The 7 Chakras
Chakra is a Sanskrit word referring to the “spinning energy” centers in our bodies. The Chakra system is composed of seven main energy wheels that regulate our energetic bodies. The energy centers run along our spine staring at the base of our spine to the crown of our head. According to old yogic traditions, chakras correspond to a body part and our physical body, emotional body, mental body, and spiritual body. The physical body is associated with Root, Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras. Our emotional body is associated with the Heart Chakra. Our mental body is associated with the Throat and Third Eye Chakras. And our spiritual body is associated with our Crown Chakra. When open and aligned, these chakras healing energy (prana) flows through your body and makes us happy and healthy.
Root Chakra
The root chakra also called is the ultimate foundational chakra. It’s how we stay tethered to this earth. It sits at the base of our spine and is associated with the colors of red or black. Responsible for our feelings around safety and stability and is said to be the base of our hierarchical needs. This chakra keeps us grounded and feeling secure no matter what is going on around us. When our root chakra is open, we are less likely to feel overwhelmed or off-kilter both emotionally and physically. This chakra is also linked to the colon, bladder, and lower vertebrates. Crystals that suit the root chakra or red or black and have earthy vibes and protective powers.
Affirmation: I am safe and grounded.
Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra is our center of pleasure and play. This chakra is connected to our lower abdomen and reproductive organs. Our sexual energy sits here. The sacral chakra is where we find our desire and is the home of our creativity and childlike sense of self. The sacral chakra is located just below the navel in the center of the abdomen. It is associated with the colors of yellow and orange and has warming nurturing energy too. The sacral chakra connects to our physical issues of fertility, our emotional understanding of intuition and desire, and our spiritual sense of space and joy and happiness. When our sacral chakra is open, we can access our inner child, we don’t shy away from artistic expression and play, and we are able to hold boundaries well. Crystals that suit the sacral chakra are soft warming shades of orange and yellow and have feminine or fun earthly energy.
Affirmation: I am passionate about life.
Solar Plexus
Our solar plexus chakra is home to our warrior spirit and is found in the upper abdomen just below the breastbone in the center of our body. This is where we find all that awesome inner strength and self-confidence waiting to help us shine. It is associated with the colors yellow and gold. The solar plexus chakra is associated with our personal power, our intellect, our ambition, and how we physically and emotionally hold space for ourselves. When our solar plexus chakra is open, we feel in control of our life and as though we are the driver of our decisions. We are also less likely to slip into negative self-talk as we feel confident and assured. This chakra is connected to our energy levels. Crystals that suit the solar plexus chakra are bright and sunny and alive.
Affirmation: I am Powerful and confident.
Heart
The heart chakra is the epicenter of our love and compassion and heartfelt connection to others. The heart chakra doesn't just deal with our relations with others but also helps us to shape and sit comfortably in the way we love ourselves. The heart chakra can be found in the center of the chest - the heart space of the body. It is associated with the colors green and pink. The heart chakra is connected to our connection, compassion, and ways in which we can give and receive love from others and ourselves. When our heart chakra is open, we are able to live a full-hearted and joyous life without falling into traps of fear, jealousy, and self-destructive patterns. This chakra is connected with our chest and heart physically as well as emotionally. Crystals that suit the heart chakra are soft and loving and rich in compassion.
Affirmation: I am true to my inner voice.
Throat
The throat chakra is where our voice and truth flow from the inside out into the world. This is where we find our sense of expression and how we can communicate in a way that is in keeping with our authenticity. The throat chakra sits just above the collar bone in the neck and is associated with the color blue. The throat chakra deals with articulation, communication, and helps us to voice needs and boundaries and become an advocate for ourselves. An open throat chakra will help us to live in the light of our own truth. This chakra is also connected with physical issues to do with the throat and larynx as well as sinus and thyroid problems. Crystals that suit the throat chakra have gentle and thoughtful energy and a sense of purity and flow.
Affirmation: I am true to my inner voice.
3rd Eye
The third eye chakra is the gateway to all our inner wisdom and the well of our intuition. This is where we get in touch with our deepest inner selves and tap into those psychic powers and spiritual awareness. The third eye chakra sits in the center of the forehead just above the eyebrows. It is associated with the color of indigo or purplish-blue. Being a bridge between the throat and the crown it is the channel of truth and vision. An open third eye chakra can help us with clarity, understanding, trusting our gut, and looking inwards for all the answers and guidance we need. This chakra is connected to our thought processes and our eyes, ears, spinal cord and neurological health. Crystals that suit the third eye chakra have high vibrations and intuitive powers.
Affirmation: I am connected and cherished.
Crown
The crown chakra is our perfect pinnacle of being. This is where we find our enlightenment and where we connect to the universe and all its cosmic greatness. It is the source of our highest vibrations, our pure embodied energy, and our most sublime state. The crown chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with golden-white and violet colors. An open crown chakra can help us find our place in the world and see the bigger picture. It also helps us to find our feet in spiritual practice and opens us up to the gifts and messages that the universe has for us. This chakra is connected to a sense of purpose, our spiritual well-being, and our feelings of satisfaction. Crystals that suit the crown chakra are vessels for the highest vibrations and are master healers.
Affirmation: I am one with my higher self.
Various web pages were used to garner information about the Chakras. Some of them include:
Tiny Rituals, Google Images, Meditative Mind, Healthline, Kathleen Karlsen, Crystal Vaults, MindBodyGreen, Yoga Journal.