Hermes Astrology
The 7 Chakras
Close your eyes for a moment and turn your attention inward. Can
you sense any subtle sensations at the base of your spine? In the
pit of your stomach? At the center of your chest? According to a
philosophical tradition spanning thousands of years, these points
along the body's vertical axis are not merely anatomical landmarks
but vortexes of energy—gateways through which life force flows
and consciousness manifests .
These are the chakras (Sanskrit: चक्र), literally "wheels" or
"circles," so named because they are conceived as spinning disks
of energy that regulate the flow of prana (life force) through the
subtle body . Though the concept has only recently gained
widespread recognition in the West—largely due to the growth in
popularity of yoga and New Age philosophies—it is a complex and
ancient energy system that originated in India, first mentioned in
the Vedas, sacred texts dating back to around 1500–1000 BCE .
For the beginner, the chakra system offers a comprehensive map
of human experience—a framework for understanding how
physical health, emotional patterns, mental states, and spiritual
development are all interconnected. This introduction aims to
provide a thorough and respectful overview of the seven primary
chakras, drawing on both traditional teachings and contemporary
interpretations, while offering practical guidance for those who wish
to work with these energy centers.
1. What Are Chakras? A Foundational Framework
1.1 Defining the Chakra
The word chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means "wheel" or "circle" . In
the context of yoga and spiritual philosophy, chakras are
understood as energy points or vortexes in the subtle body—the
non-physical counterpart to the physical form . They are thought to
be spinning disks of energy that should remain "open" and aligned,
corresponding to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of
our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical
well-being .
As Sadhguru, a contemporary yogi and mystic, explains: "You can
see them as 114 junctions or confluences of nadis. The nadis are
the channels of prana in the energy body. These junctions are
always in the form of triangles. They are called chakras because
they embody movement from one dimension to another" .
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While some traditions recognize 114 chakras in total, with two
located outside the physical body, the seven primary chakras
running along the spine are the ones most commonly referenced
and worked with . These seven dimensions form the basis for the
seven schools of yoga .
1.2 The Subtle Anatomy: Nadis and Prana
To understand chakras, one must also understand the system in
which they function. The chakras are connected by a network of
energy channels called nadis, through which prana (life force)
flows . According to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, there are said to be
72,000 nadis in the human body, with 109 nerve centers, among
which seven are of primary importance .
The three most important nadis are:
●​ Ida: The left channel, associated with lunar energy and the
parasympathetic nervous system
●​ Pingala: The right channel, associated with solar energy and
the sympathetic nervous system
●​ Sushumna: The central channel, running along the spine,
through which the chakras are aligned and through which
kundalini energy rises
1.3 Kundalini: The Coiled Energy
A key concept in chakra philosophy is kundalini—a primordial
energy said to reside at the base of the spine, coiled like a serpent
. As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains: "Kunda means 'pot' in Sanskrit.
The body is like a pot, and the energy in this body is called the
Kundalini" .
When awakened through spiritual practice, this energy rises
through the sushumna nadi, piercing and activating each chakra in
turn, leading to progressively higher states of consciousness until it
reaches the crown chakra, where enlightenment (samadhi) is
attained . The first chakra, Muladhara, is where this kundalini
energy sleeps, waiting to be aroused .
1.4 A Note on Historical Development
While chakras are often discussed as a single, unified system,
scholars note that their conceptualization has evolved significantly
over time. First mentioned in the Vedas, they were developed
more systematically in the Upanishads and later Tantric texts . The
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contemporary understanding—with its seven-color rainbow
associations and detailed psychological correspondences—is
largely a 20th-century synthesis, influenced by Theosophical
writers like C.W. Leadbeater and subsequently adapted by the
New Age movement . As one scholar notes, when approaching
chakras, it is valuable to distinguish between traditional teachings
and modern interpretations, while honoring both.
2. The Seven Chakras: A Comprehensive Guide
The seven primary chakras are arrayed along the spine from its
base to the crown of the head. Each has a distinct location, color,
element, set of associations, and characteristics .
2.1 Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Location: Base of the spine, at the perineum, between the anal
outlet and the genital organ
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Bija (Seed) Mantra: LAM
Petals: Four
Planetary Association: Mercury
Physical Associations: Hips, legs, feet, low back, bones, joints,
adrenal glands, elimination system
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Feelings of groundedness, stability, safety,
security, connection to earth, enthusiasm
●​ Imbalanced: Insecurity, fear, instability, disconnection,
depression, inability to feel "rooted," dominance of food and
sleep concerns
As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar notes: "When the Muladhara Chakra is
activated, one experiences enthusiasm in life. When it is dormant,
then one experiences dullness and inertia. One does not feel
interested in anything" .
