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Going as far back as the Sumerians and ancient Mesopotamia, crystals have been used to heal, protect and enlighten. The practice of using crystals has come a long way in the 6,000 years since then but the fundamental principals of crystal healing remains rooted in the ancient Hindu concept of chakras.
There are various ways to incorporate crystals into your life, not all practices are centered around chakras. However, a basic knowledge of the chakra system is vital to fully understand the use of crystals and crystal healing.
So, let’s talk chakras. What are they? What’s the deal?
Firstly, let me just say that the amount of information about chakras is immense, so in the interest of time, space and to keep me from boring you to tears I will sum up the vital information. If you’d like to learn more, I’ve included a few links at the bottom.
Chakras are rooted in the Hindu belief system where they’re are believed to be two bodies - The physical and the subtle, or non-physical.
In the subtle body, which could be likened to a ‘spirit’ or ‘essence’, there are different channels through which life force ( or prana ) flow. These channels are called nadiis, and when nadiis meet, a chakra is formed.
To visualize, think of the human body as the root system of a tree. The trunk ( center channel ) of the tree would follow your spine. From the trunk grows roots ( side channels ) which branch out further and encompass your body, spreading life energy, otherwise known as prana.
Depending on what sect of hinduism you follow and what scriptures you read, the number of total chakras vary, but all agree that 7 are the most important.
So what are the 7 sacred chakras?
Sahasrara ( Crown Chakra )
Color: White / Viole
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Location: Crown of the head
Consider this to be your most spiritual spiritual chakra. Everything to do with higher consciousness, universal alignment, and life purpose are housed in this chakra.
Signs of Imbalance: Self doubt, Exhaustion, Sensitivity to light and sound with no apparent reason
Ajna ( Third Eye Chakra )
Color: Indigo
Location: center of forehead
The chakra of intuition and wisdom. This is the chakra the guides us in life, the house of our conscious. Those with open third eye chakras often speak of sensing things happening shortly before they manifest, similar to a psychic foresight.
Signs of Imbalance: headaches, Nightmares, Panic, Depression, Lack of concentration, fear of truth
Vishuddha ( Throat Chakra )
Color: Blue
Location: Throat
The chakra of communication and self expression. Or communication skills and ability to speak the truth with confidence derive from a healthy throat chakra.
Signs of Imbalance: Sore throat, Teeth grinding, Stiff neck, Difficulty in decision making
Anahata ( Heart Chakra )
Color: Green
Location: Center of Chest
The heart chakra is associated with love, emotions and relationships. A healthy heart chakra is the foundation for self love and love for others and promotes a healthy and balanced emotional state of being.
Signs of Imbalance: Upper back problems, Asthma, Moodiness, High Blood Pressure, Difficulty letting go, Holding grudges
Manipura ( Solar Plexus Chakra )
Color: Yellow
Location: Center Chest / Stomach
This is the Power chakra that is also direct linked to out digestive system. Those with a high amount of energy flowing through their solar plexus will fell a sense of confidence, power and high self esteem. Those with a ongoing battle of self-doubt and criticism may have a block in this chakra.
Signs of Imbalance: Diabetes, Stomach Ulcers, Eating Disorders, Depression, Hostility, Digestive Issues, Self-doubt, Insecurity
Svashisthana ( Sacral Chakra )
Color: Orange
Location: Lower abdomen, between naval and genitals
The chakra of sex, creativity, and emotions. The sacral chakra helps us govern our emotions and the way express them to others. The sign of person with a balanced sacral chakra is one who easy going and passionate while not overly emotional.
Signs of imbalance: Obsessions, Addictions, Lower Back Pain, Decreased Libido, Oversensitive
Muladhara ( Root Chakra )
Color: Red
Location: Base of spine
Our first chakra, this houses our basic needs, instincts and knowledge of survival. The root chakra is our base, it helps guide us to our passions, to success and to our needs. This is our lowest self energy and is primarily about physical survival. Keeping this chakra balanced is important for without our base, we can easily fall.
Signs of Imbalance: Fatigue, Sciatica, Immune problems, obesity, Over indulgence.
These ‘vortexes’ or ‘wheels’ of energy ( as translated from the sanskrit ‘Chakra’ ) govern our basic human existence. Each point is related to each other as well as some aspect of our life, whether it be emotional state, health, sex, survival, etc. At some points in life, the prana ( or energy ) flowing through our chakras become blocked, and that is where crystal healing comes in. Crystal healing is the practice of using crystals to communicate with the chakras and help unblock any energy that may be causing harm.
As indicated above, each chakra has a corresponding color. The colors of you chakras are by no means permanent- they flux in dulness, muddiness and radiance depending on your health and emotional state. The relationship between colors, your chakras and yourself is vast and will be discussed more in-depth in the next post.
In the meantime- go into your closet.
What color do you have the most of? What is your favorite color? What color can’t you stand to look at?
The Chakras of the Subtle Body, from the Siddha Siddhanta Paddhat. By Bulaki, 1824. India, Rajasthan, Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Museum Trust, RJS2376. Imge courtesy Smithsonian
Further Reading:
