In Hindu and yoga teachings Chakras have been recognised for thousands of years, although they have only recently been introduced to the West. Chakras are the main energy points of our life force or "subtle body" - sometimes referred to as Spiritual Energy, Prana or Ch'i. The word Chakra comes from the ancient Sanskrit word for "wheel", and Chakras are often perceived by healers as a spinning wheel of energy.
There are seven main Chakras linked to nerve centres along the spinal cord, as well as many minor Chakras throughout the rest of the body. This crystal set deals with the seven main Chakras.
Each of the main Chakras is located more or less in the centre of the body, spiralling out from both front and back. Each Chakra is associated with a colour, a specific area of the body and specific energies. There is also a connection with various organs and endocrine glands. Stones and crystals recommended for specific situations or health problems are often chosen according to their colour relationship to the relevant Chakra. There are different Chakra healing systems which associate different colours with each Chakra. We have chosen to work with one system, but that does not make others wrong.
The most important aspect of the Chakra System is balance and flow. Most people have some Chakras that are weaker than others, or blocks that prevent the flow of energy through the entire system. One of the simplest forms of healing is Chakra Balancing.
You can start by lying on your back, as comfortably as possible, and laying the appropriately coloured crystal on its corresponding Chakra. This is also a good aid in remembering the Chakras and the crystals. Do this using one stone at a time, allowing yourself enough opportunity to feel the effect of the crystal on the Chakra point. It might be a good idea to make a note of any changes or effects you might feel. Later you can try the entire set, but start with the Root or Base Chakra and work your way up. When taking them off, start at the Crown and work your way down.
Crystal meditation is also a good Chakra-balancing exercise. There are many methods for crystal meditation, but here are two simple ways to begin meditating with crystals:
The simplest way to meditate with crystals is to lay appropriately coloured crystals on to the location of each Chakra. This will also help you remember the Chakras and their crystals. Start by lying down on your back. Make sure you are comfortable and lying straight, then take your crystal and place it on the relevant Chakra. Give yourself time to feel the effect of the crystal on the Chakra, then place your next crystal. This is usually done starting at the Root Chakra and working up to the Crown Chakra. When taking the crystals off, start at the Crown and work your way down.
This method involves meditating on each crystal and Chakra at a time, hopefully opening and aligning each Chakra in the process. You will need one crystal for each Chakra. Start by sitting in a comfortable meditation position. If you are not used to meditating, either sit cross-legged on the floor or sit on a chair with your legs uncrossed and your feet flat. Your spine should be straight but relaxed.
Place your crystals in front of you in order of the Chakras, preferably at eye level. Place the Root Chakra crystal farthest to the left and the Crown Chakra crystal farthest to the right with the rest in between.
You will need to ground yourself before working with the crystals. Imagine roots extending down from you into the Earth, anchoring you there. Breathe slowly and deeply into your lower abdomen. As you start to relax, try to let go of any anxieties and bring your attention down through your body to the Navel Chakra.
Start by focusing on your Root Chakra crystal. Imagine the colour of the crystal radiating towards you and entering your body at the point of its corresponding Chakra. Allow the colour and to infuse your entire body. Sit with the crystal as long as it feels comfortable, then gently end the connection with the crystal. Repeat this with each of the crystals.
When you reach the Crown Chakra, allow a clear white light to enter the top of your head and permeate your entire body. Again, sit with the Crown Chakra crystal as long as you would like, until you feel ready to close your Chakras.
Start with the Crown Chakra and imagine the white light dimming until you feel the Chakra is closed. Then do this with each Chakra in turn. When you feel that all your Chakras are closed, draw in your roots while continuing to feel your connection with the earth beneath you and the weight of your body. When you feel ready, gently move your fingers and toes, bring your attention back into the room and look aroudn you.
If it feels right to you, say "thank you" to the crystals and to whatever you hold sacred and divine for giving you this experience.
