The Chakras

An Introduction to the Chakras by John Culbertson

Within the metaphysical world we have a term that is called chakra. This is a term which was borrowed from the eastern part of the world (mainly India, but also parts of Asia). This word, which is Sanskrit, means spinning wheel. Thus, a chakra is a spinning wheel of energy located within the human body.

Each chakra is responsible for various human functions. These energy centers direct the energies of life and channel them into different areas. When a chakra becomes dirty or blocked, those energies have a harder time working. Ultimately, this will lead to disease and illness.

Likewise, when we experience certain problems in our life, they do affect certain chakras and can have the result of blocking or closing them.

This article takes a brief look at the seven main chakras that most people within the new age and metaphysical world need to be familiar with.

ROOT CENTER

The root center is located at the base of the spine with the entrance point for the energy being the vagina for a woman and the perineum for a man. Its color, in the physical world, is red. It is associated with the survival instinct. The fight or flight reflex is connected to this center as is our sexual desires when they are pure passion and animalistic in nature.

The root center helps to ground our energy into the physical world and is primarily responsible for us being alive. A closed root center can, and often times does, equate to death here in the physical world.

When we have emotional issues in our lives that deal with our need to survive, this center is likely blocked.

A blocked root center can cause problems to the prostate and uterus, kidneys, bladder, and bowels. Also the lower backbone and nerves can be affected.

Any type of physical exercise will help to clear and keep this center open and functioning. Additionally, dancing, yoga, massages, camping, gardening, and Tai Chi also help to clear and keep this center open and functioning.

An exercise for opening this center involves taking a martial arts horse stance and doing pelvic thrusts.

SACRAL CENTER

The sacral center is located about 2 inches below the belly button. Its physical world color is orange. It is associated with sex and sexuality from a loving perspective. It deals with creativity and gut level intuition. It also has to do with the pleasure principal, our general well being, and our abundance in our life. It sometimes is associated with communication, but this would be from a pleasure perspective as opposed to a persuasive/information oriented perspective.

Negative emotional reactions to any problems in life can cause this center to become blocked. This can result in illness connected to sexual organs and lower back as well as the pancreas, liver, and spleen.

Martial Arts, meditation, and sex with a loving partner can all help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning. Additionally painting, socializing, writing, and playing music/singing will help to clear, open, and keep it functioning.

An exercise for opening this center involves taking a martial arts horse stance and rotating your hips in a circle or doing belly dance figure eights.

SOLAR PLEXUS CENTER

The solar plexus center is located at the base of the sternum. Its physical world color is yellow. It deals with our mind, especially as it functions here in the physical world. Anything intellectual is connected to the solar plexus center as is most forms of communication from a mental perspective.

This center also deals with our self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, and personal power. Whenever we are submissive to others or even circumstances in our life, this center weakens. Likewise, not loving yourself or not being proud of the self can have the same effect.

This center and the heart center are usually so closely linked that they are considered tied together. When a person operates from the solar plexus level though, they tend to take things very personally.

Besides what has already been mentioned, emotional disappointment in love and interpersonal relationships can cause this center to become blocked. When blocked, illness can develop in the heart, stomach, liver, upper digestive tract, and lungs.

Anything intellectual in nature will help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning.

An exercise for opening this center involves jumping as high as you can.

HEART CENTER

The heart center is located in the center of the chest and the physical world color associated with it is green. This center allows a person to have the ability to be unconditionally caring and loving. This is not solar plexus, sacral, or root center love which many times are possessive in nature, rather it is a higher form of love where both the good and bad are equally embraced and accepted and is with total positive regard. It also allows a person to receive love in all forms and to feel joy, kinship, and peace.

This center usually becomes blocked when there is an overflow from a blocked solar plexus center. Any type of hate related emotions can also cause blockages to this center. Illness and injury related to a blocked heart center can develop in the heart, lungs, upper spine, and shoulders.

Playing with children or pets, being in the presence of beauty, and laughing will all help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning.

The psychic ability connected to this center is clairsentience, which means clear feeling.

An exercise for opening this center involves back bends.

THROAT CENTER

The throat center is located at the root of the tongue and has a physical world color of blue. It is the seat of our will and deals with our will power, manifestation ability, self-discipline, and control. An open throat center allows a person to have fortitude and to work through problems that would stop others. This center is also called the truth center, because in order to function properly we must be living our truth, in whatever form and belief that may be.

The center is most likely to become blocked when we hold back the things we really need to say and express or when we over express ourselves in a melodramatic way. A blocked throat center can cause illness or injury to the ears, throat, mouth, neck, and thyroids.

Chanting, drumming, journaling, saying no when we don't want to do something, expressing our needs openly and honestly, and discharging anger in an appropriate manner all help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning properly. Additionally, speaking in front of crowds and sharing problems with trusted friends will also serve to help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning properly.

The psychic ability connected to this center is clairaudience, which means clear hearing. It is our psychic ability to hear auditory voices from guides, angels, spirit teachers, and deceased loved ones.

