The Power of the Chakras

The following is excerpted from Spiritual Clearings: Sacred Practices to Release Negative Energy and Harmonize Your Life (North Atlantic Books 2009) 

Chakra Assessments

The word chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit. Chakras are the body's subtle energy vortices. They have been identified in many ancient cultures. There are seven primary chakras or energy centers including the root, navel, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. These energy centers are the source of all power, all energy, and all activity; the physical, mental, and emotional health of an individual depends on the harmonious working of the chakras. Each of these chakras has a color associated with it. Starting with the root chakra and going to the crown, these colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine. This is the center for survival and also the seat of the Kundalini, the magic serpent power that lies coiled in repose until it is uncoiled through spiritual growth. The root chakra controls the reproductive system. Its color is red and its primal element is earth. It faces downward toward the feet, and any disturbance in its functioning may sometimes cause a sense of insecurity or ungroundedness in a person.

The second chakra is located in the gonads area below the navel. Its color is orange. It controls the kidneys, the bladder, the pelvic area, and the small intestine. Any problem in these organs is a clear indication of malfunctioning in this center. Its prime element is water.

The third chakra is located in the solar plexus above the navel. It controls the liver, the spleen, the stomach, and the large intestine. Its primal element is fire, and its harmonious working is essential in maintaining good health. It is this chakra that gives strength and courage to an individual and prepares him/her to deal with challenges. Its color is yellow.

The fourth chakra is located a little to the right of the heart area. With three centers below and three centers above, it is the turning point of spiritual awakening. It is the center of love and selflessness, and cooperation and humility. The opening of this chakra allows a person's consciousness to undergo subtle changes and to experience a new awareness. Its color is green, and it controls the heart and the entire circulatory system.

The fifth chakra is located in the throat area. It controls the thyroid gland, the parathyroid, and the lungs. Its color is blue, and its basic element is ether. It is the center for communication; thus its awakening enables an individual to become more articulate, discriminating, and selective.

The sixth chakra is located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. It is the center responsible for awakening the third eye (insight). It is also the catalyst for developing clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, and thought projection. Its color is indigo. It controls practically all the lower area of the brain, the pituitary, the hypothalamus, the eyes, the ears, and the entire nervous system. Its spiritual awakening creates certain physical changes in patterns of the myriad tiny cells in the brain. This allows an individual to obtain unusual control over breathing, heartbeat, and metabolic rate while in meditation.

The seventh chakra is located at the top of the pineal gland and controls the upper region of the brain. It is known as the crown chakra and its color is violet. It is the center where the physical consciousness of an individual merges with the Divine. Its activation allows a person's thinking to no longer be bound by time and space.

All seven chakras are interdependent and develop gradually after years of yoga and meditation practices. It is not possible to bypass one chakra to develop the chakra above it first. Thus it is important to follow the effective path of a step-by-step activation of these centers as it occurs when following one's spiritual practices. A person has to be physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared to contain the powerful energy generated by activation of the chakras.

Each chakra nourishes a specific endocrine gland, which energizes different body structures. The crown chakra nourishes the pineal. The third-eye chakra nourishes the pituitary. The throat chakra nourishes the thyroid gland. The heart chakra nourishes the thymus gland. The solar plexus nourishes the pancreas. The sacral chakra nourishes the gonads. Lastly, the root chakra nourishes the adrenal glands.

Please remember that the activation of a chakra cannot be fully accomplished without first working on what you need to learn on the level of the particular chakra. In other words, once the function of the chakra has been accepted as a lesson in everyday life, the quality of the chakra can be integrated.

Due to the multiple functions of the chakra system, it is critically important that a balanced energy flow be maintained to each chakra. If homeostasis cannot be sustained, the chakras may be deficient or develop excessive energy. Both can affect a person's well-being and health.

Characteristics of Chakras

First or Root Chakra -- located at the base of the spine

Function: Survival, grounding

Issues: Fear, insecurity, money, nervousness, anxiety about health

Balanced

Centered

Grounded

Excessive Energy

Greedy

Domineering

Deficient Energy

Lack of confidence

Ungrounded

Second or Navel Chakra -- located one to two inches below the navel

Function: Sexuality, creativity

Issues: Addictions to or cravings for sex, food, smoking, alcohol, or drugs

Balanced

Creative

Healthy sexual drive

Excessive Energy

Aggressive

Overindulgent

Deficient Energy

Burdened by guilt

Distrustful

Third or Solar Plexus Chakra -- located above navel

Function: Will, power

Issues: Helplessness, hopelessness, anger, or apathy

Balanced

Respect for others

Strong sense of personal power

Excessive

Judgmental

Workaholic

Deficient

Depressed

Excessive worry

Fourth or Heart Chakra -- located in center of chest

Function: Love, compassion

Issues: Loneliness, jealousy, disappointment in love, relationship dependency

Balanced

Compassionate

In touch with feelings

Excessive

Overcritical

Possessive

Deficient

Indecisive

Feel unworthy of love

Fifth or Throat Chakra -- located at the throat

Function: Communication, creative expression

Issues: Inability to communicate, under- or over-responsibility

Balanced

Centered

Good speaker

Excessive

Arrogant

Talks too much

Deficient

Quiet

Unable to express thoughts

Sixth or Third-Eye Chakra -- located between eyebrows

Function: Concentration, intuition

Issues: Difficulty planning for the future, poor insight or lack of intuition

Balanced

Able to receive Divine guidance

Master of oneself

Excessive

Manipulative

Authoritarian

Deficient

Oversensitive

Lack of concentration

Seventh or Crown Chakra -- located at top of head

Function: Understanding, oneness

Issues: Spiritual stagnation, major depression, dissociation, or lack of direction

