The Beginner's Guide to the 7 Chakras
Demystify chakras with this introductory guide. 🌈
Imagine this: you show up to your first yoga class or stumble upon a crystal shop, and out of nowhere, somebody starts throwing around the term "chakra". You've heard the word before, but what the heck does it even mean? How many chakras are there? What does each chakra represent? And why does everyone seem to be talking about them?
In this introductory guide, we'll demystify chakras and show you how to keep these spinning energy centers in tip-top shape. From the root chakra to the crown chakra, we'll explore the unique roles of each energy center and give you tips for balancing and activating them. So, whether you're new to yoga and meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this guide is your one-stop-shop for learning about chakras.Let’s get spinning!
What is a Chakra?
In the world of yoga and meditation, the chakra system is a well-known and highly respected concept. It consists of seven main energy centers in our body, each associated with different colors, sounds, crystals, and elements. The term "chakra" comes from the Sanskrit word cakra, which means "wheel". You can imagine these energy centers like spinning wheels in our body. They're basically the VIP section of your body, and they're responsible for keeping your mind, body, and spirit in check.
Each chakra has its own job to do, from the root chakra that keeps us grounded to the crown chakra that connects us to a higher power.
The Root Chakra
Muladhara | Security + Survival | "I am"
A balanced root chakra means you feel grounded, secure, and ready to take on the world. But if it's out of whack, you might feel like a squirrel on caffeine: jittery, paranoid, and disconnected from reality. Trust me, that's not a good look on anyone.
So, how do you get your root chakra back in the game? My favorite quick fix is to get in touch with nature. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or spend some time gardening. If you're more of an indoor cat, you can also incorporate the color red into your life, like wearing red clothing or using red crystals.Don't underestimate the power of the root chakra. It's like the anchor that keeps you from floating away into a sea of self-doubt and anxiety. Give it some TLC to keep yourself grounded.
ROOT CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Muladhara
Location: Base of spine
Color: Red
Function: Security & Survival
Affirmation: "I am"
Balanced Expression: Feeling grounded, safe, secure, and comfortable
Imbalanced Expression: Spaced out, fearful, insecure, lack of purpose, fatigued, worried
The Sacral Chakra
Svadhishthana | Sexuality & Creativity | "I feel"
The sacral chakra, also known as Svadhisthana, is the second of the seven main energy centers in the body and it's located right where it counts: in the hips and lower abdomen. This powerhouse is associated with the color orange and is all about tapping into your creative side, getting in touch with your emotions, and embracing your sensual self.
When your sacral chakra is on point, you feel confident, expressive, and in tune with your desires. However, when it's blocked, things can get pretty crappy. You might feel like an emotional wreck, sexually frustrated, or as creative as a potato.
So, how do you balance your sacral chakra? It's simple: get in touch with your sensual side. Take a dance class, treat yourself to a luxurious bath, or have a romantic evening with your boo. You can also rock some orange attire or use orange stones (like carnelian) to help balance out your sacral chakra.
Don't ignore your sacral chakra, because it's the key to unlocking your inner goddess and tapping into your desires.
SACRAL CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Svadhishthana
Location: Lower abdomen below navel
Color: Orange
Function: Sexuality & Creativity
Affirmation: "I feel"
Balanced Expression: Creative, capable of enjoying pleasure, passionate
Imbalanced Expression: Lack of creativity, fear of intimacy, low libido
The Solar Plexus Chakra
Manipura | Confidence + Worth | "I do"
When your solar plexus chakra is balanced, you feel like the true queen you are- confident, in control, and ready to slay the day. However, when it's blocked, you might feel like a hot mess express - insecure, indecisive, and unable to stand up for yourself. Ain't nobody got time for that!
So, what's the secret to getting this chakra back on track? Get in touch with your inner badassl! Take a self-defense class, start a new project, or set some goals and crush them like the boss you are. And if you need a little extra help, try using some yellow crystals or incorporating the color yellow into your wardrobe or home decor to get those good vibes flowing.
It's time to tap into your inner power and show the world what you're made of!
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Manipura
Location: Upper abdomen
Color: Yellow
Function: Personal Power & Wisdom
Affirmation: "I do"
Balanced Expression: Confident, energetic, productive
Imbalanced Expression: Low self-worth and self esteem, powerless
The Heart Chakra
Anahata | Love & Healing | "I love"
Next up, we have the fourth chakra - the heart chakra, also known as Anahata. This chakra is located smack dab in the center of your chest and it's all about love, compassion, and healing.
