Chakras

"The body is the vehicle, the consciousness is the driver. Yoga is the path, and the chakras are the map." - Anodea Judith

Probably one of the most well known concepts of Vedic philosophy in the west, particularly among yoga practitioners and New Age esoteric types like myself, are the chakras (pronounced chaa-kruh). The concept originates from the ancient Vedic texts, particularly the Upanishads, which are considered some of the earliest philosophical explorations in Indian spirituality. The word "chakra" itself comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "disc," and in the Vedic philosophical tradition, chakras are understood as energy centers within the human body.

The chakras are an integral part of the subtle body, a concept in yogic philosophy that refers to the non-physical body made up of energy, that interfaces with the physical, gross body. The concept of chakras evolved alongside the broader framework of yoga, which is a comprehensive spiritual discipline aimed at achieving self-realization and union with the divine.

In this tradition, chakras are seen as focal points of energy, or prana, that regulate various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They are connected by pathways of energy called nadis, which are similar to the meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. These nadis distribute prana throughout the body, and when they flow freely, the chakras remain balanced and healthy. Chakras also relate closely to the concept of koshas. Koshas are layers or sheaths of consciousness that encase the soul, from the grossest to the subtlest: the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the energy body (Pranamaya Kosha), the mental body (Manomaya Kosha), the wisdom body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha). The chakras reside primarily within the Pranamaya Kosha, the layer of the energy body, but they influence all layers of existence.

Traditionally, there are seven main chakras aligned along the spine, from its base to the crown of the head. Each chakra corresponds to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions, and each has a unique vibrational frequency.

• Muladhara (Root Chakra) pronounced moolaa-dhaa-ruh: root, vital part

  I Am

• Location: Base of the spine

• Color: Red

• Element: Earth

• Planet: Saturn

• Mantra: Lam

• Musical note: C, 256/194.18 Hz

• Physical Interface: Adrenals, produces cortisol - responsible for fight/flight response/Inferior Hypogastric Plexus

• Sense: Smell

• Associated Gemstones: Bloodstone, Hematite, Tourmaline, Fire Agate, Brown Jasper, Obsidian, Onyx, Rhodonite, Ruby

• Associated Plants: Ginger, Patchouli, Myrrh, Vetiver

  
  

• Function: The Muladhara chakra is associated with security, survival, and the physical body. It governs our basic needs for grounding, stability, and trust. When balanced, this chakra gives us a sense of security and connection to the earth.

• Imbalance: Fear, insecurity, physical ailments related to the lower body

• Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra) pronounced svaa-dhisht-haa-nuh: abode of vital force

  I Feel

  • Location: Below the navel, in the lower abdomen

  • Color: Orange

  • Element: Water

  • Planet: Jupiter

  • Mantra: Vam

  • Musical note: D, 288/210.42 Hz

  • Physical Interface: Gonads, sex drive/Hypogastric Plexus

  • Sense: Taste

  • Associated Gemstones: Carnelian, Citrine, Garnet, Red/Brown Aventurine, Red Jasper, Moonstone, Ruby

  • Associated Plants: Sandalwood, Orange, Jasmine

    
    

  • Function: The Svadhisthana chakra is linked to creativity, sexuality, enthusiasm, pleasure and passion. It governs our emotions, desires, and reproductive functions. When in balance, it fosters healthy relationships, creative expression, and emotional well-being.

  • Imbalance: Guilt, sexual dysfunction, emotional instability

    
    

• Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra) pronounced muh-ni-poor-uh: island of jewels

  I Do

  • Location: Upper abdomen, near the stomach

  • Color: Yellow

  • Element: Fire

  • Planet: Mars

  • Mantra: Ram

  • Musical note: E, 320/126.22 Hz

  • Physical Interface: Pancreas, produces insulin & regulates blood sugar/Digestive System/Celiac Plexus

  • Sense: Sight

  • Associated Gemstones: Citrine, Amber, Golden Beryl, Jasper, Quartz, Ruby, Topaz

  • Associated Plants: Chamomile, Fennel, Juniper

    
    

  • Function: The Manipura chakra is the center of personal power, expansiveness, confidence, self-esteem, growth & wisdom. It governs our ability to assert ourselves, take control, and transform our lives. A balanced Manipura chakra leads to a strong sense of purpose and self-worth.