Balanced

Open to the Divine

Total access to conscious and unconscious mind

Excessive

Constant frustration

Headaches

Deficient

Apathy

Confusion

Chakra Balancing Visualization

Allow yourself to become comfortable in a place where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, mentally holding it to the count of four. Now exhale slowly as you mentally count from eight to one. Then take two more deep breaths in the same manner.

In your mind's eye create a relaxing scene somewhere out in nature. Visualize it utilizing all your senses. Now imagine a beautiful ray of sunshine beaming down from the sun into your body in the area of the base of your spine. Take a moment to tune into the present condition of this chakra. Notice if you see or sense any cords, roots, or protrusions. If so, imagine your hands moving into that chakra and removing them. You may also call upon the Archangels to remove them for you. Ask that the correct color (red) be anchored into the chakra after the cords are removed.

Notice now that the sunlight creates a bubble of White Light mixed with iridescent pieces of pink for love and green for healing. In your imagination place this bubble of light over your root chakra. Allow the light bubble to balance and heal the root chakra. Visualize the color red anchored in this area as the sun energy harmonizes and balances the chakra, allowing your vibrations to increase.

The ray of sunshine moves up to the second chakra. Now tune into the current condition of the second chakra. Notice what you see, sense, or feel in this area. Scan it for any cords, threads, roots, or blockages. If you discover any of these, decide if you want them removed. Then proceed with pulling out everything you wish to discard. Again you may call upon the Archangels for healing this or any of your chakras. Ask that the correct color (orange) be anchored into the chakra once the area is cleansed. Another bubble of light with pink and green iridescent colors is formed over this chakra area to balance the energies there. It will also serve to fill any voids left by the cord removals. Visualize the color orange anchored in this area as it is harmonized by the bubble of sun energy and vitalizes your life-force energy.

The sunlight bubble of energy now moves up and covers the solar plexus chakra. As before, check in to discern the present state of this chakra. Since this is your center of personal power, a cord here could prove to be a strong energy drain for you. If you wish, you may follow this cord to its end to find who is connected to it. Remove as many cords and blockages as you are guided to do. Then let this bubble of energy heal and balance this chakra. Anchor and visualize the color yellow in this chakra and become aware of your own personal power.

The bubble of vibrant sun energy mixed with particles of pink and green now moves to the heart chakra. Pay attention to any cords, connections, or blockages you might be experiencing in this area. Evaluate and then remove whatever cords you wish to disengage at this time in your heart chakra. (It is not uncommon to discover trap doors, wounds, or weapons in this area.) Call upon the Archangels to do any additional healing here. Ask that the correct color (green) be anchored into the chakra. Focus your awareness on your heart and feel it becoming warmer. Notice its energy radiating out from your being in waves. Allow the bubble of sunlight to balance and harmonize the heart chakra. Visualize the correct color ray of green in the chakra. Feel the love from the Universe.

The light continues to move upward to the throat chakra. Since this area is your communication center, it is vital that you remove any cords, roots, or protrusion residing there. On occasion, people have felt lumps in their throat area. As always, call for assistance to heal this area. Then request that the correct color (blue) be anchored there. Now the bubble of healing light is formed over your throat area. Let this bubble harmonize the energies in the throat chakra. Visualize and anchor the color blue as your spiritual awareness increases.

The light moves up and forms a bubble over your third-eye chakra. Cords in this area can be quite uncomfortable and may even cause physical sensations, i.e., headaches or dizziness. Focus on the removal of any cords or attachments. Follow that by having the color indigo anchored there and request any necessary healing. Allow the healing bubble of sunlight to vibrate and open your third eye. Visualize the color indigo anchored here as you are bathed in wisdom.

The light moves to the top of the head and forms a protective bubble over this area. This is the chakra for understanding and Oneness. Cords in this area could manifest as feeling controlled. Often people perceive tentacles or puppet strings attached to their head. Remove them all with the Archangels' assistance and request any additional healing. Ask that the correct color (violet) be anchored there. Allow this energy to activate the powers of your mind and spirit. Visualize the color violet at the crown chakra as you reestablish your connection to Source.

Allow the light energy from the root to crown chakras to now flow out the top of your head and cascade down around your auric field. Imagine it as a waterfall of shimmering White Light.

When you are ready, count mentally from one to five. Slowly open your eyes and revel in a state of balance.

© 2009 by Diana Burney. Reprinted by permission of publisher.

Diana Burney has over thirty-five years of experience in management, counseling, marketing, and education. A certified hypnotherapist, Reiki Master/teacher, and Magnified Healing Practitioner, she is also an ordained minister of the Order of Melchizadek from the Sanctuary of the Beloved in Conesus, NY. The President of Earth Release since 1999, she lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Thumbnail image by Temari 09, courtesy of Creative Commons license.