sva = Self shthana = place

The Svadhishthana Chakra is situated at the lower end of the Sacrum. Its Mantra is VAM.

The Svadhishthana Chakra marks the second level of our development. The evolution of consciousness towards pure, human consciousness begins in the Svadhishthana Chakra. It is the seat of the subconscious mind where all life experiences and impressions since the beginning of our existence in the womb are stored. The Muladhara Chakra is the storehouse of our Karmas, however these are activated in Svadhishthana Chakra.

Awakening of the Svadhishthana Chakra brings clarity and development of the personality. But before this can happen we must purify our consciousness of negative qualities. In the symbolic picture of the Svadhishthana Chakra is a Lotus with six petals. These represent our negative qualities which are to be overcome - anger, hatred, jealousy, cruelty, desire and pride. Other base qualities that hinder our development are lethargy, fear, doubt, revenge, envy and greed.

The animal designated to represent the Svadhishthana Chakra is the Crocodile. It symbolises laziness, insensitivity and the danger that slumbers in this Chakra. The element of Svadhishthana is Water, also a symbol of hidden danger. Water is soft and pliable, but also an immense power when out of control. This is just how it is with the Svadhishthana Chakra. When negative emotions arise from the subconscious to the conscious state, we can be completely put off balance.

The Divinity of this Chakra is Brahma the Creator and his daughter Sarasvati, the Goddess of wisdom and fine arts. The colour of Svadhishthana is orange, the colour of the sunrise, which is symbolic of the rising consciousness. Orange is the colour of activity and purity. It indicates the positive qualities that unfold in this Chakra such as joy, faith, self-confidence and energy.

For more information please visit http://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/svadhishthana

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mani = jewel pura = place, city

The Manipura Chakra is situated behind the navel. Its Mantra is RAM. When our consciousness has reached the Manipura Chakra we have overcome the negative aspects of Svadhishthana. The Manipura Chakra contains many precious jewels such as the qualities of clarity, self-confidence, bliss, self-assurance, knowledge, wisdom and the ability to make correct decisions.

The colour of the Manipura Chakra is yellow. The animal designated to represent Manipura is the Ram. The corresponding element is Fire, therefore it is also known as the Fire or Sun Centre. The fire element manifests in the body as heat in the Solar Plexus. The Manipura Chakra is the centre of vitality. It controls our energy balance to strengthen and consolidate our health. This Chakra has an effect like a magnet, attracting Prana from the Cosmos.

As the seat of digestive fire, this Chakra regulates the function of the Pancreas and digestive organs. Blockages in this centre can cause many health problems such as digestive disorders, circulatory disease, diabetes and fluctuations in blood pressure. However, a strong and active Manipura Chakra greatly supports good health and assists us in overcoming many illnesses. When the energy of this Chakra flows freely, the effect is like that of a power station, constantly supplying vitality - bestowing balance and strength.

In the symbolic picture of the Manipura Chakra there is a Lotus with ten petals. These represent the ten Pranas, the vital forces, which control and nourish all functions of the human body. An additional symbol of the Manipura is that of a triangle with its tip pointing downward. This indicates the spreading of energy, growth and development. Activation of the Manipura Chakra frees one from negative energies and purifies and strengthens one’s vitality.

The Divinities of this Chakra are Vishnu and Lakshmi. Lord Vishnu is symbolic of the evolving human consciousness that no longer contains any animal characteristic. Goddess Lakshmi represents material and spiritual prosperity, which blossom and prosper with God's blessing.

For more information please visit http://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/manipura

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Anahata nada = eternal sound the sound OM

The Anahata Chakra is situated in the centre of the chest, close to the heart. Its Mantra is YAM. The colour of Anahata Chakra is light blue, the colour of the sky. The corresponding element is Air. Air represents freedom and expansion. This means that in this Chakra our consciousness can expand into infinity.

The Anahata Chakra is the seat of the Divine Self (Atma). In the symbolic picture of Anahata Chakra there is a Lotus with twelve petals. These represent the Divine qualities of the heart, such as bliss, peace, harmony, love, understanding, empathy, clarity, purity, unity, compassion, kindness and forgiveness. However, the Heart Centre is also the centre of emotions and feelings. In its symbolic image are two star-shaped, superimposed triangles. The tip of one triangle points upward, the tip of the other points down. When the energy of the Anahata Chakra flows up towards spiritual consciousness, our feelings are expressed as Bhakti, pure, Divine love and devotion. However, if our consciousness sinks down to the spheres of worldly passion, our emotions become confused and unbalanced. It is then that desire, jealousy, sadness and despair overwhelm us.

Anahata is the seat of Poesy. Concentration on this Chakra can develop one’s talent as an author or poet. Another power arising from Anahata Chakra is Sankalpa Shakti, the power to fulfil desires. When you wish for a desire to be fulfilled concentrate on it in your heart. The purer your Anahata Chakra, the more swiftly the wish will be fulfilled.

The animal designated to represent Anahata Chakra is the Antelope, which reminds us of attentiveness and alertness. The Divinities of this Chakra are Shiva and Parvati, representative of Consciousness and Nature. Both should unite in harmony in this Chakra.

For more information please visit http://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/anahat

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visha = impurity, poison suddhi = purify

The Vishuddhi Chakra is situated in the throat. Its Mantra is HAM. The colour of Vishuddhi is purple. In this Chakra our consciousness reaches the fifth level. The corresponding element is Akasha (space). “We may also find this translated as “Ether”, which suggests this space should be filled with energy. The Vishuddhi Chakra is the starting point of Udana Prana. It is a function of this Prana to purify the body of toxic substances while breathing. The name of the Chakra is derived from this particular function. Purification not only occurs on the physical level, but also on the level of the psyche and mind. All problems and unpleasant experiences that we have “swallowed” and suppressed during the course of our life, continue to exist in the subconscious mind until they are faced and resolved with wisdom.

The Divinity of the Vishuddhi Chakra is Brahma, the Creator, the symbol of Consciousness. In meditation when individual consciousness is dissolved in Akasha, we attain Knowledge and Wisdom. The animal designated to represent Vishuddhi Chakra, is a White Elephant. We also find in this picture an image of the moon, symbolic of the mind.

The Vishuddhi Chakra unleashes an unlimited feeling of happiness and freedom that allows our abilities and skills to blossom. Along with this stage of development there is a clear voice, a talent for singing and speech, as well as balanced and calm thoughts.

Until this Chakra is fully developed, certain difficulties may be experienced. Blockage of the Vishuddhi Chakra produces feelings of anxiety, lack of freedom, restriction, thyroid and throat problems. There may be physically unfounded manifestations of swallowing problems and speech impediments.

In the symbolic picture of Vishuddhi Chakra is a Lotus with sixteen petals. These represent the sixteen potential abilities (Klas) that a human can develop. Since the Vishuddhi Chakra is the centre of sound, the number sixteen can also represent the sixteen vowels of the Sanskrit alphabet. Vak Siddhi may be realised in this centre, which is the extraordinary ability to have the words that one speaks come true.

For more information please visit http://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/vishuddhi

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