What are the meanings of the seven chakras? How do you work with them? Let’s dive in!
Rooted in Eastern spiritual traditions, the chakra system is an ancient metaphysical framework that maps the energy centers of the body.
Each chakra corresponds to a specific area of the body, a unique spiritual lesson, and elemental archetypes that influence our consciousness and evolution.
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of the physical, spiritual, metaphysical, shamanic, and alchemical meanings of each of the seven primary chakras, along with key correspondences for healing and personal transformation.
This is a HUGE topic, and I’m barely scratching the surface here, but this should give you a good 30,000-foot intro to each of your seven major energy centers.
Origins and Global Perspectives on the Chakra System
So, before we go deep, let’s take a quick look at the origins of the chakra system.
The chakra system as we know it today originates primarily from ancient Indian spiritual traditions.
References to chakras appear in early texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads, with further elaboration found in classical yogic texts like the Yoga Kundalini Upanishad and the Shat-Chakra-Nirupana (circa 16th century).
In Sanskrit, the word chakra means “wheel” or “disc,” symbolizing a spinning vortex of energy.
These centers were seen not only as focal points of subtle energy but also as gateways to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
But Really, How Many Chakras Are There?
I mean, good question, right?
Although the seven-chakra model has become the most widely known in modern metaphysical circles (largely due to the Theosophical movement and later New Age interpretations) many traditional systems have different configurations.
For example, some ancient Tantric texts describe 5, 6, or even 12 chakras.
Tibetan Buddhism teaches a distinct yet overlapping energetic system, and in some Hindu traditions, chakras above the crown—known as transpersonal chakras—connect the soul to celestial realms.
These extended systems explore layers of subtle energy far beyond the physical body.
Learn more about The Aura’s 7 Subtle Bodies.
In Chinese medicine, a parallel system exists in the form of the meridian network and the dantian (energy centers).
Rather than vortexes, these meridians are pathways through which Qi (life force) flows.
The lower dantian, located in the same area as the sacral chakra, is the seat of foundational life energy.
The middle dantian, aligned with the heart, governs emotional vitality.
And the upper dantian, near the third eye, is the center of spiritual perception.
While the chakra and meridian systems differ in structure and terminology, both revolve around balancing life energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Together, these traditions show that understanding the body’s subtle anatomy is a universal concern, echoed across many cultures and times.
Whether through chakras, meridians, or dantian, the core idea is the same: To help awaken humans to their fullest potential.
The Chakra System Through History
c. 1500–500 BCE – Vedas (India)
Early references to subtle body concepts, marma points, and pranic energy appear in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda, laying foundational ideas for the chakra system.¹
c. 600 BCE – 300 CE – Upanishads
The Yoga Upanishads and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad discuss nadis (energy channels) and prana. The Yoga Kundalini Upanishad describes energy rising through chakras toward liberation.²
c. 10th–12th century CE – Tantric Texts (Kashmir Shaivism)
Tantric and Yogic texts like the Kubjikāmata Tantra and Shiva Samhita articulate detailed chakra systems with mantras, deities, and energetic practices.³
16th century CE – Shat-Chakra-Nirupana
This Sanskrit text by Purnananda Yati systematically outlines the seven main chakras, their symbolic lotuses, seed syllables (bija mantras), and presiding deities.⁴
19th century CE – Theosophical Movement
Western esotericist C.W. Leadbeater and Annie Besant reinterpret chakras through clairvoyance, adding aura colors and psychic functions.⁵
20th century CE – New Age Integration
The seven-chakra model becomes global through yoga, holistic healing, and self-help. Influencers include Swami Sivananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, and modern energy healers.⁶
Present Day – Expanded Systems
Contemporary teachings explore 9–12+ chakras (e.g., Earth Star, Soul Star) and blend chakra work with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reiki, and multidimensional healing frameworks.⁷
Alrighty, enough history! Let’s get into the each chakra, from the bottom (closest to the earth) up.
First Chakra: Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Location: Base of the spine
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Seed Sound (Bija Mantra): LAM
Endocrine Gland: Adrenal glands
Shamanic Element: Connection to the bones, ancestors, and the earth grid
Alchemical Principle: Salt (the principle of structure, form, and preservation)
Physical Meaning
The Root Chakra governs foundational aspects of the body.
That means the legs, feet, pelvic floor, colon, and lower back.
It’s closely linked to the adrenal glands and the “fight or flight” response.
A healthy root chakra supports your immunity, energy reserves, and physical stability.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
Spiritually, your root chakra is tied to your core sense of safety, belonging, and trust in life.
When it’s balanced, you feel secure, grounded, and connected to the earth and your physical existence.
An imbalanced root chakra can result in fear, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from the body.
Shamanic Insight
In many indigenous and shamanic traditions, the root chakra is viewed as the anchor that connects the soul to the Earth Mother.
Healing rituals often involve drumming, dancing, earth offerings, and working with ancestral spirits.
Journeying to the underworld also begins here.
