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The Chakras Explained: Learn the Basics About All 7 Chakras Here

A full yoga practice combines physical, mental and spiritual health. But to combine the physical, mental and spiritual, there must be a connection. This is where the seven chakras come in and it’s important to know the basics of chakras.

Mind and body makes sense: take care of your body and you will notice that you feel more mentally alert and are able to focus better. But the connection between the spiritual and the physical is a little less obvious.

According to multiple Eastern traditions, the chakras are places where the physical and the energetic bodies connect. Chakras are places of energy within the body that are located along the central channel that runs up the spine.

The first of the major seven chakras originates at the base of the spine and the last reaches up to the crown of the head. Each of the chakras has its own associations with a specific color, physical impacts on the body, and mantra.
 

 
 

Learn the Basics of the Chakras:

 

1. The Root Chakra or Muladhara

As the first of the chakras, located at the base of the spine, the Root Chakra is associated with the color red and is often depicted with four petals surrounding a triangle within a square. It governs sexuality, stability, sensuality, and security.

root-chakra

The mantra associated with the Root Chakra is “I am” or “VAM.”

Looking for more chakra mantras? Balance Your 7 Chakras With These 7 High-Vibe Mantras

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2. The Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana

Located at the sacrum, the Sacral Chakra is associated with the color orange and is symbolized by a crescent moon within a lotus flower with six petals. It governs reproduction, creativity, joy, and enthusiasm.

sacral-chakra

The mantra associated with the Sacral Chakra is “I feel” or “LAM.”
 

 
 

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura

Located in the abdomen just above the navel, the Solar Plexus Chakra is often depicted using the color yellow and symbolized as a downward facing triangle surrounded by ten petals. It governs digestion, personal power, expansiveness, and all matters of spiritual growth.

solar-plexis-chakra

The mantra associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra is “I do” or “RAM.”

Chakra 101: An Introduction to the 7 Chakras
 

4. The Heart Chakra or Anahata

Located in the chest, this green chakra is symbolized by a flower with twelve petals. Within the flower there are two intersecting triangles (which look similar to the Star of David in the center). It governs circulation, unconditional love (both for yourself and other people), passion, and devotion.

heart-chakra

The mantra associated with the Heart Chakra is “I love” or “YAM.”
 

5. The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha

Depicted by sixteen petals that surround a circle containing a crescent, the Throat Chakra is pale blue in color and located at the thyroid gland in the throat. This chakra governs communication, independence, fluent thought, and a sense of security.

throat-chakra

The mantra for the Throat Chakra is “I speak” or “HAM.”
 

6. The Third Eye Chakra or Ajna

The Third Eye Chakra is located at the center of the forehead and is symbolized by a lotus with two petals and is often associated with indigo, violet, or deep blue. It governs trusting the inner self, intuition, consciousness, and mental clarity.

third-eye

The mantra associated with the Third Eye Chakra is “I see” or “OM.”
 

7. The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara

At or above the crown of the head, the Crown Chakra is depicted as a lotus flower with a thousand petals. It is often multicolored or white in representation. It governs wisdom.

Why the thousand petals? Learn the Meaning Behind Each Chakra Symbol In This Quick Guide

crown-chakra

The mantra associated with the Crown Chakra is “I understand.”

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Apply the Basics of the Chakras to Your Life

Deepening and growing your yoga practice or meditation practice can start with something as easy as focusing on a specific chakra or just a mantra with which you identify.

The chakras might seem trendy or New Age, but they remain a powerfully meaningful aspect of your own yoga practice, as well as a crucial part of your overall health, wellbeing, and sense of balance.

Take charge of your life and get familiar with your seven chakras!

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Chakra 101: An Introduction to the 7 Chakras
There are 7 chakras total: each is represented by a specific color, shape, name and location in the body. Learn about the chakra system here.
Read »

Ashley Stern

A Wisconsinite at heart, Ashley is currently a student working on her masters in creative writing in Edinburgh, Scotland. She’s a writer, a reader, traveler, a nerd, and a lover of life. Ashley is new to yoga and developing her practice from her student flat. She drinks a lot of tea and even more coffee. She’s a dog person, wears lots of purple, and believes in Laini Taylor’s wise words, “Cake as a way of life.”

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