The seven Chakras, according to tradition, are seven energy centers found within the body. The word ‘Chakra’ actually means ‘wheel’ in the ancient language of Sanskrit. The concept of our physical body having seven energy centers dates back to ancient Hindu teachings and is even discussed in the earliest Sanskrit records. Each Chakra is represented by a different color, and corresponds to specific glands and organs as well as physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual states of being. I believe that our Chakras can influence all areas of our lives. Each Chakra is full of energy and, when our Chakras are open and in alignment, the free-flowing energy that passes between the Chakras is at its best. Many people work on their Chakra energy centers during the practice of yoga or meditation, and can focus on a specific crystal to heal or rejuvenate the connected Chakra. The study of Chakras is vast and intriguing.
It is the connection between color and the Chakras that for me, a believer in the power of color, leads me to explore all things connected. I do hope you too will think of your Chakras next time you feel off-balance and also when you feel fabulous. Think of the connections between where you are at in your emotional or physical life, and think of which color this correlates to. I hope you find some value in this overview of the Chakras and that it will help you on your path.
The Root (or first) Chakra
The first Chakra is our foundation. It’s located at the base of the spine and is essential for our core needs: shelter, food, water, feeling safe. When the root Chakra is blocked then we can often experience anxiety in various forms as well as physical problems with our colons and lower back areas. When the first Chakra is open, we are able to release fear and begin to enjoy life that much more.
The color associated with the root Chakra is red, and the crystal Red Jasper is frequently associated with this Chakra. To heal and unblock your root Chakra, working with Hematite, Black Onyx, and Smokey Quartz crystals can help.
The Sacral (or second) Chakra
The second Chakra can be found slightly below your navel and is associated with fun, creativity and sexual energy. When this Chakra is blocked then we feel a lack of inspiration, writer’s block or being “out of sorts”. If we’re in a low mood or depressed, then unblocking your sacral Chakra could help to release these negative feelings. Physically, the second Chakra is naturally linked with reproductive health.
The second Chakra is represented by the color orange and a number of orange stones and crystals can help to heal and open up this Chakra such as Tiger’s Eye or Sunstone.
The Solar Plexus (or third) Chakra
Found midway between the bottom of your ribs and your navel, the solar plexus Chakra is your “self”. Connected with your self-esteem and will power, when your third Chakra is blocked or not in flow then you may feel bad about yourself, begin procrastinating or feel a sense of anger building up in you. Physically, the solar plexus Chakra governs the digestive system and stomach related issues.
As the third Chakra is typically represented by the color yellow, yellow gems such as Jasper or Pyrite can help to open it up.
The Heart (or fourth) Chakra
The fourth Chakra is located in the region of the heart and governs all matters of the heart. An open fourth Chakra manifests itself in the form of a greater awareness on a spiritual level along with a stronger feeling of compassion. Physically the heart Chakra is responsible for the heart, the endocrine system, the lungs and breasts.
Typically, the fourth Chakra is associated with the color green so crystals such as Green Aventurine are good for this Chakra work.
The Throat (or fifth) Chakra
Naturally the throat Chakra is everything to do with the voice, both the internal voice we use to speak with ourselves and the words we say to others. If you have started openly judging others or talking to others in a harsh way or using hurtful language it may be time to unblock your throat Chakra!
Physically, the throat Chakra governs the throat and thyroid. A sore throat or stiff neck or shoulders are typical symptoms of a blocked throat Chakra. Being associated with blue, Sodalite and Aquamarine are good crystals to heal this Chakra.
The Third Eye (or sixth) Chakra
Situated in the center of our foreheads, the third eye chakra is primarily linked to our intuition and insight. It governs our ability to learn and “follow our gut instinct” so a blocked sixth Chakra may result in us becoming more judgemental or unable to “get” something we need to learn. Physically this Chakra is related to the head, eyes and pituitary glands (along with sharing the brain with the Crown Chakra) so sore eyes or headaches would be physical manifestations of a blocked third eye Chakra.
Indigo is the Third Eye Chakra’s color so Amethyst is a favoured crystal used for healing alongside Fluorite and Lolite.
The Crown (or seventh) Chakra
The final Chakra can be found at the top of our heads. As our highest Chakra, it is connected to our higher selves, a divine power and to a “collective” consciousness. A blocked crown Chakra may mean you experience feelings of frustration, being stuck and generally feeling disconnected from those around you. The crown Chakra, being extremely spiritual, gives us a sense of clarity and awakeness on a much deeper level and this can be experienced during meditation-like moments. Along with meditation, yoga and prayer we can also use violet colored crystals to help us open the seventh Chakra. Clear Quartz, Amethyst, and Moonstone are particularly beneficial.
