Mustika Pearls
Many who are new to the idea of chakras often wonder what purpose they actually serve, what they are and why they are important. This article will discuss the basics of the this theory and explain some of the important aspects of them. First off it is important to understand that the Chakra system is comprised of seven points within the human body that are considered central energy points that balance the rest of the body, the mind and the spirit. Spiritually speaking, they are also considered to be the various states or elevations of consciousness. The theory of Chakra points was originated in India by a yogi around 600 BC and was bought to the Western world in the 1920’s. The English word Chakra comes from the Sanskrit word for Wheel or Circle. The idea of a “circle” denoting continuity has major significance in both Buddhist and Hindu religions as a symbol of universal unity and completeness. While Western culture was introduced to the idea of Chakra early in the 20th century, the philosophy did not take strong hold until much later on. In the last twenty years or so, the New Age movement has gained new insight and understanding into this ancient philosophy and the key role the chakras play in balancing the body, mind and spirit. The ideal mental, physical and spiritual state has all seven chakras open and in perfect balance, thus if any are “blocked” or unbalanced, the rest of the body, mind and spirit may suffer as a result.
Where are the chakras found in the body: The 7 chakras are aligned from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each are important and have their purpose and function to help maintain spiritual, mental and physical health. If we start at the top of the head and work down to the base of the spine the first chakra is known as the crown and is located at the top of the head; the second chakra is the third eye and is located between the eyebrows; third chakra is the throat and is located at the hollow at the base of the neck or throat; the forth chakra is the heart and is, obviously, located at the left center of the chest; the fifth chakra is the solar plexus and is located just beneath the rib cage; the sixth chakra is the sacrum and is located at the navel area; the seventh and last chakra is the root, it is located at the base of the spine or in the area between the anus and the genitals. Below is an outline of each chakra, (staring from the top) the color that represents it, the element that represents it and its primary functions.
- Crown; white or violet, elements of space or thought, functions include consciousness, enlightenment, bliss, union and empathy.
- Third Eye; indigo, elements of time and light, functions include perception, intuition, imagination, clairvoyance, mastery of self, awareness, enlightenment.
- Throat; azure blue, elements of life and sound, functions include verbal communication, maturity, spiritual growth, self-expression, listening to others, right speech.
- Heart; green, element of air, functions include love, compassion, wisdom, relationships, emotion, generosity, health and well being.
- Solar Plexus; yellow, element of fire, functions include laughter, joy, acceptance, assertion, digestion and will power.
- Sacrum; orange, element of water, functions include feminine sexuality and energy, desire, pleasure, stability, giving forth, expansion of the womb, stabilization.
- Root; red; element of Earth, functions include male sexual energy, stabilization, giving forth, desire, pleasure.
