WORKING WITH CHAKRAS

What Is a Chakra?
‘Chakra’ is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, or vortex, and it refers to each of the seven main
energy centers of which our consciousness, our energy system, is composed.

These chakras, or energy centers, function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy
through our energy system by rotating the flow of energy in a clockwise direction. The
functioning of the chakras reflects decisions we make concerning how we choose to respond to
conditions in our life. We open and close these valves when we decide what to think, and what
to feel, and how we choose to perceive and experience the world around us.

The chakras are not physical, per say. They are aspects of our consciousness similarly like our
auras are aspects of our consciousness. The chakras are more dense than the auras, because of
the amount of energy which flows through them, but not as dense as the physical body.
Chakras interact with the physical body through two major vehicles, the endocrine system and
the nervous system. Each of the seven chakras is associated with one of the seven endocrine
glands, and also with a group of nerves called a plexus. Thus, each chakra is associated with
particular parts of the body and particular functions within the body controlled by that plexus
or that endocrine gland to which it is associated.

All of your senses, all of your perceptions, all of your possible states of awareness, everything it
is possible for you to experience, can be divided into seven categories. Each category is
associated with a particular chakra. Thus, the chakras represent not only particular parts of
your physical body, but also particular parts of your consciousness.

Understanding the chakras allows you to understand the relationship between your
consciousness and your body, and to thus see your body as a map of your consciousness. It
gives you a better understanding of yourself and those around you.

Maintaining balance within your chakras is important, because when your chakras are not
functioning correctly this can cause the glands associated to it and surrounding it to also
function incorrectly. When your chakras are not balanced you can usually feel this on both an
emotional and physical level.
SEVEN CHAKRAS
First Chakra – Root

Studying the individual chakras begins with the root chakra. The root chakra is located at the
base of the spine at the tailbone in back, and the pubic bone in front. This chakra holds the
basic needs for survival, security and safety. The root chakra is powerfully related to our
contact with the Earth, providing us with the ability to be grounded into the earth plane, and
our ability to manifest security and stability for our basic survival needs is affected by the state
of our root chakra. If this chakra is blocked an individual may feel fearful, anxious, insecure and
frustrated. Problems like obesity, anorexia nervosa, and knee troubles can occur. Feelings of
helplessness, unworthiness, lack of self-confidence or unhappiness with your physical body are
also signs and extreme blockage of your root chakra can lead to depression. Root body parts
include the hips, legs, lower back and sexual organs. The color associated to this chakra is red.

Sanskrit Name: Muladhara (root)

Mantra: LAM

Basics: This is the seat of the Kundalini. It is linked to survival, stability, acceptance, self-
preservation, deep-rootedness, perception, grounding, fear and safety.

Rights: To be here, To have.

Blocks: Fear

Hormonal Glands: Reproductive Organs

Sense: Smell

Body: Physical Body

Essential Oils: Patchouli, Cedar wood, Sandalwood.

Crystals: Garnet, Ruby, Agate, Onyx, Haematite, Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Smokey Quartz,
Bloodstone, and Red Tiger’s Eye.

Planets: Mars, Pluto and Saturn.

Signs: Aries, Taurus, Scorpio and Capricorn.

Element: Earth.

Healing Tips: Physical activity, touch, massage, reconnects with your body, grounding, hatha-
yoga. Reclaim your right to be here!

Excessive: Sluggish, lazy, tired, monotony, obesity, overeating, hoarding, materialism, greed,
Fear of change, addiction to security

Deficient: Fearful, anxious, restless, lack of discipline, underweight, financial difficulty Chronic
disorganization

Balanced: Good health, vitality, well grounded, sense of trust in the world, feeling safe and
secure, stability, prosperity, ability to relax
Second Chakra – Belly (Sacral)

The next chakra or second chakra is often referred to as the belly or (sacral). It is located two
inches below the navel and is rooted into the spine. This center holds the basic needs for
sexuality, creativity, intuition, and self-worth. This chakra is also about friendliness, creativity,
and emotions. It governs people’s sense of self-worth, their confidence in their own creativity,
and their ability to relate to others in an open and friendly way. It¹s influenced by how emotions
were expressed or repressed in the family during childhood. Proper balance in this chakra
means the ability to flow with emotions freely and to feel and reach out to others sexually or
not. If this chakra is blocked a person may feel emotionally explosive, manipulative, obsessed
with thoughts of sex or may lack energy. Belly body parts include sexual organs (women),
kidneys, bladder, and large intestine. The color used with this chakra is orange.

Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana (sweetness)

Mantra: VAM

Basics: Sexuality, emotions, creativity, codes of honor and ethics.

Rights: To want, To feel.

Blocks: Guilt.

Hormonal Glands: Pancreas

Sense: Touch / Taste

Body: Etherial

Essential Oils: Rosemary, Juniper, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rose, Ylang-Ylang.

