The word “Chakra” comes from the Sanskrit cakra meaning "wheel" or "circle," and sometimes also referring to the "wheel of life". The pronunciation of this word can be approximated in English by chuhkruh, with ch as in chart and both instances of a as in yoga (the commonly found pronunciation shockrah is incorrect). Some traditional sources describe five or seven chakras, others eight. The chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. In new age practices, each chakra is associated with a certain color. In various traditions chakras are associated with multiple physiological functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics. They are visualized as lotuses with a different number of petals in every chakra. The chakras are thought to vitalize the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy, or prana, (also called shakti, or chi), which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis. The function of the chakras is to spin and draw in this Universal Life Force Energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance. The seven chakras are said by some to reflect how the unified consciousness of humanity (the immortal human being or the soul), is divided to manage different aspects of earthly life (body/instinct/vital energy/deeper emotions/communication/having an overview of life/contact to God). The chakras are placed at differing levels of spiritual subtlety, with Sahasrara at the top being concerned with pure consciousness, and Muladhara at the bottom being concerned with matter, which is seen simply as crudified consciousness. Muladhara, The Base Chakra, which is the root or the foundation and it is located at the perineum. It represents the root of the kundalini energy. Its element is earth, and it is represented by the color red. The Base Chakra is associated with the deities Indra (earth element), Brahma (father of gods and men) and Dakini (female deity carrying the revelation of divine knowledge). The mantra for this chakra is Lam. Sense: smell. Functions: life-force, survival, self-preservation, instincts. Sound: do. Qualities: master of the body, grounding, individuality, stability, security, health, courage, patience. Stones: black onyx, hematite, jet, red jasper, carnelian, garnet. Svadhisthana, The Sacral Chakra, is concerned with the pleasures in life and it is located near the naval. Its element is water, and it is represented by the color orange. The Sacral Chakra is associated with the deities Varuna (water element), Vishnu (preserver and restorer) and Rakini (symbol of fire). The mantra for this chakra is Vam. Sense: taste. Functions: procreation, assimilation of food, physical vitality, creativity, sexuality. Sound: re. Qualities: giving and receiving, emotions, desire, pleasure, passionate love, movement, health, family, tolerance, surrender. Stones: carnelian, red jasper, orange agate, orange aventurine. Anahata, The Heart Chakra, is the center of balance and equilibrium and it is located near the fifth thoracic vertebra. Its element is air, and it is represented by the color green. The Heart Chakra is associated with the deities Vayu (god of the wind), Ishu (divine activity as the source of movement in the universe) and Kakini (dispels fear). The mantra for this chakra is Yam. Sense: feeling, touch. Functions: energizes the body with the life force, blood circulation. Sound: fa. Qualities: unconditional love, devotion, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, oneness with life, harmony, healing, contentment. Stones: green aventurine, jade, rose quartz, rhodonite. Vishuddha, The Throat Chakra, is concerned with hearing and communication and it located at the top of the neck. Its element is life, and it is represented by the color blue. The Throat Chakra is associated with the deities Sadasiva (reconciliation of opposites) and Shakini (light). The mantra for this chakra is Ham. Sense: hearing. Functions: speech, sounds, vibration, self-expression, communication. Sound: sol. Qualities: power of the spoken word, any creative expression, peace, truth, loyalty, honesty, kindness. Stones: blue lace agate, lapis lazuli, sodalite, turquoise, iolite. Ajna, The Third Eye Chakra, is the go between the brain consciousness and intuition and it is located between the eyebrows. Its element is time, and it is represented by the color indigo. The Third Eye Chakra is associated with the deities Shiva (completeness) and Hakini (pure mind). The mantra for this chakra is Om. Sense: all senses including extra-sensory perception. Functions: vitalizes the lower brain and central nervous system, vision. Sound: la. Qualities: intuition, insight, peace of mind, imagination, concentration. Stones: Lapis Lazuli, amethyst, iolite, moonstone, citrine. Sahasrara, The Crown Chakra, is associated with reaching enlightenment and it is located above the crown of the head. Its element is space, and It is represented by the color violet. The Crown Chakra is associated with the deity Paramashiva (union of the Shakti and Shiva). Senses: all senses including cosmic consciousness. Functions: vitalizes the upper brain. Sound: ti. Qualities: oneness with the infinite, spiritual, will, bliss, wisdom and understanding. Stones: clear quartz, white howlite, moonstone, amethyst.
Manipura, The Solar Plexus Chakra, is concerned with the energy generated during the digestion process and it is situated above the navel. Its element is fire, and it is represented by the color yellow. The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with the deities Rudra (god of storms), Lakini (astral planes awareness) and Vahini (nature god). The mantra for this chakra is Ram. Sense: sight. Sound: me. Functions: digestive processes, metabolism, emotions, sympathetic nervous system. Qualities: will, personal power, energy, self-control, freedom to be oneself, career, warmth, humor, laughter. Stones: citrine, yellow calcite, ambronite, tiger's eye, peridot.