Alchemical Insight
In alchemy, salt symbolizes the body and crystallized consciousness.
The root chakra, as the seat of physicality, anchors the soul in matter and is the first stage of spiritual embodiment.
Root Chakra Correspondences
- Crystals: Hematite, red jasper, black tourmaline, smoky quartz
- Herbs: Dandelion root, ashwagandha, burdock, nettle
- Animals: Bear (strength), buffalo (abundance), mole (underground awareness)
- Affirmation: “I am grounded, safe, and secure.”
Second Chakra: Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Location: Below the navel, sacral area
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Seed Sound: VAM
Endocrine Gland: Reproductive organs, ovaries/testes
Shamanic Element: Emotions, water spirits, womb wisdom
Alchemical Principle: Mercury (fluidity, emotion, transformation)
Physical Meaning
The sacral chakra governs the reproductive system, kidneys, bladder, and lower digestive tract.
It influences hormonal balance, sexual vitality, and the body’s ability to process pleasure and desire.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
The sacral chakra is the wellspring of emotion, creativity, and sensuality.
It governs how you connect with others and how freely you express desire, passion, and vulnerability.
Blockages can show up as emotional repression, guilt, or a disconnection from your creative potential.
Shamanic Insight
Shamans often associate this chakra with the sacred feminine, water spirits, and ancestral womb wisdom.
Rituals involving moon cycles, sacred bathing, or working with the waters of natural springs or rivers activate this center.
Alchemical Insight
The principle of Mercury is evident in the sacral chakra’s fluidity.
It enables us to transform raw emotion into sacred energy.
This chakra represents the alchemical cauldron where inner union and creation begin.
Sacra Chakra Correspondences
- Crystals: Carnelian, orange calcite, moonstone, peach aventurine
- Herbs: Damiana, hibiscus, calendula, shatavari
- Animals: Dolphin (joy), snake (transformation), cat (sensuality)
- Affirmation: “I feel deeply. I create freely. I honor my sacred flow.”
Third Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Location: Above the navel, below the sternum (diaphragm area)
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Seed Sound: RAM
Endocrine Gland: Pancreas
Shamanic Element: Inner fire, digestion of spirit
Alchemical Principle: Sulfur (identity, willpower, transformation)
Physical Meaning
The Solar Plexus governs digestion, metabolism, and energy assimilation.
It influences the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and nervous system.
This chakra is also tied to body image and personal power.
The solar plexus chakra is often also called your “navel chakra” or simply just your “power center.”
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
The solar plexus is the seat of your will, confidence, and ego identity.
A balanced third chakra allows you to assert yourself, make decisions with clarity, and align with your purpose.
Imbalance may show as control issues, fear of failure, or shame.
Shamanic Insight
Shamans view this chakra as the power center.
Fire-walking, solar rites, and warrior medicine activate the third chakra.
It’s the fire of action, courage, and purification.
Alchemical Insight
Sulfur symbolizes combustion and transformation.
The solar plexus chakra is the furnace of the self where ego is purified and will is strengthened.
Correspondences:
- Crystals: Citrine, golden topaz, tiger’s eye, pyrite
- Herbs: Ginger, turmeric, fennel, dandelion leaf
- Animals: Lion (courage), hawk (vision), dragon (power)
- Affirmation: “I am powerful, worthy, and confident in my purpose.”
Fourth Chakra: Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Location: Center of the chest
Color: Green (also pink)
Element: Air
Seed Sound: YAM
Endocrine Gland: Thymus
Shamanic Element: Breath, spirit animals, plant consciousness
Alchemical Principle: Union of Sulfur and Mercury (sacred marriage)
Physical Meaning
The heart chakra governs the heart, lungs, chest, arms, and thymus gland.
It supports immune response and regulates the emotional rhythms of love, grief, and joy.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
Your heart chakra represents love, compassion, forgiveness, and unity.
It bridges the lower chakras (physical) and upper chakras (spiritual).
When it’s open, you feel empathy, connection, and unconditional love.
When your heart chakra is imbalanced or blocked, it can manifest as grief, jealousy, bitterness, isolation, or difficulty giving and receiving love.
Shamanic Insight
The heart is seen as a portal for spirit communication.
Shamanic drumming, sacred breathwork, and work with animal spirits or plant spirits often center here.
The green world is often accessed through the heart.
Alchemical Insight
In alchemy, the heart represents the sacred marriage.
It’s the balancing of opposites, love as the harmonizing force.
It’s the emerald temple of the soul.
Correspondences:
- Crystals: Rose quartz, green aventurine, rhodonite, emerald
- Herbs: Hawthorn, rose petals, motherwort, linden flower
- Animals: Deer (gentleness), dove (peace), horse (freedom)
- Affirmation: “I am open to love. I live with compassion. I radiate peace.”
Fifth Chakra: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Location: Throat and neck
Color: Blue
Element: Ether / Sound
Seed Sound: HAM
Endocrine Gland: Thyroid
Shamanic Element: Voice, wind spirits, sacred song
Alchemical Principle: Quintessence (pure spirit)
Physical Meaning
The throat chakra governs communication, the voice, thyroid gland, vocal cords, and jaw.
