Beginner’s guide to Chakras
Chakras are centers of energy, located on the midline of the body. There are seven of them, and they govern our psychological properties. The chakras located on the lower part of our body are our instinctual side, the highest ones our mental side. Anatomically, the seven major chakras are located either along, or just in front of, the spine following a central energy line called the Sushumna. Associated with the chakras is a latent subtle energy called kundalini.
Chakras on the midline of the body, The chakras can have various levels of activity. When they’re “open,” they’re considered operative in a normal fashion.
Ideally, all chakras would contribute to our being. Our instincts would work together with our feelings and thinking. However, this is usually not the case. The ideal state is where the chakras are balanced bringing one to a state of oneness with the Absolute.
Chakra Locations
Root Chakra
Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded. The root chakra is the first chakra. Its energy is based on the earth element. It’s associated with the feeling of safety and grounding. It’s at the base of the chakra system and lays the foundation for expansion in your life.
Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.
Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money and food.
Sacral Chakra
Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences. The sacral chakra is the second chakra. It is associated with the emotional body, sensuality, and creativity. Its element is water and as such, its energy is characterized by flow and flexibility. The function of the sacral chakra is directed by the principle of pleasure.
Location: Lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel and two inches in.
Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality.
Solar Plexus Chakra
Our ability to be confident and in control of our lives. The Solar Plexus chakra is the third chakra. It is associated with the expression of will, power, mental abilities, and personal responsibility. Its element is fire and as such, its energy is characterized by transmutation and heat. The Solar Plexus chakra is directed by the principle of power and the intellect.
Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem.
Heart Chakra
Our ability to love. The Heart chakra is the fourth chakra. Located at the center of the chakra system, it bridges the spiritual and the earthly chakras. It is associated with the many expressions of love, compassion, and relating to others and oneself. The function of the Heart chakra is driven by the principle of connection and integration.
Location: Center of chest just above the heart.
Emotional issues: Love, joy and inner peace.
Throat Chakra
Our ability to communicate. The Throat chakra is the fifth chakra. Located at the center of the neck at the level of the throat, it is the passage of the energy between the lower parts of the body and the head. The function of the Throat chakra is driven by the principle of expression and communication.
Location: Throat.
Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings and the truth.
Third Eye Chakra
Our ability to focus on and see the big picture. The third eye chakra is the sixth chakra. Located on the forehead, between the eyebrows, it is the center of intuition and foresight. The function of the third eye chakra is driven by the principle of openness and imagination.
Location: Forehead between the eyes (also called the Brow Chakra).
Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom and the ability to think and make decisions.
Crown Chakra
The highest chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. The crown chakra is the seventh chakra. Located at the top of the head, it gives us access to higher states of consciousness as we open to what is beyond our personal preoccupations and visions. The function of the Crown chakra is driven by consciousness and gets us in touch with the universal.
Location: The very top of the head.
Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality and pure bliss.
