the chakra system
Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, the chakras are energy vortices
allowing energy to pass freely through the subtle bodies.
There are over 300 minor chakras throughout the subtle bodies. Seven of these
are referred to as the main chakras, these are the root, sacral, solar plexus,
heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras. The 7 main chakras are joined at
intervals along the spine on the etheric plane. Their function is to receive
white light drawn in from the aura that is broken down into its component
colors. They allow the free flow of energy, which promotes good health and
vitality. If an energy blockage arises this may cause physical ailments that
correspond to the area of the blockage, by working with the chakras a balance of
energy can be maintained and the health and well being of the person stabilized.
There are many methods that can be used to aid balance in the chakra system.
Meditation, spiritual healing and acupuncture are all excellent methods of
keeping your energy centers in balance, but simply eating a healthy diet and
taking regular exercise will help too.
Each of the seven main chakras is connected to a corresponding gland or organ
in the physical body. A blockage of energy in a chakra my affect the area that
the chakra is connected to. As we can see below each chakra is
also represented with its own color. You may notice that these colors are the
colors of the spectrum, each of progressively higher vibration as we move up the
chakra system.
The seven main chakras
The Crown chakra is symbolized
by a thousand petals lotus. It is represented by the color violet.
Associated with the pineal gland, upper brain and right eye. It
is situated above the top of the head and unlike the other chakras it faces
upwards to receive energies from above. |
The Third-eye chakra (sometimes
called the brow chakra) is represented by the color indigo. It is
associated with the pituitary gland, lower brain and left eye. It is
situated just above and between the eyes on the forehead. |
The Throat chakra is represented
by the color blue, it is often very sensitive in healers and is associated
with the thyroid gland, bronchial tubes, vocal chords and lungs. The sense
of hearing is also connected to this chakra. As the name suggests it is
situated at the throat. |
The Heart chakra balances the
energies received from above and below. It is represented by the color
green and associated with the thymus, heart, circulatory system and the
sense of touch. The heart chakra can be found in line with the heart in
the center of the body. |
The Solar plexus chakra is
represented by the color yellow. It is associated with the pancreas,
stomach, liver, gall bladder, nervous system and the sense of sight.
Located at the solar plexus. |
The Sacral chakra is represented
by the color orange. It is associated with the adrenal glands*, the
reproductive system and the sense of taste. It can by found just below the
naval area. |
The Root chakra (often referred to
as the Base chakra) is represented by the color red. As the crown chakra
faces upward to absorb energies from above the root faces down to absorb
healing energies from the earth. It is associated with the gonads*,
kidneys, spinal column and the sense of smell. |
*Some literature states the root chakra is associated with the adrenals and
the sacral chakra associated with the gonads. The two are so close that it is
difficult to differentiate. No-one really knows which way around this should be.
Perhaps the solution is a little more eclectic than this segregation would
suggest.
The bottom three chakras allow healing energies from the earth to enter the
body. The top three chakras allow healing to enter from above. At the center the
heart chakra allows for balance between these two energy types.
The chakras are clearly visible in auric photography and reveal a great deal
about a person. Unfortunately, to see the chakras using the naked eye is not too
easy. Some lucky individuals are able to see the chakra system, others can
develop their auric sight using exercises such as those listed in the aura
page.
Working with the chakras
The energy systems of the subtle bodies respond to
thoughts, and by using directed meditation it is possible to adjust the energy
flow. With the chakras open you are able to connect to the life force that
permeates all of life, this is often referred to as Prana or Chi. As you begin
working with these subtle energies it is likely that you will not notice any
physical sensation, however, as you continue practising your senses will develop
and you will soon be able to feel the energy moving throughout your system.
Rooting yourself in
Before working with energy it is important that you are
thoroughly grounded. This will prevent light-headedness during your meditations
and ensure that you gain maximum benefit from your session. 'Rooting yourself
in' is a simple meditation that you can do in a few moments to ensure that you
are well grounded.
Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and your spine erect.
Breathe a little deeper than you usually do and imagine roots of golden
light are growing out through the bottom of your feet into the earth beneath.
From the base of your spine imagine that another stronger root grows ever deeper
into the earth, firmly holding you in place. Use your
creative visualization to see these golden roots
spread deep into the earth.
Once you have completed your session you may require
further grounding. Bend down and press the palms of your hands to the floor for
a few moments, then drink a glass of water.
Opening the chakras
To open a chakra simply use your imagination to visualise
the process in a way that feels most natural to you. Many people imagine a
delicate flower that gently opens its petals to the sunlight. As you imagine
each chakra opening notice any changes, some people feel a light tingling
sensation, a change in temperature or a feeling of release. If you do not notice
any sensations at this time this is perfectly natural, your senses will develop
with time and practise.
Depending on the purpose of your meditation you may need
to open some or all of your chakra centres, and the order in which you open them
may differ. As a general guide, unless directed otherwise, open each chakra
in turn from your crown to your root. If you find that this causes light
headedness then you may prefer to start with your root chakra and work up your
body.
With your chakras open and energy flowing freely through
your subtle bodies you are able to connect with nature. This enables you to
cleanse your aura and adjust your energy as required. It is also possible to
connect with others, and this is one of the basic principles of spiritual
healing.
Tensions in our life often cause blockages within the
energy system and, if left untreated, these will eventually manifest on the
physical level as illness. By opening your chakras, and keeping your system free
of blockages, you will be preventing future illness. The same principles apply
to the environment, where blocked energy can build, creating negative areas,
Those that have an interest in Feng Shui will not doubt be familiar with this
concept.
Balancing the chakras
To balance your energy system you must first be aware of
an imbalance. The easiest way to do this is to use your intuition to guide you.
If you are suffering from stress and have a decreased sex drive, you will
probably find that your brow and/or crown chakra are over stimulated and that
your root chakra is being neglected. To detect this, imagine an orb of energy at
eye level or just above, in line with your spine, use your intuition to gauge
the size of the orb, its colour and the speed and direction of any movement.
For those that are suffering from stress you will probably
imagine a large orb, with internal energies whizzing in all directions. The orb
will probably be pulsating and the colours will be either muddy in quality or
too loud and intense.
If your are not suffering form stress and you spend a few
moments imagining such an orb, you will soon develop tension that will manifest
as a headache. So don't do it!
The same person when asked to imagine an orb at the base
of their spine, in the location of the root chakra my find that only a very
small slow dull orb appears, or none at all! This imbalance is very common in
today's society, it is typical of hyper tension sufferers and can cause a lot of
anguish and much physical harm if untreated. Fortunately, it is very simply to
treat and you can do it yourself!
To remove the imbalance, you simply use your imagination
to shrink the orb that is too large. Imagine it slowing right down and becoming
more peaceful as you focus on your breathing. Each out-breath allows the orb to
decrease a little more, use your intuition to select a calming colour that is
right for you at this time and allow all tensions and stresses to simply float
away on your breath.
Many people find that visualising a channel that runs down
your spine connecting the two orbs together helps to create a balance. Using
this system you can allow the excess energy to flow into the depleted orb, until
you feel balanced. This method works well if you have energy centres that are
under stimulated and others that are over stimulated.
The energies that you imagine running through your body
are very real. As you begin to work with these energies you will have to rely on
your imagination and intuition to guide you. Trust in your abilities and have
faith that you are making definite changes on levels that, at present, may be
too subtle for your conscious senses to detect. As you continue your practise
you will begin to feel these energies moving through you body as your intention
and attention guides them.
If you sense negativity within your energy system you do
not want to simply pass this out on your breath. The energy will not die, it
will latch on to someone else, or find its way back into you! Whenever you
discover negative energies simple send them down into mother earth with your
love. She will transmute them into positive energy for you.