Sadhguru adds a nuanced perspective: "If your energies are
dominant in muladhara, then food and sleep will be the most
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dominant factors in your life. But if you bring the right kind of
awareness, the same muladhara that craves food and sleep, can
become absolutely free from the process of food and sleep" .
Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Standing poses, Mountain pose (Tadasana), Warrior
series
●​ Meditation: Focus on the base of spine, visualize red light,
chant LAM
●​ Lifestyle: Walking barefoot on earth, spending time in nature,
gardening
●​ Foods: Root vegetables, proteins (red meat, eggs, nuts), red
foods (tomatoes, cherries, pomegranate)
2.2 Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)
Location: Just above the genital organ, in the lower abdomen
between the tailbone and belly button
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Bija Mantra: VAM
Petals: Six
Planetary Association: Venus
Physical Associations: Hips, low back, reproductive organs,
bowels, urinary tract
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Creativity, healthy sexuality, passion, pleasure,
connection to others, ability to accept change, emotional
fluidity
●​ Imbalanced: Low libido or excessive sexual obsession,
inability to express emotions, creative blocks, feelings of
powerlessness
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar describes the dual nature of this chakra: "The
same energy moves upwards to the second Chakra which is
located behind the genitals and it manifests as procreation or
creation – meaning in the form of any creative activity or as sex
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drive. When you are obsessed with sex, then you do not do
anything creative. When you are engaged in any creative activity,
then lust does not trouble you" .
Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Hip-opening poses (Pigeon, Frog, Wide-legged Child's
Pose)
●​ Meditation: Focus on lower abdomen, visualize orange light,
chant VAM
●​ Lifestyle: Spend time near or in water, creative activities
●​ Crystals: Carnelian can be programmed as an ally for
balancing
●​ Foods: Healthy fats (fish, nuts, seeds), orange foods
(oranges, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin)
2.3 Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Location: Just below the navel, in the upper abdomen
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Bija Mantra: RAM
Petals: Ten
Planetary Association: Mars
Physical Associations: Digestive organs (liver, stomach, spleen,
pancreas), kidneys, mid to lower back
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Personal power, self-esteem, confidence,
willpower, self-discipline, ability to take action
●​ Imbalanced: Low self-esteem, powerlessness, lack of
confidence, or conversely, excessive need for control,
aggression, egotism
According to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, when energy moves to this
region, it manifests in four forms or feelings: "jealousy, generosity,
joy, and greed" . The Christian Research Institute notes that
people living at the level of this chakra are "driven by ambition and
the desire for power or success" .
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Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Core-strengthening poses (Plank, Boat pose, Bow
pose), twists
●​ Meditation: Focus on solar plexus, visualize yellow light,
chant RAM
●​ Lifestyle: Sun exposure (with care), activities that build
confidence
●​ Foods: Grains, legumes, spices, yellow foods (bananas,
pineapple, corn, lemons)
2.4 Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Location: Center of the chest, just beneath where the rib cage
meets
Color: Green (sometimes pink)
Element: Air
Bija Mantra: YAM
Petals: Twelve
Planetary Association: Jupiter
Physical Associations: Heart, lungs, upper back, ribcage,
shoulders, arms, thymus gland
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Love, compassion, acceptance, forgiveness,
ability to give and receive love, connection to self and others
●​ Imbalanced: Inability to love self or others, co-dependency,
always prioritizing others' needs, loneliness, isolation,
worthlessness
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offers a profound teaching on this chakra:
"What do the three petals signify? They represent fear, love and
hatred. When people feel hatred or fear or love, the sensation is
felt in the heart region. When someone's heart is broken, it means
that the love has become sour and turned into hatred. Love, fear
and hatred are all the same" .
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The heart chakra serves as a bridge between the lower chakras
(more physical and personal) and the upper chakras (more
spiritual and transpersonal) .
Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Backbends (Bridge, Camel, Wheel), heart-opening
poses
●​ Meditation: Focus on chest center, visualize green light,
chant YAM
●​ Lifestyle: Practice gratitude, spend time in nature, fresh air
●​ Foods: Green foods (leafy greens, vegetables), green
superfoods
2.5 Vishuddhi (Throat Chakra)
Location: Pit of the throat
Color: Blue
Element: Ether (Space)
Bija Mantra: HAM
Petals: Sixteen
Planetary Association: Saturn
Physical Associations: Throat, neck, thyroid, jaw, mouth, tongue,
teeth, gums, vocal cords
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Clear communication, authentic self-expression,
ability to speak one's truth, good listening skills, creative
expression
●​ Imbalanced: Difficulty expressing thoughts, fear of speaking,
excessive talking/gossip, inability to listen, throat problems
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar notes a fascinating connection: "When the
same energy moves to the throat Chakra, what is the sensation
you experience? You feel gratefulness, and you have a sensation
in the throat region when you experience grief. When you are
grieving, your throat chokes. And when you feel very grateful, then
also your throat chokes" .
