Chakras
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Chakra System
Beyond our physical body lies a complex tapestry of energetic layers, often called auras or subtle bodies. These layers, each with its own density and sensitivity, shape the movement and expression of our life force. At the heart of this energy system are the chakras—dynamic centers that act as gateways for prana, the vital force that nourishes us across all levels of being. Prana bridges the gap between our material form and energetic essence, supporting our physical, mental, and spiritual vitality. When the chakras are in harmony, energy flows freely, fostering clarity, balance, and ease in daily life. But when one becomes blocked or misaligned, that flow is disrupted, often manifesting as tension, fatigue, or emotional unrest. Understanding and nurturing chakra balance is essential to maintaining an open, vibrant connection to our full energetic potential.
Understanding the Seven Main Chakras
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Survival, grounding, stability
The Root Chakra, or Muladhara, forms the energetic foundation of the chakra system. It anchors us to the earth and governs our core survival instincts—such as safety, stability, and the need for shelter and belonging. When balanced, it supports our ability to feel grounded and secure in the physical world.
This chakra is uniquely oriented downward, drawing vital energy from the earth into both our physical and energetic bodies. It initiates the upward flow of energy through the rest of the chakra system, influencing our overall vitality and sense of presence.
A Balanced Root Chakra
In harmony, the Root Chakra fosters feelings of safety and security, grounding us firmly in the present reality. It cultivates a stable internal environment where strength, vitality, and assertiveness can flourish, enhancing our ability to navigate and manage our material existence effectively.
Emotional Symptoms of Root Chakra Imbalance
If overactive, it may lead to aggressiveness, a propensity for taking unnecessary risks, a narrow focus on the material aspects of existence, and pronounced self-centeredness. On the flip side, when underactive or blocked, an individual might experience a disconnection from physical reality, leading to existential fears, feelings of detachment, anxiety, and a lack of core strength or “backbone.”
Physical Symptoms of Root Chakra Imbalance
An imbalance in the Root Chakra primarily manifests through physical symptoms that affect the structural and foundational aspects of the body. This chakra is crucial for our sense of security and survival, and when it’s out of balance, it can lead to noticeable discomfort and health issues in areas related to its energetic influence.
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
- Weight issues
- Knee problems
- Sciatica
- Hemorrhoids
- Eating disorders
Practices for Balancing the Root Chakra
Fortifying the Root Chakra is key to fostering our stability and security, achieved by deepening our bond with the earth and our surroundings. Activities such as walking barefoot on grass, engaging in grounding-focused meditation, and immersing ourselves in nature are powerful practices for aligning this chakra.
Employing specific essential oils, including patchouli, cedarwood, and vetiver, can significantly contribute to grounding and stabilizing effects. These scents enhance our connection to the Earth, aiding in the realignment of the Root Chakra.
Integrating crystals like Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, and Hematite into our meditation practices or simply carrying them with us can boost the Root Chakra’s energy. These stones are known for their grounding and protective properties, essential for maintaining chakra balance.
Consuming foods that resonate with the Root Chakra, such as root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and beets) and protein-rich foods, provides both physical nourishment and energetic grounding. These dietary choices support the foundational qualities of the Root Chakra, enhancing overall well-being.
- I am grounded, secure, and deeply connected to the Earth.
- My foundation is strong, and I trust in the abundance of life.
- I move through my days with confidence, stability, and a profound sense of peace.
- Every breath brings me closer to my true self, rooted in strength and courage.
- I am supported, loved, and protected at all times.
At the base of the spine, near the coccyx
Primarily Red (sometimes also associated with Black for grounding)
Earth
Smell
LAM
Saturn- Saturn brings structure, discipline, and grounding—mirroring the Root Chakra’s role in stability and survival.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Creativity, sexuality, pleasure
The Sacral Chakra, or Svadhisthana, is the seat of our emotional and creative energy. Located just below the navel, it governs desire, sensuality, pleasure, and the impulse to create—whether through art, relationships, or new experiences.
