What are Chakras?

Chakra is Sanskrit for ‘wheel’ and means ‘wheel of energy’. They are the energy centers in your body. Most traditions adhere to the seven chakras. Sometimes, however, there is mention of eight or nine chakras. The chakras together form a system. This means that they have an effect on each other and that they cooperate. Each chakra has specific qualities and functions, because they are different kinds of consciousness.

Chakras are the different areas in your life. It is believed, for example, that the first chakra is linked to survival and the second to creativity. Allegedly, the third is your self-esteem and the fourth tells you something about love. Lastly, it is believed that chakra five is your communication, six provides insight and the seventh connects you with higher powers. Chakras can be felt in your body and your behaviour tells a lot about them. In order to influence or get to know chakras, special colours, symbols and gems are often used.

The most common colours and gemstones are:

• 1st chakra: red – red jasper
• 2nd chakra: orange – peach aventurine, carnelian, orange calcite
• 3rd chakra: yellow – gold quartz, citrine, yellow agate, yellow jasper
• 4th chakra: green – rose quartz or green aventurine
• 5th chakra: blue – lapis lazuli, sodalite, blue chalcedony
• 6th chakra: indigo – amethyst, grey-blue agate
• 7th chakra: violet – rock crystal or amethyst