Chakras – An Introduction
by Donna Thomson
'Chakras' are a very in-depth topic but essential consideration for those who are looking to understand themselves and how their energy works. In this article I will introduce readers to the concept of chakras and provide a brief overview of each one. Future articles on this topic will provide much more detail and explore ways you can begin to work with and understand your own chakra/energy system.
What are 'chakras'?
To begin, the human body is made up of energy and within this energy 'system', there are seven main energy centres called chakras. The word chakra is Sanskrit for 'spinning wheel of light'. For those who are psychically able to 'see' these energy centres, they do appear as spinning discs or wheels of light. Others may 'sense' the chakras, feeling for changes in a person's energy which may indicate blockages in one or more of the chakras.
Each chakra resonates to a different colour of the rainbow spectrum, from red at the base of the spine to violet at the top of the head - see the diagram below. The bottom chakras relate to more physical/solid aspects of your 'self'. As you move up the energy centres, the energy vibrates at a higher rate until you reach the highest energy centres which are not visible to the physical eye. These are the psychic and spiritual centres.
© Peaceful Willow 2006
Here is a brief overview of each of the seven chakras...
1. Base Chakra
Location: Base of the spine
Colour: Red
Overview: The base chakra is your grounding energy centre, connecting you to the physical world and reflecting your sense of security, instinct and survival.
2. Sacral Chakra
Location: Just below the navel
Colour: Orange
Overview: The sacral chakra is the seat of your emotions and creative energy. It's also the home of your sensuality and sexuality due to the location within the reproductive area.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra
Location: Just above the navel
Colour: Yellow
Overview: In your 'centre', you have the solar plexus chakra which houses your personal sense of power and identity. This is also the home of 'gut feelings', 'butterflies', and the anger-based 'fire in your belly'.
4. Heart Chakra
Location: Middle of chest
Colour: Green / Pink
Overview: The heart chakra is the centre of love, compassion and forgiveness for yourself and others.
5. Throat Chakra
Location: Middle of throat
Colour: Blue
Overview: The throat chakra is the centre from which you communicate your thoughts and inner truth. Ever get a sore throat when you are holding back from saying something? You likely have a blockage in your throat chakra which shows itself through a physical ailment, as with the other chakras.
6. Brow chakra
Location: Between the brow
Colour: Indigo / Purple
Overview: The Brow chakra is most commonly known as the 'third eye'. It relates to your insight, psychic ability, 'sixth sense', visions and channelling. While many people focus solely on opening their third eye, it is important to maintain balance within your whole 'being', and therefore focus on all chakras working in harmony.
7. Crown chakra
Location: Top of head
Colour: Violet / White
Overview: The crown chakra is your spiritual connection to the Divine, Universe, Cosmos, or whatever else you consider to be 'All that is'. It contains your sense of 'knowing' and being one with the Universe.
I've only scratched the surface of this complex topic in this article as its goal was to simply introduce the terms and concepts which are the 'chakras' - our energy system connecting our mind, body and spirit.
You may also like to read 'Creating a Set of Chakra Crystals for Healing'.
In future articles I'll explore each of the chakras in more depth and discuss ways to meditate on and balance the energy system.