Closely linked to the element of water, this chakra reflects our ability to adapt, flow, and connect deeply with ourselves and others. It fuels our passions and emotional expression, playing a vital role in how we relate to joy, intimacy, and the process of transformation.
A Balanced Scaral Chakra
When the Sacral Chakra is in balance, it enhances our ability to experience life fully and joyfully. It fosters a sense of creativity, allowing self-satisfaction and the realization of personal potential. A well-tuned Sacral Chakra encourages healthy emotional expressions and the fluidity of creative endeavors.
Emotional Symptoms of Scaral Chakra Imbalance
When overactive, the Sacral Chakra may lead to feelings of excess: emotions can become heightened to the point of being overwhelming, leading to issues such as emotional dependency, hypersensitivity, and tendencies towards addiction. Individuals might find themselves in a constant search for pleasure, often at the expense of their own or others’ well-being, resulting in tumultuous relationships and a lack of genuine connection.
Conversely, an underactive Sacral Chakra can manifest as a lack of passion and creativity, emotional numbness, and a fear of pleasure. People with an underactive Sacral Chakra may struggle with connecting to others on an emotional level, leading to isolation and a sense of detachment from the joys of life. They might experience a lack of desire and motivation, finding it challenging to engage in creative activities or derive pleasure from their daily experiences.
Physical Symptoms of Sacral Chakra Imbalance
Physical symptoms related to an imbalance in the Sacral Chakra typically affect the reproductive system, urinary tract, and lower abdomen, reflecting its association with sexuality, creativity, and emotional identity. Since this chakra governs pleasure and well-being, issues like menstrual irregularities, urinary infections, and lower back pain manifest due to disrupted flow of creative and sexual energies.
- Menstrual pain
- Urinary issues
- Infertility
- Lower back pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pelvic pain
- Hip joint discomfort
Practices for Balancing the Scaral Chakra
Indulging in creative activities like painting, writing, dancing, or any form of artistic expression can unlock the flow of energy through the Sacral Chakra. These practices not only nurture our creative spirit but also facilitate emotional release and healing.
The element associated with the Sacral Chakra is water, which symbolizes fluidity and adaptability. Spending time near water, whether it’s a bath, a river, or the sea, can help balance this chakra, reflecting the qualities of flow and change.
Essential oils such as ylang-ylang, orange, and sandalwood can be used to harmonize the Sacral Chakra. Their fragrances support emotional balance, enhance creativity, and promote a sense of pleasure and satisfaction.
Crystals like Carnelian, Orange Calcite, and Tiger’s Eye resonate with the Sacral Chakra’s energy. Whether worn as jewelry or placed in personal spaces, these crystals can aid in amplifying creativity, balancing emotions, and fostering a healthy sense of self-esteem and pleasure.
Foods that are orange in color or rich in water content, such as oranges, melons, and coconuts, can support the Sacral Chakra. These foods promote fluidity in our body and energy, mirroring the chakra’s essence.
- I embrace my creativity and passion with open arms.
- My emotions flow freely and healthily, connecting me to the joy of life.
- I honor my body as a temple of pleasure and expression.
- With every moment, I allow myself to experience and enjoy life fully.
- I am confident in my ability to create and manifest my desires.
- My relationships are balanced, enriching, and supportive.
- I am radiant, vibrant, and filled with the energy of creation.
Approximately three finger-widths below the navel
Orange
Water
Taste
VAM
Jupiter- Jupiter expands joy, creativity, and emotional expression, aligning with the Sacral Chakra’s flow of passion and pleasure.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Willpower, personal power, self-esteem
The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura, is the center of personal power, will, and self-definition. Situated in the upper abdomen, it governs our confidence, motivation, and ability to act with purpose. This chakra empowers us to transform intention into action and to assert our identity in the world.
Associated with the element of fire, it fuels our inner drive and determination, burning away doubt and inertia. As the energetic hub of autonomy and ambition, it shapes how we navigate challenges, claim our authority, and move forward with clarity and strength.
A Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra
A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra manifests as a strong sense of self-worth, the courage to make decisions, and the energy to follow through on our ambitions. It supports a healthy level of self-discipline and the ability to set boundaries, fostering a sense of autonomy and personal power.
Emotional Symptoms of Solar Plexus Chakra Imbalance
An overactive Solar Plexus Chakra often results in an excess of control and power over one’s environment and relationships. This can lead to dominating behavior, anger, stubbornness, and a need for constant recognition. Individuals might struggle with perfectionism or an overwhelming sense of competitiveness, driving them to push themselves and others too hard, which can strain relationships and personal well-being.
On the other hand, an underactive Solar Plexus Chakra tends to produce a lack of self-esteem, willpower, and assertiveness. Individuals may experience feelings of helplessness, passivity, and indecision, finding it challenging to take action or make decisions. This lack of confidence can lead to anxiety about being rejected or judged by others, causing one to withdraw from social situations or avoid taking on leadership roles they are capable of handling.
Physical Symptoms of Solar Plexus Chakra Imbalance
Imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra often results in digestive system issues, such as ulcers, indigestion, and diabetes, mirroring its role in personal power, self-esteem, and energy conversion. It’s the core of our identity and willpower; thus, its misalignment can disrupt the bodily processes that transform food and emotions into energy, leading to physical manifestations like fatigue and liver dysfunction.
- Digestive problems
- Liver dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Gastritis
- Fatigue
- Ulcers
- Pancreatic issues
Practices for Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra
Exercise, especially activities that focus on the core, can energize and strengthen the Solar Plexus Chakra, enhancing feelings of vitality and inner strength.
Spending time in the sunlight can recharge the Solar Plexus Chakra, as its element is fire. Sunlight nurtures our energy center, promoting warmth and growth.
Essential oils like lemon, ginger, and peppermint are known for their uplifting and energizing properties, which can stimulate the Solar Plexus Chakra and boost self-confidence.
Yellow crystals, such as Citrine, Yellow Jasper, and Tiger’s Eye, resonate with the energy of the Solar Plexus Chakra. They encourage self-assurance, clarity of purpose, and personal power.
Consuming yellow foods and grains that support digestion, like bananas, pineapples, corn, and whole grains, can strengthen the Solar Plexus Chakra. These foods encourage proper energy flow and digestion, key aspects of this chakra’s influence.
- I am empowered, confident, and assertive in my actions.
- My inner strength shines brightly, guiding me to express my personal power with integrity.
- I trust in my ability to achieve my goals and embrace the challenges that come my way as opportunities for growth.
- I stand firm in my decisions and trust my intuition to lead me.
- My willpower is strong, and I am fully in charge of my life’s direction.
- I radiate positivity and courage, inspiring those around me.
- I am worthy of success, abundance, and fulfillment.
Above the navel, in the upper abdomen
Yellow
Fire
Sight
RAM
Mars- Mars represents action, courage, and drive—key forces behind the willpower and confidence of the Solar Plexus.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Love, compassion, connection
The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is the energetic bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Positioned at the center of the chakra system, it harmonizes the grounded instincts of the lower chakras with the elevated awareness of the upper ones. This chakra governs our capacity for unconditional love, compassion, and emotional openness, allowing us to form meaningful connections with ourselves and those around us.
A Balanced Heart Chakra
When the Heart Chakra is in harmony, it fosters feelings of love, warmth, empathy, and a deep sense of peace and connectedness. It promotes emotional healing, allowing us to give and receive love freely, and to live life with a compassionate and joyful heart.
Emotional Symptoms of Heart Chakra Imbalance
When the Heart Chakra is overactive, there may be an overwhelming outpouring of emotions, leading to issues such as codependency, possessiveness, and an excessive need for approval and affirmation from others. Individuals might find themselves overextending in relationships, giving too much of themselves in the pursuit of love and acceptance, often neglecting their own needs in the process.
