Chakras and crystals

Chakras are spinning energy centers of the body. The primary 7 chakras are aligned with your spine. Although there are more than 7 chakras, these are the ones that I will be focusing on for this page along with brief information on 3 of the transpersonal chakras. Each chakra governs different aspect of your body physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When they are in balance is when you are in optimal health. This is the goal, but most people will have at least 1 chakra that is imbalanced. It is rare to have them all totally balanced, so don't worry if you're not perfect. That just means you have a little work to do.

Chakras can become imbalanced, closed, or blocked easily. This happens due to stress, emotional upsets, negative thought patterns, childhood experiences, and simply living life and all that goes with it. Unless you live the perfect, stress free life. If that's the case, can I come live with you? LOL There are a lot of tips to work on balancing your chakras. I will list some information below to help you get started.

A great way to work on all of your chakras is through meditation. There are several chakra meditations available. The following are ones that I personally use and enjoy.

• Meditation Oasis #15 "Chakra Meditation" - free • Fragrant Heart - 2 meditations available - free • Chakra Healing Meditation - $0.99 on Amazon • Mystic Waterfall Chakra Balancing Meditation - $0.99 on Amazon • Chakra Clearing Morning and Evening Meditations by Doreen Virtue - $5.95

Chakra Reference Cards: This is a set of information cards for the 7 major Chakras. These are a great tool to assist you in learning more about the chakras and keep on hand as quick reference guides. The cards are small enough to carry with you anywhere. Available on Etsy - Only $5.00

• Click any of the photos to enlarge in a new browser. •

Earth Star - Transpersonal Chakra - Connection to the Earth and Grounding

Location: Approximately 6" - 12" below the feet Colors: Black, Brown This chakra supports the Root chakra. It is not a part of the physical body like the primary 7 chakras. It is a part of the etheric body.

Crystals: Boji Stone, Chiastolite (Andalusite), Hematite, Black Kyanite, Lodestone (Magnetite), Black Obsidian, Black Onyx, Shungite, Smoky Quartz, Black Tourmaline, Brown Tourmaline. This is by no means all of the Root chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

• You can find more information on the Earth Star chakra on the Healing-Crystals-For-You website.

1st - Root (Base) "I am" or "I have"- Physical Needs and Survival Instincts

Location: Base of the spine. Glands: Adrenals Colors: Red, Black, Brown — Complimentary/Antidote: Blue Essential Oils: Patchouli, Myrrh Herbs: Dandelion, Elder Blossom, Ginger, Lime Blossom, Sweet Flag, Valerian

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Bloodstone, Red Calcite, Chiastolite, Garnet, Hematite, Mookaite Jasper, Red Jasper, Jet, Lodestone (Magnetite), Black Obsidian, Snowflake Obsidian, Black Onyx, Petrified Wood, Ruby, Smoky Quartz, Shungite, Red Tiger's Eye, Black Tourmaline. This is by no means all of the Root chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Survival – The right to exist. Deals with tasks related to the material and physical world. Ability to stand up for oneself and security issues.

Imbalances: Anemia, fatigue, lower back pain, sciatica, depression. Frequent colds or cold hands and cold feet.

Recommended Therapies: Barefoot, being outdoors lying on the ground, massage, physical exercise, sleeping enough but not too much.

Affirmation: "I am safe, secure, grounded, and centered upon Mother Earth."

Contradictions: Avoid red for all nervous and red conditions: agitated, hyperactive, fever, ulcers, high blood pressure, red face, swelling, inflammations.

2nd - Sacral "I feel" - Emotional Balance, Creativity, Sexuality

Location: About 2" below the navel. Glands: Ovaries, Testes Colors: Orange — Complimentary/Antidote: Indigo Essential Oils: Sandalwood, Jasmine Herbs: Calendula, Coriander, Fennel, Nettle, Parsley, Yarrow

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Orange Calcite, Carnelian, Copper, Orange Kyanite, Moonstone, Fire Opal, Tangerine Quartz, Vanadinite, Wulfenite. This is by no means all of the Sacral chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Feelings — The right to feel. Connected to our sensing abilities and issues related to feelings. Ability to be social and intimacy issues.

Imbalances: Eating disorders. Alcohol and drug abuse. Depression. Low back pain. Asthma or allergies. Candida & yeast infections. Urinary problems. Sensuality issues as well as impotency and frigidity.

Recommended Therapies: Balancing pleasure addictions (increasing or decreasing), counseling for emotional relationships and/or sexual problems, drinking more fluids, moving and flowing exercises that increase grace such as ballet, swimming, treatment for addictions.

Affirmation: "I am emotionally balanced, full of vitality, creativity, and passion."

