I had always been aware of the chakra system, but it wasn’t until I began my yoga practice that I truly started working with them. When my teacher, Ryan, introduced the chakras at the time, they seemed like a magical force straight out of a fairy tale. Fast forward to today, and I realize how integral they have become to my everyday life. I’m incredibly grateful to Ryan for opening this door of understanding, and perhaps I can pass this knowledge forward to someone who needs it today.
The Chakra System, a concept originating from ancient Indian traditions, has captivated spiritual seekers and holistic healers worldwide. These energy centres are believed to influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Understanding the history, basics, signs of blockages, and modern methods to clear and align the chakras can empower individuals to enhance their holistic health and personal growth.
History of the Chakra System
The term “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “disk,” symbolizing the spinning energy centres within our bodies. The concept of chakras can be traced back to the Vedas, ancient Indian scriptures written around 1500-500 BCE. These texts form the foundation of Hinduism and contain references to the chakras as essential components of the human energy system.
The chakras were further elaborated in later texts, such as the Upanishads and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written around 200 BCE to 200 CE. These writings described the chakras in more detail, including their locations, associated elements, and effects on the human body and mind.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western interest in Eastern spirituality and esotericism brought the chakra system to a broader audience. Influential figures like Sir John Woodroffe (Arthur Avalon) and Carl Jung integrated chakra concepts into their work, bridging the gap between Eastern mysticism and Western psychology.
Enlightenement or awakening is not the creation of a new state of affairs but the recognition of what already is.
~ Alan Watts
The Seven Major Chakras
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
- I AM
Location: Base of the spine - Colour: Red
- Element: Earth
- Meaning: The Root Chakra represents our foundation and grounding. It is associated with survival instincts, stability, and a sense of security.
- Signs of Blockage: Feelings of insecurity, fear, financial instability, and physical issues like lower back pain or constipation.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
- I FEEL
- Location: Lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel
- Colour: Orange
- Element: Water
- Meaning: The Sacral Chakra governs creativity, pleasure, sexuality, and emotions. It is the centre of passion and joy.
- Signs of Blockage: Emotional instability, lack of creativity, sexual dysfunction, and issues with the bladder or reproductive organs.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- I DO
- Location: Upper abdomen, near the stomach
- Colour: Yellow
- Element: Fire
- Meaning: The Solar Plexus Chakra is the seat of personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. It influences our ability to assert ourselves and make decisions.
- Signs of Blockage: Low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, control issues, and digestive problems.
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
- I LOVE
- Location: Centre of the chest
- Colour: Green
- Element: Air
- Meaning: The Heart Chakra represents love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is the bridge between the lower and upper chakras, integrating physical and spiritual aspects.
- Signs of Blockage: Difficulty in relationships, lack of empathy, bitterness, and respiratory issues.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
- I SPEAK
- Location: Throat
- Colour: Blue
- Element: Ether (Space)
- Meaning: The Throat Chakra governs communication, self-expression, and truth. It is the centre of our ability to articulate thoughts and feelings.
- Signs of Blockage: Difficulty in communication, fear of speaking, throat infections, and thyroid problems.
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
- I SEE
- Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows
- Colour: Indigo
- Element: Light
- Meaning: The Third Eye Chakra is the centre of intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. It influences our perception and mental clarity.
- Signs of Blockage: Lack of intuition, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and vision problems.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
- I UNDERSTAND
- Location: Top of the head
- Colour: Violet or White
- Element: Thought
- Meaning: The Crown Chakra represents our connection to the divine and the universe. It is the source of enlightenment and spiritual wisdom.
- Signs of Blockage: Feeling disconnected from spirituality, lack of purpose, depression, and chronic fatigue.
How to Tell if Your Chakras are Blocked
Detecting blockages in the chakras involves paying attention to physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Each chakra’s blockage manifests in unique ways:
- Root Chakra Blockage: You may feel ungrounded, anxious, or fearful about your basic needs and survival.
- Sacral Chakra Blockage: You might experience emotional instability, a lack of passion or creativity, and issues with intimacy.
- Solar Plexus Chakra Blockage: Signs include low self-esteem, difficulty asserting yourself, and digestive problems.
- Heart Chakra Blockage: You may struggle with relationships, feel emotionally numb, or have respiratory issues.
- Throat Chakra Blockage: Symptoms include difficulty in expressing yourself, fear of speaking, and throat-related health problems.
- Third Eye Chakra Blockage: You might have trouble with intuition, experience mental fog, or suffer from headaches.
- Crown Chakra Blockage: Feelings of disconnection from spirituality, a lack of purpose, and chronic fatigue are common indicators.
Clearing and Aligning Chakras in Your Mushroom Journey
Using visualization to clear the chakra system during a psilocybin journey can be a profoundly transformative experience.
During your psilocybin journey, find a comfortable, quiet space where you can relax and focus inward. Begin by taking deep, calming breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment. As the psilocybin takes effect, you may notice heightened visual and emotional experiences. This is an ideal time to engage in chakra visualization.
Start with the Root Chakra at the base of your spine. Visualize a vibrant red wheel of energy spinning freely, clearing any blockages and grounding you to the Earth. Gradually move upward through each chakra—orange for the Sacral Chakra, yellow for the Solar Plexus, green for the Heart, blue for the Throat, indigo for the Third Eye, and violet or white for the Crown Chakra.
As you focus on each chakra, visualize the energy centers becoming clear and balanced, releasing any negative emotions or physical tensions. Feel the flow of energy aligning your entire body, mind, and spirit, promoting a sense of unity and peace. This visualization, amplified by psilocybin’s effects, can lead to deep emotional release, spiritual insights, and an overall sense of harmony and well-being.
Peace is this moment without judgment. That is all. This moment in the Heart-space where everything is welcome.
~ Dorothy Hunt
More Ways to Clear and Align the Chakras
In today’s fast-paced world, numerous methods are available to clear and align the chakras, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary practices.
1. Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation is a powerful tool for balancing the chakras. Specific meditations focus on each chakra, using visualization, mantras, or breathwork to clear blockages and enhance energy flow. For example, you can meditate on a red light at the base of your spine for the Root Chakra or chant “OM” for the Third Eye Chakra.
2. Yoga
Yoga poses, or asanas, are designed to open and balance the chakras. Different poses target specific chakras, helping to release tension and restore energy flow. For instance, the Tree Pose (Vrksasana) grounds the Root Chakra, while the Fish Pose (Matsyasana) opens the Heart Chakra. (ha-ha! You must have known this was coming!)
3. Sound Healing
Sound therapy uses vibrations from instruments like singing bowls, gongs, or tuning forks to harmonize the chakras. Each chakra resonates with a specific frequency, and sound healing can help restore balance by aligning these frequencies.
4. Crystal Healing
Crystals are believed to have unique vibrational properties that can influence the chakras. Placing crystals on the corresponding chakra during meditation or wearing crystal jewellery can help clear blockages. For example, red jasper is used for the Root Chakra, while amethyst is associated with the Crown Chakra.
5. Diet and Nutrition
Certain foods can support the health of each chakra. For instance, root vegetables and proteins nourish the Root Chakra, while leafy greens benefit the Heart Chakra. Eating a balanced diet that aligns with the colours of the chakras can enhance overall energy balance.
