Chakra means “wheel,” and according to Britannica.com, chakras refer to “any of a number of psychic-energy centres of the body, prominent in the occult physiological practices of certain forms of Hinduism and Tantric Buddhism. The chakras are conceived of as focal points where psychic forces and bodily functions merge with and interact with each other.”

The Seventh Chakra System is the most commonly studied and used chakra practice. It involves six chakras along with a seventh center which is not considered a chakra. The points line up vertically with the body. Chakras can be blocked and unblocked. If a chakra is blocked, you can’t access it. Having clear chakras keeps your body balanced and focused.

Starting from the top of the body, the first chakra sits right at the top head. It is the Crown Chakra, also known as the seventh chakra. The Crown Chakra is purple or white. Its element is thought. It corresponds physically with the upper skull, cerebral cortex, the nervous system and brain. The Crown Chakra opens our mind to the Divine. It connects us to the universe like a spiritual gateway. It is associated with the highest wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and the fusion of our higher self. The stones for the Crown Chakra are clear quartz and amethysts.

The Third Eye Chakra is next, sitting between the eyebrows at the center of the forehead. It is known as the psychic energy center. Its color is indigo and its element is light. Its physical correspondence is the eyes and parts of the brain. The Third Eye Chakra is responsible for insight, intuition and perception. It helps us to understand our divine purpose. The Third Eye Chakra helps with self-reflection, visualization, clear thought, understanding, and the ability to clearly see. Its stones are democratic or lapis lazuli.

The Throat Chakra falls next in line. It lies in the hollow of the throat. Its color is blue and its element is sound. It physically corresponds with the thyroid gland, thymus, throat, lungs, vocal cord, and immune system. The Throat Chakra is like the communication center for us. It helps with voice, creative self expression, speaking your truth, clear communication, listening and being heard. The stones for the Throat Chakra are amazonite and aquamarine.

Learn about the Heart Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Sacral Chakra, and Root Chakra in next month’s article!