Chakras are the energy centers of the body.  In Sanskrit, the word chakra means “wheel” or “vortex”, and that is what chakras are: spiralling vortexes of energy which hold, balance, and emanate different powers and aspects of our spiritual bodies.  There are seven major chakras, each with their own gifts to empower the physical body and bring about the development of our self-consciousness.

When you are having a problem in life, emotional or physical, it may be because the corresponding chakra is blocked or out of balance.  This imbalance can be addressed in several ways–for example: receiving reiki, or meditating on a crystal, color, or sound that resonates on the same vibrational frequency as that chakra.  It may sound complicated, but do not fear! Your chakras are ultimately your own energy, so all it takes is your conciousness and intention to set them right!

If you have a chakra imbalance and would like to work on it, try this simple meditation:

Sit or lie down comfortably in a quiet room, making sure you will not be disturbed (remember to turn off the ringer on your phone!).  Burn some of your favorite incense (we love nag champa!) or a candle to create an olfactory separation between this sacred space and your daily life.  If you are laying down, you might like to place an energy-amplifying crystal on the physical location of the chakra, or if seated, you might simply hold it there. (See below for the crystals that are best for each chakra)

Breathe in and out, counting each exhale until you get to 20.  If other thoughts enter your mind, observe them and let them go.  Sometimes it helps to have a mantra to keep yourself present, so create one that has meaning for you as it corresponds to the issue you would like to address. We like to use the Mexicali chakra attributes flags as a meditation object, focusing on the color and mantra of a specific chakra flag for a meditation. You can do that, or create one on your own if you wish!  For example, if you want to meditate on the root chakra, which is the center of grounding, your mantra might be, “I am present”.

Picture your chakra as a spinning wheel of colored light.  When you breathe in, imagine that you are letting in a waterfall of white light and positive energy, which makes your chakra grow brighter.  When you breathe out, imagine you are releasing all of your bad feelings or pain in a little grey puff of smoke.  Repeat this, breathing slowly, for as long as you feel is right.

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Chakra Basics: A Guide to the Chakras

The Root/Base Chakra–Center of Grounding & Security

Color: Red

Crystal: Garnet, Agate, Tiger’s Eye, Onyx, Ruby

Essential Oils & Incense: Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Dragon’s Blood, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli

Consciousness: security, trust, relationship to the body & the Earth, being grounded & present in the here and now, having passion for life

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: insecurity, fear, anxiety, feeling “spacey”, disconnected from body/living in your head only–too much mental chatter

Other Healing Ideas: Walk outside in bare feet (helps feel more “grounded” and connected to nature), bridge pose or another yoga backbend, eat vegetables from the ground (beets, potatoes, carrots) and hot spices (red cayenne pepper, tabasco)

The Sacral Chakra–Center of Creativity & Change

Color: Orange

Crystal: Carnelian, Copper, Coral

Essential Oils & Incense: Angelica, Gardenia, Lemongrass, Orange, Citrus

Consciousness: happiness, creativity, sexuality, emotions & willingness to feel them

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: procrastination, diminished libido, depression, skin problems, emotional numbness

Other Healing Ideas: Cobra yoga pose, eat citrus fruits or nuts

The Solar Plexus Chakra–Center of Power & Confidence

Color: Yellow

Crystal: Citrine, Amber, Gold, Topaz

Essential Oils & Incense: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Fennel, Rosemary

Consciousness: self-confidence, power, freedom, assertiveness, clarity, self-control, motivation

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: low self-worth, mental fatigue, memory problems, moodiness, digestive disorders

Other Healing Ideas: yoga boat pose, dancing, eat whole grains & yellow fruits, drink peppermint or chamomile tea

The Solar Plexus Chakra–Center of Love & Compassion for Self & Others

Color: Green (or Pink)

Crystal: Malachite, Rose Quartz, Jade, Peridot, Aventurine

Essential Oils & Incense: Rose, Eucalyptus, Pine, Palmarosa

Consciousness: love, joy, inner peace, honesty, healing

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: grief, stubborn thought patterns, irritability, worry, guilt

Other Healing Ideas: chest opening yoga poses, hugging, verbally expressing love, drink green tea, eat pink grapefruit and green vegetables

The Throat Chakra–Center of Communication

Color: Blue (or Turquoise)

Crystal: Lapis, Blue Agate, Sapphire, Sodalite, Turquoise, Aquamarine

Essential Oils & Incense: Peppermint, Tea Tree, Thyme, Cypress, Geranium

Consciousness:  expressing feelings, speaking your truth, listening to intuition, creating, sharing

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: sleep problems, holding secrets, hyperactivity, stress, immune system issues

Other Healing Ideas: shoulder stand yoga pose, singing or chanting, listen to favorite music, eat raw fruit and sea vegetables (algae, dulse kelp, nori)

The Third Eye Chakra–Center of Intuition & Extra Sensory Perception

Color: Indigo

Crystal: Iolite, Quartz, Tanzanite, Amethyst

Essential Oils & Incense: Patchouli, Camphor, Frankincense, Star Anise, Lavender

Consciousness:  intuition, imagination, wisdom, decision-making, dreams, psychic ability, spirituality, empathy

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: negative self-talk, not trusting intuition, trouble making decisions, lacking purpose, second-guessing everything, afraid to take action

Other Healing Ideas: child’s or fish yoga pose, eat broccoli & purple fruits or vegetables (eggplant, grapes, purple onions, prunes), stargazing, visiting an art museum

The Crown Chakra–Center of Cosmic Consciousness

Color: Violet

Crystal: Clear Quartz, Diamond, Amethyst

Essential Oils & Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Magnolia, Lotus

Consciousness:  integration of spirit & body, connection to spirituality, empathy, bliss, prophetic dreams, compassion, feeling connected to others & the universe

Symptoms that this chakra is out of balance: feeling isolated, disconnected, egocentric, overwhelmed

Other Healing Ideas: meditation, downward dog yoga pose, running or other cardio, spend time outdoors in fresh air & sunshine

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We hope this guide has been helpful to you in learning about your chakras!  At Mexicali Blues, we have a variety of gemstone pendants featuring the crystals that resonate with each chakra.  They are helpful in keeping your chakras aligned and energized, and are also just really pretty!

Check them out at Mexicali Blues online or any of our stores in Maine!

What chakras do you feel are the most powerful in you? Which ones do you want to work on?