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UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHAKRA SYSTEM
Chakra Test
Chakra
is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, or vortex, and it refers to each of
the seven energy centers of which our consciousness, our energy system,
is composed.
The chakras are not physical. They
are aspects of consciousness in the same way that the auras are aspects
of consciousness. The chakras are more dense than the auras, but not as
dense as the physical body. They interact with the physical body through
two major vehicles, the endocrine system and the nervous system. Each of
the seven chakras is associated with one of the seven endocrine glands,
and also with a group of nerves called a plexus. Thus, each chakra can
be associated with particular parts of the body and particular functions
within the body controlled by that plexus or that endocrine gland
associated with that chakra.
All of your senses, all of your perceptions, all of your possible states
of awareness, everything it is possible for you to experience, can be
divided into seven categories. Each category can be associated with a
particular chakra. Thus, the chakras represent not only particular parts
of your physical body, but also particular parts of your consciousness.
These chakras, or energy centers, function as pumps or valves,
regulating the flow of energy through our energy system. The functioning
of the chakras reflects decisions we make concerning how we choose to
respond to conditions in our life. We open and close these valves when
we decide what to think, and what to feel, and through which perceptual
filter we choose to experience the world around us.
There are seven major chakras. Some energy medicine practitioners talk about
ten major chakras and speak of more energy centers coming online (or
being discovered) as we evolve
as a species. We will talk about the seven major systems. This system also
recognizes many mini or minor chakras such as the palms of hands, cross
section of finger joints and the eyes. Chakras have seven
layers that spirals down into the body and ground our energy into the
earth through the root which will provide an anchor, as well as draw
down energy from above into the crown, which will provide an increase in
life force.
Minor and mini-chakras
The seven major centers are supported by several mini-chakras also called Nadis. In order to work in harmony the body must have these mini-chakras
perfectly working. Most of the mini-chakras are in joint areas (finger,
foot, palms) . The energy centers in the palm of the hands can be used for
giving and receiving life force energy. Yoga and tai-chi are good techniques to ensure proper
functioning of the mini-chakras. If you want to develop your chakras for
increased psychic and intuitive power you need to work the mini-chakras first,
as they
support the major ones.
The first or ROOT Chakra (Muldhara)
Mula means root and adhara means support.
The root chakra is located between the anus and genitals (perineum)
and is symbolized by 4 petals. The color red and sometimes brown is associated
with this chakra. The root chakra forms the foundation for the raising of Kundalini energy
or life force. The root chakra governs the processes of
elimination, birth, survival and independence. It is the gateway to
human connection to earth. You can balance
this chakra with the sacred vowel UH (as in cup) and focus your
attention on the chakra at the same time.
The
second or SACRAL Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Svad means to sweeten what belongs to itself and dhisthana implies its
actual place.
The Sacral chakra is symbolized by 6 petals. Six represents the union of Yoni (female) and Linga
(male) sexual organs. The second chakra is associated with sexual energy. This chakra is located in the lower abdomen, centered between the
navel and the genitals. The Bija Mantra (sacred vowel) for this chakra
is YAM.
The third or SOLAR PLEXIS Chakra (Manipura)
Manipura means city of jewels.
This chakra is symbolized by 10 petals arranged from right to left and
is sometimes referred to as the chakra of attainment. Associated with power,
the third chakra located at the solar plexus level is used productively
when someone uses personal power to empower others because the solar
plexus is also an important center to transmit emotions and
feelings. The Bija mantra which resonates with this chakra is RAM.
The fourth or HEART Chakra (Anahata)
Anahata means unstuck note.
Represented by 12 petals, the heart chakra is the chalice of both joy
and sorrow. When the energy in this chakra is balanced we have a sense
of connectedness. You can also use this chakra to connect with others at
a higher level than with the solar plexus. This chakra can connect you
to unconditional love and can help you to make stronger connections with
your soul. You can do that by calling your soul into your heart center
and then chanting an OM.
The fifth or THROAT Chakra (Vissudha)
Vissudha means purification.
Represented by a lotus of 16 petals, the throat chakra is known as the
chakra of expression. If this chakra is blocked you may experience the
problem of not being able to speak up or shut up. If you think
you are suffering from a problem associated with the throat chakra ask a reiki healer for help. The
Bija mantra for this chakra is HAM.
The sixth or BROW Chakra "third eye" (Ajna)
Ajna means to perceive or to command.
This chakra is your intuition and mental perception. The brow chakra is
located very close to the center of the brain. The eyes, ears,
pituitary gland, hypothalamus are in the area of this chakra. It is good
to use this chakra to explore a series of probabilities. We already use
this chakra to explore the past, present and future but unless this
chakra is balanced we may have difficulty integrating these aspects of
our life in a productive way. The Bija mantra for this chakra is SHAM.
The seventh or CROWN Chakra (Sahasara)
Sahasara means thousandfold.
Located at the top of the head this chakra is represented by a thousand
petals and is associated with fulfillment and spiritual energy. The
constant awareness of the creative force in the Universe is the reward
for the one who opens this chakra. This constant awareness is something
called the Christ consciousness or Cosmic consciousness. If you want to
be in touch with the energy of this chakra meditate on your oneness with
humanity and everything in Creation. The Bija mantra for this chakra
is OM.
Bija Mantra : A bija mantra is a sacred syllable that creates a vibration within your
body at the chakra frequency, if you use the corresponding mantra. Bija
or seed are associated with the petal of each chakra.
Sources:
Chakras
and the Body Mind Interface developed by Sir Martin Brofman, Ph.D.
Chakra Reference Chart
Free Online Chakra Test
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