Sahasrara - The Crown Chakra

Sahasrara (Sanskrit: सहस्रर)
A Thousand Petaled Lotus, Pure Consciousness.



Sahasrara is associated with the element of creation-“The Source”, works with the senses of thought. This chakra has the function of detaching a person from illusion – something essential if a person is to fully understand Sahasrara. Also known as the Crown Chakra, Sahasrara is the last chakra in the Kundalini system. It is also the most important chakra in the system, it relates to pure consciousness and all other chakras originated from the Crown Chakra.

Meditation on Sahasrara is said to bring about the power to do whatever it is one wishes.
This chakra relates to the actions of spiritual connection, wisdom, understanding information and presence. When Kundalini reaches up to Sahasrara, the illusion of self is dissolved, and a person has a deeper understanding and connection to everything and everyone: “One is all, and all is one.”

It is highly uncommon for Sahasrara to be fully opened up – Through history, these people were always Spiritual Leaders or Physicists with forward ideas, but due to the majority of people being on a lower level of understanding, many of these people were tortured and/or killed for speaking heresy.


When Sahasrara is unbalanced, a person may notice or suffer:
-      Confusion
-      Learning Difficulties
-      Over Intellectualising things
-      Disconnection to Spirit
-      Warped vision of reality
-      Dissociation from the body
-      Apathy

To open up Sahasrara and balance this chakra out, a person must first overcome the obstacle of ego and reach a healthy level of selflessness. A person must then find compassion, unconditional love and peace-both inner and outer, as this is what Sahasrara feeds on, and share it with the world.
For the highest powers of Sahasrara to come through, a person must have full knowledge and understanding as to why they were incarnated to this planet.



Correlations:
Crystals: Moldovite, Citrine, Quartz, Red Serpentine, Purple Jasper, Clear Tourmaline, Golden Beryl, Lepidolite, Purple Sapphire, Sugilite.
Colours: Royal Purple, White.
Fragrances: Patchouli, Labdanum, Frankincense.

 Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.

Ajna - The Brow Chakra

Ajna (Sanskirt: आज्ञा)

Command – The Third Eye

Ajna is considered the eye of intuition, and is associated with the senses of thought and thinking. Ajna’s element is of light and electric energy. This chakra is considered to be the eye of intuition-when something is seen in a dream, or a vision, Ajna is what is seeing it.

It is believed that Ajna is the gateway into the body for external influences, which is why people spend time protecting their 6th Chakra.

Meditation on Ajna is said to bring the power to enter another’s body and mind with ease and speed (Another reason the 6th chakra needs protection)

Memory, insight, intuition and rational thought are the actions of Ajna within the body, though its powers are only found when all 5 lower chakras are balanced and awakened. When Ajna is awakened, the gifts of clairvoyance present themselves, and the ability to see things for what they truly are – people’s auras become visible, beings from higher planes will start to show themselves, and a person will hear and notice things much more clearly than before.

The conscious and the sub-conscious merge together, bringing a greater sense of knowledge and wisdom, even if a person doesn’t realize where the information has come from.


When Ajna becomes unbalanced, you may notice:

- A lack of concentration
- Scattered thinking or confusion
- Fear
- Cynicism
- Tension
- Bad dreams

Ajna has a habit of doing its own thing when it is unbalanced, suppressed or waiting to be recognized, and will make a person feel detached from everything physical until it is recognized. Busy places like cities affect Ajna the most, as the pollution, constant noise and negative energy that clings to the paths cloud out the subtle energies that guide and power this chakra. Any place that induces feelings of vulnerability also unbalances Ajna, as fear blocks the flow of energy from the other chakras.



To balance out Ajna, a person needs to pay attention to the messages that their body and mind is giving them – through dreams, visions or repetitive thoughts/images.


Meditation and/or prayer on a regular basis help to balance, protect and strengthen Ajna. Having Reiki done is another great way to keep Ajna strong, as this chakra relies on the lower 5 chakras to be balanced and strong.

A person must also ignore the people around them who say it is “coincidence” or “wishful thinking” – these people fit into two types – those who are aware of the chakras, but are unable to reach the top themselves, and there are those who are too scientifically minded to see something as possible unless it can be written down in a mathematical formula. Both types will hold a person back if listened to, but with the help of all the lower chakras, a person at Ajna will have learnt enough already to be able to deal with these people.

Correlations:

Crystals: Apophyllite, Sodalite, Moldavite, Azurite, Herkimer Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Purple Fluorite, Kunzite, Lepidolite. Malachite with Azurite, Royal Sapphire, Electric Blue Obsidian, Azeztulite, Atacamite

Fragrance: Lavender, Fir, Chamomile

Colour: Indigo

Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.

 

Vishuddha - The Throat Chakra

Vishuddha (Sanskrit – विशुद्ध)

Purity. Communication center

Vishuddha is the 5th chakra, and is located in the spine level with the larynx. Vishuddha is linked with the sense of hearing and the action of speaking, which makes this chakra the center of communication. The element of Vishuddha is the element of aether – the upper sky.

