Embark on a journey of self-discovery as we explore the intricate energy centers known as chakras. Rooted in ancient wisdom and spiritual traditions, these seven main chakras govern various aspects of our physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual well-being. This knowledge has largely been guarded in the past but is now readily available here for the evolution of our species.
Knowledge of the chakras is a VAST topic. This introduction is just that, the basics of the “flavors” of each energy center. I spent 2 months in an immersive Master Program to begin to comprehend each energy center and how they comprise all of reality as we know it. Hopefully this guide will serve to help you embark (or deepen) your inner journey.
My knowledge of each chakra comes from Master Yogi David Goulet at Pyramid Yoga Center in Thailand. To experience this same 500 hour Master Program for yourself, check out: https://pyramidyoga.com/master-yogi-program/
Each chakra painting here is about 2 foot by 2 foot (in blacklight) painted by David Goulet.
Each one took him 1 month to complete by going on an inner journey to FEEL each chakra energetically and thereby see the energetic reality of each one.
Keep in mind, these are 2D representations of a 3D reality. Spend time gazing at each one without expectation to begin to experience them for yourself.
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): The Foundation of Stability
Situated at the base of the spine, the Root Chakra serves as the foundation for our energy system. Represented by the color red, it is associated with feelings of grounding, survival instincts, and a sense of stability. When balanced, the Root Chakra provides a solid base, fostering a feeling of security and connection to the earth. In fact, the element associated with Muladhara is the Earth itself and the force of gravity. Muladhara energy holds together all of reality.
The associated yoga is Hatha Yoga and this is what we in the West think of when we refer to “Yoga.” Hatha yoga or body movement is only one ninth of the overall picture of the yogic system. Hatha Yoga never was a fitness system as we think of it now, yet fitness is by-product of mindful movement and breathing practices.
When doing “yoga” we connect our breath with our movements, connecting our consciousness with the consciousness of the universe. We are creating an experience physically and I invite you to explore that experience moment by moment through bodily sensations. Find your resistance points in the body through movements (asanas) and then breathe into them fully and deeply. Breathe in light and love and every exhalation is an invitation to relax.
Element: Earth
Color: Red
Force: Gravity
Associated Yoga: Hatha Yoga (the yoga of body mastery and grounding)
When balanced, Muladhara cultivates a deep sense of inner security, resilience, and trust in life. When unbalanced, we may feel anxious, unstable, or overly focused on material security.
Practices to Balance Muladhara
- Grounding Exercises: Engage in activities like walking barefoot on grass or practicing mindfulness in nature.
- Red Visualization: Envision a vibrant red light at the base of your spine during meditation.
- Mantra: Silently or vocally chant “LUNG,” the bija (seed) sound of the Root Chakra.
- Asana Focus: Try grounding poses like Tadasana (Mountain), Malasana (Squat), and Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I) while focusing awareness on the tailbone.
- Sacred Touch: Massage your feet with warm oil to calm the nervous system and anchor your energy
Painted by myself, these shapes are known as “Sacred Geometry.”
2. Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana): Igniting Creativity and Passion
Located in the lower abdomen, the Sacral Chakra is linked to emotions, creativity, and sexuality. Its orange glow signifies a harmonious flow of energy. When balanced, this chakra enhances emotional intelligence, creativity, and a healthy expression of sensuality. The element associated with Swadhistana is water and physically we are 70% to 80% water. To connect to your fluid nature is to connect with Swadhistana. The energy here is covalence, the force that binds atoms together.
The associated yoga is Jnana Yoga. Jnana Yoga has to do with achieving wisdom through the path of contemplation, thought and wisdom. It leads to understanding the emotional aspect of our being and its ruling effect on the mind. As a practice, it is an application of many different relaxation techniques, along with introspective methods for studying the emotional motives for our actions and reactions in the social world.
Element: Water
Color: Orange
Force: Covalence (energetic bonding)
Associated Yoga: Jnana Yoga (the yoga of contemplation and emotional self-inquiry)
When this chakra is flowing, you feel emotionally vibrant, inspired, and open to the pleasures of life. Blockages may show up as emotional numbness, creative blocks, or unhealthy attachments.
