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The Beginner's Guide to Chakras

Demystify chakras with this introductory guide. 🌈

You walk into your first yoga class or drop into a crystal shop, and someone starts talking about chakras. They're referenced in books and movies (like the room assignments in Glass Onion on Netflix) Seriously, what even IS a chakra? How many chakras are there? What does each chakra represent?

Let's talk about chakras.

What is a Chakra?

The Beginners Guide to Chakras: 7 Chakras System

In the world of yoga and meditation, the chakra system is a well-known and highly respected concept. It consists of seven main energy centers in our body, which are associated with different colors, sounds, crystals and elements.

The term Chakra is derived from the Sanskrit cakra, meaning "wheel". Chakras are spinning energy centers (or wheels) in our bodies. These wheels of energy each have a specific purpose relating to different parts of our physical, mental, and spiritual health. They are also responsible for helping us maintain balance between our mind and body.

There are several different chakra systems, ranging from 7 to 114 chakras. Most traditions agree on 7 main chakras, which is what this guide will be covering.

The Root Chakra

Muladhara | Security + Survival | "I am"

The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and is responsible for grounding you to the earth. The root chakra is responsible for your sense of safety, security and stability. When it is balanced, you feel grounded and secure in yourself and your place in the world. The root chakra also gives us a sense of connection to the earth, which allows us to feel safe within ourselves and in our environment.
Root Chakra Sanskrit Name: Muladhara Location: Base of spine Color: Red Function: Security & Survival Affirmation: "I am"

Sanskrit Name: Muladhara
Location: Base of spine
Color: Red
Function: Security & Survival
Affirmation: "I am"

Balanced Expression: Feeling grounded, safe, secure, and comfortable

Imbalanced Expression: Spaced out, fearful, insecure, lack of purpose, fatigued, worried

The Sacral Chakra

Svadhishthana | Sexuality & Creativity | "I feel"

The second chakra, known as Sacral Chakra, is located between the navel and reproductive organs. It is associated with sexuality and creativity.
Sacral Chakra Sanskrit Name: Svadhishthana Location: Lower abdomen below navel Color: Orange Function: Sexuality & Creativity Affirmation: "I feel"

Sanskrit Name: Svadhishthana
Location: Lower abdomen below navel
Color: Orange
Function: Sexuality & Creativity
Affirmation: "I feel"

Balanced Expression:Creative, capable of enjoying pleasure, passionate

Imbalanced Expression: Lack of creativity, fear of intimacy, low libido

The Solar Plexus Chakra

Manipura | Confidence + Worth | "I do"

The third chakra, known as Solar Plexus chakra, is located just below the navel. It is associated with personal power.
Solar Plexus Chakra Sanskrit Name: Manipura Location: Upper abdomen Color: Yellow Function: Personal Power & Wisdom Affirmation: "I do"

Sanskrit Name: Manipura
Location: Upper abdomen
Color: Yellow
Function: Personal Power & Wisdom
Affirmation: "I do"

Balanced Expression: Confident, energetic, productive

Imbalanced Expression: Low self-worth and self esteem, powerless

The Heart Chakra

Anahata | Love & Healing | "I love"

The fourth chakra, known as Heart Chakra, is located above the heart. It is associated with love, compassion, and healing.
Heart Chakra Sanskrit Name: Anahata Location: Center of chest Color: Green Function: Love & Healing Affirmation: "I love"

Sanskrit Name: Anahata
Location: Center of chest
Color: Green
Function: Love & Healing
Affirmation: "I love"

Balanced Expression: Compassionate, love for self and others, trust

Imbalanced Expression: Lack of trust, lack of empathy, anger, jealousy

The Throat Chakra

Vishuddha | Communication & Expression | "I speak"

The fifth chakra, known as Throat Chakra, is located (you guessed it!) in the throat area. It is associated with truth, expression, and communication.
Throat Chakra Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha Location: Throat Color: Blue Function: Communication & Expression Affirmation: "I speak"

Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha
Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Function: Communication & Expression
Affirmation: "I speak"

Balanced Expression: Expresses personal truth, strong communicator, good listener

Imbalanced Expression: Difficulty communicating, dishonest

The Third Eye Chakra

Ajna | Intuition & Awareness | "I see"

The sixth chakra, known as Third Eye Chakra, is located behind the forehead. It is associated with intuition and spiritual awareness.
Third Eye Chakra Sanskrit Name: Ajna Location: Forehead, between eyebrows Color: Indigo Function: Intuition & Awareness Affirmation: "I see"

Sanskrit Name: Ajna
Location: Forehead, between eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Function: Intuition & Awareness
Affirmation: "I see"

Balanced Expression: Intuitive, healthy imagination

Imbalanced Expression: Lack of focus, poor imagination

The Crown Chakra

Sahasrara | Enlightenment + Wisdom | "I know"

The seventh chakra, known as the Crown Chakra, is located at the top of the head. It is associated with enlightenment and bliss.
Crown Chakra Sanskrit Name: Sahasrara Location: Top of head Color: Violet Function: Spirituality & Enlightenment Affirmation: "I know"

Sanskrit Name: Sahasrara
Location: Top of head
Color: Violet
Function: Spirituality & Enlightenment 
Affirmation: "I know"

Balanced Expression: Enlightenment, self-realization, wisdom

Imbalanced Expression: Lack of faith, disconnection


Chakra Balancing

The Beginners Guide to Chakras: Crystal Correspondences

As humans, we will all have moments of one or more chakras being out of balance. To function at their best, the chakras need to remain balanced. Imbalances in chakras may cause physical or emotional symptoms relating to that chakra.

There are many ways that you can work with your chakras. Yoga, meditation, breathwork, Reiki healing, and working with crystals are just a few that come to mind. Do some research and follow what feels good.

If you’re looking to learn more about how to use crystals for chakra healing purposes, check out our guide The 7 Chakras And Their Corresponding Crystals here.