An exercise for opening this center would be to rotate the neck in a circle from left to right and then switching and going from right to left. Do this multiple times with the mouth open.

THIRD EYE/BROW CENTER

The third eye, also called the brow center, is located above the bridge of the nose and in between the two eye brows. The physical world color that we associate with this center is indigo. When open and operating with an opened crown center, we usually gain the ability of clairvoyance, which means clear seeing. This psychic ability is the one most people have heard of and it represents the pictures that a person sees with their third eye, not their physical eyes.

This center also is connected to wisdom, intuition, and imagination. This center, when balanced, makes use of the whole brain as opposed to one side or the other.

This center usually only becomes blocked when a person misuse their psychic abilities, especially clairvoyance, to pry where they aren't suppose to. It can also become blocked when we try to manipulate others. A blocked third eye can result in illness and injury to head and eyes.

Visualizing the release of negativity in your life along with relaxing and having "child-like" fun can help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning. Additionally, reading spiritual based books, praying, meditation, and being thankful can also help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning.

An exercise for opening this center would be to rotate your eyes from left to right and then switching and going from right to left. Do this multiple times, but without causing eye strain.
  

CROWN CENTER

The crown center is located at the top of the head on the inside of it as opposed to the outside. The physical world color normally associated with this center is violet, but purple and white have also been used. It is represented many times by the thousand-pedal lotus opening up.

This center deals with spirituality and connecting to the divine in all forms. It is where our inspiration comes from and it brings insight into our daily lives when it is opened and functioning properly. The purpose of this center is to open us up to the beauty, that divine source, whatever we may think of it as.

This center can become blocked when a person is going through a spiritual crisis, has no spiritual base, or through an abundance of negative thinking. A blocked crown center can result in headaches and neck tension and a closed crown center could even lead to a brain tumor or other brain related illnesses.

Meditation for 15 to 20 minutes daily, inner reflections, prayers for the world and reading or listening to those works of great spiritual leaders like Christ and Buddha can all help to open, clear and keep this center functioning properly.

This center combines with the third eye center to help open us up to clairvoyance. It can also be related to a general "knowingness."

An exercise for opening this center is to rub the top of your head in a clockwise direction.

Additionally, the proper function of ALL chakras can be aided by doing a chakra meditation/visualization.

John Culbertson is a Mason and Rosicrucian. He owns a new age fantasy gift and book store called Starchild: http://www.starchildbooks.com His personal web site is located at: http://www.mysticjohnculbertson.com He enjoys teaching psychic development, numerology, tarot, and pretty much all aspects of the new age field. He is a ghost writer and sees clients on a regular basis at his store in Florida. He is also available for classes, speaking engagements, and private lessons.

Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com 

  The Healing Energy of Crystals and Stones by Diane Simon

Our universe is one of vibrations. Absolutely everything (including us) vibrates at a molecular level! In some objects, these vibrations tend to cancel one another due to the chaotic structure of their atoms. But other things, like crystals, have structures that allow these vibrations to add together.

This addition of vibrations due to the structure of objects like crystals cause them to amplify and radiate this energy of vibration. These vibrations are subtle, but they can be used to help you handle many of life’s everyday problems.

Stones and crystals each have a unique structure and composition. This gives each one a unique vibration rate and quality.

At the heart of a crystal is the atom and its component parts. An atom is dynamic, consisting of particles rotating around a centre in constant motion. So, although a crystal may look outwardly serene, it is actually a seething molecular mass vibrating at a certain frequency. This is what gives a crystal its energy.

Your body is made of the same elements found in stones and crystals. Your body and its internal organs is a collection of parts, each with a specific structure (on a chemical level), each made up of different combinations of carbon, hydrogen and other elements. Because of its structure and composition, each part of your body vibrates and emits energy into the space around it. If you could see these vibrations which are very high frequency you would see them as an energy body that extended well beyond your physical one. Impurities within your body alter these vibrations, adding chaotic elements that distort your energy body. These distortions can starve some areas of your physical body, preventing them from getting the correct vibrational energy that keeps them operating in harmony with the rest of the parts that make up your physical self.

Since stones and crystals vibrate and emit pure, strong vibrations at constant rates, they can be used to help eliminate distortions and restore proper balance, leading to better overall physical, mental and spiritual well being. Each stone and crystal emits subtle vibrations that influence a specific area of your body. Matching the stone or crystal to its specific use allows you to get the most benefit from these natural gifts of harmony.

Scientific evidence about the potential health benefits and risks associated with stones and crystals is hard to come by, but crystals and stones have been used for thousands and thousands of years. This would seem to indicate not only their safety, but also their effectiveness. However, always seek medical attention from a qualified medical or mental health worker, or a Natural Health Practitioner, if you suspect you have a serious problem. The energies radiated from crystals and gems are subtle, and work over time.