A balanced heart chakra has you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, radiating love and compassion towards others. However, if it's all out of whack, you might feel like a lonely, bitter, and disconnected from the people around you. Womp, womp.
So, how do you get your heart chakra pumping again? Get in touch with your inner love machine. Practice random acts of kindness, spend quality time with your loved ones, or volunteer for a cause that pulls at your heartstrings. You can also surround yourself with green or pink hues or use crystals like rose quartz to help bring balance to your heart chakra.
Your heart chakra is the key to feeling the love, spreading it around like a fairy godmother, and making the world a brighter place.
HEART CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Anahata
Location: Center of chest
Color: Green
Function: Love & Healing
Affirmation: "I love"
Balanced Expression: Compassionate, love for self and others, trust
Imbalanced Expression: Lack of trust, lack of empathy, anger, jealousy
The Throat Chakra
Vishuddha | Communication & Expression | "I speak"
Moving right along, we've got the fifth chakra, known as the throat chakra. Located right where you'd expect it to be (in the throat area), this chakra is all about truth, expression, and communication. Also known as vishuddha, it's the key to letting your voice be heard and expressing yourself with confidence.
When your throat chakra is balanced, you speak your truth without hesitation and let your voice ring out loud and clear. However, if it's blocked, you might feel like your words are getting lost in the shuffle or that your voice isn't being heard at all.
So, how do you get your throat chakra back in the game? Speak up, baby! Write, sing, or speak your truth to those around you. You can also use blue crystals or incorporate the color blue into your world to help balance things out.
Don't let a blocked throat chakra hold you back. It's time to let your voice be heard and speak your truth with confidence!
THROAT CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha
Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Function: Communication & Expression
Affirmation: "I speak"
Balanced Expression: Expresses personal truth, strong communicator, good listener
Imbalanced Expression: Difficulty communicating, dishonest
The Third Eye Chakra
Ajna | Intuition & Awareness | "I see"
The sixth chakra, known as the third eye chakra or ajna, is located right in the center of your forehead. This little gem is all about intuition, inner wisdom, and spiritual awareness.
When your third eye chakra is balanced, you can trust your instincts, tap into your inner wisdom, and connect with your spiritual side. However, when it's out of balance, you might feel lost, disconnected, or unable to make decisions.
Fear not, it's easy to get in touch with your intuition. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or keep a dream journal. You can also try divination tools like tarot cards or crystals to assist you along the way.
Your third eye chakra is the key to tapping into your inner wisdom and intuition. Trust yourself and let your intuition guide you!
THIRD EYE CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Ajna
Location: Forehead, between eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Function: Intuition & Awareness
Affirmation: "I see"
Balanced Expression: Intuitive, healthy imagination
Imbalanced Expression: Lack of focus, poor imagination
The Crown Chakra
Sahasrara | Enlightenment + Wisdom | "I know"
Last but certainly not least, we come to the seventh chakra, the crown chakra. Sahasrara, as it's also known, sits at the top of your head and is all about connecting with the divine and reaching enlightenment.
When your crown chakra is in balance, you'll feel a strong connection to something greater than yourself, be spiritually aligned, and trust in the universe. However, if it's feeling a little out of sorts, you may feel anxious, disconnected, or unable to find meaning in your life.
To bring your crown chakra back into balance, it's time to connect with your spiritual side! Try meditation, spend some time in nature, or explore different spiritual practices like yoga, or meet with a practictioner for energy healing. You can also incorporate clear or purple crystals, or the color white into your wardrobe to help bring things back into harmony.
Your crown chakra is the secret sauce to connecting with the divine and finding purpose and meaning in your life.
CROWN CHAKRA CHEAT SHEET
Sanskrit Name: Sahasrara
Location: Top of head
Color: Violet
Function: Spirituality & Enlightenment
Affirmation: "I know"
Balanced Expression: Enlightenment, self-realization, wisdom
Imbalanced Expression: Lack of faith, disconnection
Chakra Care
Luckily, there are many ways to keep your chakras spinning like a disco ball. You can try yoga, aromatherapy, color therapy, meditation, or using crystals, to name just a few. The important thing is to listen to your own inner guidance and choose what resonates with you.
Remember, taking care of your chakras is an important part of self-care. Just like you want to keep your car in good shape for a smooth ride, you want to keep your body, mind, and spirit in balance so you can enjoy the journey of life. Don't hesitate to give some love to your chakras, and watch yourself shine like the superstar you truly are in no time! ✌️