The Seven Chakras

Published on January 16, 2010

Through inner attunement, the ancient yogis were able to perceive the energetic basis of all matter.  The seven chakras or energy centers comprise their model of the energetic or subtle body.  Each chakra is located along the spine, starting at the base and running upwards to the crown of the head. These “whirling disks of light” each radiate a specific color and spiritual quality, and are associated with corresponding psychological, physical, and emotional states necessary for the development of the whole person.


The First Chakra: Root

Muladhara, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine. It is symbolized by the color red and a lotus with four petals. Muladhara represents the center of…


The Second Chakra: Sensual

Svadhisthana (sweetness), or Sacral Chakra, is located at the lower abdomen between the belly button and pubic bone. It is symbolized by the color orange and a lotus with six…


The Third Chakra: Power

Manipura, meaning “lustrous gem,” is the third chakra and is located at the solar plexus (between belly button and bottom of rib cage). It is symbolized by the color yellow…


The Fourth Chakra: Love

Anahata Chakra, meaning “not struck,” is located at the heart (center of the chest). It is symbolized by the color green and a lotus with 12 petals. Its issues are…


The Fifth Chakra: Communication

Vissudha Chakra is the purification center and is located at the throat. It is represented by the color blue and a crescent within a 16 petaled lotus, and its issues…


The Sixth Chakra: Perception

Ajna, meaning “to perceive,” is also known as the third eye chakra and is located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. It is represented by a…


The Seventh Chakra: Universal Connection

Sahasrara, which means “thousand petaled lotus,” is the seventh chakra and is located at the crown (top) of the head. It is represented by the color white or violet and is…

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5 responses to “The Seven Chakras”

  1. I Gusti Putu Suartana Avatar
    I Gusti Putu Suartana

    good information

  2. Mary Battaglia Avatar
    Mary Battaglia

    I loved reading about the 7 chakras. I am teaching yoga anatomy for 200 ytt and want to link the chakras with my anatomy teaching.
    Any suggestions would be most helpful.

  3. Meliza-Marie George Avatar
    Meliza-Marie George

    Very informative and I learned a lot from this.

  4. Meliza-Marie George Avatar
    Meliza-Marie George

    Very informative and EXTREMELY deep.

  5. Normand Jacklin Avatar
    Normand Jacklin

    This greatly assists me on my Journey towards Mindfulness

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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