Chakra Symbol: The seven main chakras run along the spine from our navel to the crown of our head. By activating the chakras, their inner world can be harmonized. Chakra symbols are sacred and have spiritual meaning.
Chakra is a Sanskrit word for “wheel” which refers to physical or mental energy in the human body. As the life force energy moves freely through the body, the chakras rotate and individuals can reach a state of pure consciousness. The main chakras can be divided into images, geometric shapes, colors and Sanskrit letters. Read on to learn more about how to connect with your energy system using chakra symbols.
Chakra Symbol – Symbolism of Chakras
The first five main chakras correlate to fire, water, earth, ether and air. Yantra refers to the physical form of a chakra with lotus petals that uniquely represent each chakra by surrounding them with a certain number of petals.
The Yantra, also known as the “machine,” helps describe the functioning of the chakras. The colors support the identity of each chakra symbol – the chakra system is arranged in the colors of the rainbow, from the base of the spine upwards.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are the energy centers of the body. They are located in the astral body along the spine, starting from its base and running up to the crown of the head. The astral body is the energy body that resides in our physical body.
Each part of the physical body has a corresponding part of the astral body. The astral body cannot be seen or touched. This is also the reason why we cannot see chakras. Chakras radiate a certain color and energy.
Each is like a gland in the physical body. Since each chakra is associated with certain mental, emotional, psychological and physical aspects of our being, it is believed that blocking or malfunctioning of them can lead to physical, psychological and emotional disorders. The above relates to the purpose of yoga.
Through asana practice, yoga aims to stimulate and balance these chakras or energy centers of the body. Read more about the 7 chakras, their symbols, properties, effects and balancing techniques.
How many chakras are there in the body?
Most often we hear about the “seven chakras”, but the human body has an infinite number of chakras. A specific vibration, color, symbol and sound is associated with each of the 7 chakras. Depending on whether these energy centers are healthy or blocked, you may experience different symptoms of your physical, mental and emotional health. The seven main chakras as they appear in the body are:
- Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra
- Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra
- Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra
- Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra
- Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra
- Ajna Chakra – Third eye chakra
- Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra
Does a chakra have a shape?
Some say they are like spinning discs, while others say they are like flowers hanging from the spine. Some even think they look like an ice cream cake! All these different ideas exist simply because the chakras cannot be seen with the eyes or any device.
So we tend to believe everything that is widely circulated. Ancient writings say that the chakra is shaped like a ball or sphere. And it is even believed that Earth is the main chakra of the solar system and the smallest chakra of our galaxy, the Milky Way. It rotates to distribute some energy, but knowing more than that is beyond human imagination.
What is chakra size?
Some say the chakras are within a foot radius, while others say they change in size with the flow of energy. The Bible, on the other hand, tells us that the chakras are very small because they are located in the astral spinal cord, which is still in the physical spinal cord. What do chakras and their symbols mean and how do they affect our lives? Chakra means wheel or circle in Sanskrit.
Did you know that our body also has chakras?
According to ancient texts, chakras are the energy centers of our body that control the flow of pranic energy. There are days when you feel recharged, energized for the day ahead, while other days you don’t want to get out of bed, let alone go about your daily routine. The flow of energy in our body affects our mind and body.
When an imbalance occurs, it affects our physical and mental health. Each chakra is represented by a symbol made up of geometric shapes that represent different things. Each symbol or Mandala is defined by tantric texts and has a deeper meaning connected to the individual’s spiritual journey.
Understanding the chakras and their symbols can help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
So what exactly are chakras and where are these energy centers located in our body?
How do we know our chakras are out of balance? Is there anything we can do to balance the chakras if they don’t? What are the symbols of these chakras and their meaning?
Let’s find out in this article.
The 7 Chakras Symbols, Symptoms and Effects
1. Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra
Root Chakra – Muladhara Chakra
Symbol: The root chakra symbol consists of a -petaled lotus flower, a square and a downward-pointing triangle. Each element is said to represent four aspects of the human mind, which together constitute the birth of human consciousness.
The color is red
Element: Earth
It is characterized by a sense of survival, stability, ambition and self-confidence.
