Chakra names, positions, associations and meanings


The seven chakras are written about often, and representations of the chakra system can vary slightly, although the essential principles and definitions are generally consistent. The chakras are often shown in reverse order (7-1) compared to the grid below, and the names given to each chakra can vary slightly too, so alternatives are shown here where applicable. When the chakra is open and free it enables feelings and behaviours according to and relating to those listed. When a chakra is blocked or closed these feelings and behaviours are suppressed, resulting in negative feelings stemming from the respective emotion or instinct. The colours interestingly correspond to the colours of the rainbow, and can be remembered in the same way by the mnemonic (mnemonic means memory aid): 'Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain' (= Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Indigo, Violet).
chakra number
chakra name
position in body
associated feeling or emotion
other associated aspects
associated colour
1
root
base of spine
survival, bodily connection, security
earth, physical
red
2
sacral
lower abdomen, lower back, below navel
sexuality and emotional stability, adaptability, movement
water, emotional
orange
3
solar plexus, navel or power
between navel and base of sternum
personal power, independence, energy, metabolism
fire, ego
yellow
4
heart
centre of chest
love, self-acceptance, reconciles opposing forces, feelings and entities
air, social
green
5
throat
base of neck
creativity, expression, communication, vibratory awareness (language and sound)
sound, creative
blue
6
third eye or brow
between eyebrows
intuitive insight, conceptual awareness
light, fundamental
indigo
7
crown
top of head
spiritual connection, higher consciousness
thought, universal
violet or purple

Important as they are, the seven chakras are just one aspect of Reiki; there is so much more to learn and experience that is postive and good from this fascinating subject. There are many good books on the Reiki subject, and various websites, many of which embody an uplifting and positive spirit, like the subject itself. Reiki provides a modern access and methodology, through some very ancient philosophies, to self-discovery, self-development, healing self and others, and attaining fulfillment and life balance. It is a remarkable area that is worthy of further exploration and experience.
With thanks to Katharina Van Gend.

The Seven Chakras
Various Eastern concepts, philosophies and theories refer to the 'chakras', for example Reiki and Yoga. So do modern-day European concepts of Spiritual Healing. The chakra system also now appears commonly in many 'new age' writings and references. The word chakra was originally cakra, meaning wheel, also sun, dating back to between 600-2,000 BC from ancient Indian culture. References to chakras being bodily centres of feeling or consciousness appeared in ancient Indian writings about Yoga as early as 200 BC.
Typically seven chakras are referenced, and these are certainly the main ones on which theories focus, although various systems and doctrines consider that other chakras exist.
These days there is much interest in the seven chakras in the way that they relate to modern life and well-being, and this is not surprising since it is clear now that the ancient chakra system corresponds directly with the major human nerve ganglia which stem from the spinal column. The position of the chakras also relate to the endocrine glands which secrete directly into the bloodstream.
The seven chakras are generally thought of as being centres of energy within the human body, aligned with the spine, which correspond to our feelings, and emotional and behavioural characteristics. Each chakra is also commonly associated with an organ and bodily function, and is usually represented by a colour, and a 1-7 numbering system. Other sensual aspects are associated with the chakras depending on the interpretation and doctrine, for instance shapes and sounds, and human development from conception to maturity.
A person's body, mind and spiritual well-being are balanced and healthy when all of their chakras are 'clear'. When chakras are 'blocked', the related functions and feelings will be adversely affected; also the balance of the person is upset because other chakras are forced to compensate.
The seven chakras (numbered according to the chakra system) are located at the following points of the body, along the line of the spine:
(1) base of the spine
(2) lower abdomen/lower back (below navel)
(3) solar plexus (between the navel and base of sternum, which is the central vertical bone in the rib-cage)
(4) heart (centre of chest)
(5) throat (base of neck)
(6) brow (lower forehead, between eyes)
(7) crown (top of the head)
The lower chakras govern our more basic instincts related to survival and physical self.
The higher chakras govern our mental characteristics and feelings related to thought and consciousness.
Logically the central chakra - the heart - arguably bridges the two, being strongly linked both to physical and emotional feelings.
When all chakras are open and balanced, the mind, body and spiritual self, are healthy. Reiki is one of several techniques and methodologies which can 'open' or 'free' chakras that are blocked (which causes other chakras to become over-active), and thereby to restore a person's natural balance.