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The Chakras (a primer)
The Colors of Divine Consciousness
In Yoga and in other related eastern cultures, as well as
in some segments of the Western New Age movement, a chakra is thought
to be an energy center in the human body.
The word comes from the Sanskrit 'cakra' meaning "wheel". The seven main
chakras (Yoga recognizes an eighth chakra; the aura) are described
as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top
of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color, an aspect of consciousness,
specific functions, and an element, plus other distinguishing characteristics.
The chakras are thought to vitalize the physical body and to be associated with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. They are considered centers of prana. Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on a similar model of the human body as an energy system.
The chakras are said to reflect how the unified consciousness of man is divided into eight energy centers in order to manage different aspects of earthly life.
See the chart below for an organization of this concept.
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Chakra
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Organ/Gland
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Primary Functions
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Associated Element/Color
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First (Root)
Muladhara |
Elimination Organs |
Instinct, Survival,Habit |
Earth/Red |
Second
Svadisthana |
Sexual Organs, Kidneys,
Reproductive Glands, Bladder |
Creativity, Sexual Energy,
Self-acceptance, Desire |
Water/Orange |
Third (Navel)
Manipura |
Navel Plexus, Liver, Gall Bladder,
Spleen, Digestive Organs |
Power, Control,
Commitment, Strength |
Fire/Yellow |
Fourth (Heart)
Anahata |
Heart, Lungs, Thymus |
Devotion, Love,
Compassion, Service |
Air/Green |
Fifth (Throat)
Vishuddha |
Cervical Vertebrae,
Trachea, Thyroid |
Hearing and
Speaking the Truth |
Ether/Light Blue |
Sixth (Third Eye)
Ajna |
Brain, Pituitary |
Intuition, Visualizing,
Power of Projection |
Time, Space/Indigo |
Seventh (Crown)
Sahasrara |
Crown of the Head,
Pineal Gland |
The Tenth Gate,
Connection to the Divine |
Time, Space/Violet |
Eighth (Aura)
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The Electromagnetic Field
Surrounding the Body |
The Aura Combines the
Effects of All the Chakras |
Infinity/White |
Sat Nam ~
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