The 7 chakras
Okay so the chakras are the seven energy centres that run from the base of your spine to the top of your head, in the yoga and tantric traditions of India. Each one has a name in Sanskrit, a place in the body, an element, a sound and, in the modern Western version, a colour.
You don't have to believe in energy to get something out of them. They're honestly a really cute map for checking in with yourself: am I feeling grounded, creative, confident, open, heard, clear, connected? Start at the root and work your way up ☁️
- 1 · MuladharaRoot chakraYour vibe's foundation. Safe, grounded, held, and honestly a little bit cosy.
- 2 · SvadhisthanaSacral chakraPleasure, creativity and flow. The chakra that wants you to have fun on purpose.
- 3 · ManipuraSolar plexus chakraYour inner sunshine. Confidence, willpower and main character energy.
- 4 · AnahataHeart chakraLove, kindness and letting people in. Including, like, yourself.
- 5 · VishuddhaThroat chakraYour voice, your truth-telling era. Saying the thing, kindly.
- 6 · AjnaThird eye chakraIntuition, clarity and that little voice that's usually right.
- 7 · SahasraraCrown chakraConnection, stillness, the big picture. The chakra that's basically a cloud.
Chakra guides
- What are chakras? The 7 chakras explained for beginnersWhat chakras are, where the idea comes from, the seven main chakras in order, and how to start working with them, explained softly.
- Chakra colours: what each of the 7 colours meansThe seven chakra colours in order, from red to violet, what each colour means, where the rainbow system comes from, and how to use colour in your practice.
- Chakra yoga: 7 poses, one for each chakraA soft chakra yoga flow with one pose for each of the seven chakras, root to crown, with how to do each pose safely and what it's for.
- Chakra meditation: a 10-minute guided practice for beginnersAn easy chakra meditation that moves from root to crown with colour, breath and the seed mantras, with a built-in timer. About ten minutes.
- How to open your third eye: 5 gentle practicesHow to open your third eye chakra softly: brow-point meditation, alternate nostril breathing, OM, candle gazing and journaling your hunches.