Em Maxey ~ Assistant Editor
As you grow through your spiritual journey one term you will constantly hear is “chakra” or “chakras.” This term refers to the seven strongest spiritual points in the body. These chakras are identified by location, color, and element. Before you read more about the specifics of chakras, remember that the colors are used to bring attention to and grow the chakras. The colors of the chakras are often worn during meditation specific to certain chakras. The stones mentioned are not the only stones which represent the specific chakra. Stones that enhance the characteristics of the chakras are used as well as some stones that are within the same colors of the chakra.
The root chakra is the first of the chakras. Also known as muladhara, the root chakra is located in the feet and is an earth elemental chakra. This is the grounding, foundational chakra that is also known for financial stability. Muladhara’s most intensive growth is between one and seven years of age. The most common mantra is “I cannot grow from an unsteady foundation.” Mantras are Buddhist and Hinduist meditation repetition sayings to guide the body to its goal. The root chakra is represented in red and often affiliated with hematite stone for its strength and mass.
The next of the chakras is the sacral chakra, a water elemental chakra. The sacral chakra rules sexual energy and creativity. The sacral chakra is also known as swadhisthana and is located in the lower abdomen below the naval. The most of the growth of the sacral chakra is during the ages of eight to fourteen. The sacral chakra is orange and represented by the tiger’s eye. The most popular mantra for the sacral chakra is “I will always honor others but not before myself.”
The solar plexus chakra is located in the stomach. Known also as the Manipura, the solar plexus is all about the self: self-worth, self-esteem, self-confidence. The solar plexus is yellow and develops between fifteen and twenty-one. This is a fire elemental chakra represented by the amber stone. “Self love starts when I accept all parts of myself,” is the well known mantra for the solar plexus.
Anahata, or the heart chakra, is after the solar plexus. The heart chakra is fueled by love, joy, and peace. The heart chakra is, well, located in the heart, is the green chakra, an air elemental chakra, and represented by rose quartz. The mantra for the heart chakra is often “When I love myself, loving others comes easy.” This chakra typically develops from twenty-one to twenty-eight.
The next chakra is located in the throat. Known as vishuddha, the throat chakra is the source of self expression and communication. The throat chakra is sound elemental and is represented by turquoise or light blue. The stone for the throat chakra is aquamarine. “I speak the truth, always.” is a common mantra. This chakra is developed heavily between twenty nine and thirty eight.
The third eye chakra is a purple, light chakra. This chakra, Ajna, is developed between thirty-six and forty-two. A popular mantra is “I am open to exploring what cannot be seen.” Amethyst is the stone of the ajna; and, the third eye chakra is known for intuition. The specific location for this chakra is between the eyebrows.
The last of the chakras is the crown chakra. Samsara or Sahasrara is the alternative name for this chakra. This chakra is located at the very top of the head, and is known for spiritual connection and outer beauty. This chakra is white and the mantra is typically “I am known for love and light.” This chakra grows most between forty-three and forty-nine. This chakra is characterized by the divine consciousness elementals. Clear quartz is the most common stone.
Now that you know the basics about the chakras. I encourage you to open your heart chakras to others and open your third eye chakras to the possibilities of the world.