Contradictions: Anyone with excessive energy or excessive sexual energy should avoid orange.

3rd - Solar Plexus "I do" - Personal Power, Physical Energy

Location: Between base of the rib cage and the navel. Glands: Pancreas Colors: Yellow — Complimentary/Antidote: Violet Essential Oils: Chamomile, Lemon, Vetiver Herbs: Marshmallow, Chamomile, Fennel, Goldenseal, Juniper Berries, Lemon Balm

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Amber, Honey Calcite, Citrine, Yellow Fluorite, Yellow Jasper, Malachite, Pyrite, Rhodochrosite, Imperial Topaz, Golden Tiger's Eye. This is by no means all of the Solar Plexus chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Personal Power – The right to think. Balance of intellect, self-confidence and ego power. Ability to have self-control and humor.

Imbalances: Digestive problems, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, constipation. Nervousness, toxicity, parasites, colitis, poor memory.

Recommended Therapies: Aerobic exercise to increase Third Chakra or meditation to calm Third Chakra, core-strengthening exercises like sit-ups and Pilates, martial arts, counseling to acknowledge your inner power and potential or to develop sensitivity and respect for others.

Affirmation: "I am confident in my personally power and successful in all that I do."

Contradictions: People with nervous conditions and hot, red conditions should limit their use of yellow light to approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

4th - Heart "I love" - Love and Relationships

Location: Center of the chest. Glands: Thymus Colors: Green, Pink — Complimentary/Antidote: None needed since it's central and balanced Essential Oils: Rose, Jasmine Herbs: Thyme, Roses, Hawthorne Berries

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Amazonite, Aventurine, Green Calcite, Chrysoprase, Dioptase, Emerald, Epidote, Fuchsite, Jade, Kunzite, Green Kyanite, Malachite, Moldavite, Morganite, Peridot, Prehnite, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Seraphinite, Watermelon Tourmaline, Pink Tourmaline, Green Tourmaline. This is by no means all of the Heart chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Relationships – The right to love. Love, forgiveness, compassion. Ability to have self-control. Acceptance of oneself.

Imbalances: Heart and breathing disorders. Heart and breast cancer. Chest pain. High blood pressure. Passivity. Immune system problems. Muscular tension.

Recommended Therapies: Deep breathing and breathing exercises; eating lots of fruits and vegetable; back-bends; volunteering and charity work (for blockages); spending more time with animals; spending more time with children, counseling or therapy to help with relationship issues, grief/loss issues, and/or self-esteem and self-care issues.

Affirmation: "My heart is open to giving and receiving love effortlessly and unconditionally."

Contradictions: None.

Higher Heart Chakra - Also known as Thymus Chakra - Divine Love, Forgiveness, and Compassion

Location: Between the Throat and Heart chakras. Glands: Thymus Colors: Teal or aqua, although some people see it as pink. This is the location of the etheric heart which connects to divine, spiritual love. It is a bridge between your emotions and your intellect. As with the Heart chakra, it is a mid-way bridge between the physical chakras (lower 3) and the spiritual chakras (upper 3).

Crystals: Amazonite, Amegreen, Aqua Aura Quartz, Aquamarine, Hemimorphite, Lilac Lepidolite, Rose Quartz, Watermelon Tourmaline. This is by no means all of the Throat chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

• You can find more information on the Higher Heart chakra on the Healing-Crystals-For-You website.

5th - Throat "I speak" - Communication and Expression

Location: Base of the neck. Glands: Thyroid, Parathyroid Colors: Light Blue, Sky Blue — Complimentary/Antidote: Red Essential Oils: Chamomile, Eucalyptus Herbs: Red Clover Blossoms, Cloves, Coltsfoot, Peppermint, Sage, Vervain

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Amazonite, Angelite, Apatite, Aquamarine, Azurite, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Calcite, Cavansite, Celestite, Blue Chalcedony, Chrysocolla, Kyanite, Lapis Lazuli, Larimar, Sodalite, Blue Topaz, Turquoise. This is by no means all of the Throat chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Communication – The right to speak. Learning to express oneself and one’s beliefs (truthful expression). Ability to trust. Loyalty. Organization and planning.

Imbalances: Thyroid imbalances, swollen glands. Fevers and flu. Infections. Mouth, jaw, tongue, neck and shoulders problems. Hyperactivity. Hormonal disorders such as PMS, mood swings, bloating and menopause.

Recommended Therapies: Mantra meditation, chanting, singing, drumming, speaking in front of others (for blocks), going without speaking (for overloads), quiet time, keeping a journal/free writing, purposeful listening without commenting, practicing taking turns talking, lowering your voice (for overloads), raising your voice (for blocks), therapy for improving communication skills.

