Chakras, the Seven Life-Force Energy Centers

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Chakras, the Seven Life-Force Energy Centers

Chakra is a Sanskrit word literally meaning "wheel". Because of the circular shape to the spinning energy centers which exist in our subtle (etheric) body, which is the non-material counterpart of our physical one, these centers were given the name "chakra". There are seven main chakras and they are located along the spine and extend out the front of the body. Each chakra has a color and is associated with issues of living, as well as our internal glands and organs. There are also corresponding earth elements and astral bodies.

These circular spirals of energy differ in size and activity from person to person. The chakras are connected to a central and two lesser channels of energy (Shushumna in the center, Pingala on the right and Ida on the left) which run parallel to the spinal cord. Chakras both take up and collect Prana (life force energy) and transform and pass on energy. Our material bodies could not exist without them for they serve as gateways for the flow of energy and life into our physical bodies.

Each chakra is associated with a certain part of the body and a certain organ which it provides with the energy it needs to function. Additionally, just as every organ in the human body has its equivalent on the mental and spiritual level, so too every chakra corresponds to a specific aspect of human behavior and development. The lower chakras are associated with fundamental emotions and needs, for the energy here vibrates at a lower frequency and is therefore denser in nature. The finer energies of the upper chakras corresponds to our higher mental and spiritual aspirations and faculties.

The openness and flow of energy through our chakras determines our state of health and balance. Knowledge of our more subtle energy system empowers us to its function and our capability to maintain balance and harmony on the physical, mental and spiritual level. All meditation and yoga systems seek to balance out the energy of the chakras by purifying the lower energies and guiding them upwards.

In order for us to become fully self-realized and in harmony with our physical and etheric nature our darker lower energies need to be harmonized with the lighter energies of the upper centers. This is to say our survival and base tendencies have to be raised to incorporate heart-fullness and spiritual focus as we assume responsibility to create our world in our highest image. Like the oriental symbol Yin-Yang the two energy fields must be unified in order to create completeness.

Each center has an integral function in creating our energetic balance and it is through the study of our energetic and physical beings that we can create health, emotional stability and spiritual bliss.

7	Crown Chakra Sahasrara Top of the head Violet	Unification of colors Intelligence Divine Wisdom / Bliss Grace and positive energy Pineal gland Upper brain and right eye Gem = Pearl Pluto	This chakra represents the highest level of consciousness and enlightenment. It is the seat of intuition and direct spiritual vision. This center integrates all the chakras with their respective qualities.
6	Third Eye Chakra Ajna Forehead Indigo	Light Knowingness Self Mastery Construction of reality issues Pituitary gland Spine, lower brain, left eye, nose and the ears Gem = Diamond Sun	The seat of the will, intellect and spirit; it is here that we visualize things through our "third eye". The opening of the third-eye corresponds with spiritual awakening. It is the chakra of forgiveness and compassion.
5	Throat Chakra Vishuddha Throat Light Blue	Ether Communication Intuition / synthesis Sense of choice issues Thyroid gland Throat, upper lungs, arms, digestive track Gem = Sapphire Saturn	The center for communication, self-expression and creativity. This is where the inner voice of one’s truth is expressed. It is the chakra of diplomacy, of pure relationships with others, and of playful detachment.
4	Heart Chakra Anahata Center of chest Green / Pink	Air Heart Compassion / Love Power through love issues Thymus Heart, liver, lungs, blood circulation Gem = Ruby Venus	The center of real, unconditional affection, spiritual growth, compassion, devotion and love. It is the bridge connecting the lower and higher energies of our being and is the place where resides our Spirit, our true Self.
3	Solar Plexus Chakra Manipura or Nabhi Slightly above naval Yellow	Fire Will / Power Joy / motivation Self esteem issues Pancreas Stomach, liver, gall-bladder Gem = Emerald Jupiter	Located at the center of the body it is the place where physical energy is distributed. It is the center for unrefined emotions and personal power. It is the center that give us the sense of complete satisfaction and contentment.
2	Sacral Chakra Swadhishtana Slightly below naval Orange	Water Sexuality / Empathy Pleasure / Well-being Control issues Gonads Reproductive organs, legs Gem = Amethyst Mercury	It is the center of sexual energy and of the ego. The feelings of other people are directly perceived by this chakra. It is the chakra of creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge connecting us to the inner source of inspiration.
1	Root Chakra Muladhara Base of Spine Red	Earth Survival / Grounding /Stability Tribal issues Suprarenal glands, prostate Kidneys, bladder, spine Gem = Coral Mars	The seat of physical vitality and the fundamental urge to survive. It regulates those mechanism which keep the physical body alive. It is the chakra whose main aspect is innocence.