  • Imbalance: Low self-esteem, lack of direction, digestive issues

    
    

• Anahata (Heart Chakra) pronounced uh-naa-huh-tuh: unstruck

  I Love

  • Location: Center of the chest, near the heart

  • Color: Green

  • Element: Air

  • Planet: Venus

  • Mantra: Yam

  • Musical note: F, 341.3/136.10 Hz

  • Physical Interface: Cardiac Plexus/Vagus Nerve

  • Sense: Feel

  • Associated Gemstones: Rose Quartz, Green Tourmaline, Aventurine, Ruby, Green Apophyllite, Green Calcite, Chrysocolla, Pink Dunburite, Emerald, Kunzite, Lepidolite, Malachite, Moonstone, Morganite, Peridot, Green Quartz, Rhodonite

  • Associated Plants: Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Rosemary

    
    

  • Function: The Anahata chakra is the bridge between the lower and upper chakras, linking the physical with the spiritual. It is associated with love for others and self, compassion, devotion, healing and relationships. A balanced heart chakra fosters unconditional love, empathy, and inner peace.

  • Imbalance: Grief, anger, heart-related issues

    
    

• Vishuddha (Throat Chakra) pronounced vishuud-huh: Pure

  I Speak

  • Location: Throat

  • Color: Blue

  • Element: Ether

  • Planet: Mercury

  • Mantra: Ham

  • Musical note: G, 384/147.27 Hz

  • Physical Interface: Thyroid, controls metabolism, blood flow, temperature, sexual function, sleep & thought patterns. Produces T3/T4.

  • Sense: Aether

  • Associated Gemstones: Aquamarine, Turquoise, Amazonite, Amethyst, Angelite, Azurite, Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Topaz, Blue Tourmaline, Quartz, Sapphire

  • Associated Plants: Chamomile, Lavender, Sage

    
    

  • Function: The Vishuddha chakra is the center of communication, confidence, independence, self-expression, truth and creation. It governs our ability to speak our truth, express our thoughts clearly and create our reality through speech. When balanced, it allows for honest communication and creative expression.

  • Imbalance: Shyness, difficulty expressing oneself, throat and mouth issues

    
    

• Ajna (Third Eye Chakra) pronounced aaj-nyaa: to command

  I See

  • Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows

  • Color: Indigo

  • Element: Light

  • Planet: Sun

  • Mantra: Aum

  • Musical note: A, 426.7/221.23 Hz

  • Physical Interface: Pineal Gland, produces melatonin which modulates sleep patterns, controls circadian & seasonal cycles. Contains same tissues as found in the eyes, tiny quartz crystals and can produce DMT naturally.

  • Sense: Mind

  • Associated Gemstones: Amethyst, Azurite, Lapis Lazuli, Apophyllite, Diamond, Purple Fluorite, Garnet, Lepidolite, Moldavite, Royal Sapphire, Sodalite, Tiger's Eye

  • Associated Plants: Bergamot

    
    

  • Function: The Ajna chakra is associated with consciousness, intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. It governs our ability to perceive beyond the physical senses, offering wisdom and clarity. A balanced Ajna chakra enhances intuition and spiritual vision.

  • Imbalance: Confusion, lack of focus, headaches

  
  
  
  

• Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) pronounced suh-hus-raa-ruh: thousandfold

  I Know

  • Location: Top of the head

  • Color: Violet or white

  • Element: Thought

  • Planet: Saturn

  • Mantra: Aum

  • Musical note: B, 480/172.06 Hz

  • Physical Interface: Hypothalamus, links nervous & endocrine systems (thyroid, adrenals & gonads) via pituitary. Controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sex drive./Cerebral Cortex.

  • Sense: Consciousness

  • Associated Gemstones: Quartz, Amethyst, Pink Calcite, Diamond, Lepidolite, Sapphire, Tourmaline

  • Associated Plants: Frankincense, Lavender

    
    

  • Function: The Sahasrara chakra is the highest energy center, associated with beingness, enlightenment, spiritual connection through transcendental consciousness, release and unity with the divine. It represents the connection to our higher self and the cosmos. A balanced crown chakra brings a sense of oneness and bliss.

  • Imbalance: Disconnection from spirit, lack of purpose, neurological issues

The Vedic concept of chakras is an essential part of yogic philosophy, offering a roadmap for understanding how energy flows through the body and affects our overall well-being. By understanding and working with these energy centers, one can achieve greater harmony, health, and spiritual growth. Whether through yoga, meditation, or other practices, balancing the chakras can lead to a more integrated and fulfilled life, aligning us with the deeper aspects of our existence and the universe around us.

If you're interested in further information, below are links to my reviews on a few books on the subject:

• Eastern Body, Western Mind - Anodea Judith

• Chakra Meditation: Discover Energy, Creativity, Focus, Love, Communication, Wisdom, and Spirit - Swami Saradananda

• The Chakra System: A Complete Course in Self-Diagnosis and Healing - Anodea Judith

• Yoga of the Subtle Body: A Guide to the Physical and Energetic Anatomy of Yoga - Tias Little