Crystals: Amber, Citrine, Topaz, Moonstone, Fire Agate, Orange Spinel, Fire Opal, Carnelian

Planets: Moon, Venus, Pluto.

Sign: Libra, Cancer, Scorpio.

Element: Water.

Healing Tips: Movement, therapy, emotional release, inner child work, boundry work, assign
healthy pleasures, develop sensate intelligence

Excessive: Sexual, pleasure addiction; excessively sensitive and strong emotions; invasion of
others, seductive manipulation; obsessive attachment; emotional dependency.

Deficient: Poor social skills; frigidity, fear of sex, lack of desire, passion, excitement, denial of
pleasure; fear of change; rigidity in attitudes

Balanced: Graceful movements; emotional intelligence; ability to experience pleasure; nurture

of self and others; ability to change; healthy boundaries
Third Chakra – Solar Plexus

The third chakra is referred to as the Solar Plexus. It is located two inches below the breastbone
in the center behind the stomach. The third chakra is the center of personal power, the place of
ego , of passions, impulses, anger and strength. It is also the center for astral travel and astral
influences, receptivity of spirit guides and for psychic development. When the Third Chakra is
out of balance you may lack confidence, be confused, worry about what others think, feel that
others are controlling your life, and may be depressed. When balanced you may feel cheerful,
outgoing, have self-respect, expressive, enjoy taking on new challenges, and have a strong
sense of personal power. The body parts for this chakra include the stomach, liver, gall bladder,
pancreas, and small intestine. The color for this chakra is yellow.

Sanskrit name: Manipura (lustrous gem)

Mantra: RAM

Basics: Power, self-esteem, self-image, energy, will, responsibility.

Rights: To act and to be an individual.

Blocks: Shame

Hormonal Glands: Adrenal Gland

Sense: Sight.

Body: Astral

Essential Oils: Juniper, Lavender, Bergamot, Rosemary

Crystals: Citrine, Amber, Tiger’s Eye, Peridot,Yellow Tourmaline, Yellow Topaz.

Planets: Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars.

Signs: Leo, Sagittarius, and Virgo.

Element: Fire.

Healing Tips: Risk taking, stress control, vigorus exercise, sit ups, psychotherapy (release or
contain anger, build ego strength, work on shame issues and strengthen your will)

Excessive: Overly aggressive, dominating, controlling, blaming, arrogance, manipulative, power

hungry, stubbornness, hyperactivity, excessively ambitious and competitive

Deficient: Low energy, weak will, poor self-esteem, passive, sluggish, fearful, poor self-
discipline, emotionally and physically cold, victim mentality, blaming of others, unreliable, poor
digestion

Balanced: Feeling of tranquility and inner harmony, self-acceptance, respect for the nature and
emotions of others, feeling of unity with the rest of humanity, responsible, reliable, confidence,
spontaneity, sens of humour, able to meet challenges
Fourth Chakra – Heart

The fourth chakra is referred to as the heart chakra. It is located behind the breast bone in front
and on the spine between the shoulder blades in back. This is the center for love, compassion
and spirituality. This center directs one¹s ability to love themselves and others, to give and to
receive love. This is also the chakra connecting body and mind with spirit. When this chakra is
out of balance you may feel sorry for yourself, paranoid, indecisive, afraid of letting go, afraid of
getting hurt, or unworthy of love. When this chakra is balanced you may feel compassionate,
friendly, empathetic, desire to nurture others and see the good in everyone. Body parts for the
fourth chakra include heart, lungs, circulatory system, shoulders, and upper back. The color
used for this chakra is green.

Sanskrit name: Anahita (unstruck)

Mantra: YAM

Basics: Love, Unconditional Love, Self-Love, forgiveness, relationships, intamacy, devotion.

Rights: To be loved and to love in return.

Blocks: Grief

Hormonal Glands: Thymus Gland

Sense: Touch

Body: The Feeling Body

Essential Oils: Sandalwood, Rose, Cedar wood.

Crystals: Rose Quartz, Emerald, Jade, Aventurine, Malachite, Rhondonite.

Planets: Venus, Saturn, Sun.

Signs: Libra, Leo, Sagittarius

Element: Air

Healing Tips: Self-Discovery, co-dependency work, forgiveness, inner-child work, work with
arms, hugs, reaching out, taking in, breathing exercise.

Excessive: Demanding, jealousy, co-dependency, poor boundaries, overly sacrificing, possessive

Deficient: Antisocial, withdrawn, cold, shy, critical, judgmental, intolerant, loneliness,

depression, fear of intimacy and relationships, lack of empathy, narcissism, bitter

Balanced: Compassionate, loving, self-loving, empathetic, peaceful, balanced, good immune

system
Fifth Chakra – Throat

The fifth chakra is referred to as the Throat. It is located in the V of the collarbone at the lower
neck and is the center of communication, sound, and expression of creativity via thought ,
speech, and writing. The possibility for change, transformation and healing are located here.
The throat is where anger is stored and finally let go of. When this chakra is out of balance you
may want to hold back, feel timid, be quiet, feel weak, or can¹t express your thoughts. When
this chakra is balanced you may feel balanced, centered, musically or artistically inspired, and
may be a good speaker. Body parts for the fifth chakra are throat, neck, teeth, ears, and thyroid
gland. The color for this chakra is blue.

