Pronounced with a “ch” as in ‘chuhk-ruhs’, chakra translates from Sanskrit meaning wheel or disc. Chakras exist in the subtle body or the energy body. Essentially, chakras are energy centres located along the spine that correspond to different plexuses and organs in the body. A plexus is a series of nerves, blood vessels and hormone receptors. You cannot physically see or touch your chakras. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. Although there are said to be many chakras located throughout the body, there are seven main chakras that we work with.
The seven chakras, from the base to the crown, are:
1) Muladhara (root chakra) Coccygeal Plexus
Located at the base of the spine, just below the tailbone is Muladhara, the first chakra also known as the root chakra. This chakra is represented by the colour red and is often depicted by a lotus flower with four petals. The four petals represent our orientation in physical space, north, south, east and west. Muladhara is the foundation chakra and is associated with the earth element. It governs the lower part of the torso including the legs, feet, the large intestine, colon and bones. When open and balanced, this chakra helps us to feel stable and grounded. Stable in our life, healthy in our body, and able to complete our daily tasks with certainty and conviction. Just as a building requires a solid foundation, so do we. When this chakra is unbalanced or blocked, we feel unstable, uncertain, sluggish and have a lack of discipline.
2) Svadhisthana (sacral chakra) Sacral Plexus
Located just below the navel at the sacrum is Svadhisthana, the second chakra also known at the sacral chakra and is connected to the element, water. This chakra is represented by the colour orange and is depicted by a six petalled lotus containing a crescent moon. The moon pulls the waters of the ocean tides, such as the crescent moon pulls the subtle energies of our body. The purpose of this chakra is to bring pleasure into our lives and stimulate movement associated with vitality, fluidity, creativity and sensuality. When this chakra is blocked or unbalanced it can leave us feeling emotionally detached, overwhelmed isolated, anxious and lonely with ourselves and those around us. When balanced emotionally we feel connected with ourselves and those around us and our creativity flows.
3) Manipura (solar plexus chakra) Solar Plexus
Located in the upper abdomen below the ribcage is Manipura, the third chakra also known as the solar plexus chakra. It is connected to the element fire. This chakra is represented by the colour yellow and is depicted by a ten-petal lotus which represent the 10 fingers and thumbs of both hands. Inside the lotus is a downward pointing triangle meaning that we rise up from the earth and expand as we rise. There is also an image of a ram. This animal represents power. Power to achieve and overcome. This chakra when clear gives us an inner fire. Energetically, manipura when open and clear is there to ignite our personal power so that we can navigate our lives with strength, determination and courage. When unbalanced or blocked we can be left feeling unmotivated, have low self-esteem and have trouble making decisions.
4) Anahata (heart chakra) Cardiac Plexus
Located at the heart, Anahata is the fourth chakra and is known as the heart chakra. It is connected to the element, air. This chakra is represented by the colour green and is depicted by a lotus with twelve petals containing two intersecting triangles making a six-pointed star which represents matter and spirit in perfect balance. Inside the star is the seed sound of the heart chakra, the Yam and the animal representation is the antelope which runs wild and free with grace and gentleness. When open and clear this chakra brings a feeling of openness, peace and love helping us to tap into the feeling of unconditional love. It represents our ability to love both ourselves and others. Unbalanced or blocked this chakra can lead us to putting others first to our detriment. It can also leave us feeling lonely and isolated. We can open this chakra through acts of kindness, compassion, selflessness and love resulting in a feeling of joy and happiness.
5) Vishuddha (throat chakra) Pharyngeal plexus
Located in the neck, Vishuddha is the fifth chakra, also known as the throat chakra. It is connected to the element ether. This chakra is represented by the colour blue and is depicted by a lotus with sixteen petals representing the sixteen vowels of the Sanskrit alphabet and contains a downwards facing triangle, trikuna of the goddess shakti. The throat chakra is said to be the entry point into pure spirit and is connected to communication. It is responsible for helping us to communicate clearly both inwardly and outwardly, speaking one’s truth. Clear communication between our head and our heart and our self-expression. Blockages in this chakra can lead to difficulty in speaking up, poor communication, gossiping and speaking without thought. When this charka is clear we are able to speak our truth with kindness, compassion and assertiveness.
6) Ajna (third eye chakra) Carotid Plexus
Located slightly above the eyebrows in the middle of the forehead, Ajna is the sixth chakra, also known as the third eye chakra. Represented by the colour Indigo and depicted by a lotus with two petals encasing a circle. The petals, our two physical eyes. The circle, our third eye. Inside the circle is the downward facing triangle, Trikuna, connecting spirit and matter, the symbol of Om which is the universal symbol of spirituality. There is also a shining crescent moon which represents white colour often seen when the third eye opens. Ajna is responsible for insight and intuition and is connected to light. When open and balanced it is the centre of intuition, vision, prophecy, imagination, inner knowing, and self-assurance. When blocked, we may have trouble with our intuition, imagination and visualisation leaving us feeling lost.
7) Sahasrara (crown chakra) Cerebral Cortex
Located at the crown of the head, Sahasrara is the seventh chakra, also known as the crown chakra. Represented by the colour violet or white it is depicted by the thousand petalled lotus. The thousand petals meaning the lotus is infinitely blooming. Sahasrara is our connection to universal consciousness and enlightenment. It is not associated with a physical element as it is considered to be beyond the elements. When open and balanced, it is thought to keep all other chakras spinning in balance. When blocked, we may seem narrow minded and skeptical and be stubborn in nature.