Balancing Tips:
- Creative Expression: Paint, dance, write, sing, or move your body in a way that feels intuitive and free.
- Emotional Awareness: Practice mindfulness to understand and accept your emotions without judgment.
- Hip-Opening Asanas: Baddha Konasana (Butterfly), Apanasana (Knees to Chest), and Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose)
- Water Rituals: Take mindful baths or spend time near water to connect to this chakra’s element.
- Emotional Inquiry: Journal about your emotional patterns and notice what helps you feel joy, ease, and connection.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Unleashing Personal Power
Situated in the upper abdomen, the Solar Plexus Chakra radiates a yellow energy associated with personal power and confidence. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra empowers you to assert yourself positively, fostering a strong sense of self. The element is fire itself as we have an energetic sun within each of us. Manipura energy is combustion which transforms matter from one form to another. In the body this is the process of digestion.
The associated yoga is Pranayama Yoga or breathwork. Fire needs oxygen for fuel and we have the ability to turbo charge ourselves physically and energetically through conscious use of the breath. To experience this yourself or to learn more, check out my blog post about Pranayama.
Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Force: Combustion (transformation of matter)
Associated Yoga: Pranayama Yoga (breath as energy activation)
When balanced, you radiate confidence, have clear boundaries, and trust your gut. When blocked, you may struggle with self-worth, anger, or indecision.
Balancing Tips:
- Empowerment Affirmations: Repeat affirmations that reinforce your personal strengths and capabilities.
- Core-Strengthening Exercises: Physical activities that engage your core can help balance this chakra.
- Core-Activating Asanas: Navasana (Boat Pose), Plank, and Twists.
- Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati): Short, sharp exhalations through the nose to ignite inner fire.
- Sun Exposure: Safely bask in sunlight with gratitude, absorbing solar energy.
- Affirmations: “I am powerful, and I trust myself to take aligned action.”
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Embracing Love and Compassion
Found at the center of the chest, the Heart Chakra is associated with love, compassion, and connection. Represented by the color green, a balanced Heart Chakra enables you to give and receive love openly, fostering harmonious relationships. The element here is air and the energy is an expansive one for growth.
The opposite of Muladhara (gravity), Anahata is a force of expansion or repulsion as two magnets of the same polarity push each other away. This is also the energy center where our FEELING is located. Learning to live from the heart-space instead of all the thinky spaces leads to profound growth.
The associated yoga is Karma Yoga or doing anything for the sake of giving to the greater good without expecting anything in return. Give from the heart space and you will receive more than you can imagine.
Element: Air
Color: Green
Force: Expansion (electromagnetic repulsion)
Associated Yoga: Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless service and love in action)
A balanced heart chakra brings empathy, joy, and harmonious relationships. When blocked, one may feel closed off, resentful, or overly self-sacrificing.
Balancing Tips:
- Heart-Opening Poses: Ustrasana (Camel), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Anahatasana (Melting Heart).
- Metta (Loving-Kindness) Meditation: Send love and compassion to yourself, then to others, then to the collective.
- Gratitude Practice: List 3 heart-centered gratitudes daily.
- Nature Immersion: Spend time with trees, wind, and open sky to expand your inner space.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Expressing Authenticity
Situated at the throat, the Throat Chakra is associated with communication and self-expression. Its blue energy encourages truthful and authentic communication. A balanced Throat Chakra empowers you to express yourself clearly and confidently. The force here is vibration itself. The element of Vishuddha is ether but can also be equated to the electromagnetic ocean we live in. Just as fish cannot perceive the water they swim in, we too are swimming in an electromagnetic ocean of energy waves and particles. How do you think WiFi works?
The yoga associated with Vishuddha is Raja Yoga or more commonly known as yoga of the mind. Try creative visualization to manifest anything you can think of into this reality.
Element: Ether (space/vibration)
Color: Blue
Force: Electromagnetism
Associated Yoga: Raja Yoga (yoga of the mind and mastery of consciousness)
When Vishuddha is in harmony, your words are clear, compassionate, and aligned. When out of balance, there may be fear of speaking, dishonesty, or feeling unheard.
