Chakras are the energy centers of the body. They are power points that harness and distribute energy throughout the body. Not a “New Age” phenomenon, they were identified millennia before by several cultures, but were most clearly defined by ancient practitioners in India. The theories of energy that underlie chakras are the basis of Eastern medicine systems such as acupuncture and the Indian medicine systems such as Tantra and Ayurveda. People have been working with chakras for thousands of years, and these practices are still in use today.
There are seven main energy centers, or chakras, in the body. They are arranged vertically along the spine from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The word “Chakra” means “wheel” in Sanskrit, and it refers to the spinning nature of the energy located at each center.
Chakras are the sites where we collect, process, and send energy throughout the body, and into the world. Each chakra has it’s own set of associations; physical, mental, and spiritual. Both external situations and internal emotional states can influence how these chakras do their job. A Chakra can either become closed down, limiting it’s ability to process the energy it’s associated with, or it can become over-stimulated, causing an excess of energy. Both situations lead to imbalance, with disharmony of body, mind and spirit as the result.
The first Chakra is called the “root chakra”. It is associated with the color red, and is located at the base of the spine. It deals with issues related to being grounded and secure. It is active and masculine.
The second Chakra is the sacral or “belly” chakra. Located just beneath the navel, it is associated with the color orange. It deals with issues related to sexuality, emotions, and pleasure. It is receptive and feminine.
The third Chakra is found in the area of the Solar Plexus, and is associated with the color yellow. It deals with issues related to our sense of personal power, self-esteem, and courage. It is active and masculine.
The fourth Chakra is called the “heart chakra” because of where the energy gathers. It is associated with the color green. Located at the center of the chakra system, it is the transition point between the lower and upper chakras. Naturally, it is balanced in love. It is receptive and feminine.
The fifth Chakra is located in the throat, and is associated with the color blue. It is associated with our ability to express ourselves and speak our inner truth. It is active and masculine.
The sixth Chakra is the “third eye”, located in the center of the forehead. Traditionally associated with the color dark blue or indigo (other traditions associate it with purple), it deals with our ability to perceive beyond the physical realm. Imagination, intuition, and dreams are regulated by this chakra center. It is receptive and feminine.
The seventh Chakra is called the “crown chakra” because it is located at the very top of the head, and extends just beyond it. Traditionally associated with the color purple (or white), it deals with our direct connection to the Divine universe beyond our physical body. Unifying all of the other chakras, it facilitates our spiritual awakening, leading to enlightenment. It is active and masculine.
Our life situations and emotional dispositions lead to some chakras being stronger than others. However, the goal in working with chakras is to supply each with a steady supply of healthy energy, so that the individual is in balance within themselves and the world.
~Flame RavenHawk
September 14, 2003