“The body is the vehicle, consciousness the driver. Yoga is the path, and the chakras are the map.” – Anodea Judith
So you’ve heard about chakras before, but you’re not really sure what they are, or how to figure them out? Maybe you think that it’s all just New Age mumbo jumbo; something that people do this modern era. Or maybe you’ve done some yoga or meditation and are looking for a way to understand it all better.
How to know your chakras is a bit like learning about the different layers of your body, mind, and etheric energy. Interconnecting at a deeper level with the self.
There are 7 main chakra points. Although some yogi masters have documented up to 144 chakras in total.
In this blog post though, we’re going explore 12 chakras that are most commonly talked about, what each one does and 9 ways to align your chakras.
What Is Chakra And How Does It Work?
So what is chakra and how does it work? The word chakra translates to “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit. It pertains to the spherical and spinning energy core that makes up our chakra. In other terms, the chakras are moving energy centers in the human body and its connecting ether that surrounds us.
In yoga, the chakra is often described as how your energy “moves” through and around your body. Each chakra energy corresponds to specific nerve centers and even vital organs within our body having. Each one having its role in helping us thrive as humans. When all of our chakras are healthy and balanced, we feel on top of the world!
Despite being labeled as nerve centers, even yogis can attest that there is no way to scientifically measure the existence of chakras, posing the ultimate question: “Are Chakra Real?”
We might not be able to touch, see or measure the chakras, although this does not imply that they are nonexistent. Science can explain a lot of things, but there are many things that it can’t explain.
How Many Chakras Does A Person Have?
So how many chakras does a person have? Initially, the first detailed description of the seven chakras was documented by Purnananda Swami in 1577, so spiritual practitioners identified with the seven main chakras within the body.
Around 2005, Sri Amit Ray documented 114 chakras, based on ancient oral tradition and his deep meditation experiences. Although depending on the yogi masters and their teachings, some documentation notes 144 chakras in total.
Are there 7 or 12 chakras? There are seven major chakras. Modern perspectives and the ongoing contributions of energy workers and healers focus mainly on 7 to 12 chakras located in and around the ether of the body.
Where are chakras located in the body?
Below is the list of the 12 chakra system and where they are located in and around the body:
1. Earth Star Chakra: Vasundhara
Considered a sub personal chakra, the etheric part of our body. The earth star is believed to be approximately 12 inches below our feet.
This chakra is often tagged as the “grounding cord” that pulls your light body to the center of the earth because of its earthy, grounding energy.
This energy allows you to reduce your pace and prevent burnout. A common problem today, especially with the fast-paced lifestyle almost everyone leads.
2. Root Chakra: Muladhara
The Muladhara is located at your spine’s base near your tailbone. It partners with your earth star chakra to engulf you in the sense of safety and stability.
When the root chakra is active, you will always be at ease and secure with yourself and your surroundings, whatever the circumstances are. This chakra is typically associated with the color red.
3. Sacral Chakra: Swadhisthana
This third chakra can be found near your reproductive organs. This energy is responsible for your sexuality, pleasure, and emotional management.
The Swadhisthana chakra also has strong ties with the water element. When this chakra is open, you won’t have any difficulties “flowing” with life. Your emotions do not easily overwhelm you, and you are comfortable with your feelings.
4. Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura
Your Manipura chakra sits in your upper belly just below your ribs. Its primary scope is your digestive system, impacting self-confidence, self-belief, and courage.
Furthermore, this energy is connected to the fire element, and when tapped open, it can strengthen your inner power and make you more resilient and determined in whatever you do.
5. Heart Chakra: Anahata
Found in the chest’s center, your Anahata links your upper and lower chakras. It is strategically placed near your chest’s center because it balances your spiritual and physical realm. This chakra is responsible for your serene and healing energy.
Gratitude, joy, forgiveness, understanding, and love are among the heart chakra’s energetic characteristics. When this fifth element is activated, you can express and give your love unconditionally and freely.
