The word chakra is from Sanskrit and has the primary meaning of wheel. It can be used in a broader sense to denote any circular object. A disc, a potter’s wheel, a cyclical period and the cosmic wheel of the universe are all chakras. In the human energy system, a chakra is a vortex through which energy flows both in and out. Within the vortex of each major chakra are varying numbers of smaller vortices. In Indian iconography, the chakras are represented as circles with the overlap of the vortices represented as lotus petals. Relevant geometric figures are inscribed within each chakra. Much like dermatome mapping, the vortices of chakras relate to specific areas of the body and seem to be consistent from person to person.
Chakras are dynamic, and constantly adapting and changing according to our experiences, both internal and external. Though a chakra can be distorted or disrupted in a chronic manner, it generally has remarkable ability to compensate. We are not born with this ability intact. It is believed to be fully developed by age seven. Thus young children are much more susceptible to their environment and less able to be either defensive or unrevealed. The chakras function to regulate different aspects of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual experience. Though they govern different territory they are best understood in a healing context as in relationship to one another.
The first chakra, at the floor of the pelvis, relates to the first level of the field. The domain of the first chakra and first level is that of physical vitality and survival. The second chakra, at the low belly, and the second level of the field are associated with our emotions and sexuality. The third chakra is placed either at the navel or the solar plexus*. It relates to the third level of the field and our mental experience. The fourth chakra is called the heart chakra and is situated in the center of the thoracic cavity. It is associated with compassion and universal love. The fifth chakra situated in the throat relates to the fifth level of the field and to speaking our own truth. The third eye chakra is also known as the sixth chakra and relates to the sixth level of the field and energies of divine love. It is situated at the brow and relates to concepts and intuition. The seventh chakra at the crown of the head relates the seventh level of the field and is our connection to what is divine.
When we are in good health and balance the chakras are open, circular energy centers. The clockwise spin (as viewed by an observer) allows a spiraling exchange of energy in and out of the body and the energy field.
The seven major chakras connect into an energy channel along the central axis of the body called the Sushumna Nadi. Each chakra is situated at the same latitude as certain parts of the physical body and correspond with major nerve plexuses.
Additionally, there are 21 minor chakras located on the body, including the palm of each hand (important in healing). Each chakra is associated with a different aspect of our energetic make-up, psychological function and physical anatomy.
*Perhaps due to cultural and energetic differences, most eastern systems place the third chakra at the navel with strong associations to the feminine and mother. In the west the tendency has been to place the third chakra at the solar plexus and associations relating more to mind and ego.
“Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine,
it is stranger than we can imagine”
Sir Arthur Eddington, English astronomer