The word 'chakra' comes from Sanskrit and means 'wheel'. Chakras are the energy centres in the body that are believed, by healers, to be influenced by the thoughts. They are described and pictured as fans with overlapping blades and the individual chakras are associated with vibrant colours, which they both absorb and emit. Although there are hundreds of chakras in and around the body, healers concern themselves with the seven major ones, which are in the torso and head, each being sited near and associated with a hormonal gland.
These main chakras largely relate to the seven colours of the spectrum, moving from red as the base chakra through to violet as the crown chakra. The chakras push life energy, known as 'Chi', through the body and constantly radiate and receive energy themselves. Each of the major chakras is associated with the different thoughts and issues with which we are concerned. These include lifestyle, relationships, career, aspirations etc. In order to remain balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually these chakras need to remain 'open', spinning freely like a fan.
Positive thoughts for harmony, love and peace in life will lead to the chakras functioning fully, providing energy, determination and optimism. If, on the other hand, thoughts are negative, e.g. harbouring bitterness or jealousy, then the corresponding chakra will become blocked, the colour will become murky and will shrivel or swell. Mediation is the way forward to restore the balance again by clearing the blocked chakra.
The First Chakra (also referred to as the base or root chakra)
This is to be found at the base of the spine, the tailbone. This chakra spins emitting a rich red colour. It is associated with the survival instincts for our physical security e.g. shelter, food and warmth and other basic material needs.
The Second Chakra (also referred to as the sacral chakra)
This is located in the abdomen three or four inches (eight to ten centimetres) below the solar plexus. This chakra, bright orange in colour, spins slightly faster than the base chakra and is related to our physical desires and emotions. It is concerned with the physical pleasures such as sex, food and adventure as well as controlling addictions and bodily habits, e.g. fluctuation in weight, physical appearance, health, exercise and sleep.
The Third Chakra (also referred to as the solar plexus chakra)
This is found just above the navel and spins faster than the sacral chakra. Our emotions and thoughts affect this chakra, which appears as a vivid yellow. All our power and control, over both others and ourselves, is centred here.
The Fourth Chakra (also referred to as the heart chakra)
The heart chakra, the first of the upper chakras, relates to love and relationships. It spins medium to fast, creating the colour emerald green. Thoughts and feelings concerning our relationships with others affect it: lovers, friends, family, employers, peers, employers/ees, colleagues, teachers and strangers. It concerns love of all kinds e.g. romantic, platonic, parental, spiritual, as well as dealing with co-dependency and relationship obsessions/addictions (both positive and negative feelings.
The Fifth Chakra (also referred to as the throat chakra)
This is located just in front of the Adam's apple, spins rapidly and is a turquoise blue. It concerns communication, truthfulness, to the self as well as to others, and creativity associated with music, writing, the arts and teaching.
The Sixth Chakra (also referred to as the 'third eye' or brow chakra
This chakra is known as the 'third eye' because it is an oval shape, with an eye in the centre, located between the physical eyes. It resonates a deep indigo blue and is turned inwards, looking at the inner self. The third eye concerns everything you think, feel and do, relating to the future and past, including past lives, as well as to the present. It also relates to beliefs about the spirit world, including desires/fears of angels, apparitions etc.
The Seventh Chakra (also referred to as the crown chakra)
This final chakra, violet in colour, is just inside the top of the head and is likened to a ceiling fan. It is the centre for receiving information and ideas from the unconscious mind. It is often extremely active in creative people who become inspired with apparently little or no stimulation.
Chakra are described or seen as vortexes ( spinning wheels) of energy which receive, regulate and disperse the universal energies we need to function. The may also be perceived as flames or flowers or cones or as pulsating energy....