Conversely, an underactive Heart Chakra can result in emotional withdrawal, coldness, and a fear of intimacy. People with this imbalance often struggle to open up to others, leading to isolation and a feeling of disconnection. They may harbor bitterness or resentment, finding it hard to forgive and move past hurts. This guarded emotional state hinders the ability to form close, meaningful relationships and to experience love and compassion fully.
Physical Symptoms of Heart Chakra Imbalance
The Heart Chakra’s imbalance can lead to cardiovascular problems, asthma, and lung issues, which directly correlate with its themes of love, compassion, and connection. Since it bridges the lower physical and upper spiritual chakras, issues in the heart or circulatory system emerge when we’re disconnected from love, impacting our ability to give and receive it freely, thus affecting heart health.
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Asthma
- Lung issues
- Shoulder tension
- Circulatory system disorders
- Breast ailments
Practices for Balancing the Heart Chakra
Spending time in green spaces, surrounded by the natural world, can help open and heal the Heart Chakra, aligning us with the vibrancy of life and the essence of love.
Focusing on love and compassion during meditation, possibly visualizing a radiant green light enveloping the heart, can foster healing and balance within the Heart Chakra.
Engaging in practices that cultivate gratitude and forgiveness can significantly impact the health of the Heart Chakra, encouraging a state of openness and emotional well-being.
Essential oils such as rose, jasmine, and lavender have heart-opening properties. They can encourage emotional warmth and the release of blockages affecting the Heart Chakra.
Green crystals like Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, and Malachite are powerful allies for the Heart Chakra, promoting love, healing, and emotional balance.
Incorporating green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli, or foods rich in healthy fats like avocados and olive oil, can support the physical and energetic aspects of heart health.
- I am open to giving and receiving love freely and fully.
- My heart is filled with compassion, understanding, and kindness.
- I forgive myself and others, releasing all burdens from my heart.
- Love guides all my relationships and interactions.
- I am connected to the abundant love of the universe.
- My heart is strong, resilient, and full of joy.
Center of the chest, just above the physical heart
Green and Pink
Air
Touch
YAM
Venus- Venus governs love, harmony, and connection, perfectly reflecting the Heart Chakra’s energy of compassion and emotional balance.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Communication, self-expression, truth
The Throat Chakra, or Vishuddha, governs the flow of communication and the power of authentic expression. As the energetic center of voice and sound, it enables us to articulate our inner truth and to listen with presence and clarity. This chakra empowers the alignment between thought and speech, bridging the internal world with the external through words, tone, and resonance.
A Balanced Throat Chakra
A balanced Throat Chakra allows for free-flowing expression and the ability to listen and communicate effectively. It fosters creative expression, clear communication, and a sense of integrity with one’s inner truth.
Emotional Symptoms of Throat Chakra Imbalance
An overactive Throat Chakra may lead to speaking without thinking, excessive talking, and a tendency to dominate conversations. This can result in speaking harshly or inappropriately, often without considering the feelings or opinions of others. Such individuals might struggle with listening and can come across as overly critical or judgmental.
On the flip side, an underactive Throat Chakra is characterized by difficulty in expressing thoughts and feelings. Individuals may experience a fear of speaking out, leading to withholding their truths, which can cause feelings of invisibility or being misunderstood. This imbalance often results in a lack of confidence in one’s voice and ideas, making it challenging to communicate effectively in personal and professional settings.
Physical Symptoms of Throat Chakra Imbalance
Physical symptoms such as thyroid imbalances, sore throats, and dental problems are indicative of a Throat Chakra imbalance because this chakra is centrally involved in communication and self-expression. When there’s an imbalance it can manifest physically in the areas governed by the Throat Chakra. The energy disruption affects the throat, thyroid gland (which regulates metabolism and energy), and oral health, as these are directly linked to the chakra’s energetic influence.
- Throat infections
- Thyroid imbalances
- Dental issues
- Jaw disorders (TMJ)
- Voice loss
- Ear infections
- Neck pain
Practices for Balancing the Throat Chakra
Practicing mindful speaking and active listening can strengthen the Throat Chakra, enhancing clarity and understanding in interactions.
