"The Chakra System is a map for the journey through life. Its seven rainbow colors represent the full spectrum of human possibility that stretches from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from Earth to Heaven." Anodea Judith Learning about the chakras gives you access to your programmed responses so you can minimize their negative effects and maximize their positive ones.
A chakra is a spinning vortex of activity created by the presence of the consciousness within the physical body. There are seven major chakras whose locations correspond to seven central nerve ganglia branching out from the spinal column. The mind and the body are brought together by the life force running through you. In yoga, it is referred to as prana, which is equal to chi. Both mean “life force”. It is this vital energy that the chakras organize. When we work mind and body together (as in yoga), the basic tasks of life flow more smoothly and enjoyably.
The word chakra means wheel or disc. There are various ways to balance these spinning discs, but one consistent identity is their color. Imagery used with chakra balancing is that of a lotus flower…a flower that grows out of the mud unfolding into divine purity and beauty suggesting expansion of the soul. Below are characteristics of each chakra:
Chakra One
Location: Root of spine
Purpose: Foundation, grounding, survival, stability
Color: Red
Lotus Flower: 4 petals
Chakra Two
Location: Sacral area
Purpose: Movement and flow
Color: Orange
Lotus Flower: 6 petals
Chakra Three
Location: Solar plexus
Purpose: Energy, will
Color: Yellow
Lotus Flower: 10 petals
Chakra Four
Location: Chest/heart
Purpose: Love, relationship, compassion
Color: Green
Lotus Flower: 12 petals
Chakra Five
Location: Throat
Purpose: Communication, creativity
Color: Bright blue
Lotus Flower: 16 petals
Chakra Six
Location: Brow/third eye
Purpose: Seeing, intuition, insight
Color: Indigo
Lotus Flower: 2 petals
Chakra Seven
Location: Crown of head
Purpose: Pure awareness, understanding, unity with divine
Color: Violet or white
Lotus Flower: infinite petals
