The foundation of the chakra system consists of seven major chakras within the body. They each serve a purpose and are all interconnected. The upper three are considered the spiritual chakras. The spiritual chakras focus on our connection to the Divine, as well as our Higher Self — that version of ourselves that is tapped into our purest expression of love, wisdom, and power. The lower three chakras are considered the physical chakras. They ground us as human beings on Earth. Both the spiritual and physical chakras are connected in the center through the heart chakra.
1. THE ROOT CHAKRA
The first of the physical chakras is the root chakra—the chakra largely responsible for how safe and secure you feel.
When the Root Chakra Is Out of Harmony
When the root chakra is out of harmony, there is an inability to trust nature. We also feel ungrounded, feel disconnected from Mother Earth, have issues around tribal beliefs (our identity in relationship to tribal consciousness) or family wounds, do not feel secure in the knowledge that our most basic and primal needs are being met (such as food, shelter, clothing, and love), function out of fear, and feel unsafe.
When the Root Chakra Is In Harmony
When the root chakra is in harmony, we are profoundly connected to nature, feel grounded, trust in the natural laws, and are able to move with the ebb and flow of life. We also come from a place of understanding that we will always be provided for, that we are connected to our tribal consciousness and family in healthy ways, and we feel safe.
SANSKRIT NAME
Muladhara
OTHER NAMES
First chakra, base chakra
LOCATION
At the perineum, between the genitals and the anus, base of spine
COLOR
Red
ELEMENT
Earth
AFFIRMATION
“I am”
GLANDS
Adrenals
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
The physical body, base of spine, legs, bones, feet, rectum, immune system, large intestine, teeth
LIFE LESSON
To feel safe and secure in the “physical plane,” to manifest our basic needs, and to cultivate healthy (physical) sexuality
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Chronic lower back pain, sciatica, varicose veins, rectal tumors/cancer, hemorrhoids, constipation, degenerative arthritis, knee problems, depression, immune-related disorders, weight problems
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Physical family and group safety and security, ability to provide for life’s necessities, ability to stand up for self
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
Fear of being alive, guilt
CRYSTALS
Ruby, garnet, black tourmaline, bloodstone, hematite, obsidian, onyx, red jasper, lodestone, smoky quartz, fire agate
ESSENTIAL OILS
Myrrh, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, spikenard
2. THE SACRAL PLEXUS CHAKRA
Located above the root chakra is the sacral plexus chakra—the second chakra, and the one most closely connected with sexual and reproductive activities, as well as emotions and creativity.
When the Sacral Plexus Chakra Is Out of Harmony
We have difficulty expressing our feelings (or are cut off from them), are out of touch with pleasure, and hold unprocessed anger. We feel stifled in our creativity and resentful for not being able to birth our ideas into the world. We also may have relationship issues (platonic and romantic), reproductive issues, or feel unstable or unhealthy around aspects of our sexuality. There will also be feelings of shame. We also may have issues around money and abundance, either placing an overemphasis on obtaining material goods or not owning our abundance at all.
When the Sacral Plexus Chakra Is In Harmony
We are in the flow of our creative expression, in touch with pleasure, able to share (and express) feelings in healthy ways, create and maintain healthy relationships, and are connected to the emotional aspects of sexuality in ways that sustain us. We feel at peace with our abundance, and may even be in touch with our clairsentience (the gift of taking in intuitive information through feeling). We also have a healthy relationship to money and easily cultivate abundance in our lives in balanced ways.
SANSKRIT NAME
Svadisthana
OTHER NAMES
Second chakra, sacral chakra, pelvic chakra, naval chakra
LOCATION
Two inches below the navel
COLOR
Orange
ELEMENT
Water
AFFIRMATION
“I feel”
GLANDS
Ovaries, testicles
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
Womb, genitals, lower vertebrae, pelvis, appendix, bladder, hip area, kidneys
LIFE LESSON
To use emotions to connect with others without losing our identity, and to freely express creativity and healthy (emotional) sexuality
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Chronic lower back pain, sciatica, gynecological problems, pelvic pain, impotence, frigidity, uterine/bladder/kidney problems
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Guilt and blame, money, sex, power and control, creativity, ethics, honor in relationships
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
Sexual abuse or trauma, rape, gender issues
CRYSTALS
Carnelian, amber, moonstone, coral, orange tourmaline, sunstone
ESSENTIAL OILS
Ylang ylang, lemon, patchouli, rosewood, sandalwood
3. THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Above the sacral plexus chakra is the chakra that corresponds with our personality, self-esteem, and sense of worth—the solar plexus chakra.
