Learning about the chakras has been like finding a map into my experience. Whether we know it or not we refer to the chakras almost daily. Have you ever wondered how love and the heart are connected? We all speak regularly about the relationship between the heart and love but when you really stop and think about it, no medical school spends time explaining how love is generated in the muscle of the heart. Why? Because love is energy generated in the heart chakra, not the physical heart muscle ... well, it is and it isn't.
Or, why do we naturally tap our forehead when we are trying to remember something? Because the third eye chakra is all about seeing more than what is there. The energy produced there is perfect for bringing things into remembrance. There are many more examples to share. After learning the chakras I have a place to start when a pain shows up suddenly or an emotion arises. I can look for clues to what might be behind my experience in the chakras.
Each chakra has a color that correlates to the energies it supports. I hope you can use this beginner information to understand and support your chakra system.
1. The Root Chakra - Red
The Sanskrit word is Muladhara, meaning “support” or “pillar. It’s located right at the base of your spine, on your coccyx. It is the base or root of your whole chakra system. It houses the energies associated with survival, fight or flight, instinct, stability, material safety, trust, and security. The root chakra also impacts our passion, physical strength, and signals warnings and dangers.
Balanced. you will feel strong and have plenty of willpower, persistence, and able to endure hard things with patience. You will feel a connection with earth and nature. Life feels orderly, and you feel economic, mental, physical, and spiritual stability.
Out of balance you may experience laziness, narcissism, and trepidation. You may over-worrying, and/or rage. You may lack a sense of safety. Physical issues might include colon pain, constipation, sciatica, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, prostate issues, or menstrual cramps.
Red is a stimulating vibration of color. It is often used as a warning color to get your attention. Red Jasper, Hematite, Cuprite, Mahogany Obsidian, Tourmaline, Rhodonite, Garnet, and Bloodstone crystals support this dense vibration.
2. The Sacral Chakra - Orange
The Sanskrit word is swadisthana, meaning “Your own seat,” or “One’s own place.” It is located just below the navel. It houses energies of sensuality, creative expression, compassion, pleasure, and wisdom. The sacral chakra is healing and compassionate and can be a place to access "gut" wisdom.
Balanced you will feel creative. You accept your body and accept the "flaws" in your own body and in others. You feel independent and curious. You are optimistic and even playful.
Out of balance you may experience lack boundaries. You might feel shame about sex and your body. You may feel a lot of jealousy, and fear. You may become obsessive about loved ones and are unable to be alone for long periods of time.
Orange is a fun and happy vibration of color. It is enthusiastic! It is equally red and yellow (rooted and powerful). Unakite, Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Red Jasper, Citrine, and Sunstone help the sacral energy attune to a balanced state.
3. The Solar Plexus Chakra - Yellow
The solar plexus is often referred to as the power chakra. It sits above the navel button which is called your core. Physically, if you build and strengthen your core you are more powerful and strong. The same idea applies to your solar plexus. It is your confidence and self-esteem as well as your willpower and motivation.
Balanced you are able to assert yourself with the balance of justice and mercy. You know and trust yourself. You are confident and have a good sense of self. You feel strong and are able to strengthen your weaknesses.
Out of balance you may hold a lot of fear. You may believe in conspiracies or that people are out to get you. You have difficulty making decisions and trusting yourself or others. You may blame others for your troubles and cannot receive criticism without getting defensive. You may have trouble sleeping.
Yellow is the color of the sun. Without the power of the sun, we would cease to exist. It is bright and cannot be hidden. Carnelian, Topaz, Malachite, Amber and Yellow Sapphire will bring balance to the solar plexus.
4. The Heart Chakra - Green or Pink
The heart chakra is your true center. It is the bridge from the three lower physical-emotional chakras to the three higher mental and spiritual chakras. It is where the energy of love vibrates for ourselves and loved ones but also for all of mankind and every living thing. The Sanskrit word is Anahata meaning unhurt, immaculate, or unspoiled. It sit right in the heart center.
Balanced you are able to accept others as they are. There is a balance of self-love and love for others. we know empathy for ourselves and others. We feel connected and receive love.
Out of balance you may feel lonely and isolated. You might tend to intellectualize too much. Lung problems, heart problems, and upper back problems may be pointing to a blockage in this energy.
Green is the color of nature. The earth is filled with green and some refer to this as a symbol of God's love. Green is calming and healing.
Pink is equally white which symbolizes purity and red which symbolizes action. Pink is compassionate and nurturing. Rose quartz, Rhodochrosite, Jade, Green Aventurine, and onyx support the heart chakra beautifully.
5. The Throat Chakra - Blue
The Sanskrit word for the throat chakra is Vishuddi which means “especially pure". It holds a balance between the energy of our heart chakra's love and the reasoning energy of the third eye chakra. In our unique combining of the two, we find our own true voice or self. This is the energy of the expression of our thoughts and feelings.
Balanced there is an ease in communicating your needs and expressing who you are. The sound and tone of your voice is strong and you listen to others without getting defensive. Your creations are manifested in the world.
Out of balance you may struggle to speak up for yourself. You may yell a lot or speak too quietly. You may feel shy or controlling. You may lie a lot or you may gossip. Thyroid problems, mouth, or neck issues may be a sign of an imbalance of the throat chakra.
Blue is the color of an unclouded sky. Blue is restful and represents truth. Blue is the most common favorite color. Lapis lazuli, Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, and Blue Topaz can help the throat chakra thrive.
6. The Third Eye Chakra - Indigo
The Sanskrit word for the third eye chakra is Ajna which means “knowledge". The third eye chakra is our connection to the spiritual world or non-physical. It brings an understanding of things, insights, and connections that may be unseen by the physical eyes. It is often referred to as our "sixth sense". It sits in the middle of the forehead or between the eyes.
Balanced we feel wise with a sense of inner peace. We can see our goals and how to achieve them. The idea of "spiritual awakening" holds this energy. Important things become clear and the unimportant fades away.
Out of balance you may lose perspective of things. You may easily forget things and are stubborn about what you know unwilling to learn new things. You make experience headaches or earaches.
Indigo is a blending of heavens ways and your own individual ways represented in the crown chakra and the throat chakra. As you blend the two you "see" your own path. Celestite, Amethyst, Labradorite, Fluorite, Obsidian, Sodalite, Kunzite, and Apophyllite are common stones that balance and open the third eye chakra.
7. The Crown Chakra - Purple or Violet
The Sanskrit word for the crown is Sahasrara which represents a lotus flower with a thousand petals. It sits just above the head and holds the energy of our connection to God and heaven. It is an energy of higher learning and consciousness. Faith, spiritual power, and awareness of all beings vibrate here.
Balanced we understand and are comfortable in paradox. There is a sense of oneness with all the earth and with all beings. All the chakras are flowing freely and we feel a deep connection to all that is divine.
Out of balance we may detach from reality. We may have a mental disorder or desire to stop living. Greed, conceit, or being overwhelming or feeling these from others may point to an imbalance. Addictions or spiritual crises are asking for attention to the crown chakra.
Purple is a symbol of royalty. It is the highest of the vibration we are able to see with the naked eye. It is often associated with mystery and magic. Amethyst, Apophyllite, Charoite, Danburite, Herkimer Diamond, Howlite, Labradorite, Lepidolite, Clear Quartz, and Selenite can clear and balance the crown chakra.