Symptoms of a Blocked Root Chakra:
When this chakra is out of balance, a person begins to feel unstable, ungrounded, lacking ambition, lacking purpose, fearful, insecure and frustrated.
Balanced/Unbalanced Root Chakra Signs:
However, when the root chakra is balanced, they are replaced by more positive emotions and you feel stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent and strong.
Mantra: Yoga poses balance the root chakra: tree pose (vrkshasana) and mountain pose (Tadasana).
2. Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra
Napa Chakra – Svadhishtasana Chakra
Symbol: The Svadhishthana Chakra or Sacral Chakra symbol consists of several circles, a crescent and six lotus petals. The circles and crescent moon represent the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth, while the six petals represent the six negative aspects of our nature that we must overcome to open this chakra.
Orange color
Element: Water
Location: Its characteristics include a basic need for sexuality, as well as creativity and self-esteem.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced sacral chakra: When the sacral chakra is unbalanced, a person may feel emotionally explosive and irritable, lack energy and creativity, feel manipulative or obsessed with sexual thoughts.
Signs of a Balanced Sacral Chakra: When it is balanced, it makes you feel more alive, happy, positive, content, compassionate and intuitive.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of the Svadhishthana chakra is “Vam”.
Yoga Poses to Activate the Sacral Chakra: To balance the Svadhishthan Chakra, you can practice poses like Crow Pose (Kakasana) or standing poses like Triangle Pose (Trikonasana).
3. Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra
Solar Plexus Ckakra – Manipura Chakra
Symbol: The ten petals symbolize ten negative characters that we must overcome, while the triangle is the fire of Agni tattva or kundalini energy, which expresses our inner strength.
Color: yellow
Element: Fire
Location: The Manipura chakra is located in the solar plexus, between the navel and the base of the chest.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced solar plexus chakra: An imbalance in the solar plexus chakra can manifest physically as digestive problems, liver problems or diabetes. On an emotional level, you may struggle with depression, lack of self-esteem, anger and perfectionism.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Manipura Chakra is Ram.
Yoga Pose in Solar Plexus Chakra Pose: Manipura chakra work can be done in poses such as the classic forward bend (Paschimottanasana), the classic cobra pose (Bhujangasana) and the bow pose (dhanurasana).
4. Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra
Heart Chakra – Anahata Chakra Symbol: In the heart chakra symbol, two triangles intersect with a yantra that represents the balance of Yin and Yang, or the up and down forces.
Color: green
Element: Air
Location: As the name suggests, Anahata Chakra is located in the heart region. This chakra is the seat of balance and is characterized by feelings of love, affection, compassion, trust and passion.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced heart chakra: When the heart chakra is unbalanced, a person may deal with emotional issues such as anger, lack of self-confidence, anxiety, jealousy, fear and mood swings.
Signs of a Balanced Heart Chakra: by harmonizing this energy center, one begins to feel more compassionate, caring, optimistic, friendly and motivated.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Anahata Chakra is “Yam”.
Yoga poses balance the heart chakra: The heart chakra can be balanced by practicing poses like Half Bridge Pose (Ardha Setubandhasana) and Fish Pose (Matsyasana).
5. Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra
Symbol: The Throat Chakra symbol consists of a 16-petaled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle with a circle inside. It represents spiritual growth and purification of body, mind and spirit.
Color: blue
Element: Space
Location: The Visuddha chakra is located at the base of the throat, at the same time as the thyroid gland. It is related to inspiration, healthy expression, confidence and the ability to communicate well.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced throat chakra: A blocked throat chakra can be experienced as tenderness, silence, weakness or an inability to express one’s thoughts.
Signs of a Balanced Throat Chakra:
When this chakra is balanced, it allows for creativity, positive self-expression, constructive communication and a sense of contentment.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Vishuddha Chakra is “Ham”.
Yoga Poses to Balance the Throat Chakra: The Throat Chakra is stimulated in poses like Shoulder Pose (Sarvangasana) and Plow Pose (Halasana).
6. Any Chakra – Third eye chakra
Ajna Chakra – Third eye chakra Symbol: The symbol for the third eye chakra consists of an inverted triangle placed in a circle between two lotus petals.