When the Solar Plexus Chakra Is Out of Harmony
We have a need to dominate and control, have a great need for prestige and keeping up appearances, and we function through the world with deep feelings of inadequacy. In short, we do not respect ourselves, and may even manifest self-hatred. We may give away our power to others, leaving us with no sense of self.
When the Solar Plexus Chakra Is In Harmony
We feel whole, centered in who we are, know our self-worth, cultivate our personal power in healthy ways, and are in touch with our inner warrior. There is a balance between spiritual and material worlds, we develop tolerance and acceptance (of ourselves and others), and feel inner peace and calm.
SANSKRIT NAME
Manipura
OTHER NAMES
Third chakra, power chakra
LOCATION
Two inches above the navel
COLOR
Yellow
ELEMENT
Fire
AFFIRMATION
“I can”
GLANDS
Pancreas, adrenals
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
Abdomen, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, middle spine
LIFE LESSON
To experience the depth of who we are with self-empowerment and self-esteem, to live our life task or soul’s life purpose
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Arthritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, colon/intestinal problems, pancreatitis/diabetes, chronic or acute indigestion, anorexia or bulimia, liver or adrenal dysfunction, fatigue, hepatitis, diabetes
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Trust, fear, intimidation, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-respect, care of self and others, responsibility for making decisions, sensitivity to criticism, personal honor
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
Stuffed or repressed anger, issues of control especially in areas related to power
CRYSTALS
Yellow citrine, amber, yellow topaz, yellow tiger’s eye, yellow agate, rutilated quartz
ESSENTIAL OILS
Lemon, lavender, rosewood, Roman chamomile, rosemary
4. THE HEART CHAKRA
The heart chakra holds our connection to both the physical and the spiritual aspects of ourselves. Because it is at this pivotal location— connecting the physical and spiritual chakras—it is also how we get in touch with our Higher Self in relation to the rest of the world (and even the universe)
When the Heart Chakra Is Out of Harmony
We are disconnected from ourselves, have difficulty loving ourselves or giving love from a genuine place, do not feel deserving of love (and therefore have difficulty receiving love), are out of touch with who we are, and develop depression (from lack of connection to self).
When the Heart Chakra Is In Harmony
We are fully connected to ourselves, cultivate joy easily, love and accept ourselves (and, as an extension, others). We give and receive love genuinely, and cultivate compassion for self and others.
SANSKRIT NAME
Anahata
OTHER NAMES
Fourth chakra
LOCATION
At the center of the chest
COLOR
Green
ELEMENT
Air
AFFIRMATION
“I love”
GLANDS
Thymus
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
Heart, pericardium, circulatory system, lungs, shoulders, arms, ribs, breasts, diaphragm
LIFE LESSON
To experience compassion and connection with oneself and others
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Congestive heart failure, heart attack, heart disease, asthma/allergies, lung cancer, bronchial pneumonia, lung disease, breast cancer, high blood pressure
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Love and hatred, resentment, grief, self-centeredness, loneliness, forgiveness, compassion, hope, trust
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
Repressed heartache or grief
CRYSTALS
Rose quartz, emerald, green tourmaline, jade, green calcite, green kyanite, peridot
ESSENTIAL OILS
Rose, geranium, neroli, palmarosa, bergamot, lavender, melissa/lemon balm, ylang ylang
5. THE THROAT CHAKRA
The first of the spiritual chakras—the throat chakra—has much to do with our true, authentic voice, where faith and understanding combine.
When the Throat Chakra Is Out of Harmony
We have difficulty speaking our truth or expressing ourselves, feel silenced and judged for what we say, feel out of alignment with who we are, and feel out of touch with our will to live.
When the Throat Chakra Is In Harmony
Our will to live is strong and we are able to follow our dreams. We speak our truth—where we say what we mean and mean what we say. We express ourselves easily, creatively, and authentically, listen to our inner voice, and have a balance between silence and speech.
