I prefer pink, with green as a secondary color. Pink is the color typically associated with love, connection, family & peace. Green represents abundance, prosperity, luck, and also encouranges self-love & trust.
Plants that fortify the Heart chakra: Roses, Bleeding Heart, Holly, Shamrock, Pink Carnation Ivy. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the Heart chakra: Cherries, Watermelon, Green Vegetables
Essential Oils: Neroli, Passion Fruit, Cherry, Rose
The Sacral Chakra aligns with the Element of Air
Activities that promote Heart Chakra health include spending quality time with family & friends, writing poetry, volunteering or doing charitable work, & caring for pets.
Some suggested stones for healing the Heart Chakra are: Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Pink Calcite, Emerald, Green Aventurine, Ruby, Danburite, Morganite
Key Phrases For The Heart Chakra:
I offer myself and others unconditional love without judgement, I offer kindness and compassion to all other living beings, I am able to sympathize with those who suffer & empathize with those who need support/understanding, I keep my promises & commitments, I am truthful & trustworthy, I am able to trust my heart and believe that love can in fact conquer all evil in the world, I am whole and feel a sense of unity with others, and also a sense of emotional empowerment. I know I am pure love, pure joy.
The Throat Chakra
The Throat Chakra, known as Visuddha in Sanskrit, in the center of the neck. It is said to form between the ages of 28-35. This chakra is our communication center, affecting our ability to speak & express ourselves, communicating openly & honestly. This chakra is associated with artistic expression, speech, creativity, sound, and processing information we receive from both our inner and outer worlds. This can also be considered our center of change & transformation, as we unify what we feel in our hearts (heart chakra) with what we understand with our minds (3rd eye chakra). During these years, we begin to express who we really are, having found and nurtured our inner selves, as well as having found our niche in the working world. We are likely to be more confident in our abilities in all aspects of our lives. We trust ourselves more, and we choose friends and mates whom we feel we are able to trust, as well.
When this chakra is not balanced, we may be distrustful, dishonest, timid, critical of others, overly opinionated, and feel as though we are not being heard. There can be stagnation, prejudice, creative blocks, unexpressed anger, as well as fear of speaking. Physically, this chakra governs the throat, neck, jaw, mouth, ears, teeth, gums, tongue & thyroid gland. Damage to this chakra can result in thyroid imbalance, laryngitis, dental problems, attention disorders, TMJ, ear infections, hearing loss, and neck pain.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, it radiates a beautiful ocean blue color. We are able to be honest, trustworthy, and likewise, we trust in the natural flow of life. We express ourselves & our needs clearly, and we speak our truth. Creative inspiration comes easily, because we have learned that we must be true to ourselves first and foremost.
Functional archetype: The Communicator
Dysfunctional archetype: The Silent Child
The color associated with the Throat Chakra is Blue. Blue helps us communicate, express ourselves and our needs, brings artistic inspiration, encourages truthfulness, calms, soothes, and strenghtens willpower.
Plants that fortify the Throat chakra: Morning Glory, Aster, Bluebell, Hyacinth. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the Throat chakra: Blueberries, Blackberries, all other Fruits
Essential Oils: rosemary, chamomile, bergamot
The Throat Chakra aligns with the Element of Ether
Music, singing, dancing, chanting, reciting poetry, drawing, painting, sculpting, decorating, keeping a journal---anything that allows creativity to be expressed----these are wonderful for the Throat Chakra!
Some suggested stones for healing the Throat Chakra are: Sodalite, Apatite, Aquamarine, Blue Calcite, Turquoise, Chrysocolla, and although it is green, some say that Malachite is the ultimate 'truth stone'
Key Phrases For The Throat Chakra:
I communicate clearly & effectively, I am honest with myself & others, I trust in the natural flow of the universe, I am trustworthy & I trust others, I am able to relax & indulge in a good belly laugh, I have respect for the power of language and understand the impact of my words & actions, I am creative in all that I do, I speak & listen openly & honestly.
The 3rd Eye Chakra
The 3rd Eye, or Brow Chakra, known as Ajna in Sanskrit, is located on the forehead, between the eyes. It is said to form between the ages of 35-42. This chakra is considered the center of the Higher Mind. It is our center of 'seeing', both intuitively and physically, and it represents intuition, light, spirit, clarity of vision(s). This chakra aligns with the higher self and it is here that we seek and receive inner guidance. This chakra governs our ability to think, discern, use our imagination, gather wisdom from our life experiences, and to be more realistic about how we think life should be and how it truly is. During these years, we are becoming mature, gaining much life-experience, and setting more realistic goals. We no longer feel the need to hoard worldly goods or base happiness/success solely on material trappings. We aspire to live peaceful, meaningful lives. Physically, this chakra governs the eyes, nose, sinuses, brain, pituitary, pineal gland, and the endocrine & lymph systems. Damage to this chakra may cause headaches, brain tumors, sinusitis, stroke, blindness, vision problems, learning disabilities, anxiety, nightmares. Watch for shopping addiction, a tendency to intellectualize everything, possessiveness, insomnia and the tendency to view life as out of the control of the individual.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, it is a violet/purple color. We feel able think clearly and use our intuitive powers without reservation, in all aspects of our lives. We understand that psychic abilities are a natural part of the human experience, but without tending & encouragement, they will remain dormant and be usurped by the intellect. A healthy 3rd eye chakra results in peaceful sleep, as well as the ability to see beyond what is obvious, trust our intuition----to know the unknowable. It is through this chakra that we develop clairvoyance, and healers across the world use meditation on a daily basis to assist them with accessing the psychic healing gifts that this chakra affords us.
