ANAHATA CHAKRA

In the heart region, Anahata's element, Air, is in a smoke-coloured mandala. The six-pointed star has yam as its bija. The twelve deep red petals contain kam, kham, gam, gham, nam, cam, cham, jam, jham, nam, tarn and tham. Isha is the presiding deity. Anahata sound, the primal vibration of Sabdabrahman, is heard here. Meditation on Anahata chakra bestows pure qualities, cosmic love and various psychic powers. This chakra is also the center of personal power, the place of ego, of passions, impulses, anger and strength. It is also the center for astral travel and astral influences, receptivity of spirit guides and for psychic development. When this Chakra is out of balance one may lack confidence, be confused, worry about what others think, feel that others are controlling your life, and may be depressed. Physical problems may include digestive difficulties, liver problems, diabetes, nervous exhaustion, and food allergies. When balanced one may feel cheerful, outgoing, have self-respect, expressive, enjoy taking on new challenges, and have a strong sense of personal power. The body parts for this chakra include the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and small intestine.

VISHUDDHA CHAKRA

Vishuddha, at the base of the throat, corresponds to the laryngeal plexus in the physical body, as well as the fifth cosmic plane. Within a pure blue circle is its element, Ether, with the bija ham. The sixteen smokey purple petals contain the Sanskrit vowels: am, am, im, im, um, urn, rm, rm, Im, Im, em, aim, om, aum, am, ahm. The presiding deity is Sadasiva. One who meditates on Vishuddha attains high success, complete knowledge of the four vedas and knows the past, present and future. This is also the center of communication, sound, and expression of creativity via thought, speech, and writing. The possibility for change, transformation and healing are located here. The throat is where anger is stored and finally let go of. When this chakra is out of balance one may want to hold back, feel timid, be quiet, feel weak, or can¹t express your thoughts. Physical illnesses or ailments include, hyperthyroid, skin irritations, ear infections, sore throat, inflammations, and back pain. When this chakra is balanced one may feel balanced, centered, musically or artistically inspired, and may be a good speaker. Body parts for the fifth chakra are throat, neck, teeth, ears, and thyroid gland.

AJNA CHAKRA

Between the eyebrows, Ajna, the seat of the mind, has OM as its seed letter in a pure white circle. On each side are two petals, also pure white, their vibrations represented by the Sanskrit letters ham and ksham.

The element is Avyakta, the primordial cloud of undifferentiated energy and matter; Paramasiva is the presiding deity. Meditation on Ajna destroys the karma of past lives, and gives liberation and intuitional knowledge. It is here that yogis consciously put prana at the time of death.

This is the center for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of spirit and light. It also assists in the purification of negative tendencies and in the elimination of selfish attitudes. Through the power of the sixth chakra, one can receive guidance, channel, and tune into his higher Self. When this chakra is not balanced one may feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Physical symptoms may include headaches, blurred vision, blindness, and eyestrain. When this chakra is balanced and open, one is his own master with no fear of death, are not attached to material things, may experience telepathy, astral travel, and past lives. Sixth chakra body parts include the eyes, face, brain, lymphatic and endocrine system.

SAHASRARA CHAKRA

Sahasrara, above and beyond the other six centers, is situated at the crown of the head, corresponding to the pineal gland of the physical body. Its thousand petals, on which are repeated the fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, is the abode of Siva. When Kundalini Shakti is united with Siva at the Sahasrara, the yogi experiences extreme bliss, attains the super conscious state, the highest knowledge, and becomes a fully developed jnani (knower).

It is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. This is also the center of connectedness with the Goddess (God), the place where life animates the physical body. The silver cord that connects the aura bodies extends from the crown. The soul comes into the body through the crown at birth and leaves from the crown at death. When this chakra is unbalanced there may be a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy, and destructive feelings. Illnesses may include migraine headaches and depression. Balanced energy in this chakra may include the ability to open up to the Divine and total access to the unconscious and subconscious.