This is the first chakra to reside on a spiritual plane, allowing communication between the emotional self and the higher self. Meditation on this chakra is said to bring about the power to see into the past, present and future.

Vishuddha is referred to as the “Poison and the Nectar”, as when this chakra is pure and balanced, a person’s experiences lead to wisdom and knowledge, whilst an unbalanced Vishuddha leads to deceit and darkness. It is also said that when Vishuddha is awakened (by kundalini rising), the poison’s of Earth will no longer affect that person due to their purity.

The secret to immortality is said to reside with Vishuddha.


It doesn’t take long for Vishuddha to become un-balanced or polluted this day in age. All though Freedom of Speech was introduced, people still fear to say the truth – from a young age, truth lead to pain or ridicule to some level, and growing up, people would learn to hide their truths from their families, their friends, and world.

Not only do holding truths back affect Vishuddha, but by bottling emotions up and telling the world “I’m okay”, or by physically lying to someone. Harsh words also pollute Vishuddha.


When Vishuddha is left to become unbalanced, people may feel or notice:

- Difficulty in speaking the truth
- Difficulty in finding their voice
- Their voice becomes emotionless, flat and almost monotonically spoken.
- Their voice becomes overly emotional, exaggerated and fast.
- A person may talk too quietly, or too loudly.


To balance out this chakra, a person needs to be honest in themselves and work out their truths. Past emotions need to be let go of, and the people involved to be forgiven. Then a person must speak with pure and honest words, and no longer hide their opinions from anyone.


Correlations:

Crystals: Azurite, Turquoise, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Blue Tourmaline, Amber, Kunzite, Lepidolite, Blue Obsidian, Petalite.

Fragrance: Moroccan Rose, Chamomile.

Colour: Blue.

Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.

Anahata

Anahata (Sanskrit: अनाहत)

Un-hurt, Un-struck, Un-beaten. Balance.

Anahata is associated with the element of air, the sense of touch, and actions with hands. The heart chakra is what leads to the power of healing, so when someone refers to healing hands, the power has manifested in Anahata.

Anahata is the ability to make decisions outside of the bindings of Karma – In Manipura and lower chakras, the decisions made follow the laws of karma, and follow us through fate and destiny.

This chakra is the one of “following your heart”, guidance that comes from your higher self and not the emotional and materialistic guidance that affect lower chakras. Anahata is the chakra that bridges the higher self to the physical self.

Being the bridge between the physical and the metaphysical, Anahata is very much like a fruit tree – thoughts, wishes and hopes come to fruition with the help of Anahata – be they good or bad.

Anahata feeds on passion and self-expression - Swadisthana is the birth of creativity, and Anahata is where that creativity finds its physical presence. When balanced, Anahata has the power of wish fulfillment, and mastering a person’s own destiny.

A developed heart chakra leads to sensitivity to other’s feelings, and the sense of touch is highly tuned, which combined allow human’s to heal through touch – be it direct therapy such as massage, or indirect therapy like Reiki.


When Anahata becomes unbalanced, you may notice:

- Loneliness
- Anger
- Grief
- Feeling rejected
- Possessiveness
- Jealousy

It doesn’t take much for Anahata to lose its power – arguments, stress, relationship problems, being bullied and so much more cause problems to this chakra, and it takes a strong willed person to not fall into darkness.

Many people when they get hurt emotionally block out their connection to Anahata, a way in which to protect them from being hurt again – but this also prevents a person from being loved.

That’s why when times get tough and challenging, it is important to find some way in which to channel creativity, and express their feelings so that the heart chakra can heal with the person and prevent further negativity manifesting.


To help re-balance, and keep Anahata balanced, a person must find a balance within themselves first. Do they give too much or too little? Acts of charity help bring about a sense of hope to everyone involved, as well as helping to boost someone’s self-confidence. Finding a belief (It doesn’t have to be a religious belief) will help teach compassion, trust and devotion – things which Anahata thrives on. As a person opens themselves to love, then Anahata will be balanced.

Correlations:

Crystals: Rose Quartz, Green Quartz, Aventurine, Kunzite, Muscovite, Red Calcite, Rhodonite, Watermelon Tourmaline, Pink Tourmaline, Green Tourmaline, Peridot, Apophyllite, Lepidolite, Morganite, Pink Danubrite, Ruby, Chrysocolla, Green Sapphire.
Fragrance: Lavandin, Orange, Tangerine.
Colours: Green, Pink.

Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.

Manipura - The Solar Plexus Chakra

Manipura (Sanskrit – मणिपूर)

The City of Jewells, Energy

Manipura, the Solar Plexus, is known as the seat of fire or the life force chakra, as it is considered the center of energy for the human body and the source of knowledge, power and intuition. The “gut feeling” comes from Manipura.

This chakra is associated with the element of fire, the sense of sight and the action of movement.

