Chakras, otherwise known as the energy centers of the human body, have the
function of grounding spiritual energies into the physical plane. They are often
described as "spinning wheels" of energy. The major chakras are generally
depicted as being aligned approximately along the vertical midline of the body.
Minor chakras are located in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and at
each joint, as well as at locations along the meridians of the body.
The Seven Basic Chakras
1) The Root Chakra — This is our connection to the earth and the
physical plane and a symbol of our basic survival needs. An imbalance here can
cause vanity, an obsession with the material, or the tendency to see things in
“black and white.” Location: base of the spine. Color: Red
2) The Sacral Chakra — The source of our creative and procreative
urges and drives, including sexuality. When this chakra is unbalanced, it can
result in promiscuity, blind creative drive, or conversely it can create apathy
or withdrawal from creative endeavors or sexual expression. Location: the
genitals. Color: Orange
3) The Solar Plexus Chakra — This is the energy center for power and
manifestation. An unbalanced solar plexus chakra will result in being
underdeveloped, immature, overly sensitive, in blind rage and raw animal-like
emotions, i.e. chaotic, out of control power. Location: solar plexus. Color:
Yellow
4) The Heart Chakra — This is the energy center for love, both human
and divine. When this chakra is unbalanced, the result can be a demanding,
possessive nature, especially in love or one who is paranoid and codependent.
Location: heart. Color: Green or Pink
5) The Throat Chakra — This is the center for expression and
communication. When this chakra is out of balance, a person may be overly
aggressive and dominant, talk too much, use speech to attack and hurt others, or
be egotistical (telling herself she is, perhaps, more than she is); or in the
inverse, be too timid to speak up for her rights or express her own thoughts, or
live in denial of things which or situations which are harmful to her (not
communicating with self). Location: throat. Color: Blue
6) The Forehead Chakra – This is the center for our psychic powers.
When unbalanced, it can lead to psychic overload and mental breakdown,
dogmatism, spiritual fanaticism and/or isolation; or in the inverse,
insensitivity toward others, closed-mindedness, bigotry and intolerance.
Location: third eye just above and between the eyebrows. Color: Indigo
7) The Crown Chakra – Otherwise known as the thousand petaled lotus is
our connection with the Cosmic or the divine. When it is unbalanced, one may
lose touch with reality, become mentally unbalanced, or feel spiritually
abandoned. Location: top of the head. Color: Violet
To summarize, we can say these chakras represent our basic physical and
spiritual needs, which are:
- Root Chakra — Survival and operation
- Sacral Chakra — Feelings, desires
- Solar Plexus Chakra — Manifestation of desires, egoic self, self-esteem
- Heart Chakra — Love, connection
- Throat Chakra — Communication and creative expression
- Forehead Chakra — Psychic connections and mental powers
- Crown Chakra — Divine connection, higher thought
Furthermore, it is understood that all these energy centers are connected
with each other through a central channel that runs from above the Crown Chakra
to below the Root Chakra. The purpose of this system is to create a mechanism
that on an energetic level can manifest the divine into the physical plane.
