Chakras. You’ve possibly noticed your Yoga teacher mention them in class. Or heard the hippy-dippy character on your favourite TV show drawl about them being “blocked”. Or perhaps you’ve purchased crystal jewellery that comes with a label claiming that the stone will help to clear one of your chakras. Chakras are all around us, but what exactly are they?
Chakras rose to popular culture in the 1960s during the surge in Eastern religion being explored in the west. Traditionally speaking, they are a part of a complex and ancient energy system that has its roots in India. We can find the first recorded explorations and research on the Chakras in the Vedas, a group of ancient and sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC.
Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) translates thereabouts to “wheel” in English and refers to the energy points within your body. They are thought to be spinning wheels of energy that carry our life force (prana) around the subtle layers of the body, mind and spirit. They also correspond to major nerve plexus’, organs, and areas of our body that affect our emotional and physical well-being. This is especially curious as dissecting a dead human body would’ve been thought of as sacrilege during the time of The Vedas – meaning the chakra points were originally discovered and researched through great spiritual understanding and energetic work.
Some say there are up to 114 different chakras within the energy system, but there are seven main chakras that correspond with the central column of your body. These are the major chakras and are the ones you are most likely to hear discussed within the Yoga room.
Each of these seven main chakras can be thought of as having a supporting number, crystal, element, colour, vibration, specific area of the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head, and health contribution. Below is a short breakdown of the seven major chakras and their corresponding
- Root Chakra – Muladhara (mool-ah-dara) – Red – 396hz – Japser/Obsidian – Earth
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals. The lowest point of our spinal column to the earth – the root chakra governs our security and sense of self within the world. It is the first building block onto which we grow upwards and forms our roots that help us stay grounded and nourished. The root chakra thrives when our basic human needs are met. These include safety, family, friendship, food, water, financial and sexual.
- Sacral Chakra – Swadisthana (swod-is-tana) – Orange – 417hz – Orange Calcite – Water
The sacral chakra is located just underneath the navel, in the womb space or equivalent for people without a uterus. Orange in colour, the sacral chakra governs our sexuality, creative energy and ability to explore fluidly into the world. Represented by the element of water, the sacral chakra encourages us to move, explore, breathe and change state fluidly and without resistance. This energy centre thrives with we are explorative, embodied and creative – including our sexual energies which are sacred within Yogic tradition.
- Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura (man-ee-poor-ah) – Yellow – 528hz – Amber/Citrine – Fire
Manipura translates to English as “Kingdom of Jewels”. A regal and strong chakra, this energy centre governs our sense of self esteem, confidence, self-worth and emotional health. Represented by the element of fire, when ignited Manipura is and incredible tool for driving us forward through life and towards our ambition. It is happiest when we are contented with ourselves and practice self-compassion.
- The Heart Chakra – Anahata (anna-hat-ah) – Green – 639hz – Emerald/Rose Quartz – Air
Anahata translates to “unstuck” in English. Located in the centre of the chest, this beautiful Chakra governs our flow of love, compassion, joy and happiness as we explore the world. Acting as a bridge between the lower, more physical chakras and the higher, more metaphysical chakras, Anahata aligns us with love and our highest expression of self.
- Throat Chakra – Vishuddha (vish-ood-ah) – Blue – 741hz – Amazonite/Turquoise – Space
The first of our more spiritual chakras, the throat chakra resides in the centre of the neck. Governing our ability to communicate with truth and authenticity. It also powers the way in which we speak to ourselves and to others, happiest when we are honest, but compassionate with our words. Mantra, sacred song and music can help to align this chakra.
- Third Eye Chakra – Ajna (aj-nah) – Indigo – 852hz – Amethyst – Ether
Seen most frequently in psychedelic media where our protagonist undergoes a spiritual awakening as opens the space in between the eyebrows in order to see into the universe. The third eye chakra is a powerful energy centre governing our spiritual wellness, insight, clarity and intuition. When in alignment the third eye allows us to see the bigger picture and approach our lives with compassion and respect for others. It also allows us to see our life circumstances with clarity and understand our input into the universal balance.
- Crown Chakra – Sahasrara (sah-hass-rah-rah) – White – 936hz – Quartz – Enlightenment
The final in our 7 chakra spread, the crown chakra is the unfurling lotus petal crown perched atop the head. Connecting us with the cosmic intelligence and wisdom of the greater universal consciousness, the crown chakra is a beautiful white light pouring forth goodness into the cosmos. This chakra governs our ability to feel connected, a sense of ‘oneness’, true love for all things and full, compassionate joy. Sounds good right? A regular meditation practice or working with light/vibrational practices such as sound healing or reiki can help to ignite the crown chakra.