You can use the orb system to heal yourself on a very
subtle yet powerful level. These techniques are wonderful for removing illness,
curing insomnia, relieving tension and creating an overall sense of
harmony that will leave you feeling centred and balanced. As your abilities
develop imagine an orb at each of the main chakras. Use your intuition to
balance your chakras with the help of the orbs as a visual guide. When you are
proficient with the seven major chakras move on by adding more orbs and
channels. You could use a chakra map to find out where to imagine the orbs, but
I suggest trusting your intuition as your higher self can guide you much more
personally than any book.
Closing the chakras
Once your balancing meditation is complete you should
close your chakras. Different people do this in different ways, some suggest
that a delicate closing is all that is required, whereas others prefer to lock
them tightly. I favour the gentle approach as, intuitively, this feels right for
me, but you may feel that you require a more secure closing. Experiment to see
what works best for you.
The gentle close is very peaceful and relaxing, simply
imagine each chakra in turn as a flower, gently closing it's petals at the end
of the day. You can use your creative imagination to select a flower that is
suitable. Many people choose a lotus for the crown and a pink rose in a nest of
green leaves for the heart. Use the colour of each chakra to help you choose a
suitable flower. You do not have to stick with flowers, I usually imagine an eye
closing down softly for my brow chakra. There are no hard a fast rules, just
experiment and do what feels right for you.
If you feel that you require a more secure closing then
imagine the chakra centre sealing closed as though spherical shutters are
sealing it within. Once closed seal the chakra with the imagine of a small cross
inside a circle (be sure the cross is vertical like, '+' not, 'x') After sealing
the shutters shrink the whole thing down to the size of a pinpoint. As you
complete this exercise you will feel a sense of security, so if you usually
feel particularly vulnerable, this method is probably for you.
Closing the chakras protects you from negative energy, so
it is always a good idea to do it before you go out into the world, especially
if you are going to be near stressed or unhappy people. However, there is an
alternative.
creating a force field
For many years I practised light-work leaving my chakras
open. I did this intuitively because it felt like I was supposed to at the time.
To protect myself, I created a force field around my body that shielded me from
negative energy. Creating the field was simply a matter of having the intention
to do so and focussing my attention on its construction. Subtle energy responds
to our thoughts instantly, my focus and desire were all that I required.
Once the field was in place I was able to program it using
my imagination. To begin, I used it to allow positive energy through, and
reflect negative energy back to it's source. The shield worked fine for me, but
I soon realised that it was causing others discomfort. This was never my
intension and I have always believed that no-one projects negativity toward
another with conscious malicious intent. Many seem to, but I believe that their
map of reality is configured in a way that requires or causes them to do so.
Perhaps this is a pre-arranged exchange that mutual benefits all parties, or
simply a lesson in free will, either way I was not happy that I was reflecting
this negative energy, so I decided to change my programming.
I changed my field so that it transformed the energy into
positive loving energy, increasing its intensity in the process. Then, rather
then keeping it, I programmed the field to reflect it back to the sender. I
figured that someone sending out negative energy needed love more than I did.
I often add to my field, making new programs as I feel the
need for them. I use it to magnetically attract people that will help my
spiritual growth, and to attract those that I can help. I firmly believe that
many of my website visitors are here because of my filed. I strongly recommend
that you do something similar yourself.
I first created my field many, many years ago, more
recently (since attending a Flower of Life workshop) I have been working with my
Merkaba, this is a much more powerful system that can be programmed in a similar
way, you can find out more about this fascinating area in the
sacred geometry
section.
books on the chakras
If you would like to learn more about chakras, please take
a look at the selection of books featured below. To view the title, hover the
mouse pointer over the book image. For further details (including online
reviews, synopsis, larger image and ordering information) click on the link
below the book. Use the UK or US links depending on your location. (both sites
ship worldwide)