WHY AND HOW TO CHOOSE A STONE OR CRYSTAL

Crystals and stones have been used since the dawn of civilization. They can be used to influence our moods, our health, our personal development, our wealth, our environment and our relationships. If you are trying to choose a crystal for a specific reason, then focus on that reason and allow your intuition to choose the right crystals. If it’s for someone else, focus on that person.

The one you need will let you know, you will sense it – it might “catch your eye”, be a “must have”, “feel right” when you hold it, or you could even hear, taste or smell something that’ll let you know. There may also be strong pulsing in your hand when you hold it.

Choosing crystals is mainly about using your intuition and using your six senses as an extension of that intuition. Remember that crystals will choose you as much as you choose them! Enjoy them and remember to thank them too!

DEDICATING AND PROGRAMMING YOUR CRYSTALS 

Crystals need to be dedicated to the purpose for which you use them. Dedicate a new crystal as soon as you have cleansed it. This focuses the energy.

Hold the crystal in your hands. Picture light surrounding it. If you find this difficult, hold your hands in front of a light source. Say out loud: “I dedicate this crystal to the highest good of all. May it be used in light and love”. Reiki practitioners can Reiki their crystals in order to cleanse them.

To program your crystal, hold it. Let yourself be open to higher guidance. Consider the purpose for which you wish to use it. Be specific. If you want to attract love, describe exactly what kind of love you are looking for. If you are seeking healing, say precisely for which condition and what you want to happen. When you have formulated your program, attune to the crystal. Ensure that this is exactly the right crystal for the purpose. When you are totally in tune, say out loud: “I program this crystal for (your purpose)”.

Then put the crystal in a place where you will see it frequently or keep it in your pocket. It can be helpful to hold it two or three times a day, or more. You may need to repeat the programming several times.

When not in use, wrap your crystals in a silk/velvet scarf, store in a pouch or keep on a bed of salt.

USING STONES AND CRYSTALS

Your commitment to the crystal is part of the healing process. Let the crystal do the work for you. It is best not to wear more than two stones at any one time if you are new to crystal healing, as many people find the effects too distracting. The length of time to obtain the effects desired will depend on the quality of the crystal (size, colour, energy charge), location of wear, duration, and the crystal's appropriateness to your healing. Some crystals are better suited to healing the overall problem which underlies the symptoms, than to just treating superficial symptoms. Select your crystal with an honest outlook on the real problem.

Wearing crystals or simply having one in close proximity (carrying one in your pocket or placing one on your night table or under your pillow) can boost your energy and allow them to impart their healing vibrations to your environment. You can also grid crystals around your home or bed, do crystal layouts or make gem elixirs and essences. Remember to program your crystals before use.

Rotating a crystal wand on the skin, or simply placing an appropriate stone on the affected area causes compression which releases a focused beam of vibrations to the affected organ beneath.

Also, meditating with a crystal is one of the easiest ways to attune to its energy.

CLEANING AND CARING FOR STONES AND CRYSTALS

Crystals and stones can pick up or absorb vibrations not in harmony with their natural rate or quality. They can also retain memories of the thoughts and feelings of those that come in contact with them. Because of this, it is recommended that all stones and crystals be cleansed on a regular basis. You’ll know it’s time when the stone’s energy seems to have diminished or its energy feels “tired”.

There are many ways you can do this. The easiest for most people is to simply place the stone or crystal in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight is the colors of light, each color having a different vibration rate. This bombardment of energy will strip away the lingering energies that don’t belong there, washing them away to leave only those energies produced by the structure of the crystal or stone itself. Sunlight can fade some stones, however, such as Amethyst, Aventurine, Citrine, Fluorite, Rose Quartz and Smokey Quartz.

Another way is to bury them in the earth. The earth produces vibrational energies in large amounts due to the abundance of moving electrons in its component parts. This energy covers a range of frequencies beyond what the eye can see, with each of the elements producing its own “tone” or vibration rate. Remember to mark where you bury them so you can find them again! Using a bag would help too. This vibration washes away the negative energies and leaves only the energies of the stone or crystal itself. Keep your stones and crystals buried for at least 2 or 3 days.

Another alternative is to put coarse sea salt in a small container and bury the stone for between 7-24 hours. Don’t use salt water as prolonged use can damage softer stones. You can also keep your stones on a bed of salt when not in use. Sprinkling in a bit of tobacco will help energize the salt.

Placing your crystals and stones in a running stream can cleanse them too. You can also blow with force on your stone or crystal to release negative energy.

Citrine and Kyanite can also be used to clean your stones and crystals. They are the only two self-cleaning crystals and stones. You can place your stones on them, as well as Selenite, or Apophylite or Amethyst clusters for approx. two hours and they will emerge completely energized.

Other methods include using the light of a full moon, a bell, gong or tuning fork, running water (except stones like Selenite and Desert Rose which will melt) a candle, incense or smudge.

Diane Simon is the owner of www.naturesforyou.com, a Canadian website selling Products to Heal and Harmonize Mind, Body and Soul.

Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com