Chakras

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel and the chakras can be seen to be coloured, circular energy vortices or simply coloured discs.

The chakras are a part of our consciousness, or spirit, and they are the way in which our higher self is connected to our physical and mental self, and the way in which it experiences our lives on Earth.

Our mental attitudes and beliefs are the parts of us that drive our behaviour, thoughts, feelings and emotions. And our physical problems are the way in which our consciousness tells us that our beliefs, attitudes and behaviour are different from those of our true selves. All of our attitudes, beliefs and therefore physical problems are exhibited in our chakras and it is through understanding our beliefs, looking carefully at physical symptoms and reading our chakras that we can understand ourselves. If we change the way we see things, we become happier, more balanced people.

The crown chakra is the only chakra that is outside the body and is the centre of spiritual purpose and connection to spiritual guidance. The crown chakra is the primary receptor of spiritual information through which we can sense impressions of things (clairsentience).

The third eye chakra is receptive to spiritual information and gives us discernment in an unemotional way. Whether or not we can see clear images received through the third eye (clairvoyance) we are always receiving information here.

The throat chakra is the centre of self expression, judgement, change, commitment and progression. This chakra is healthy if we are fully able to express our true, ever changing selves. This chakra can also receive audible spiritual information (clairaudience).

The heart chakra is the centre of unconditional love and compassion. Divine love passed down from the upper chakras is interpreted here as unconditional love, yet our interpretation of this higher, pure spiritual love is only recognisable to us when we put it in terms what we feel from the lower chakras - when it is combined with some emotion. Hence compassion is love combined with passion, or emotion.

The solar plexus chakra is related to the higher aspects of our physical selves - intellect and logical thought, higher emotions and personal power. It is also the centre of psychic protection.

The sacral [Hara] chakra is all about lower emotions or passion and it also is the centre of sexuality. This chakra motivates us to express passion through music, art, poetry and love making. This centre is very receptive to the emotions and feelings of others.

The base, or root chakra is the chakra which roots us in the physical plane and is about the physical aspects of our nature. It expresses our need to physically survive - to eat, defend ourselves and procreate for the survival of the species.

The top three chakras relate mainly to our spiritual self.

The heart chakra is like a mediator between our physical and spiritual self.

The lower three chakras relate mainly to our physical self.

The palm chakras (in the palms of the hands) may be connected to the throat, heart or solar plexus chakras, in various proportions.

The foot chakras are connected to the base chakra.

All of the chakras may be expressive and receptive, however the odd numbered chakras tend to be more expressive than receptive. These chakras are more to do with the masculine principle. Men and women each have both masculine and feminine facets. The masculine principle may be thought of in terms of expressing, giving or a motive force. The right side of the body is more connected to the masculine principle.

The even numbered chakras tend to be more receptive than expressive. These are more to do with the feminine principle. Men and women each have both masculine and feminine facets. The feminine principle may be thought of in terms of receiving and creating. The left side of the body is more connected to the feminine principle.