Balancing Tips:
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to clarify your inner voice.
- Vocal Expression: Chanting, singing, humming, or reading aloud with feeling.
- Visualization: See a blue light at your throat, expanding with each breath.
- AUNG (Ong) Chanting: Let the sound ripple through your entire being.
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Cultivating Intuition and Insight
Located in the forehead between the eyes, the Third Eye Chakra is associated with intuition and insight. Its purple glow signifies a deep connection to inner wisdom. A balanced Third Eye Chakra enhances your ability to trust your instincts and see beyond the surface. The element for Ajna is the mind itself as that’s where it’s situated.
Contemplate whether you are your thoughts and the mind is in control of your experience, OR is consciousness the driver and the mind a tool which can be utilized to create our realities. The force of Ajna is magnetic, directing the waves and particles of the electromagnetic ocean into the reality we perceive.
The yoga associated with Ajna is Yantra Yoga or the study of sacred geometry & mathematics. Try mandala gazing with all the pictures found on this post with relaxed vision and concentration on the breath.
Element: Mind (Light)
Color: Indigo
Force: Magnetism (energetic direction)
Associated Yoga: Yantra Yoga (sacred geometry and internal visualization)
When open, the third eye reveals clarity, wisdom, and intuitive knowing. When imbalanced, one may feel confused, disconnected from guidance, or lost in illusion.
Balancing Tips:
- Meditation: Practice this guided meditation that focuses on activating and balancing the Third Eye.
- Mindful Awareness: Pay attention to your inner guidance and trust your instincts.
- Trataka (Candle Gazing): Steady your gaze on a flame to train focus and inner sight.
- Mandala Meditation: Gaze softly at a sacred image while breathing into the center.
- Dream Journaling: Keep a journal by your bed to record intuitive messages.
- Meditation: Focus awareness at the brow point and invite insight with each inhale.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Connecting to Divine Consciousness
Situated at the top of the head, the Crown Chakra is associated with spiritual connection and divine consciousness. Represented by violet or white light, a balanced Crown Chakra opens the gateway to higher states of awareness and enlightenment. The element is consciousness itself as your consciousness (the Atman is Sanskrit) is but a drop of the ocean of the consciousness of the universe.
“Sahasrara chakra is actually centered above the head, though its awareness goes through all aspects of the body. It is the center of our conscious experience. We have a strong tendency in normal life to have it wrapped up in the vortex of mind energies, and these keep it entertained for ages on end. Yet, Sahasrara, or consciousness, has the power to direct all functions of the energies at the six levels below it when it is free. Freedom, or liberation, comes from detaching awareness primarily from the sensory perceptions and the subsequent analysis and judgements of the mind.” ~David Goulet
The yoga associated with Sahasrara is Mantra Yoga. Try AUM chanting for 30 minutes to connect with the vibrational reality of this existence. Also playing an instrument and immersing yourself in the experience connects you with consciousness. Fully connecting with any music has this ability as well.
Element: Consciousness
Color: Violet or Diamond White
Force: Liberation (release from identification)
Associated Yoga: Mantra Yoga (vibrational union with Source)
When Sahasrara is awakened, life becomes luminous with meaning and interconnection. Blockages here may feel like disconnection, apathy, or spiritual disorientation.
Practices to Balance Sahasrara:
- AUM or Silence: Chant AUM or sit in stillness, surrendering to the mystery.
- Crown Meditation: Visualize a lotus blooming above your head, connecting to the cosmos.
- Sacred Listening: Absorb healing music or devotional chants with full presence.
- Trust Practice: Surrender control and practice deep, intuitive trust in life’s unfolding.
- Spiritual Practices: Engage in practices that align with your spiritual beliefs, such as prayer or meditation.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Stay present in the moment to open up your connection to higher consciousness.
In conclusion, understanding and balancing the seven main chakras can lead to a harmonious flow of energy, promoting overall well-being. Incorporate these balancing tips into your daily life, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.
To learn more about the chakras, to do an energy healing session, or for any general questions about the topic, please feel free to reach out to me here.