Affirmation: "I clearly communicate and express my personal truth, thoughts, and ideas with ease."

Contradictions: Don't use blue light for more than 30 minutes, or it may cause you to feel withdrawn or "blue" and sleepy. If this occurs, follow the treatment with a few minutes of yellow or orange. Do not use blue for the following ailments: colds, muscle contractions, paralysis, poor circulation.

6th - Third Eye (Brow) "I see" - Wisdom and Intuition

Location: Center of the forehead about an inch above the eyebrows. Glands: Pituitary Colors: Dark Blue, Indigo — Complimentary/Antidote: Orange Essential Oils: Violet, Geranium, Rose Herbs: Eyebright, Sandalwood, Saint John’s Wort, Spruce

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Amethyst, Apatite, Azurite, Covellite, Dumortierite, Fluorite, Iolite, Kyanite, Lapis Lazuli, Lepidolite, Rainbow Moonstone, Moldavite, Pietersite, Sapphire, Blue Siberian Quartz, Sodalite, Tanzanite. This is by no means all of the Third Eye chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Intuition – The right to “see.” Trusting one’s intuition and insights. Developing one’s psychic abilities. Self-realization. Releasing hidden and repressed negative thoughts.

Imbalances: Learning disabilities, co-ordination problems, sleep disorders.

Recommended Therapies: Visualization, meditation, drawing and painting, practicing tuning in to your intuition, keeping track of your dreams, therapy to help clarity your inner vision, hypnosis.

Affirmation: "I always think clearly and I trust my intuition and inner wisdom."

Contradictions: Schizophrenic, withdrawn. "Children do not need violet and indigo. These colors are too extreme for them, since they have just come from the Spirit World and are busy getting grounded. Still, some highly sensitive children will be comforted by purple when they're upset. The purple-flowered peppermint and catnip are good for calming all children and taking away nightmares."

7th - Crown "I understand" or "I know" - Spiritual Enlightenment

Location: Top of the head. Glands: Pineal Colors: Violet, White, Purple — Complimentary/Antidote: Yellow Essential Oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Rosewood Herbs: Lavender, Nutmeg, Gotu Kola

Crystals: (listed clockwise starting with the upper right hand corner) Amethyst, Apophyllite, Charoite, Danburite, Herkimer Diamond, Howlite, Labradorite, Lepidolite, Clear Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Selenite, Seraphinite, Sugilite. This is by no means all of the Crown chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

Life Lessons: Knowingness – The right to aspire. Dedication to the divine consciousness and trusting the universe. Learning about one’s spirituality. Our connection to the concept of “God” or a higher intelligence. Integrating one’s consciousness and subconsciousness into the superconsciousness.

Imbalances: Headaches. Photosensitivity. Mental illness. Neuralgia. Senility. Right/left brain disorders and coordination problems. Epilepsy. Varicose veins and blood vessel problems. Skin Rashes.

Recommended Therapies: For block: meditation, prayer, spiritual study, self-study, learning something new and challenging like a musical instrument or a language, therapy to deal with spiritual crisis. For excess: grounding, balancing all seven chakras, physical exercise, therapy to reintegrate the mind with the body, therapy to put spiritual beliefs and practices into perspective.

Affirmation: "I am one with the Universe and I am in tune with the Divine consciousness."

Contradictions: None listed.

Additional Note: Violet is excellent for artists and high-strung, nervous people who need grounding but find red too harsh.

Soul Star (Higher Crown) "I Transend" - Transpersonal - Connection to Your Soul's Purpose

Location: Approximately 6" - 12" above the top of the head. Colors: White This is the chakra that spiritual energy and divine love enter the body. It is not a part of the physical body like the primary 7 chakras. It is a part of the etheric body.

Crystals: Angel Aura Quartz, Apophyllite, Auralite23, Azeztulite, Charoite, Danburite, Elestial Quartz, Herkimer Diamond, Labradorite, Petalite, Phenacite, Clear Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Selenite, Seraphinite, Sugilite, Super Seven, Tanzanite. This is by no means all of the Crown chakra crystals, but these are among some of my favorites.

• You can find more information on the Soul Star chakra on the Healing-Crystals-For-You website.

Chakra information for lessons and imbalances are from the website http://www.chakraenergy.com/seven.html.

Antidotes are found in "Color and Crystals: A Journey Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner. Antidotes help to calm an overactive chakra. Contradictions are found in "Color and Crystals: A Journey Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner. -- People who have the listed symptoms should not use the color of that chakra. (The same holds true for any over active symptoms.)

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and cannot give out medical advice. Crystals and energy healing should be used as a compliment to other therapies and not as a replacement for regular medical care.