Sanskrit name: Vissudha (purification)

Mantra: HAM

Basics: Communication, self-expression, self-discipline, speaking, one’s truth.

Rights: To speak the truth, and to hear the truth.

Blocks: Lies

Hormonal Glands: Thyroid Gland

Sense: Hearing

Body: Mental Body

Essential Oils: Lavendar, Patchouli

Crystals: Lapis lazuli, Aquamarine, Sodalite, Turquoise, Sapphire, Blue-Lace Agate, Blue
Tourmaline, Blue Quartz.

Planets: Venus, Mercury, Uranus, Mars.

Sign: Taurus, Gemini, Aquarius

Element: Ether (Akasa)

Healing Tips: Learn communication skills, letter writing, inner child communication, practice
silence, storytelling, story writing, singing, chanting, toning, release voice, loosen neck and
shoulders.

Excessive: Too much talking, talking as a defense, inability to listen, gossiping, interruptions,
over-extended, stuttering

Deficient: Fear of speaking, small, weak voice, difficulty putting feelings into words, shyness,
tone deaf, poor rhythm

Balanced: Good listener, resonant voice, good sense of timing and rhythm, clear
communication, lives creatively
Sixth Chakra – Third Eye

The sixth chakra is referred to as the Third Eye. It is located above the physical eyes on the
center of the forehead. This is the center for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of
spirit and light. It also assists in the purification of negative tendencies and in the elimination of
selfish attitudes. Through the power of the sixth chakra, you can receive guidance, channel, and
tune into your Higher Self. When this chakra is not balanced you may feel non-assertive, afraid
of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. When this chakra is balanced and open
you are your own master with no fear of death, are not attached to material things, may
experience telepathy, astral travel, and past lives. Sixth chakra body parts include the eyes,
face, brain, lymphatic and endocrine system. The color used for this chakra is indigo.

Sanskrit name: Ajna (to perceive)

Mantra: HAM-KSHAM

Basics: Intuition, imagination, ability to see one’s life clearly, use of mind / intellect.

Rights: To See.

Blocks: Illusion

Hormonal Glands: Pituitray Gland

Sense: Intuition (Sixth Sense)

Body: High Mental Body

Essential Oils: Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Spearmint.

Crystals: Amethyst, Azurite, Flourite, Lapidolite, Sodalite.

Planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, Neptune.

Signs: Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces

Element: Light

Healing Tips: Meditation, visualization, visual stimulation, create visual art, coloring, drawing,
working with memory, dream work, hypnosis, guided visual meditation, past life regression
therapy.

Excessive: Hallucination, nightmares, obsessions, delusions, difficulty concentrating, headaches

Deficient: Poor vision and memory, insensitivity, lack of imagination, difficulty visualizing,
difficulty seeing the future, can’t remember dreams, denial

Balanced: Intuitive, perceptive, imaginative, good memory, able to visualize, able to think
symbolically, able to remember dreams
Seventh Chakra – Crown

The seventh chakra is referred to as the Crown. It is located just behind the top of the skull. It is
the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward
flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. This is also the center of
connectedness with the Goddess (God), the place where life animates the physical body. The
silver cord that connects the aura bodies extends from the crown. The soul comes into the body
through the crown at birth and leaves from the crown at death. When this chakra is unbalanced
there may be a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy, and destructive feelings. Balanced
energy in this chakra may include the ability to open up to the Divine and total access to the
unconscious and subconscious. The color used for this chakra is violet.

Sanskrit name: Sahasrara (thousand-fold)

Mantra: OM

Basics: Awareness, spiritual search for meaning, issues of karma and grace, grace bank account,
spiritual awakening, divine discontent

Rights: To Know

Blocks: Attachment

Hormonal Glands: Pineal Gland

Sense: Consciousness

Body: The soul, the karmic, causal body

Essential Oils: Jasmine, Frankincense

Crystals: Diamond, Clear Quartz, Moldavite, Selenite, Pyrite, Amethyst

Planets: Saturn and Neptune

Signs: Capricorn and Pisces

Element: Thought

Healing Tips: Reestablish physical, emotional, spirit connection, spiritual discipline, meditation,
examine belief systems, goal setting

Excessive: Over-intellectualization, spiritual addiction, confusion, dissociation from body

Deficient: Spiritual cynicism, learning difficulties, rigid belief systems, apathy, materialism,
greed, domination of others

Balanced: Sense of spiritual connection, open-minded, wisdom and mastery, broad

understanding, intelligent, thoughtful, aware, ability to perceive, analyze and assimilate
information