“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.
Get to Know Your Chakras and How They Work
So what is a chakra and how does it all work? The word chakra translates to “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit. It refers to the spinning, circular center of energy within us called a 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 our energy “moves” throughout and around our body.
Each chakra energy corresponds to specific nerve centers and even vital organs within our body.
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 isno way to scientifically measure the existence of chakras. Posing the ultimate question: “Are Chakras 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.
Know Your Chakras by Exploring Major and Minor Energy Centers
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 tradition and his deep meditational experiences.
Although depending on the yogi masters and their teachings, some documentation notes 144 chakras in total.
How Many Chakras Does A Person Have?
So how many chakras does a person have?
Are there 7 or 12 chakras? There are seven major chakras. Modern perspectives and 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 the chakras located in and around the body?
Below is an image and 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 our light body to the center of the earth because of its earthy, grounding energy.
This energy allows us to reduce our 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, we will always be at ease and secure with ourselves and our 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 our 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, we won’t have any difficulties “flowing” with life. Our emotions do not easily overwhelm us, and we’re comfortable with our feelings.
4. Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura
Our Manipura chakra sits in our upper belly just below our ribs. Its primary scope is our 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 our inner power and make us more resilient and determined in whatever we strive to achieve.
5. Heart Chakra: Anahata
Found in the chest’s center. Our Anahata links our upper and lower chakras. It’s strategically placed near our chest’s center because it balances our spiritual and physical realm.
Gratitude, joy, forgiveness, understanding, and love are among the heart chakra’s energetic characteristics. When this fifth element is activated, we can express and give our love unconditionally and freely.
6. Throat Chakra: Vishuddha
At the center of the throat is our 6th chakra, which manages self-expression and communication. Activating it can reward us with being able to express ourselves confidently and speak our truth.
This promotes a two-way communication system. Aside from expressing ourselves, we become an active listener and open to contrasting points of view without being judgmental.
7. Third Eye Chakra: Ajna
Attributed to the brow chakra, the energy center between our eyebrows. Our inner wisdom, intuition, and visualization are all courtesy of this chakra.
Strongly connected with our mind, this inner guidance allows us to view things from a broader perspective.
8. Crown Chakra: Sahasrara
As the name suggests, this energy core is found on top of our head, like our personal tiara. This one is tied with our deeper consciousness and spiritual connection.
When this is unblocked, we gain clearer access to our divine energy. This also helps us better understand the energy that flows through objects and space around us. The color violet or purple best represents the crown chakra.
9. Soul Star Chakra: Sutara
This chakra is often referred to as the halo chakra, symbolized by a luminous circle or halo floating above the head.
The Sutra primarily serves as a channel for our divine energy to flow through the rest of our body and other energy centers. Our soul star represents the higher planes of our etheric body and our past life.
When activated, our Sutara can preview the Akashic Records, showing us bits and pieces of our soul’s journey. This can offer us clearer insight into our true purpose in life.
10. Universal Chakra
The 10th chakra is our spiritual chakra. Often visually represented by a pearly white color. This energy center is the gateway to the endless stream of creation.
And when we have this energy nerve open, our physical being and light are aligned and in harmony with the rest of the universe.
11. Galactic Chakra
The 11th chakra is often associated in spiritual traditions with concepts like multidimensional awareness. Some believe it relates to ideas such as spiritual presence in multiple places, energetic shifts, and rapid manifestation.
Activating this energy center is believed to deepen our connection to higher consciousness and expand our awareness beyond the physical realm.
12. Divine Gateway Chakra
The final point in our chakra system is the divine gateway or stellar gateway. This chakra helps us spiritually move towards ascension and oneness with the universal divine power.
The 12th chakra is often linked to a higher sense of spiritual awareness and wisdom.
In many spiritual teachings, it’s seen as a point where one may feel called to support others on their own energetic or spiritual path.
9 Steps for a deeper connection with your chakras
1. Breathwork
The practice of focusing on one’s breath in meditation is an excellent way to align with all of your energy centers. While connecting with universal source.
2. Massage Therapy And Bodywork
Massage and bodywork are known for their role in releasing tension and encouraging overall physical and emotional balance. Including our chakras.
3. Yoga For The Chakras
Yoga is commonly associated with mindful movement and breath. Which some traditions relate to chakra awareness. More reading about chakras here.
4. Qigong For Healing
Qigong combines gentle movement and breath control. Often practiced to cultivate and balance the flow of internal energy.
5. Tai Chi Energy
Tai Chi involves slow, deliberate movements that are said to support balance and energetic coordination.
6. Crystals for chakra alignment
Using the beautiful colors of healing crystals from mother earth are perfect for chakra alignments and meditations.
7. Chakras Music
Music designed for chakra alignment is often created with specific tones or frequencies meant to support relaxation and focus. Here’s a full chakra balance music video.
8. Guided Meditation
Guided meditations typically focus on directing attention inward. Helpful for visualizing and connecting with our chakras. Here’s a link to a guided chakra meditation for you.
9. Chakra Flower Essence Kits
Chakra flower essences are described in holistic systems as energy-based remedies. Connected to emotional awareness. Here is more detailed information on chakra essences.
Final thoughts
Thank you for taking time to read our article on how to know your chakras, especially the 12 Chakra system.
We hope you enjoyed it and learned something along the way. Here’s the link, if you’d like to read more chakras articles.
