Chakras, the Seven Life-Force Energy Centers

The Chakras System,
Our Seven Life-Force Energy Centers

“Chakra” is a Sanskrit word literally meaning "wheel." These centers were named as such because of the circular shape to the spinning energy centers which exist in our subtle etheric body, the non-material energetic counterpart to our physical body. There are seven main chakras and they are located along the spine extending out the front and back of the body. Each chakra has a number of specific qualities that correspond to the refinement of energy from the base-level material-self identity, located at the first chakras, up to the higher vibration spirit-level awareness of being at our crown. These energetic centers represent our highest level of integration split, prism like, into a spectrum of colors. Our opportunity in studying them is to learn how to master each chakra’s essence and unite them all into a unified field of brilliance. As such, we re-unite our disparate parts into a radian light of full self-awareness.

The chakras are formed at the junction of three connected energy shafts that ascend the spine, one on each side of the central channel, the Shushumna. The two lesser channels of energy -- the Pingala on the right and Ida on the left -- run parallel to the spinal cord. Chakras both take up and collect prana (life force energy) and transform and pass on energy. Our material bodies could not exist without them for they serve as gateways for the flow of energy and life into our physical bodies.

        Each chakra is associated with a certain part of the body and a certain organ which it provides with the energy it needs to function. Additionally, just as every organ in the human body has its equivalent on the mental and spiritual level, so too every chakra corresponds to a specific aspect of human behavior and development. Our circular spirals of energy differ in size and activity from person to person. They vibrate at different levels relative to the awareness of the individual and their ability to integrate the characteristics of each into their life. The lower chakras are associated with fundamental emotions and needs, for the energy here vibrates at a lower frequency and is therefore denser in nature. The finer energies of the upper chakras corresponds to our higher mental and spiritual aspirations and faculties.

                The openness and flow of energy through our chakras determines our state of health and balance. Knowledge of our more subtle energy system empowers us to maintain balance and harmony on the physical, mental and spiritual level. All meditation and yoga systems seek to balance out the energy of the chakras by purifying the lower energies and guiding them upwards. Through the use of grounding, creating “internal space,” and living consciously with an awareness of how we acquire and spend our energy we become capable of balancing our life force with our mental, physical and spiritual selves.

        In order for us to become fully self-realized and in harmony with our physical and spiritual nature our denser lower energies need to be harmonized with the lighter energies of the upper centers. This is to say our survival and base tendencies have to be raised to incorporate a heart-felt spiritual focus expressed in all areas of our being. Indeed, each of the upper-level energies corresponds and refines a lower level counterpart: 7^th with 1^st, 6^th with 2^nd, 5^th with 3^rd. In the center of our being is full integration into the heart.

       Each center has an integral function in creating our energetic balance. It is through the study of our energetic and physical being that we can create health, emotional stability and spiritual bliss. The following chart maps out the primary qualities of each chakra, its corresponding location in the body, color, physical and emotional realms of influence, and its greater significance.