Using the voice through singing, chanting, or humming can activate and open the Throat Chakra, promoting healthy energy flow.
Engaging in writing, painting, or any form of artistic expression that involves conveying personal truth can help balance Vishuddha, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and chamomile can support the Throat Chakra, facilitating clear communication and soothing the throat area.
Blue crystals, such as Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, and Aquamarine, resonate with the Throat Chakra’s energy. They encourage honest expression and aid in overcoming communication barriers.
Consuming soothing teas and foods, especially those incorporating honey, lemon, and fruits like blueberries, can physically support the throat area and energetically align with the Throat Chakra.
- I communicate my truth clearly and confidently.
- My words reflect the authenticity of my soul.
- I listen with an open heart and mind.
- My voice is necessary and my opinions are valued.
- I express myself creatively and freely.
- Harmony and honesty guide my conversations.
Throat area
Blue
Ether (Space)
Hearing
HAM
Mercury- Mercury is the planet of communication and expression, supporting the Throat Chakra’s role in speaking truth and expressing the self.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Intuition, imagination, wisdom
The Third Eye Chakra, or Ajna, governs intuition, insight, and inner perception. As the energetic center of vision and awareness, it allows us to see beyond the surface of things and connect with deeper truths. This chakra refines our ability to perceive patterns, access inner wisdom, and align the mind with higher understanding, bridging the conscious and subconscious realms through clarity and intuition.
A Balanced Third Eye Chakra
A harmonious Third Eye Chakra cultivates strong intuition, clear thought, and the ability to recognize patterns and truths beyond surface appearances. It enables creative visualization, spiritual awareness, and a sense of connectedness with the universe.
Emotional Symptoms of Third Eye Chakra Imbalance
With an overactive Third Eye Chakra, individuals might find themselves overwhelmed by fantasies and illusions, losing touch with reality. This can lead to an excessive preoccupation with psychic phenomena or a tendency to over-intellectualize emotions, making it hard to stay grounded. People may also experience anxiety or paranoia, as the boundary between intuition and fear becomes blurred.
Conversely, an underactive Third Eye Chakra manifests as a lack of imagination, intuition, and foresight. Individuals may struggle with narrow-mindedness, denial, or an inability to see beyond the physical and material. This lack of vision can result in difficulty recognizing patterns, making decisions, or being open to new ideas, leading to a feeling of being mentally stuck or disconnected from one’s intuitive self.
Physical Symptoms of Third Eye Chakra Imbalance
Headaches, vision problems, and sinus issues are common physical manifestations of an imbalanced Third Eye Chakra, reflecting its influence on intuition, foresight, and mental clarity. Since this chakra oversees perception and insight, disturbances can impair the neurological system and sensory organs, particularly those located in the head.
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Sinus congestion
- Eye strain
- Sleep disorders
- Hormonal imbalance
- Concentration issues
Practices for Balancing the Third Eye Chakra
Focusing on the area of the Third Eye during meditation, possibly visualizing an indigo light or flame, can stimulate this chakra, enhancing intuition and inner sight.
Regularly writing down dreams, intuitions, and reflective thoughts can enhance the connection with your inner wisdom, fostering the Third Eye Chakra’s development.
Specific yoga poses, such as Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), can help activate the Third Eye Chakra, promoting a sense of inner balance and clarity.
Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and clary sage are believed to open and balance the Third Eye Chakra, supporting deeper insight and clarity of thought.
Indigo or dark blue crystals, including Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, and Azurite, resonate with Ajna’s energy. They can encourage heightened intuition, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness.
Foods rich in dark blue or purple, such as blueberries, purple grapes, and blackberries, as well as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds, can support the health of the Third Eye Chakra.
- I trust my intuition and inner guidance.
- My vision is clear, and I see all aspects of life with wisdom.
- I am open to the wisdom of the universe flowing through me.
- I imagine and create with clarity and purpose.
- I am connected to the deeper meanings of life.