6. Throat Chakra: Vishuddha
At the center of the throat is your 6th chakra, which manages self-expression and communication. Activating it can reward you with being able to express yourself confidently and speak your truth.
This promotes a two-way communication system, aside from expressing yourself, you become an active listener and open to contrasting points of view without being judgmental.
7. Third Eye Chakra: Ajna
Also attributed to the brow chakra, this energy center is between your eyebrows. Your inner wisdom, intuition, and visualization are all courtesy of this chakra.
Strongly connected with your mind, this inner guidance allows you to view things from a broader perspective.
8. Crown Chakra: Sahasrara
As the name suggests, this energy core is found on top of your head like your personal tiara. This one is tied with your deeper consciousness and spiritual connection.
If this is unblocked, you can better understand your divine energy and that of the objects around you. The color violet or purple best represents the crown chakra.
9. Soul Star Chakra: Sutara
This chakra is also cited as the halo chakra and is best visually represented by a halo, a luminous circle floating on your head.
The Sutra primarily serves as a channel for your divine energy to flow through the rest of your body and other energy centers. Your soul star represents the higher planes of your etheric body and your past life.
When activated, your Sutara can preview the Akashic Records, showing you bits and pieces of your soul’s journey. This can give you more precise guidance on your true purpose in life.
10. Universal Chakra
The 10th chakra is your spiritual chakra, often visually represented by a pearly white color. This energy center is the gateway to the endless stream of creation.
And when you have this energy nerve open, your physical being and light are aligned and in harmony with the rest of the universe.
11. Galactic Chakra
Your 11th chakra has close ties with time travel. Yes, spiritual teleportation, being in two places at once, and instant manifestation are all related to your galactic chakra.
The activation of this energy center awakens you to full cosmic wisdom that can enable you to metaphysically travel in time and space.
12. Divine Gateway Chakra
The final point in your chakra system is the divine gateway or stellar gateway. This chakra helps you spiritually move towards ascension and oneness with the universal divine power.
When you activate this 12th chakra, you have the needed spiritual knowledge and understanding, so you can also guide the people around you to complete their cosmic chakra journey.
9 Ways To Align Your Chakras
1. Meditation With Chakras
The practice of focusing on one’s breath is an excellent way to align with all of your energy centers, while connecting with universal source.
2. Massage Therapy And Bodywork
Massage therapists work by manipulating the muscles and connective tissue in order to improve circulation and increase flexibility.
3. Yoga For The Chakras
The practice of stretching and moving through poses that help you focus on your breath and body. More reading about yoga for the chakras here.
4. Qigong For Healing
5. Tai Chi Energy
Using the beautiful colors of healing stones from mother earth are perfect for chakra alignments and meditations.
7. Meditation Chakras Music
Music has been throughout history to calm the mind and body. It provides a sense of peace, helps us relax, and allows us to focus better.
Chakra attunement balances our energy centers as we immerse ourselves with gentle sound waves, enhancing feelings of spiritual connection.
8. Seven Chakra Healing Guided Meditation
Guided meditations redirect the busy mind on the here and now, helping us heal and balance our subtle energy field.
9. Chakra Flower Essence Kits
When we need some reinforcement to balance any of the chakras, a chakra flower essence kit can be a go-to resource. Also called the chakra essences, helping to heal energetic layers of emotional patterns.
These essences are known as energy remedies, used to help address any emotional struggles and give us a clearer picture of our present situation.
Here is more detailed information on chakra essences.
Final Take
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on how to know your chakras, especially the 12 Chakra system in and around the body and the 9 ways to align your chakras.
We hope you enjoyed it and learned something along the way. More reading on chakras here!.
Disclaimer: Our web pages and blog posts provide general information for general purposes only and not to be used for any medical, legal or alternative health advice for any type of physical, mental health or financial concerns.Always speak to your practitioner before embarking on any new alternative treatments. If you have concerns about any medical matters, you should always consult your healthcare provider without delay.We thank you for taking full responsibility for your own health and wellbeing in life. ☺
