WHEELS OF LIGHT AND ENERGY: AN BRIEF EXPLANATION OF CHAKRAS

Sahasrara, the crown chakra, or nirvana chakra, is depicted by a full-blossomed lotus flower. This is the point at which the physical body is transcended, and is beyond awareness, in a state of pure being. It is found in the crown of the head in the body.

Ajna is the energy center of the third eye, or the guru chakra. It is located in the forehead between the eyes and is associated with the mind through self-realization, self-knowledge and wisdom.

Vishuddha, meaning purity, is associated with the throat area of the body and deals with knowledge, discrimination, humility and expression of being. Communication, within oneself, and with others is related to this chakra.

Anahata is where the sound of OM, the vibration of the universe, is heard. This chakra is associated with compassion, hope and love, and is found at or near the heart. The energy of passion and compassion emanate from this area of the body.

Manipura is the intuition chakra, and is located at the solar plexus, or center chest, of the body. The word is translated as "jewel city" and is associated with will-power and self-control. This center is related to an awareness or sense of self.

Svadhisthana, the navel chakra or Hara center, is the origin of movement. It is the center for emotion, creativity and sexual energy. It is associated with all bodily fluids and the absorption of nutrients on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

Muladhara is the base chakra, and is located in the perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus. Concerns about basic survival; food, shelter, personal safety and money are located in the base chakra. This area is linked to the dense parts of the body, as well as reproduction and elimination. It is also a source of abundant energy.