Between the eyebrows
Indigo
Light (or Mind)
Intuition / Sixth sense
OM
Moon- The Moon enhances intuition, perception, and inner awareness—qualities central to the Third Eye’s spiritual vision.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Spirituality, enlightenment, consciousness
The Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara, is the center of spiritual connection, divine consciousness, and universal awareness. As the highest point in the chakra system, it links us to realms beyond the physical and opens us to higher states of being. This chakra facilitates the flow of pure awareness, allowing us to experience unity, transcendence, and the infinite wisdom that lies beyond the thinking mind.
A Balanced Crown Chakra
When the Crown Chakra is in balance, it fosters a profound sense of peace, spiritual wisdom, and a deep understanding of life’s purpose. It allows for an open and enlightened perspective, where personal boundaries dissolve into a sense of oneness with all that is.
Emotional Symptoms of Crown Chakra Imbalance
When overactive, the Crown Chakra might lead to a disconnect from earthly matters, resulting in an obsession with spiritual pursuits that can detach individuals from their physical and emotional realities. This can give rise to feelings of superiority or a sense of living in a spiritual realm without paying attention to the practical aspects of life, leading to neglect of self-care and relationships.
In contrast, an underactive Crown Chakra is characterized by a lack of purpose, spiritual disconnection, and cynicism. Individuals may feel a deep sense of aimlessness or a belief that life lacks meaning. This disconnection can lead to depression, inability to make decisions, and a profound feeling of isolation from others and the world at large.
Physical Symptoms of Crown Chakra Imbalance
The Crown Chakra’s imbalance is less likely to cause distinct physical symptoms but may contribute to chronic exhaustion, sensitivity to light and sound, and neurological disorders. It connects us to higher states of consciousness and spiritual well-being; thus, its imbalance can lead to a disconnection from the physical body and its needs, manifesting as symptoms related to the brain and overall vitality.
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Neurological issues
- Chronic exhaustion
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Practices for Balancing the Crown Chakra
Pursuing knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all its forms can stimulate the Crown Chakra, encouraging a lifelong journey of spiritual and intellectual growth.
Practicing meditation, particularly in silence or with chanting, can significantly enhance the connection to the Crown Chakra, fostering a sense of universal unity and peace.
Engaging in mindful practices or prayer connects you with the higher power, whatever your beliefs may be, promoting a sense of spiritual well-being and guidance.
Spending time in nature, observing the vastness of the sky or the stars, can help to open the Crown Chakra, reminding us of the universe’s infinite nature and our place within it.
Occasionally detoxifying the body through fasting or mindful eating can clear blockages in the Crown Chakra, enhancing spiritual receptivity.
Essential oils such as frankincense, myrrh, and lavender can support the Crown Chakra, facilitating spiritual connection and enlightenment.
Violet or clear crystals, like Amethyst, Clear Quartz, and Selenite, resonate with Sahasrara’s energy, promoting spiritual awareness and a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
- I am one with the universe, and the universe is within me.
- I am open to divine wisdom and guidance in all aspects of my life.
- My spirit is eternal and boundless.
- I live in the present moment, fully aware of my spiritual connection.
- I embrace my spiritual journey with grace and trust.
Top of the head
Violet or White
Thought / Cosmic Energy
Beyond the five senses
Silence or OM
Sun- The Sun symbolizes pure consciousness and divine light, just as the Crown Chakra connects us to universal wisdom and higher awareness.
The Seven Chakras at a Glance
The chakras are aligned along the spine, each influencing a different aspect of our inner and outer life. Their vertical arrangement reflects the natural flow of energy in the body—from grounding at the base to expanded awareness at the crown.
Energetic Awareness Starts Here
Working with the chakras is more than a practice—it’s a journey back to yourself. As we awaken and harmonize each energy center, we create space for healing, clarity, and deep connection to who we truly are. By tuning into these energy centers and supporting their balance, we open the door to greater clarity, vitality, and inner harmony. Through crystals, intention, breath, or stillness, we begin to feel the natural rhythm of our energy and remember that balance already lives within us. All it takes is a little awareness—and a lot of heart.
Take your practice further with crystal meditation for chakra alignment.