The 7 Chakras | Rare Earth Gallery (2024)

What are Chakras?

Chakrais a Sanskrit word literally meaningwheelorcircle,andit originates from the ancient Indian yoga system and the philosophy of Tantra.Chakras can be best described as thevortexes of energy located verticallyalong the spine,and they correspond to the spinal plexuses in thephysical body. In your physical body, there areseven major chakras. Eachchakra appears like awheel of lightthat spins in a clockwisedirection at a different speed. What is the spiritual importance of chakras? Allof your seven chakras shape your entire spiritual anatomy. Chakras areimportant elements on your spiritual path, and understanding them will allowyou to integrate your mind, body, and spirit in a better way. Chakras can beviewed as theseven doors to higher consciousnessthat will allow youto ascend and better understand your full potential. Imagine yourbody asa vehicle of consciousness. The chakras can be viewed as thewheels oflifethat can move your vehicle in the direction of enlightenment. Chakrasare also known aslotuses,andeach chakra symbol is portrayedwith a different number of petals,which are the expression of theirvibratory frequency:

Root Chakrahas 4 petals
Sacral Chakrahas 6 petals
Solar Plexus Chakrahas 10 petals
Heart Chakrahas 12 petals
Throat Chakrahas 16 petals
Third Eye Chakrahas 2 petals
Crown Chakrahas 1,000 petals

Lotus is a sacred Indian flower, which can only grow in themud and whose petals open one by one. Our chakras behave just like petals oflotus flowers: they can be opened or closed depending on the state ofconsciousness.

· Chakra 1-Root Chakra |Muladhara-Located at the base of the spine. It is associated withenergy,survival,stability,comfort and safety. Its element isearth.

·Chakra 2-Sacral Chakra |Svadhishthana-Located in the lower abdomen. It is associated withsensuality, sexuality,pleasure, sociabilityand emotions. Its element iswater.

· Chakra 3-Solar Plexus Chakra |Manipura-Located in the navel area. It is associated withstrength, personality,power, determination and self-esteem. Its element isfire.

The crownchakra, orsahasrārachakra in Sanskrit, is known as “thebridge to the cosmos.” It is the most spiritual in nature of all seven chakras.Located above the crown of the head, it acts as the individual’s center ofspirit, enlightenment, wisdom, universal consciousness, and connection tohigher guidance. In a sense, the crown chakra is our highest potential. Itgoverns interaction & communication with the universe, one’s senses ofinspiration & devotion, union with the higher self & the divine, anddeeper understanding; simultaneously, it is responsible for a healthy spirituallife. Some people like to think of the crown chakra as a kind of umbilical cordto the divine, whereby we as human beings are connected to the oneness of allthings. Because of this direct connection, it is important that we do notconceptualize ourselves as being completelyseparatedfrom thedivine; instead, that greater universal force is merely a larger expansion ofthe same energy which makes us up, too. The crown chakra allows for theexperiences of unity and universal connectedness, as well as the integration ofthe whole.It has a masculine energy and is represented by the colorviolet, or sometimes white, while its symbol is a circle with one thousand petals.Elementally, it is associated with thought and silence, and its mantra is, “Iknow.” Use these crystals to activate your Crown Chakra: Clear Quartz, Moonstone, Amethyst, Labradorite, Howlite, Ametrine & Selenite.

ThirdEye Chakra

The third eyechakra, orajnachakra in Sanskrit, is known as “the seat ofintuition.” Translations of the Sanskrit name include, “perceive,” “beyondwisdom,” and “command.” Located in the center of the forehead, it acts as theindividual’s center of wisdom, conscience, and higher consciousness. The third eyeallows for clear thought, spiritual contemplation, and self-reflection. It isthe highest chakra in the physical body, allowing it to provide visionaryperspective. The third eye also helps to determine one’s reality and beliefsbased on what one chooses to see in the world. The third eye chakra has afeminine energy. It is symbolized by the color indigo and an upside-downtriangle and lotus flower. Elementally, it is associated with light, althoughsome argue that the third eye is associated not with any specific element, butwitheverythingness. Its mantra is, “I see.” Use these crystals toactivate your Third Eye Chakra: Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Azurite, Sapphire, Amethyst, Angelite, Celestite, Kyanite & Calcite.

ThroatChakra

The throatchakra, orvishuddhachakra in Sanskrit, is located at thecenter of the neck. It acts as the individual’s force of expression andindividual truth, both internally and externally. A balanced throat chakrahelps to set us free from the fear of judgement or need for approval fromothers. This chakra helps us to embrace our originality and unique individualexperiences in the world. It is also associated with purity, thus connecting itto the concept of truth. The throat chakra is responsible for communication,the expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas, a healthy internal dialogue,and striking a balance between speaking and listening, as well as the seekingand sharing of truth, social skills, and personal integrity and honor. It alsoworks closely with thesacral chakra:while the sacral chakra governs creativity, it is the throat chakra that allowsthe individual toexpressthose creative ideas, rather thanstifling them for fear of others’ opinions. The throat chakra has a masculineenergy and is symbolized by a blue 16-petaled flower. Elementally, it isassociated with sound, and its mantra is, “I speak.” Use these crystals toactivate your Throat Chakra: Turquoise, Blue Lace Agate, Aquamarine, Kyanite, Aqua Aura, Blue Apatite, Larimar, & Chryscolla.