Functional archetype: The Wise Person/Intuitive
Dysfunctional archetype: The Intellectual
The color associated with the 3rd Eye Chakra is Purple/Indigo. Purple is known for its ability to encourage connection with Spirit, and also in assisting with reflection, higher aspirations, and intuition. It encourages and nurtures the psychic self. It is a regal color, enabling detachment and objectivity. It also helps foster deep, restful sleep, and can calm an otherwise chaotic atmosphere.
Plants that soothe the 3rd Eye chakra: Violet, Clematis, Lavender, Petunia. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the 3rd Eye chakra: Green Tea, Grapes, Eggplant, Passion Fruit, Sprouts
Essential Oils: Violet, Lavender, Clary Sage, Lemon
The 3rd Eye Chakra aligns with the Element of Light
Activities that are beneficial to the health of the 3rd Eye Chakra are: journaling, using divination oracles, being aware of coincidences and synchronicity in one's life, meditation, prayer, yoga, and building a strong spiritual life.
Some suggested stones for healing the 3rd Eye Chakra are: Amethyst, Sugilite, Purple Fluorite, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Iolite, Charoite
Key Phrases For The 3rd Eye Chakra:
I understand and have achieved a balance between my spiritual and intellectual selves, I see clearly--both intuitively & physically, I trust my intuition to guide me in all I do, I do not place high priority on worldly possessions, I find peace and guidance in the silence of journeying within, I work with & encourage my intuitive powers through meditation & ritual, I am realistic & maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life.
The Crown Chakra
The Crown Chakra, known as Sahasrara in Sanskrit, is located at the Crown, or the top of the head. It is said to form between the ages of 42-49. This chakra is our center of Divine Connection. It aligns with our spiritual nature, and is said to channel energy down from the Universe into the physical body, and it is believed that this energy grounds the spirit in the body. As this Chakra forms & matures, it aligns us with the Source--which is inside, and outside of us. This chakra houses our higher consciousness, allowing us to access information from the Universal mind, rather than only from the catalog of our own experiences. Have you ever 'just known' how to do something, without having studied or experienced it? This could very well be a kind of tapping into the Source of All. (Think: the toddler who can play the piano, having had no lessons) The Crown Chakra is often referred to as the Thousand-Petaled Lotus, which is a symbol of purity and spirituality. This is our highest energy center, in both the physical sense and our rate of energy vibration. It is here that we are liberated---finding wisdom, enlightenment, and union with the Divine. An imbalance in this chakra can cause worry, psychosis, insanity, depression, schizophrenia, loss of purpose, feeling out of touch with the Divine, and a tendency toward apathy.
Physically, this chakra governs the brain, the center of the head, and the musculoskeletal system. When this chakra is unbalanced, cranial & cerebral illnesses can result. Also, there may be diseases of the bones, skin problems, chronic exhaustion, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and environmental illness/disease, inertia.
When this chakra is functioning healthfully, it is a pure White Light, or sometimes pure Violet. The person displays a strong connection with their spirituality, practicing (in their own personal way) their faith on a regular basis. They are finally on the path of fufilling their destiny, often referred to as a 'higher purpose'. There is a sense of bliss and contentedness which come from a deep understanding of the meaning of life as related to the Divine. The conscious and subconscious work in unison, not against one another, to bring experiences into one's life which result in the acquisition of wisdom, for the purpose of gaining what some cultures call ascension.
Functional archetype: The Guru
Dysfunctional archetype: The Egotist
The color associated with the Crown Chakra is White or sometimes Violet. White is known for its ability to purify, cleanse and renew. Use it to encourage selfless service, connect with the Divine, clear out negativity, and bring in clarity of purpose.
Plants that fortify the Crown chakra: White Lily, Lotus, Yarrow, Carnation, White Rose, Apple Blossom. Please do not take these plants internally!
Foods that fortify the Crown chakra: Water-dense foods such as apples & cucumbers, and very importantly, juices & plenty of pure water
Essential Oils: sandalwood, frankincense, geranium, myrrh
The Crown Chakra aligns with the Element of Energy
Activities that encourage a healthy Crown Chakra include: Meditation, chanting, deep/conscious breathing, yoga, prayer, quiet reflection, study of the healing arts, and practicing allowing life to flow rather than trying to control anything we may otherwise feel inclined to.
Some suggested stones for healing the Crown Chakra are: Clear Quartz, Lemurian Seeds, Diamond, Opal, White Howlite, White Topaz, Selenite
Key Phrases For The Crown Chakra:
I am a child of the Divine, at one with the Universe, and I am fulfilling my true destiny. I am fully alive in every moment, feeling blessed to have been given the gift of life. I remind myself of the positive qualities of all of my chakras, keeping my life in alignment with my higher purpose. I understand that I am a small part of the Universe, and each of my cells contains its own Universe, as well. This concept is known as Macrocosm/Microcosm, or Quantum Physics. I do not fear death, because I know it is an illusion. Energy was, is, and will always be; I trust in eternal life and aspire to be a better human being in my mind, my body and my spirit. I am ever-changing, always transforming, ascending upward towards the Divine Light.
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