THE CHAKRAS
Image Attribution: By LordtNis - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47747148
What are chakras?
Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. They are energy centers (or wheels) in the non-physical body through which life force (prana) flows. Originally introduced through Buddhism, they correspond to nerve centers and organs in the physical body. Imbalances or blockages can manifest as physical, emotional or psychological problems.
The state of each chakra may vary and can impact the whole. Ideally all 7 chakras will be in a state of open and harmonious activity which I refer to as "balanced". That means that energy is flowing through them unimpeded and with ease. This awareness and alignment of energy will positively impact all aspects of your life including your enlightenment journey.
There are many variations of teachings, each of which may include any number of chakras. In general, there are 7 generally accepted main chakras. The description below is intended to provide general guidance and is not an exhaustive list of each chakra's impact.
The first chakra, the Root Chakra (muladhara) sits at the base of the spine and is the center of our security and survival and represented by the colors red or black. It is associated with legs, bones and the emotion of fear. Disfunction can manifest as eating disorders.
The second chakra, the Sacral Chakra (svadhisthana) is located near our sexual organs and is involved with our sexuality, creativity and identity. It is represented by the color orange. It is associated with the reproductive system and the emotion of guilt. Disfunction can manifest as urinary tract infections.
The third chakra, the Solar Plexus (manipura) is located a couple of inches above our navel. It is the source of our power and will and is represented by the color yellow. It is associated with the stomach and the emotion of shame. Disfunction can manifest as digestive problems or chronic fatigue.
The fourth and central chakra, the Heart Chakra (anahata) connects the three lower and three upper chakras signifying the connection between matter and spirit. Located in the area of our physical heart, it is our source of love and connection and is represented by the color green or pink. It is associated with the heart and lungs and the emotion of fear. Disfunction can manifest as depression.
The fifth chakra, the Throat Chakra (visuddha) is located in the area of our physical throat and it is involved with our expression, communication and our ability/willingness to speak our truth. It is represented by the color blue. It is associated with the thyroid and teeth. Disfunction can manifest as lying or laryngitis.
The sixth chakra, the Third Eye (ajna) is located in between our eyebrows. It is the source of our psychic abilities and intuition and is represented by the color red violet or purple. It is associated with the eyes and ears and disfunction can manifest as migraines,.
The seventh chakra, the Crown Chakra (sahaswara) is located at the crown of our head. It is the chakra of enlightenment and oneness and the source of our connection to the divine. It is represented by the color blue violet of crystal clear. It is associated with the central nervous system and disfunction can manifest as confusion or anxiety.
There are many ways to help bring your chakras into balance; meditation, emotional processing, yoga, and of course, crystal healing. In crystal healing the standard approach to help open and balance a chakra is to select a stone with the color that represents the respective chakra. However, my preference is to let your intuition guide you. Choose whatever crystal you are drawn to, for often, what your mind analyzes and deems as the "problem area" may not always be at the root of the "wound".