HeartChakra

The heartchakra, oranahatachakra in Sanskrit, is located at thecenter of the spine at heart level.Anahataroughly translatesto, “unhurt.” Accordingly, the heart chakra acts as the individual’s center ofcompassion, empathy, love, and forgiveness. This chakra governs one’s senses oftrust, fearlessness, peace, generosity, gratitude, and connectedness, as wellas change and transformation, healthy boundaries, depth in relationships withothers, emotional control, and love for oneself. The heart chakra has afeminine energy and is symbolized by a green six-pointed star within a12-petaled flower. Elementally, the heart chakra is associated with air, andits mantra is, “I love.” The heart chakra is special because it is the fourthof the seven chakras, making it the exact halfway point of the system and theunifier of the physical and spiritual chakras. By connecting the lower threechakras — the root, sacral, and solar plexus — with the upper three chakras — thethroat, third eye, and crown — the heart chakra acts as the bridge between theearth and spirit. Use these crystals to activate your Heart Chakra: Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Green Agate, Amazonite, Green Opal, Jade, Peridot, Aventurine & Chrysoprase.

SolarPlexus Chakra

The solarplexus chakra, orManipurain Sanskrit, translates to, “cityof jewels.” Located in the upper belly at the diaphragm, it acts as the centerof personal power. This chakra governs personality, ego, and identity, as wellas personal freedom, choice, and authenticity. The solar plexus chakra also hasmuch to do with motivation, willpower, and purpose, which stem from one’s senseof personal efficacy. Self-confidence and view of the self-connect to the solarplexus chakra, as well. Furthermore, this chakra governs the digestive systemand its respective organs; as a result, it has jurisdiction over both the gut’semotional brain and stored emotions. The solar plexus chakra has a masculineenergy and is symbolized by the color yellow (and/or gold) and by adownward-pointing triangle within a ten-petaled flower. Elementally, the solarplexus chakra is associated with fire (as well as the sun) and its mantra is,“I can.” (Accordingly, manifestation work connects to this chakraspecifically.) Use these crystals to activate your Solar Plexus Chakra: Citrine, Topaz, Fire Opal, Honey Amber, Tiger's Eye, Pyrite, Sunstone, Aragonite & Golden Labradorite.

SacralChakra

The sacral chakra,orswadisthanachakra in Sanskrit, has received the nicknames, “the social chakra,” and “the creation chakra.” Located inthe center of the lower belly or, as some believe, in the genital area, it actsas the individual’s center of pleasure and passion — both sensually andcreatively. This chakra governs reproductive systems and processes, sexuality,relationships, emotions, and sense of adventure. In fact, at its most broad,the sacral chakra simply governs passion and pleasure, phenomena which manifestthemselves in our lives via two avenues. On one side is creativity and zeal forlife — think of finding enjoyment by creating something like a piece of art, arecipe, or even a business, as well as just having fun in life. On the otherside is sensuality, in the sense of embracing one’s own natural human sexuality.The sacral chakra has a feminine energy and is symbolized by a flower andcrescent moon. Elementally, the sacral chakra is associated with water, and itsmantra is, “I feel.” Use these crystals to activate your Sacral Chakra: Carnelian, Red Tiger's Eye, Stilbite, Citrine, Golden Topaz, Orange Calcite & Cognac Amber.

RootChakra

The rootchakra, ormūlādhārachakra in Sanskrit, is known as “the rootof all things.” Located at the base of the spine at about tailbone-level, itacts as the individual’s center of emotional and spiritual balance, as well asinstinctual consciousness. At its most basic level, the root chakra isconcerned withneeds.It governs one’s senses of stability,safety, strength, and commitment and is responsible for self-preservation andfeeling grounded. While the root chakra is evolutionarily tied to those basicinstincts that help ussurvive, modern day has connected thischakra more to the business of helping usthrive. Moving beyondjust food, water, and shelter, the domain of the root chakra has come toinclude concepts like health, wealth, and community.Day-to-day feelingsof trust, belonging, and being present are governed by the root chakra. Theroot chakra is especially important to the chakra energy system because a lackof “roots” can compromise the integrity of all the other chakras, directlyaffecting the wellbeing of the entire body, mind, and spirit. Only when we feelthat our most essential needs are met can we focus on growing. The root chakrais also believed to be connected with Kundalini, or cosmic energy force whichcan be awakened and moved up the spine through the other chakras.Withinthe chakra system, the root chakra has a masculine energy and is symbolized bya red lotus with four petals. Elementally, it is associated with the earth, andits mantra is, “I have.” Use these crystals to activate your Root Chakra: Red Coral, Red Jasper, Black Obsidian, Bloodstone, Tourmaline, Red Carnelian, Garnet & Black Onyx.