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Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Neck stretches, Shoulder stand, Plow pose, Fish pose
●​ Meditation: Focus on throat, visualize blue light, chant HAM
●​ Lifestyle: Practice honest communication, journaling, singing
●​ Crystals: Blue lace agate, turquoise, blue calcite
●​ Foods: Blue foods (blueberries, blackberries), warm teas
2.6 Ajna (Third Eye Chakra)
Location: Between the eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Element: Light (Mahātattva, beyond the physical elements)
Bija Mantra: OM
Petals: Two
Planetary Association: Uranus
Physical Associations: Pituitary and pineal glands, brain, eyes,
head, sinuses
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Intuition, insight, wisdom, clarity, ability to see
beyond the surface, connection to inner guidance
●​ Imbalanced: Confusion, lack of intuition, rigid thinking,
close-mindedness, headaches, vision problems
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains: "When the consciousness moves to
the centre of the forehead, it manifests as anger, awareness or
alertness. Knowledge and awareness are depicted by the sixth
Chakra. The same point is also the seat of anger, and is also said
to be the region of the mystical Third Eye" .
Sadhguru adds an important teaching about this chakra: "If your
energies are dominant in ajna or if you attain to ajna, then
intellectually, you are realized. Intellectual realization gives you
peace. Experientially it has not happened yet but intellectual
realization has come to you, which brings you to a certain state of
peace and stability within yourself irrespective of what is
happening outside of you" .
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Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Child's pose (pressure on forehead), Eagle pose
(requires focus), Downward dog
●​ Meditation: Focus on point between brows, visualize indigo
light, chant OM
●​ Lifestyle: Daily meditation, asking "What do I want to do?" to
access intuition
●​ Foods: Purple foods (eggplant, purple cabbage), cacao,
omega-3 rich foods
2.7 Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Location: Top of the head (where an infant has a soft spot)
Color: Violet, white, or gold
Element: None (beyond elements)
Bija Mantra: Silent OM or SO-HAM
Petals: One thousand and eight
Planetary Association: Neptune
Physical Associations: Brain, nervous system, pineal gland,
whole body
Emotional and Spiritual Associations:
●​ Balanced: Enlightenment, bliss, unity consciousness,
connection to higher self and divine, transcendence
●​ Imbalanced: Disconnection from spirituality,
narrow-mindedness, skepticism, confusion, joylessness,
feeling trapped
Sadhguru describes the experience: "Once your energies hit
sahasrara, you are simply ecstatic like crazy! There is no external
stimulant, there is simply no reason, but you are ecstatic simply
because energies have touched a certain peak" .
He also describes the spiritual journey: "Fundamentally, any
spiritual path can be described as a journey from the muladhara to
the sahasrara. This journey is an evolution from one dimension to
another; these are just seven different levels of intensity" .
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The Christian Research Institute notes: "Whereas the sixth chakra
is 'conditioned rapture,' the seventh is 'unconditioned rapture'" .
Practices for Balancing:
●​ Yoga: Inversions (Headstand), restorative poses, Seated
forward fold
●​ Meditation: Focus on crown, visualize violet/white light,
connect to higher source
●​ Lifestyle: Silence, contemplation, connection to nature,
spiritual study
3. The Flow of Energy: Upward and Downward
An important teaching in chakra philosophy concerns the direction
of energy flow. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar describes both upward
(Urdhvagati) and downward (Adhogati) movement :
Upward Flow (Progression):​
Enthusiasm → Creativity blossoms → Generosity and contentment
→ Love → Gratitude → Awareness and wisdom (Prajna) → Bliss
Downward Flow (Retrogression):​
Lack of joy → Anger → Hatred and aversion → Fear → Jealousy
and envy → Lust and obsession → Inertia and negativity
"This upward or downward flow of energy keeps on happening
very naturally and spontaneously in life all the time," he explains .
This model provides a practical framework for self-understanding:
by observing our emotional states, we can discern where our
energy is flowing and take steps to redirect it upward through
appropriate practices.
4. Balancing the Chakras: Principles and Practices
The concept of "balancing" chakras has become widespread in
contemporary spirituality. But what does this actually mean?
4.1 What Is Chakra Balancing?
According to yoga therapist Renee Warren, balancing your
chakras means "figuring out how to foster the positive emotions
associated with each one" . To determine what needs attention,
she suggests asking: "What makes you feel grounded versus
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scattered? Calm versus stressed? Once you've figured out what
feels 'off,' you can take the time and care to even things out" .
4.2 Methods for Balancing
Multiple approaches can be used to work with the chakras:
Yoga Asanas: Specific poses are associated with each chakra. As
Warren notes, "There's no pose that impacts only one part of the
body. So, if you focus your yoga movements on one chakra, you'll
feel benefits across other parts of your body, too" .
Meditation: Chakra meditation involves focusing on a particular
area of the body while associating it with its corresponding color.
