Chakra 101
You've probably heard the word "chakra" thrown around a lot these days - whether it's in yoga class, social media feeds, during guided meditations or on the back of a tee shirt. It seems that the concept of balancing and keeping your chakras aligned and creating a more peaceful mind, body and spirit is becoming "a thing."
So what does all this mean?
There is so much to learn about chakras and I don't feel that I will ever "master" this subject, which makes it that much more intriguing to me.
My own chakra experience started several years ago as I started practicing yoga and experimenting with crystals. It took me a couple of years to truly "feel" these chakras and I’m still well within the beginning learning stages as I write this.
It wasn't until I started pairing certain crystals for opening and balancing different chakras, that I felt drawn to these wonderful wheels of energy. I could feel where my own imbalances and blockages were, physically and emotionally. This sparked a renewed interest in wanting to learn more about how to keep these chakras balanced and in alignment.
Although the concept is still a bit difficult and weird for me to grasp - I do feel that it's important to understand the basics and apply what feels right. My goal is to help you with a basic understanding of what the chakra system is all about. I promise to dive deeper in future posts, but for now, lets get started with an introduction to our chakras.
Chakra:
Chakra (pronounced "cha"-"kra" with an emphasis on the "ch") is a Sanskrit (language of ancient India) word that literally means "wheel."
Chakras are known as a wheel or vortex of energy that spins within the body that helps with regulation of everything from emotional state to organ function.
There are many chakras or spinning wheels of energy that are located within the body. We will be looking at the popular seven, along your spine, that produce this invisible energy called Prana (Sanskrit word meaning life force, energy or breath).
Since chakras are associated with specific areas within the body, it's often paired with the closest internal organ(s) and aids in the systemic function and overall well being of those organs, glands and systems.
Why are chakras important?
The simple answer is that the chakra system can create a harmonious balance for the body and mind. Being aware of these chakras is the absolute first step in keeping them aligned and open. We'll explore how to keep them balanced and how to remove blocks in future posts.
Some of the benefits you may enjoy by keeping your chakras open and balanced:
- Improves Physical health
- Removes negative energy stored in the body
- Instills love and joy in one’s life
- Allows you to know your inner self
- Helps manifest your dreams into reality
- Strengthens intuition
- Express and release emotions in a healthy way
What are the Seven Chakras?
There are seven major chakras thought the body, in addition to many small or higher ones. We'll look at the major 7 chakras that have the most impact on our mind, body and spirit: Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye & Crown.
Keep in mind that chakra's are energy - so any blockages can impact your physical and emotional well being.
The 1st Chakra - Root or Base Chakra - Muladhara (Sanskrit meaning: root or support)
Location: Very base of spine
Color: Red
Crystals: Black Onyx, Black Tourmaline, Red Jasper, Hematite
Major Feeling: Grounding
This is your grounding chakra - your connection to mother earth. When this chakra is in balance you'll feel a sense of security and peace when it comes to things like money and safety. There will be a sense of belonging and connectedness.
The 2nd Chakra - Sacral Chakra - Svadhishana (Sanskrit meaning: sweetness)
Location: Below naval extending to center
Color: Orange
Crystals: Orange Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, Red Jasper, Smoky Quartz
Major Feeling: Bliss
When the sacral chakra is in balance, you'll be able to enjoy the pleasurable things life has to offer, without overdoing it. Creativity and passion will be natural and flowing. Sex, eating well and enjoying creative pursuits will be easy and fun.
The 3rd Chakra - Solar Plexus - Manipura (Sanskrit meaning: lustrous gem)
Location: Starts at the center of the belly button and extends up to the beginning of the breastbone.
Color: Yellow.
Crystals: Citrine, Yellow Tourmaline
Major Feeling: Courage
Sometimes called the "warrior chakra" because of the feeling you get of a wise warrior going into battle. You'll have confidence, wisdom, decisiveness, personal power and feel focused and able to stand on your own two feet.
The 4th Chakra - Heart - Anahata (Sanskrit meaning: unhurt, unstruck, unbeaten)
Location: Heart Center - over your heart and radiates up to the beginning of your throat and down to your breastbone.
Color: Green or Pink.
Crystals: Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Lepidolite
Major Feeling: Peace
Compassion, love and gratitude toward yourself and others are the foundational feelings experienced when this chakra is in balance. Even when things are challenging, you are still able to see the compassion in others as well as express it toward them and yourself.
The 5th Chakra - Throat - Vishuddha (Sanskrit meaning: purification)
Location: Between your collar bone radiating down to the heart center and up to the center of your eye.
Color: Blue
Crystals: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Blue Tourmaline
Major Feeling: Truth
Speaking your truth expressively, with love and kindness, is the essence of having this chakra in balance. Your truth will easily be spoken as you enlighten and inspire those around you. Speaking your own truth, even if it's just to yourself, is a core strength of a well balanced throat chakra.
The 6th Chakra - Third Eye -Ajna (Sanskrit meaning: To perceive To know)
Location: The area between your eyebrows extending down to your mouth and up to the top of your head.
Color: Indigo
Crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Kunzite, Fluorite
Major Feeling: Intuition
Having a balanced third eye chakra is a wonderful feeling and is your ultimate goal when embarking on a journey to spiritual development. Feeling connected to your intuition, being focused and clear and in tune with your physical, material and psychic worlds, is what a balanced third eye will offer you.
The 7th Chakra - Crown - Sahaswara (Sanskrit meaning: Thousandfold)
Location: Top of the head.
Color: Violet - white
Crystals: Amethyst, Quartz, Lepidolite
Major Feeling: Spiritual Energy
Having complete balance of this chakra can be likened to a Buddhist achieving nirvana. The journey of attempting to bring this balance is what offers us the feelings of peace and a connectedness to our purpose. Another benefit on working on this chakra is the balance and alignment that occurs with all of the other chakras, while balancing this one.
I hope that you found this information helpful and a good introduction to the 7 Chakras!
Check back for future posts as we dig deeper into each chakra. We'll address some commonly asked questions about how to balance, unblock and align these chakras to truly enhance your journey.
Here are some options for Authentic Crystal Healing Chakra Bracelets that we offer at Calmer Spirit.
Please see our other blogs to learn more about Calmer Spirit, crystals and tips to enhance your life help you enjoy a more peaceful journey.
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I'd love to hear your thoughts! Post any questions or comments below.
Cindy Stabile