The word Chakra is Sanskrit and means a wheel or revolving disc. There are six major chakras situated along the length of the spine, plus a seventh at the crown which is the highest centre of consciousness, distributing pranic energy to the other six. Prana can be held at each chakra, creating different experiences along the way.
There is much symbolism associated with the chakras, each one having its own spectral colour, element, mantra, flower, physical association, characteristic and set of emotions. They provide a rich source of ideas for the mind's focus and are especially useful during asana, pranayama, relaxation, concentration, meditation, and along the path towards the ultimate enlightenment of Samadhi.
| Chakra | Colour | Element | Mantra | Flower | Physical | Character | Emotion |
|
Sahasrara (crown) |
White light | (none) | (Samadhi) | Lotus of 1000 petals | Centre of consciousness | Thought |
Bliss, unison self-realisation |
|
Ajna (brow) |
Violet | (none) | Aum | 2 or 92 colourless petals | Pineal, pituitary | Intuition |
Wisdom Introspection |
|
Vishuddi (throat) |
Blue | Ether | Ham | 16 smoky white petals | Thyroid, hearing | Creativity |
Communicate Nurturance |
|
Anahata (heart) |
Green | Air | Yam | 12 smoky blue petals | Thymus, touch | Love |
Relationships love empathy |
|
Manipura (solar plexus) |
Yellow | Fire | Ram | 10 scarlet petals | Pancreas, stomach | Wisdom |
Food,
Anger Self assertion |
|
Swadisthana (sacral) |
Orange | Water | Vam | 6 white petals | Gonads, taste | Vitality |
Reproduction Joy, flow |
|
Muladhara (base) |
Red | Earth | Lam | 4 yellow petals | Adrenals | Physicality |
Fear,
survival Stability |