Chakra Basics: The body and spirit’s energy centers

by Ann-Marie Kenny

To explain chakras in the context of nature, imagine walking by a stream or river and seeing tiny spiral eddies on the surface, or on a much larger scale when cloud systems form to create cyclones. This is what a chakra might look like. Your own body, too, is made up of invisible energies and when these energies collide they form spinning circular patterns or vortexes, which the seers of ancient India named Chakras.  The origin of the word chakra comes from the ancient Indian word for “wheel”.  Chakras could be described as energy gateways allowing energy to flow inwards and outwards and are natural areas of focus for many holistic therapies. Those with clairvoyant sight might see chakras on every level from the subtle to the physical. 

Through the knowledge passed down by the ancient seers, seven main chakras were identified but we have come to acknowledge that there may be many more minor chakras in our body. Below are listed the seven main chakras, their location in the body, the color associated with them and the spiritual and physical characteristics attributed to them.

 

BASE or ROOT

– located at the base of the spine

 Color – Red

 Related to the testicles, ovaries and adrenal glands.

 The key activity associated with this chakra is the survival instinct.

 

 SACRAL

– located between the navel and pubic bone.

 Color – Orange

 Related to the sacral vertebrae in the spine, also to the reproductive system. The key activities associated with this chakra are emotions and sensuality.

  

SOLAR PLEXUS

– located in the front of the body between the bottom of the ribcage and the navel.

 Color – Yellow

 Associated with the pancreas and the adrenal glands.

 The key activities associated with this chakra are personal energy and power.

  

HEART

– located in the center of the chest.

 Color -Green

 Associated with the thymus gland, which is vital for growth and maintenance of the immune system.

 The key activities associated with this chakra are love and relationships.

  

THROAT

– located at the base of the throat.

 Color – Light Blue

 Associated with the thyroid gland, which controls mineral and metabolic levels. The key activities associated with this chakra are communication and creativity.

  

BROW

– located at the center of the forehead.

Color – Deep Blue

 Associated with the pineal gland, which controls and maintains cycles of rest and activity.

 The key activities associated with this chakra are intuition, insight and imagination.

 

CROWN

– located just above the top of the head. 

Color – Purple

 The entire brain is influenced by this center.

 The key activities associated with this chakra are knowledge and understanding.