About Your Chakras
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The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven major energy centers in the
body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal
column. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements,
developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more.
One of the functions of the practice of hatha yoga (the physical practice of yoga asana or yoga
postures) and pranayama (yogic breathing) is to cleanse and activate these chakras.
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Crown - Seventh Chakra
Thought, Universal Identity, Oriented to Self-Knowledge
The crown chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to our higher self, the
divine, the timeless, spaceless place of oneness. This chakra brings us wisdom, understanding, spiritual
connection and bliss. The colors associated with this chakra are white and gold. The element associated
with the crown chakra is ether - the 5th of the four elements - called "idea" in Greek philosophy, "void" in
Japanese thought, and "Akasha" in Sanskrit.
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Third Eye - Sixth Chakra:
Light, Spiritual Identity, Oriented to Self-Reflection
The third eye chakra is related to the act of seeing both physically and intuitively. The third eye opens
our psychic faculties and facilitates true understanding. This chakra allows us to see "the big picture" and
is the sight that guides us on our spiritual path. The color associated with the third eye chakra is purple.
The element associated with the third eye chakra is air.
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Throat - Fifth Chakra:
Sound, Creative Identity, Oriented to Self-Expression
The throat chakra is related to communication, creativity and self-identity. The throat chakra allows us to
experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the sound vibration associated with
language and singing. It is the center of self-expression and expression of the will. The color associated
with this chakra is blue. The element associated with the throat chakra is air.
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Heart - Fourth Chakra:
Air, Social Identity, Oriented to Self-Acceptance
The heart chakra is the middle chakra in a system of seven. The heart chakra integrates our higher, more
spiritual selves with our lower more visceral selves. The heart chakra is the integrator of opposites: mind
and body, male and female, ego and unity. The heart chakra is the center of Universal love and
compassion. The colors associated with this chakra are green and pink. The element associated with the
heart chakra is water.
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Solar Plexus - Third Chakra:
Fire, Ego Identity, Oriented to Self-Definition
The solar plexus is the power chakra. The solar plexus chakra rules our personal power, sense of self, will,
autonomy and metabolism. This chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, self-confidence,
and non-dominating power. The solar plexus chakra is the chakra of individual identity. The color
associated with this chakra is yellow. The element associated with the solar plexus chakra is fire.
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Sacrum - Second Chakra:
Water, Emotional Identity, Oriented to Self-Gratification
The sacral chakra, located between your hip bones, is related to creativity, sensuality and your
inner-child. The sacral chakra connects us to the world through feeling, desire, sensation, and
movement. This chakra brings us grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment and the ability to accept
change. The sacral chakra is also associated with the reproductive organs. The color associated with this
chakra is orange. The element associated with the second chakra is water.
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Root - First Chakra:
Earth, Physical Identity, Oriented to Self-Preservation
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine and is our connection to the earth. The root chakra is
our survival chakra, our center for procreation, prosperity, grounding and balance. The root chakra is
about tribal bonding and group membership. The color associated with this chakra is red. The elements
associated with the root chakra are fire and earth.
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