"Home in on that area and the color associated with it. Notice what
you're feeling and take a big breath in, with the intention of letting
go of any tension" .
Breathwork (Pranayama): Conscious breathing techniques,
particularly alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), are said to
balance the flow of energy throughout the chakras. While scientific
evidence is limited, such practices have been shown to help
relieve stress and increase alertness .
Affirmations: Positive statements associated with each chakra
can help focus intention and combat self-doubt. Examples include
"I am safe with myself" (root), "I move with the flow of life" (sacral),
and "I am connected to all things" (crown) .
Crystals and Essential Oils: Many practitioners find support from
crystals and oils corresponding to each chakra's color. These can
be held, placed on the body during meditation, or used in
aromatherapy .
Diet and Lifestyle: Specific foods and activities can support each
chakra. For example, root vegetables ground the root chakra; time
near water supports the sacral chakra; spending time in the sun
nourishes the solar plexus .
5. Scientific Perspectives and Critical Considerations
Any scholarly introduction must address the relationship between
chakra concepts and scientific understanding.
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5.1 The Scientific View
As the Cleveland Clinic notes, "Chakras aren't recognized by
Western science" . They are metaphysical concepts rather than
anatomical structures. However, many people find value in
practices like relaxation, mindfulness, and personal development
that are said to "balance" the chakras. "In that way, you can think
about chakras sort of like prayer: Though there's no scientific
evidence that they 'work,' they may help you feel centered and
bring you peace of mind" .
Some researchers have explored possible correlations between
chakras and physiological structures. The chakras correspond
roughly to major nerve plexuses (sacral, solar, cardiac, cervical)
and endocrine glands (gonads, adrenals, pancreas, thymus,
thyroid, pituitary, pineal). While this correspondence is intriguing, it
remains speculative rather than scientifically validated .
5.2 Traditional vs. Modern Interpretations
It is valuable to recognize that the contemporary understanding of
chakras—with its standardized colors and detailed psychological
correspondences—is largely a 20th-century development.
Traditional texts describe chakras in more varied ways, with
different colors, numbers of petals, and symbolic associations. As
one practitioner wisely advises: "Though I will share what many
practitioners have experienced regarding what these areas relate
to and represent, I encourage you to meditate upon these areas
yourself and trust what you actually feel" .
5.3 A Balanced Approach
For the beginner, a balanced approach to chakras might include:
●​ Respect for Origins: Acknowledging the ancient Indian
traditions from which chakra teachings emerge
●​ Open Inquiry: Exploring the practices and noticing their
effects on well-being
●​ Discernment: Distinguishing between traditional teachings
and modern interpretations
●​ Integration: Using chakra concepts as a framework for
holistic self-understanding without dogmatic attachment
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6. Chakras and the Spectrum of Consciousness
As we conclude this exploration, it is worth considering where the
chakras fit within the broader spectrum of spiritual topics we have
traversed in this series.
From Kabbalah, we learned of the Sefirot as divine attributes—a
parallel system of energy centers mapping the relationship
between the divine and human. From astral projection and
travel, we encountered the subtle body that chakras inhabit. From
dream analysis and lucid dreaming, we discovered states of
consciousness through which chakra perceptions may arise. From
spirit guides, spirit animals, and guardian angels, we explored
beings that may interact with our energy bodies. From the Akashic
Records, we learned of the cosmic information field accessible
through refined perception. From third eye awakening, we
explored the faculty that perceives chakras and subtle energy.
From auras, we encountered the energy field that chakras
generate and regulate.
The chakras represent the energetic architecture of the subtle
body—the infrastructure through which consciousness flows as it
evolves from basic survival awareness (root) to transcendental
unity (crown). To work with the chakras is to engage directly with
the process of spiritual development, using practical tools to clear
blockages, balance energies, and facilitate the upward flow of
consciousness toward its highest potential.
Conclusion: The Journey Within
The seven chakras offer a comprehensive map of human
development—from our most basic instincts for survival and
security to our highest aspirations for connection, wisdom, and
transcendence. They remind us that we are not merely physical
bodies but complex energy systems, and that our physical,
emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being are intimately
interconnected.
For the beginner, the path is simple but profound: learn to listen to
the body, notice where energy feels stuck or blocked, and use the
tools of yoga, meditation, breath, and mindful living to restore
balance. As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches, the same
consciousness that flows downward into inertia and negativity can,
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with awareness and practice, be redirected upward into creativity,
love, gratitude, wisdom, and ultimately, bliss .
The journey from muladhara to sahasrara is the journey of a
lifetime—an evolution through seven levels of intensity, seven
dimensions of experience, seven stages of awakening. And it is a
journey available to anyone who turns their attention inward and
begins to explore the magnificent energy system that is their own
body, mind, and spirit
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About the Author
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