The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning wheel. If we were able to see the chakras (as many psychics, in fact, do) we would observe a wheel of energy continuously revolving or rotating. Clairvoyants perceive chakras as colourful wheels or flowers with a hub in the centre. The chakras begin at the base of the spine and finish at the top of the head. Though fixed in the central spinal column they are located on both the front and back of the body, and work through it. Each chakra vibrates or rotates at a different speed. The root or first chakra rotates at the slowest speed, the crown or seventh chakra at the highest speed. Each chakra is stimulated by its own and complimentary colour, and a range of gemstones for specific uses.

The chakra colours are of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The size and brightness of the wheels vary with individual development, physical condition, energy levels, disease, or stress. If the chakras are not balanced, or if the energies are blocked, the basic life force will be slowed down. The individual may feel listless, tired, out of sorts, or depressed. Not only will physical bodily functions be affected so diseases may manifest, but the thought processes and the mind may also be affected. A negative attitude, fear, doubt, etc. may preoccupy the individual. A constant balance between the chakras promotes health and a sense of well-being. If the chakras are opened too much, a person could literally short circuit himself or herself with too much universal energy going through the body.

If the chakras are closed, this does not allow for the universal energy to flow through them properly, which may also lead to dis-ease. Most of us react to unpleasant experiences by blocking our feeling and stopping a great deal of our natural energy flow. This affects the maturation and development of the chakras. Whenever a person blocks whatever experience he is having, he in turn blocks his chakras, which eventually become disfigured.

When the chakras are functioning normally, each will be open, spinning clockwise to metabolize the particular energies needed from the universal energy field. As already mentioned any imbalances that exist within any chakra may have profound effects upon either our physical or emotional bodies.

Root Chakra

Studying the individual chakras begins with the Root chakra. The root chakra is located at the base of the spine at the tailbone in back, and the pubic bone in front. This centre holds the basic needs for survival, security and safety. The root chakra is powerfully related to our contact with the Earth, providing us with the ability to be grounded into the earth plane. This is also the centre of manifestation. When you are trying to make things happen in the material world, business or material possessions, the energy to succeed will come from the first chakra. If this chakra is blocked an individual may feel fearful, anxious, insecure and frustrated. Problems like obesity, anorexia nervosa, and knee troubles can occur. Root body parts include the hips, legs, lower back and sexual organs. NOTE: A man's sexual organs are located primarily in his first chakra; so male sexual energy is usually experienced primarily as physical. Women's sexual organs are located primarily in her second chakra, so female sexual energy is usually experienced primarily as emotional. Both chakras are associated with sexual energy. The colour for the root chakra is red.

Sacral Chakra

The next chakra or second chakra is often referred to as the Belly or Sacral. It is located two inches below the navel and is rooted into the spine. This centre holds the basic needs for sexuality, creativity, intuition, and self-worth. This chakra is also about friendliness, creativity, and emotions. It governs people’s sense of self-worth, their confidence in their own creativity, and their ability to relate to others in an open and friendly way. It is influenced by how emotions were expressed or repressed in the family during childhood. Proper balance in this chakra means the ability to flow with emotions freely and to feel and reach out to others sexually or not. If this chakra is blocked a person may feel emotionally explosive, manipulative, obsessed with thoughts of sex or may lack energy. Physical problems may include, kidney weakness, stiff lower back, constipation, and muscle spasms. Belly body parts include sexual organs (women), kidneys, bladder, and large intestine. The colour of this chakra is orange.

Solar Plexus

The third chakra is referred to as the Solar Plexus. It is located two inches below the breastbone in the centre behind the stomach. The third chakra is the centre of personal power, the place of ego, of passions, impulses, anger and strength. It is also the centre for astral travel and astral influences, receptivity of spirit guides and for psychic development. When the Third Chakra is out of balance you may lack confidence, be confused, worry about what others think, feel that others are controlling your life, and may be depressed. Physical problems may include digestive difficulties, liver problems, diabetes, nervous exhaustion, and food allergies. When balanced you may feel cheerful, outgoing, have self-respect, expressive, enjoy taking on new challenges, and have a strong sense of personal power. The body parts for this chakra include the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and small intestine. The colour of this chakra is yellow.

Heart Chakra

The fourth chakra is referred to as the Heart chakra. It is located behind the breastbone in front and on the spine between the shoulder blades in back. This is the centre for love, compassion and spirituality. This centre directs one’s ability to love themselves and others, to give and to receive love. This is also the chakra connecting body and mind with spirit.

Almost everyone today has a hard, hurt, or broken heart, and it is no accident that heart disease is the number one killer in America today. Deep heart hurts can result in aura obstructions called heart scars. When these scars are released, they raise a lot of old pain, but free the heart for healing and new growth. When this chakra is out of balance you may feel sorry for yourself, paranoid, indecisive, afraid of letting go, afraid of getting hurt, or unworthy of love. Physical illnesses include heart attack, high blood pressure, insomnia, and difficult in breathing. When this chakra is balanced you may feel compassionate, friendly, empathetic, desire to nurture others and see the good in everyone. Body parts for the fourth chakra include heart, lungs, circulatory system, shoulders, and upper back. The colour of the heart chakra is green.

Throat Chakra

The fifth chakra is referred to as the Throat. It is located in the V of the collarbone at the lower neck and is the centre of communication, sound, and expression of creativity via thought speech and writing. The possibility for change, transformation and healing are located here. The throat is where anger is stored and finally let go of. When this chakra is out of balance you may want to hold back, feel timid, be quiet, feel weak, or can’t express your thoughts. Physical illnesses or ailments include, hyperthyroid, skin irritations, ear infections, sore throat, inflammations, and back pain. When this chakra is balanced you may feel balanced, centred, musically or artistically inspired, and may be a good speaker. Body parts for the fifth chakra are throat, neck, teeth ears, and thyroid gland. The colour for the throat chakra is blue.

Third Eye

The sixth chakra is referred to as the Third Eye. It is located above the physical eyes on the centre of the forehead. This is the centre for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of spirit and light. It also assists in the purification of negative tendencies and in the elimination of selfish attitudes. Through the power of the sixth chakra, you can receive guidance, channel and tune into your Higher Self. When this chakra is not balanced you may feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Physical symptoms may include headaches, blurred vision, blindness, and eyestrain. When this chakra is balanced and open you are your own master with no fear of death, are not attached to material things, and may experience telepathy, astral travel, and past lives. Sixth chakra body parts include the eyes, face, and brain, lymphatic and endocrine system. The main colours are purple and dark blue.

Crown Chakra

The seventh chakra is referred to as the Crown. It is located just behind the top of the skull. It is the centre of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. This is also the centre of connectedness with the Goddess (God), the place where life animates the physical body. The silver cord that connects the aura bodies extends from the crown. The soul comes into the body through the crown at birth and leaves from the crown at death. When this chakra is unbalanced there may be a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy, and destructive feelings. Illnesses may include migraine headaches and depression. Balanced energy in this chakra may include the ability to open up to the Divine and total access to the unconscious and subconscious. The main colours for the crown are white and purple.