The Seven Main Chakras

The world that we inhabit is full of various energies that are emitted by all living things. Whether perceived as good or bad, the energy of a person is emitted through their behavior, thoughts, words and actions. At all times, a person is inadvertently communicating with their world through the meeting of their energy with others. In Hinduism, the chakra चक्र, which means "wheel" in Sanskrit, is a point on the body where individual energy interacts with and meshes with the energy of the Universe. This occurs every day with all individuals despite their belief system or upbringing and is represented through their interaction with their family members and friends, their self-beliefs, religious preferences, political preferences, sexual practices and various other aspects.

While there are several points of energy on the body, seven main ones make up the major chakra system. Each of these seven points of spiraling energy represent the major aspects of human existence: Survival, Sexuality, Power, Love, Communication, Intuition and Spirituality. When one is unbalanced, it is possible that the rest are as well. Below, these seven energy centers are summarized and explained in slightly more detail. 

This is the first wheel of energy in the major chakra system. In Sanskrit "Muladhara" मूलाधार means "root or base". This chakra rests at the bottom of the spine and is associated with the color red. The root chakra is the spirits anchor to the physical world. Accordingly, its element is earth. It represents aspects of survival, endurance, health and the power to manifest what one desires in their life. When Muladhara is unbalanced, one may suffer monetary loss, or feel as if they are not able to provide for themselves. Muladhara can be balanced through meditating on the color red and speaking affirmations such as, "I am rooted" and "I can provide for myself."

The second chakra in the major system is the sacral vortex known as Svadhisthana स्वाधिष्ठान. Located between the genitals and the belly button, this chakra is in control of emotions and sexual desire as well as interactions based on affect. With an element of water, its obvious link to the tides, the moon and the female sex organs is apparent. Svadhisthana mean's "dwelling place or one's own abode" in Sanskrit and is the seat of ones ability to live a balanced sexual and emotional life. Its primary color is orange. When unbalanced, one may have difficulty regulating and understanding their feelings or have an unhealthy sexual life that is plagued with guilt or lack of inhibition. In order to balance Svadhisthana one should meditate on the color orange and state affirmations such as "I deserve pleasure in my life."

Self esteem is a powerful aspect of anyones life and this chakra regulates it. Manipura मणिपूर means "The city of jewels" in Sanskrit and is represented by the element of fire. When you feel nervous or uncomfortable, that burning feeling between your belly button and your sternum is this chakras way of telling you to recognize your self power. The predominant color for Manipura is yellow. When this chakra is unbalanced one will feel a lack of self empowerment, strong self dissatisfaction, lack of self representation and the inability to assert oneself. In order to balance this chakra, meditation on the color yellow is necessary along with the repetition of affirmations such as "My worth is unmeasured, " "I am in love with myself," and "I will assert my desires."

Located right over the heart, this chakra's function is obvious. Regulating love and the ability to grow friendships and relationships is Anahata's purpose. In Sanskrit, "Anahata" अनाहत mean's "unstruck or unhurt". Its predominant color is green, however pink has also been known to represent Anahata. The element for this chakra is air. When unbalanced, self healing after a loss is difficult, as well as forming close and spiritually intimate relationships with others. Hatred and judgment are also severe representations of an unbalanced heart chakra. When balancing this chakra, meditation on the color green is used as well as the affirmations "I love" and "Love flows through me."

Vishuddha is located over the throat. This chakra regulates communication and creativity in all forms whether it be writing, speaking, music or art. Vishuddha, विशुद्ध, in Sanskrit means "Purification" and its predominant color is blue. The element for Vishudda is ether. This is the first chakra that is not represented by an earthly or physical element. When Vishuddha is unbalanced, one will find it difficult to express themselves and communication will be stifled. Additionally, the telling of lies is in direct contrast to the purpose of the throat chakra. In order to balance this chakra, meditation on the color blue is beneficial. Additionally, speaking affirmations such as "I speak truth" and "I am heard" helps this chakra open to display its full power.

The Third Eye is very popular in media and pop culture and is even depicted on dollar bills and in other aspects of everyday life. Located on your forehead in between your eyebrows, Ajna, आज्ञा, regulates clairvoyance, imagination and intuition, and gives one the ability to "see everything"; even that which is not visible with the physical eye. In Sanskrit, Ajna means "to command" or "to percieve" and its element is light. The color which represents the Third Eye is indigo. When Ajna is unbalanced, one has difficulty adhering to their intuitive thoughts and it is difficult for them to make decisions based on what really is versus what they see. Additionally, imagination might be stifled and knowledge and wisdom will be difficult to access and perceive. In order to balance the Third Eye, one must meditate on Indigo or White and affirm "I see."

This chakra is located on the very top of your head and it is believed that upon death, the spirit departs through it. It is represented by the symbol "ohm" and the 1000 petaled lotus flower. Sahasrara is the halo depicted in the drawings of Abrahamic religions. It represents the individual soul's connection to the spirit world. Sahasrara सहस्रार means "thousand fold" and further represents enlightenment, realization of self, spiritual balance and awareness, universal understanding and deeper consciousness. The element of the crown chakra is thought and its color is violet even though it is usually depicted as having every color within the spectrum. When Sahasrara is unbalanced one will have a lack of self awareness, there will be no regard for spirit or the spirit of others, and knowledge will be limited. Sahasrara can be balanced by meditation on connecting lower conciousness with higher concsiousness. Affirmations of "I understand" and "I know" also assist in balancing Sahasrara.

Balancing your chakras is an amazing way to alleviate stress, anxiety, illness, low self esteem, debt, fear and other negative aspects of living. The chakras represent aspects of every person's life and issues that each individual must deal with despite their belief system. This article was to provide an initial introduction to these amazing concepts that their symbolism. In order to attain additional information on them, the books below can provide what is needed. I own each and every one of them and am looking for additional ones to add to my library. Suggestions are welcome as to further sources that can help me better understand the chakras and how to use them.