What Are Chakras?

The word Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of the seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition, the Chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much more.

Chakra One

Earth, physical identity, oriented to self preservation located at the base of the spine, this Chakra forms our foundation. It represents the earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts. ideally, this chakra brings us health, security, and dynamic presence.

Chakra Two

Water, emotional identity, oriented to self gratification, the second Chakra is located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, and is related to water, to emotions, and sexuality. It connects us with others through feelings, desires, sensations, and sexuality. Ideally, this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change.

Chakra Three

Fire, ego identity, oriented to self definition, this Chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. it rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, and non-dominating power.

Chakra Four

Air, social identity, oriented to self acceptance, this Chakra is called the heart chakra and is the middle chakra in a system of seven. It is related to love, and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace

Chakra Five

Sound, creative identity, oriented to self expression, this is the Chakra located in the throat and is thus related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as vibration of sound representing language.

Chakra Six

Light, archetypal identity, oriented to self reflection, this Chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. It opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy, it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us “see the big picture”.

Chakra Seven

Thought, universal identity, oriented to self knowledge, this Chakra is the crown chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, space-less place of all knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss.

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