It is said that through meditation on Manipura, a person would attain the power both to create and destroy the world.

When Manipura is balanced, it is like a golden yellow sun within the body, and helps with recognition and identification, will-power, energy and self-nurturing love.

Prana (Sanskrit for Vital Life) is radiated and distributed around the body from Manipura, so when left to fall out of balance, it will radiate negative energy instead of positive and motivating energy. For that reason perhaps, the Solar Plexus chakra is the most important chakra to work with and keep balanced, as it is very easy for all other chakras to fall out of balance as a result of negative energy.



When Manipura isn’t balanced, a person may feel:

- Tired and lethargic
- Fearful of anything outside of their comfort zone

- Cold – both physically and emotionally

- Self-centered

- Narcissistic

- Domineering and power hungry

Manipura is like a fire, in that too little wood would burn out before the flame created any warmth, or too much wood would lead to a fire beyond control – so it is with energy in the Solar Plexus.

Ways in which to stimulate and balance out Manipura include Bikram Yoga (Where a series of positions of yoga are performed in a room heated to around 40.6°C), practicing self-nurturing habits on a daily basis, doing something independent and out of your comfort zone at least once a weak, and adding spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to your diet.

Where possible, travel to exotic places also inspire and strengthen Manipura.

Correlations:

Crystals: Malachite, Jasper, Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, Yellow Tourmaline, Golden Beryl, Rhodochrosite, Smithsonite.

Fragrance: Bergamot, Lime, Grapefruit.

Colour: Yellow, Gold.

Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.

Swadisthana - The Sacral Chakra

Swadisthana (Sanskrit - स्वाधिष्ठान)

The dwelling place of the self, sweetness.

Swadisthana is associated with the unconscious and emotion, it is where karma lies dormant – Muladhara is where it takes form. This chakra is linked with the element of water, the sense of taste and the act of reproduction. It is located in the Sacrum – between the pubic bone and the naval. Swadisthana vibrates in clear, bright orange when pure and balanced.

Swadisthana is the home of the self – a person’s identity. A person’s taste in life comes from this Chakra, as do their emotions, personality and creativity in all things. Connection with others without losing one’s own identity is the power of Swadisthana when it is balanced.

Feelings of desire, enjoyment, pleasure, playfulness, self nurturing, affection and creativity come easily when this chakra is balanced.

Memories are held in this chakra, both the good and the bad, and the suppression of memories will also unbalance Swadisthana.


This chakra is affected by how a person feels and sees themselves. Stress, relationship issues, addictions and extreme reactions begin to reduce and unbalance the power of Swadisthana.


When Swadisthana is unbalanced in a person, you may feel/notice:

- Lacking of creativity

- Numbness/Feeling frozen

- Fragile nature – like the slightest miss-hap will make everything fall apart.

- Lacking of courage or motivation

- Self indulgence/gluttony

- Feelings of abandonment

- Hyper-sensitivity

- Aversion

The way in which to balance out Swadisthana is to participate in activities that inspire and pleasure you. Spending time in water (the sea, a swimming pool or a nice relaxing bath) helps a person to reconnect with the water element of Swadisthana, while expressional dancing and making love are good for increasing your energy and creativity. Making love doesn’t just have to be the act of sex, but also seeing love in everything, and treating everyone with love.


Correlations:

Crystals: Blue Jasper, Red Jasper, Orange Carnelian, Topaz, Orange Calcite, Citrine.

Fragrance: Cedar, Spruce, Rosemary.

Colours: Orange

Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.

Muladhara - The Base Chakra

Muladhara (Sanskrit – मूलाधार)

Connection to the Earth, Balance.

Muladhara is the base chakra, and is associated with the element of Earth, the sense of smell, and the action of excretion of both physical and metaphysical waste.

It is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals, and symbolizes the beginning of life.

Muladhara is the chakra associated with childlike joy, innocence and purity. It helps with inner wisdom, balance and direction in life.

It is also the seat of Kundalini Rising, where the kundalini shatki (the female embodiment of enlightened energy sometimes referred to as Dakini) resides, waiting to be awoken so she can rise through the chakras back to the Brahman, the source.


When Muladhara is unbalanced, or out of sync to the other chakras:

- Fear

- Rage and Anger
- Poor Sleep and Tiredness
- Forgetfulness


Tai Chi is a brilliant exercise to keep Muladhara balanced, as it focuses on balance and inner strength.

There are a wide variety of yoga poses that can also help when working with Muladhara - usually warrior poses, as these induce inner and physical strength from the center. The Lotus position is a great position for awakening the Kundalini.

Correlations:

Crystals: Azurite, Bloodstone, Chrysocolla, Obsidian, Golden Yellow Topaz, Black Tourmaline, Carnelian, Citrine, Red Jasper, Hematite, Smokey Quartz.

Fragrance: Cassia, Clove, Nutmeg.

Colours: Red, Gold, Yellow.

Interested in buying a set of 7 Chakra Sets, visit the store.