It is said that the seven chakras originated all the way back from around 1500 BC, but let’s start with the basic question: what is a chakra? The word chakra, translated from Sankrit, means wheel, circle or disk. Your body has seven circular energy points that make up your spiritual anatomy. These circular energy points are known as chakras and each of them focuses on different aspects of our psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual state. Each of the chakras are located vertically along the body and have different functions. Interestingly, the chakras have a specific colour that corresponds to the colours of crystals, gemstones, or semi-precious stones that are associated with each chakra! This is why many people align their chakras by placing the corresponding healing crystal on top of the chakra they want to balance during meditation. In this article we will be diving into each of these chakras, going a bit more in depth on their properties, helping us keep balance and start our path to awakening.
To balance your overall energy, it is good to start with your root chakra, located at the base of your spine. The root chakra promotes survival and security. The colours of the crystals that represent this chakra are red and black. Some of the stones that stimulate this chakra directly are; black tourmaline, vanadinite, obsidian, tiger eye, carnelian, hematite and garnet. The root chakra is associated with the basic human needs such as; survival, fear, control, protection, stability, and spiritual grounding. This chakra corresponds to the spinal column, bones, legs and feet. When in balance, the root chakra is said to block fear, anxiety, anger and stress.
The second chakra, known as the sacral chakra, is located in the lower abdomen. It promotes creativity, vitality, energy and regulates one’s sexuality. The colour of the stone that represents the sacral chakra is orange. Some of the stones that stimulate this chakra are; orange calcite, citrine and carnelian. This chakra is associated with imagination, sexuality, happiness, pleasure and when balanced it is said to block guilt, depression, lack of sex drive, lack of creativity and heal suppressed emotions. The sacral chakra corresponds to one’s pelvis, sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae and bladder.
The third chakra is called the solar plexus and is located above the navel. It promotes power and associates with self-confidence, creativity and will power. This chakra represents a yellow stone such as citrine and orange calcite. When balanced, the solar plexus chakra can block low self esteem, shame, indecisiveness, fatigue and overeating. This chakra corresponds to the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and spine.
This brings us to the heart chakra, which is located in the centre of one’s chest. This chakra promotes love and is considered to be the bridge between the physical and the metaphysical world. If you look at a chart of the 7 chakras you will notice how 3 of them are more focused on this physical plane and the other top 3 are more connected with the spiritual world. The heart chakra is right in the middle! The heart chakra is represented by stones that are green or pink in color such as; aventurine, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, unakite, morganite, pink opal and rose quartz. The heart chakra is associated with forgiveness, hope, compassion, harmony in human relationships and unconditional love. When balanced, it can block sadness, prevent loneliness and dissolve social anxiety. This chakra corresponds to the heart, the circulatory system, ribs, breasts, lungs, diaphragm, shoulders, arms and hands.
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra, which promotes self-expression and “speaking your truth” into this world. This chakra represents stones that are blue such as sodalite, lapis lazuli, sapphire, chrysocolla, celestite and aquamarine. The throat chakra is associated with communication, channeling, public speaking, writing and your creative expression such as music. It is said that when balanced, the throat chakra can block one’s shyness and eliminate fear of public speaking. This chakra corresponds to the throat, thyroid, esophagus, mouth, teeth, neck and vertebrae.
The third eye chakra is located at the centre of one’s forehead and promotes perception. This chakra represents stones that are a dark blue and purple such as azurite, amethyst, lapis lazuli, sodalite and labradorite. The third eye chakra is associated with wisdom, intuition, power of the mind, psychic consciousness and visualization. It is said that it can block out illusions, depression and lack of intuition. This chakra corresponds to the eyes, ears, nose, brain and nervous system.
The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, which is located at the top of one’s head. This chakra promotes spirituality and enhances one’s spiritual connection. The colours of stones associated with the crown chakra are purple, white and clear such as; amethyst, clear quartz, selenite, labradorite and howlite. This chakra is associated with enlightenment, peace, unity, psychic abilities and one’s connection with the divine universe. When in balance, it is said that the crown chakra can block one’s attachment to their ego and selfishness. This chakra corresponds to the central nervous system, skin and muscular system.
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