The 7 main chakras

Chakra means "Wheel" in the Sanskrit and it refers to each of the seven energy centers of which our consciousness, our energy system, is composed.

The chakras, or energy centers, are not physical. They are aspects of consciousness in the same way that the auras are reflecting aspects of consciousness.

Chakras function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy through our energy system.

1. chakra

Location: The perineum, the point between the anus and the sex organs

Parts of the body: Lymph system, skeleton system (teeth and bones), the prostate gland in men, the sacral plexus, the bladder and elimination system, and the lower extremities. Also the nose, since it is the organ of the sense of smell, and associated with survival.

Gemstones: Lodestone, ruby, garnet, smoky quartz, obsidian, onyx, jet, hematite, bloodstone, red jasper

Element: earth

Color: Red

Goals: Stability, grounding, physical health, prosperity trust

The Root chakra is about being physically there and feeling at home in situations. If it is open, you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don't unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. You feel you have sufficient territory.

2. chakra

Location: The center of the abdomen, just beneath the navel

Parts of the body: Reproductive system, sexual organs, lumbar plexus

Gemstones: carnelian, coral, agate, jacinth

Element: water

Color: Orange

Goals: Fluidity, pleasure, healthy sexuality, feeling

The Sacral chakra is about feeling and sexuality. When it is open, your feelings flow freely, and are expressed without you being over-emotional. You are open to intimacy and you can be passionate and lively. You have no problems dealing with your sexuality.

3. chakra

Location: Solar plexus

Parts of the Body: The parts of the body associated with this chakra include the muscular system, the skin as a system, the solar plexus, the large intestine, stomach, liver, and other organs and glands in the region of the solar plexus. Also the eyes, as the organs of sight, and the face, representing figuratively the face one shows the world.

Gemstones: amber, topaz citrine quartz, tiger eye

Element: fire

Color: Yellow

Goals: Vitality, spontaneity, strength of will, purpose, self-esteem

The Navel chakra is about asserting yourself in a group. When it is open, you feel in control and you have sufficient self esteem.

4. chakra

Location: Center of the chest

Parts of the body: This Chakra is associated with the heart and the blood circulatory system, and the cardiac plexus, as well as the lungs and the entire chest area.

Gemstones: emerald, tourmaline, rose quartz, emerald

Element: air

Color: Emerald Green

Goals: Balance, compassion, self-acceptance, good relationships

The Heart chakra is about love, kindness and affection. When it is open, you are compassionate and friendly, and you work at harmonious relationships.

5. chakra

Location: Base of the throat

Parts of the body: This chakra controls the throat and the neck, and the arms and the hands. It is associated with the brachial or cervical plexus.

Gemstones: turquoise, lapis lazuli, chrysocolla, green aventurine

Element: sound

Color: Sky blue

Goals: Clear communication, creativity, resonance

The Throat chakra is about self-expression, communication, and talking. When it is open, you have no problems expressing yourself, and you might be doing so as an artist.

6. chakra

Location: Center of the forehead

Parts of the body: This Chakra is associated with the forehead and temples, with the carotid plexus

Gemstones: lapis, quartz, sodalite, blue sapphire

Element: light

Color: Indigo, Midnight Blue

Goals: Psychic perception, accurate interpretation, imagination, clear seeing

The Third Eye chakra is about insight and visualisation. When it is open, you have a good intuition. You may tend to fantasize.

7. chakra

Location: Top of the head

Parts of the body: This Chakra is associated with the top of the head, the brain, and the entire nervous system

Gemstones: amethyst, diamond, white chalcedony, moss agate, salenite/desert rose, white opal, moonstone

Element: information

Color: Violet

Goals: Wisdom, knowledge, consciousness

The Crown chakra is about wisdom and being one with the world. When this chakra is open, you are unprejudiced and quite aware of the world and yourself.