The two petals and lower pyramid both represent wisdom and emphasize the role of the third eye chakra in our journey to spiritual awareness.
Color: Indigo
Element: Nothing
Location: Any Chakra (pronounced ‘Agya Chakra’) is located between the eyebrows.
Also known as the third eye chakra, it is often used as a focal point during asana practice to increase concentration and awareness. Meditation on this chakra is said to destroy the karma of past lives and bring liberation and intuitive knowledge.
Its characteristics are intelligence, intuition, insight and self-knowledge. Blocked/Imbalanced Third Eye Chakra Symptoms:
When you are unbalanced, it can make you feel insecure and afraid of success or, conversely, make you more selfish. Imbalances can manifest as physical problems such as headaches, blurred vision and eye strain.
Signs of a Balanced Third Eye Chakra: When this chakra is active and balanced, a person feels more energetic and confident, both mentally and emotionally. In the absence of the fear of death, one becomes one’s own master and remains free from all attachment to material things.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of the Any Chakra is “Om”. Yoga positions balance the third eye chakra: Any chakra is stimulated in headstand (Shirshasana).
7. Sahastrara Chakra – crown chakra
Crown Chakra – Sahasrara Chakra Symbol: The crown chakra symbol is depicted as a ring of thousands of lotus petals surrounding an inverted triangle.
Color: purple white
Element: Nothing
Location: The Sahastrara or crown chakra is located at the crown of head. The seventh chakra is the center of spirituality, enlightenment and dynamic thinking and energy. This allows the inner flow of wisdom and brings the gift of cosmic awareness.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced crown chakra: When it becomes unbalanced, a person can suffer from constant frustration, melancholy and destructive emotions.
Characteristics of a balanced crown chakra: A balanced crown chakra promotes spiritual insight, inner peace and a clear worldview.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Sahastrara chakra is “Aum”. Yoga poses for aligning the crown chakra: Sahasrara chakra can be balanced in headstand (Shirshasana).
Can chakras affect health?
Chakras are associated with the organs and glands in the area where they are located. As such, they have a strong impact on our health, mental state and relationships with others.
Based on various factors like our lifestyle, environment and surroundings, past experiences etc., the chakras can be either balanced or unbalanced. When a chakra is out of balance, it goes into either a hypo or hyperactive state.
How do I know if my Chakras are blocked?
This makes people feel disconnected, anxious, fearful, and it also manifests as health problems in one or more areas of the body.
Your chakras need to be in balance to function at their best. And for that you need to know what the chakras actually do and what you can do to take care of them.
How do chakras work and why are they important?
Chakras act as distribution centers. They distribute the five pranas to the local areas associated with them. For example, the root chakra divides “apana-prana” into the pelvic region and energizes the organs in that region.
When a chakra is blocked or not functioning properly, this pattern of distribution is disturbed and physical or psycho-emotional/energetic problems appear.
How to balance your chakras?
Each chakra spins at a specific frequency and speed. This frequency and speed can change due to various factors such as diet, lifestyle, mindsets, etc. An imbalance begins to cause problems in the distribution of prana. Imagine what will happen if a 50 watt light bulb starts getting a 500 watt or 10-watt electricity supply!
There is no one single method to unblock your chakras, but rather several.
1. Diet
One of the main reasons for an imbalance in the chakras is an imbalance of the five elements in the body. A balanced diet helps balance the body parts.
2. Asanas
Asanas help stimulate the chakras and improve their functioning. They also clear the way for the chakras to heal themselves.
3. Breathing
Breathing helps to increase the flow of prana in the body, and removes the stale prana.
4. Meditation
Many practitioners perform meditation to unblock chakras.
5. Mudras
Chakra mudras are hand gestures often performed in yoga and meditation to direct energy where it is most needed. To learn more about yoga breathing exercises and Pranayama, read: What is the difference between Pranayama and breathing exercises?
Final Thoughts
The 7 chakras are powerful points in the energy body that help maintain a healthy physical and emotional balance in life. On a deeper level, aligning your chakras can help you tune into your true self and release the divine power within.
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