It’s tied to metabolism, expression, and resonance.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
Your throat chakra is your center of self-expression and truth.
When it’s balanced, we speak and live authentically.
When it’s blocked or congested, it can show as fear of speaking, dishonesty, or throat issues.
Shamanic Insight
In shamanic work, the voice is a sacred tool.
Chanting, incantations, and sacred songs are used to call in spirits, heal energy fields, and alter states of consciousness.
Alchemical Insight
Quintessence is the fifth element.
It’s the divine spark that binds the elements.
Through the fifth chakra, you become a vessel for divine will and sound.
Correspondences:
- Crystals: Blue lace agate, aquamarine, turquoise, lapis lazuli
- Herbs: Slippery elm, licorice root, peppermint, sage
- Animals: Bluebird (joyful expression), raven (magic), whale (deep song)
- Affirmation: “I speak my truth with clarity, integrity, and grace.”
Sixth Chakra: Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Location: Between the eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Element: Light
Seed Sound: OM
Endocrine Gland: Pineal gland
Shamanic Element: Vision, dreamworld, astral sight
Alchemical Principle: Inner Gold (illumined perception)
Physical Meaning
The third eye chakra governs your brain, eyes, sinuses, and pineal gland.
It influences sleep cycles, hormonal rhythms, and intuitive insight.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
This chakra allows you to see with your “inner eye.”
It supports clairvoyance, intuition, and imagination.
A balanced third eye enables discernment and visionary thinking.
Shamanic Insight
The third eye is the gateway to the dreamworld.
Shamans journey here through trance, lucid dreaming, and plant medicines.
It helps open the path to higher vision and soul guidance.
Alchemical Insight
Inner gold represents the radiant wisdom of gnosis (direct spiritual knowledge).
The third eye is the philosopher’s lantern illuminating the path.
Sixth Chakra Correspondences
- Crystals: Amethyst, lapis lazuli, fluorite, iolite
- Herbs: Mugwort, gotu kola, blue lotus, rosemary
- Animals: Owl (wisdom), jaguar (seer), bat (night vision)
- Affirmation: “I trust my inner vision. I see clearly beyond illusion.”
Seventh Chakra: Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Location: Top of the head
Color: Violet or white
Element: Cosmic Energy / Divine Light
Seed Sound: OM / Silence
Endocrine Gland: Pineal and hypothalamus
Shamanic Element: Starlight, universal intelligence
Alchemical Principle: Philosopher’s Stone (union of body, soul, and spirit)
Physical Meaning
The crown chakra governs the brain, entire nervous system, and spiritual connection.
It influences your consciousness, sleep cycles, and mystical states.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Meaning
The crown chakra is the gateway to unity consciousness and divine wisdom.
When it’s open, you can experience transcendence, enlightenment, and blissful communion with Source.
When your crown chakra is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of disconnection, spiritual confusion, depression, apathy, or an overly intellectualized view of reality that lacks soulfulness.
Shamanic Insight
In shamanic traditions, your crown chakra represents the place of celestial descent and ascent.
It’s often visualized as a beam of light connecting heaven and earth through your soul.
Alchemical Insight
This is the flowering of the Great Work in alchemy.
The crown chakra is the golden crown that signifies completion, spiritual sovereignty, and liberation.
Crown Chakra Correspondences
- Crystals: Clear quartz, selenite, apophyllite, herkimer diamond
- Herbs: Lotus, holy basil, frankincense, lavender
- Animals: Eagle (divine perspective), swan (grace), phoenix (rebirth)
- Affirmation: “I am one with all. I am infinite, radiant, and whole.”
The Chakra System as a Living Mandala
The chakra system is more than just an energy map.
It’s a sacred mirror of our human experience and spiritual potential.
Each center is a temple of transformation, a spiral of becoming.
When you tend to these energy centers with mindfulness, ritual, and intention, you can initiate deep healing on every level of your being.
YOU are the alchemist, and the chakras are your sacred laboratory.
Through the fire of awareness, the waters of emotion, the air of breath, and the salt of the body, you can awaken the quintessence within.
I mean, in a very real way, the journey of the chakras is the journey home to your divine Self.
Take a deep dive into your personal energy system with My Comprehensive Guide to Your Aura.
References
- Feuerstein, Georg. The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice. Hohm Press, 1998.
- Hume, Robert Ernest. The Thirteen Principal Upanishads. Oxford University Press, 1921.
- Silburn, Lilian. Kundalini: Energy of the Depths. SUNY Press, 1988.
- Avalon, Arthur (Sir John Woodroffe). The Serpent Power: The Secrets of Tantric and Shaktic Yoga. Dover Publications, 1974.
- Leadbeater, C.W. The Chakras. Theosophical Publishing House, 1927.
- Judith, Anodea. Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System. Llewellyn, 1987.
- Brennan, Barbara Ann. Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field. Bantam Books, 1988.
