The Chakras are energy centres and transformers which take in and give out energy. They lie in the subtle energy field of the aura - just above the physical body. Chakra is translated from Sanskrit as meaning ‘wheels of light’. There are seven major chakras: the root or base chakra, the sacral, the solar plexus, the heart, the throat, the brow or 3rd eye and the crown. There are also many minor chakras including those on the hands and feet.
Once a basic understanding of the chakras and their associated physical, mental, emotional and spiritual influences are gained, we can use this knowledge like a map and a tool for our own self-awareness and development. Those who are sensitively in tune with their body may be able to feel their chakras working. There may be a sensation of whizzing, whirring, buzzing, tingling, pulling, opening, or even pain at one of these energy centres which can signify ‘something going on’ - that the chakra is opening up. However, it would be wise to consult your GP if you are experiencing any pain, to rule out any physical reasons for it.
The chakras work like filters or transformers of a power station. Information comes in and is filtered and then stepped up or down in frequency in order to make individual sense of our inner and outer worlds. For instance, 'Love' to one person may mean one thing, but to another person it may be perceived differently as a result of their experiences and the condition of their chakras. The condition of our chakras are responsible for how we put our own 'twist' on things (or not), and how we perceive the world around us and what we experience as a result of that.
Generally speaking the chakras at the front tend to give out, or project energy - the ones at the back take it in. In the case of giving and receiving, those in the healing or caring professions may find that they give out a lot of energy at the front by giving continuously to others. If we are not ‘open' to receiving from others or 'giving' to ourselves, even a little time to replenish our batteries, the chakras at the back may be or may become blocked. If they are not drawing in an ample supply of energy from the back to replenish that given out at the front we become out of balance. We may then begin to place 'conditions' upon ‘giving’ or eventually reach burn-out; how can we give love if we have not got love to give? It is about learning to give to ourselves as well as to others, knowing that we are worthy of receiving that - see the sacral chakra for more information about this.
If the chakras are in balance the flow will be uninhibited (we can go with the flow), if the chakra is unbalanced, closed, or rotating the 'wrong' way, then energy will not flow properly and we experience resistance (our own form of self-protection, our vulnerability). Chakras can be overactive which means that they may be too open and letting too much energy in e.g. hyperactivity or in the case of being wide open it may feel like there is 'too much information' coming in which can lead to the brain feeling rather fried, or we may be too talkative if the throat chakra is effected! When the chakras are under active or blocked and not letting enough energy in we may feel lethargic, fatigued, stuck, unable to express ourselves and find it difficult to move on from each situation we encounter.
Once a basic understanding of the chakras and their associated physical, mental, emotional and spiritual influences are gained, we can use this knowledge like a map and a tool for our own self-awareness and development. Those who are sensitively in tune with their body may be able to feel their chakras working. There may be a sensation of whizzing, whirring, buzzing, tingling, pulling, opening, or even pain at one of these energy centres which can signify ‘something going on’ - that the chakra is opening up. However, it would be wise to consult your GP if you are experiencing any pain, to rule out any physical reasons for it.
The chakras work like filters or transformers of a power station. Information comes in and is filtered and then stepped up or down in frequency in order to make individual sense of our inner and outer worlds. For instance, 'Love' to one person may mean one thing, but to another person it may be perceived differently as a result of their experiences and the condition of their chakras. The condition of our chakras are responsible for how we put our own 'twist' on things (or not), and how we perceive the world around us and what we experience as a result of that.
Generally speaking the chakras at the front tend to give out, or project energy - the ones at the back take it in. In the case of giving and receiving, those in the healing or caring professions may find that they give out a lot of energy at the front by giving continuously to others. If we are not ‘open' to receiving from others or 'giving' to ourselves, even a little time to replenish our batteries, the chakras at the back may be or may become blocked. If they are not drawing in an ample supply of energy from the back to replenish that given out at the front we become out of balance. We may then begin to place 'conditions' upon ‘giving’ or eventually reach burn-out; how can we give love if we have not got love to give? It is about learning to give to ourselves as well as to others, knowing that we are worthy of receiving that - see the sacral chakra for more information about this.
If the chakras are in balance the flow will be uninhibited (we can go with the flow), if the chakra is unbalanced, closed, or rotating the 'wrong' way, then energy will not flow properly and we experience resistance (our own form of self-protection, our vulnerability). Chakras can be overactive which means that they may be too open and letting too much energy in e.g. hyperactivity or in the case of being wide open it may feel like there is 'too much information' coming in which can lead to the brain feeling rather fried, or we may be too talkative if the throat chakra is effected! When the chakras are under active or blocked and not letting enough energy in we may feel lethargic, fatigued, stuck, unable to express ourselves and find it difficult to move on from each situation we encounter.
The condition of the chakras and their balance with one another, interlink with the physical body and translate into the state of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. It takes many years of work on the chakras to enable them to function in an open balanced manner (just think about how we close up when we ‘don’t like something or someone) and given that our circumstances are constantly changing it is not an easy task. However, it is one that if we endeavour to undertake as part of our own personal and spiritual journeys can liberate us enormously as we become more flexible and accepting. It may be the case that in the interim period of healing, it does serve us to close off (retreat) in order to reflect on our vulnerabilities and to heal.
There is often much importance placed upon the opening of the third eye and the desire to gain psychic abilities, but less emphasis placed upon the lower chakras. Ideally the chakras cannot be isolated and focused upon singularly, as they interconnect and support each other in their functions. Disregarding this principle can lead to further imbalances, so the development of each chakra is vitally important - it would be like having an upside down pyramid otherwise (top heavy and ungrounded). For example, the root chakra which when functioning healthily keeps us grounded in the reality of the present moment, provides a firm foundation, security and stability to open up and see things as they really are with the third eye - rather than the fantasy of how we would like things to be!
On the following pages are more information about the major chakras. Information about the minor chakras will be posted at some point in the future.
There is often much importance placed upon the opening of the third eye and the desire to gain psychic abilities, but less emphasis placed upon the lower chakras. Ideally the chakras cannot be isolated and focused upon singularly, as they interconnect and support each other in their functions. Disregarding this principle can lead to further imbalances, so the development of each chakra is vitally important - it would be like having an upside down pyramid otherwise (top heavy and ungrounded). For example, the root chakra which when functioning healthily keeps us grounded in the reality of the present moment, provides a firm foundation, security and stability to open up and see things as they really are with the third eye - rather than the fantasy of how we would like things to be!
On the following pages are more information about the major chakras. Information about the minor chakras will be posted at some point in the future.
words and pictures copyright Emma Sims 2009 ©