7	Crown Chakra Sahasrara Top of the head Violet Symbol is the thousand-petaled lotus	Spirit Shiva/ Consciousness Unification of colors Intelligence / Bliss of Divine Wisdom Pineal gland Upper brain and right eye Gem = Pearl Planet = Pluto Spiral pair = root chakra 7/1 Excessive: cult leader, ego maniac Deficient: no spiritual inspiration/aspiration	This chakra represents the highest level of consciousness and enlightenment. It is the connective center to spirit. This center integrates all the chakras with their respective qualities. Mastering the lower vibrational aspects of our being we reside in the full awareness that we are spiritual beings living a human existence
6	Third Eye Chakra Ajna Forehead Indigo Seed mantra = Aum Symbol is a descending triangle within a circle	Light Knowingness / Intuition / Perception Self Mastery, wisdom, imagination Pituitary gland, spine, lower brain, left eye, nose and the ears Gem = Diamond Planet = Sun Sense = Sixth sense, higher mind Spiral pair = sacral chakra 6/2 Excessive: overly intellectual; overly analytical Deficient: unclear thought; deluded	The seat of intuition and direct spiritual vision; it is here that we visualize things through our “third eye” of intuitive knowledge. The opening of the third-eye corresponds with spiritual awakening. It is the chakra of forgiveness and compassion.
5	Throat Chakra Vishuddha Throat Light Blue Seed mantra = Hum Symbol is a circle within a descending triangle	Ether Communication / Creativity Sound / Intuition / Synthesis Self expression / Desire to speak and hear the truth Thyroid gland, throat, upper lungs, arms, digestive track Gem = Sapphire Planet = Saturn Sense = Hearing Spiral pair = solar chakra 5/3 Excessive: willful, controlling, judgmental, hurtful speech Deficient: lacking faith, unable to creatively express, silent child	The center for communication, self-expression and creativity. This is where the inner voice of one’s truth is expressed. It is the chakra of diplomacy, of pure relationships with others, and of playful detachment. Speaking with a knowledge of our interconnectivity through Spirit reflects mastery of this energy.
4	Heart Chakra Anahata “Un-struck” Center of chest Green / Pink Seed mantra = Yum Symbol is intertwined descending and ascending triangles	Air Compassion / Love / open-hearted desire for self-acceptance balance emotions, harmony, place of integration Thymus, heart, liver, lungs, blood circulation Gem = Ruby Planet = Venus Sense = touch Spiral pair = the center 4/4 Excessive: inappropriate emotional expression; poor emotional boundaries Deficient: ruthless, no heart, can’t feel emotions	The center of real, unconditional affection, spiritual growth, compassion, devotion and love. It is the bridge connecting the lower and higher energies of our being and is the place where resides our Spirit, our true Self, free and independent.
3	Solar Plexus Chakra Manipura “Illustrious gem” Slightly above the naval Yellow Seed mantra = Ram Symbol is a descending triangle	Fire Will / Power / Joy / Motivation self-esteem transformation, identification / mastery will over your own light power in relationship with others vitality, energy standing steady in your own self desire to express individuality Pancreas, stomach, liver, gall-bladder Gem = Emerald Planet = Jupiter Sense = sight Spiral pair = throat chakra 3/5 Excessive: egotistical, self-absorbed; ambitious self-driven warrior, desire to take control Deficient: poor self-worth; sensitive servant; feels disliked; martyr; needing to “do” all the time	Located at the center of the body it is the place where physical energy is distributed. It is the center for unrefined emotions and personal power. It is the center that give us the sense of complete satisfaction and contentment. Our creativity is fueled by our power of will.
2	Sacral Chakra Swadhishtana Slightly below naval Orange Seed mantra = Vam Symbol = up-turned crescent	Water Relationships / Sexuality / Empathy Pleasure / Well-being connection, delight emotions, feeling, polarity, change Gonads and reproductive organs, legs Gem = Amethyst Planet = Mercury Sense = taste Spiral pair = third eye 2/6 Excessive: manipulative, controlling, lustful, addictive Deficient: co-dependent, martyr, submissive, doesn’t feel anything, shut down	This energy is the center for creating relationships of all kinds. It is where we develop an inward sense of self and an outward awareness of others, ego, sexuality, and family and defined as we work with this energy. The feelings of other people are directly perceived through mastery of this chakra’s energy.
1	Root Chakra Muladhara Base of Spine Red Seed mantra = Lam Symbol = Square	Earth Shakti / Manifestation Survival / Grounding / Stability gravitation drawing into a point trust, survival, self preservation root support, desire to be in the physical world Sense = smell Suprarenal glands, prostate Kidneys, bladder, spine Gem = Coral Planet = Mars Spiral pair = crown chakra 1/7 Excessive: overly possessive; fearful parent Deficient: homeless; ungrounded; victim	The seat of physical vitality and the fundamental urge to survive. It regulates those mechanism which keep the physical body alive. It is the chakra whose main aspect is innocence.

Crown Chakra Sahasrara

Top of the head Violet Symbol is the thousand-petaled lotus

Crown Chakra
Sahasrara

Top of the head
Violet

Symbol is the thousand-petaled lotus