Tantric tradition accords each individual with seven energy centers that serve as junction points between the body and consciousness, or between matter and mind. These spinning vortices, called chakras in Sanskrit, receive, assimilate and express our vital life energy. When the flow of energy in one or more of the chakras becomes blocked, physical and mental illnesses can easily develop.
Ancient seers perceived the chakra system as a column of energy centers, extending form the base of the spine to the top of the head. The location of each chakra loosely corresponds to an area of the body’s anatomy and is associated with a specific color. The the seven chakras and their Sanskrit names are described below:
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First Chakra: Muladhara (red) |
Located at the base of the spine, the first energy center, sometimes called the root chakra, relates to our most basic survival needs and our sense of belonging, whether to our family or a larger group. When this chakra is clear and energy flows through it freely, we feel secure and confident that we can easily fulfill our needs. On the other hand, blockage in this area can cause us to feel anxious and worried.
This chakra, which connects us to the earth, gives us vital information about whether actions we’re considering will nourish us or pose a threat. When we have a decision to make, we can listen to the signals of the root chakra: Uncomfortable sensations are a message to be alert and reconsider, while pleasant feelings indicate that a given course of action is likely to meet our needs for safety and nourishment.
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Second Chakra: Svadhisthana (orange) |
This chakra resides in reproductive area and is associated with birth and creativity “ both literally to a new baby but also metaphorically to new aspects of ourselves, projects and ideas. When this chakra is healthy, we’re tapped into the source of higher energy that helps us write beautiful music, develop an innovative business, or create a loving family life. When this chakra becomes congested, we may experience a block in our creative powers and a sense of dryness or emptiness.
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Third Chakra: Manipura (yellow) |
The third chakra, which governs our will, self-esteem and sense of personal power, resides in the solar plexus. When energy flows freely through this center, we’re confident about our ability to manifest our intentions and desires. When the third chakra is blocked, however, we feel powerless and frustrated.
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Fourth Chakra: Anahata (green) |
This energy center is sometimes referred to asthe heart chakra because it resonates in the heart and relates to compassion and love. When the fourth chakra is flowing and open, we feel deeply connected to everyone in our life. But when it’s obstructed, we experience loneliness and a sense of alienation.
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Fifth Chakra: Vishuddi (blue) |
This energy center is localized in the throat area and relates to communication and self-expression . . . the ability to voice our dreams. When our center of communication is clear, we can express our truth without concern about what others may think. In contrast, with a congested fifth chakra, we feel anxious about how other people will react to our views and are likely to censor ourselves.
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Sixth chakra: Ajna (indigo) |
The sixth chakra, also known as the brow chakra or the third eye is located between the eyes. It’s the center of insight, where we integrate all the information and intuition in our life. When energy isn’t flowing easily through this chakra, we have a sense of self-doubt and distrust. When it’s open and clear, we feel deeply connected to our inner wisdom and trust that it guides us in our choices.
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Seventh chakra: Sahasrara (violet) |
This chakra resides at the crown of the head and is therefore sometimes called the crown chakra. It connects us to Divine consciousness and pure awareness. The seventh chakra is known as theThousand Petaled Lotus that bursts open when we remember our true nature and experience enlightenment.
Chakra Tuning
According to Tantra, each chakra possesses a specific vibration or primordial sound that we can repeat to release any energy that may be congested in that region. We can open up blocked energy by focusing our attention and intention on the location of a chakra, and repeating its associated sound or mantra aloud. The following lists the energy centers with their corresponding vibrational sounds:
Base of Spine: LAM
Reproductive Area: VAM
Solar Plexus: RAM
Heart: YAM
Throat: HAM
Forehead: SHAM
Crown: AUM
The practice of sound healing is known as chakra tuning and helps heal the body and enliven the energy centers. We can tune all of the chakras during a meditation session, moving up the spine. Alternately, it’s also useful to focus on a single chakra related to a physical or emotional difficulty we may be experiencing. For example, if we have a nervous stomach and feel powerless about some issue in our life, we can focus on the third chakra and repeat the sound RAM.
The chart below summarizes the seven major chakras:
1st Chakra ¦ Source of life force, grounding.
Sanskrit Name: Mulhadara Means: Root or Support the seat of collective unconsciousness. |
Color: Red “ Black Endocrine System: Kidneys, Liver Organs: Large Intestine, Vertebral Column, Skeleton Function: Survival, Physical Vitality, venue of the Kundalini, imaginative expression. Crystals: Agate, jasper, garnet, coral, ruby, Black tourmaline, hematite, onyx |
2nd Chakra (Sacral / Spleen) Self Confidence, Sexual Energy Center Sanskrit Name: Swadhisthana Means: Place of our inner self the seat of individual unconsciousness |
Color: Orange Endocrine System: Reproductive System, ovaries, prostate, testicles Organs: Genitals, Kidneys, Gall Bladder Function: Sexual Energy Center, Center of Emotions and Sensations. Possible Dysfunctions: Lack of Confidence, Relationship difficulties Crystals: Carnelian, Sun Stone, Red Coral, Zircon, Orange Calcite Element: Water Keyword: « I Feel » |
3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus) Connecting point of Earth and Cosmic Energies. Joy of living Sanskrit Name: Manipura Means “the City of happy onesâ€. the transmission point of consciousness, physical energy, and temperature. |
Color: Yellow Endocrine System: Pancreas (Liver) Organs: Stomach, Liver, Gall Bladder, Digestive and Nervous Systems Function: Power Center of Wisdom Possible Dysfunctions: Anxiety, Nervousness, Fatigue, Tension Crystals: Citrine, Amber, Tiger’s Eye, Rutilated Quartz, Smokey Quartz, Pyrite Element: Fire Keyword: « I Want » |
4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) Healing Power Sanskrit Name: Anahata the seat of the soul and center of the heart |
Color: Green / Rose “ Spiritual Heart Endocrine System: Thymus Organs: Heart, Lungs, Liver, Sanguine Circulation Function: Love , Compassion Possible Dysfunctions: Emotional Hardness, Selfishness, Lack of acceptance Crystals: Green- Emerald, Jade, Tourmaline, Malachite, Aventurine, Agate Mousse, amazonite, Calcite Rose- Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Kunzite, Agate from Botswana, Tourmaline Element: Air Keyword: « I Love » |
5th Chakra (Throat) Communication and Self Expression Center Sanskrit Name: Vishuddi Means Purity or Purification the seat of human sound |
Color: Sky Blue Endocrine System: Thyroid Organs: Throat, Lungs Function: Communication Possible Dysfunctions: Lack of Communication, Agitation, Instability Crystals: Aqua-marine, Chalcedony, Turquoise, Pearls, Moonstone, Opal, Fluorine, Calcite Blue Element: Ether Keyword: « I Communicate » |
6thChakra (Third Eye) Clairvoyance Centre Sanskrit Name: Ajna Means: Authority informs our direct interior knowledge and reality |
Color: Indigo Blue Endocrine System: Pituitary Gland Organs: Sympatic Nervous System / Hypothalamus Function: Center of Intuition, Venue of Will and Clairvoyance Possible Dysfunctions: Lack of Initiative, Does not feel her inner self, Fuzziness Crystals: Lapis-lazuli, Blue Sapphire, Azurite, Sodalite, Blue Quartz, Falcon’s Eye Keyword: « I See / I Understand » |
7th Chakra (Crown) It is the center of immediate perception of the essential. Sanskrit Name: Sahasrara also called the Thousand Petal Lotus the venue of human achievement |
Color : Violet, White Endocrine System : Pineal Gland Organs: Brain Cortex Function: Unification of Spiritual Activities |