SANSKRIT NAME
Vishuddha
OTHER NAMES
Fifth chakra
LOCATION
At the front of the base of the neck, at the hollow of the collarbone
COLOR
Light blue
ELEMENT
Sound
AFFIRMATION
“I speak”
GLANDS
Thyroid, parathyroid
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
Throat, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth, teeth and gums, esophagus, hypothalamus, shoulders, arms, hands
LIFE LESSON
To speak and receive the Truth
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Raspy or sore throat, mouth ulcers, gum difficulties, TMJ, stiff neck, scoliosis, swollen glands, thyroid problems
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Strength of will, personal expression, following one’s dream, using personal power to create, choice and capacity to make decisions, addiction, judgment, criticism, faith
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
Difficulty in expressing oneself, withholding or swallowing words, suppressing creative talents
CRYSTALS
Turquoise, blue kyanite, aquamarine, celestite, iolite, sodalite, lapis lazuli
ESSENTIAL OILS
Lavender, rosemary, frankincense, German chamomile, hyssop
6. THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA
The sixth chakra—the third eye chakra—is associated with our “sixth sense”; it is the center of our wisdom, spiritual insight, and intuition.
When the Third Eye Chakra Is Out of Harmony
We focus only on our intellect and reject all spiritual aspects of ourselves. We do not trust (nor are aware of) our intuition, are only able to see the physical reality in life and carry a lot of fear in regard to our inner wisdom.
When the Third Eye Chakra Is In Harmony
We invite our intuition and awareness into everyday aspects of life. We trust our inner vision and act upon what our intuition tells us (which makes it stronger). We have a deep knowing beyond what we can physically see and are even in touch with our clairvoyance (the gift of taking in intuitive information through sight and vision).
SANSKRIT NAME
Ajna
OTHER NAMES
Sixth chakra, brow chakra, forehead chakra
LOCATION
Between the eyebrows
COLOR
Indigo
ELEMENT
Light
AFFIRMATION
“I see”
GLANDS
Pineal
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, nose
LIFE LESSON
To use insight and intuition, to see past the physical
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Brain tumor/hemorrhage, stroke, neurological disturbances, blindness, deafness, full spinal difficulties, learning disabilities, seizures, headaches, blurred vision
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Self-evaluation, truth, intellectual abilities, feelings of adequacy, openness to the ideas of others, ability to learn from experience, emotional intelligence
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
A lack of trust in one’s intuition
CRYSTALS
Lapis lazuli, amethyst, fluorite, lepidolite, sugilite, tanzanite, clear quartz, star sapphire, kyanite
ESSENTIAL OILS
Lavender, frankincense, sandalwood
7. THE CROWN CHAKRA
The last of the spiritual chakras—the crown chakra—is a source of connection to the Divine and our higher selves.
When the Crown Chakra Is Out of Harmony
We feel totally disconnected from the Divine/Source/Universe/God/Dess. We may even have anger at God. We have difficulty trusting our path, and our lives in general. We feel depressed, alone, unsatisfied with life, and unable to let go of anxiety and fear.
When the Crown Chakra Is In Harmony
We live in the knowledge of Unity—the idea that we are all connected. We understand that we are individual reflections of the Divine, trust that we are connected to the Divine, and understand that our individual identity goes beyond the physical form. We are also more able to easily elevate our consciousness.
SANSKRIT NAME
Sahasrara
OTHER NAMES
Seventh chakra
LOCATION
At the top and center of the head
COLOR
Purple, white, gold
ELEMENT
Thought
AFFIRMATION
“I know”
GLANDS
Pituitary
PHYSICAL BODY PARTS
Muscular system, skeletal system, skin, cerebral cortex, central nervous system
LIFE LESSON
To experience the divine meaning of life
PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION
Energetic disorders, depression, chronic exhaustion that is not linked to physical disorder, extreme sensitivity to light/sound/other environmental factors, confusion, apathy, alienation
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Ability to trust life, values, ethics, courage, selflessness, ability to see the larger pattern or picture, faith, inspiration, spirituality, devotion
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ENERGY BLOCKS
Lack of trust in the Divine or life, unresolved anger toward the Divine
CRYSTALS
Amethyst, clear quartz, Herkimer diamond, labradorite, moonstone, selenite, phenacite, kunzite, apophyllite, white topaz
ESSENTIAL OILS
Frankincense, peppermint, sandalwood, lotus
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