What is the 12 Chakra System? (2024)

The 12-chakra system is an ancient spiritual belief that crops up in many different religions and healing practices.

It explains how our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health interlinks within our universe. Each chakra holds a key to greater understanding and deepens our connection with ourselves and others.

Through exploration of the twelve primary energy points located along our body’s main meridians, we can more effectively harmonize any areas within us which are out of balance. This can give us clearer self-expression in mind as well as spirit.

So, if you’re looking to understand your inner self, read on – this post will offer detailed insight into the complex yet beautiful concept of the 12 Chakra System.

How Many Chakras Are There?

In total, there are believed to be 114 chakras in the human body. These are made up of 7 main chakras with 21 minor chakras, and 86 micro chakras.

These seven main chakras are located along the spine and they each represent a different area of physical and spiritual energy.

The seven primary chakras are the:

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
2. Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Each of these chakras holds a specific energetic vibration and is associated with physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual facets of our health.

When all seven of these chakras are balanced and in harmony, we experience a greater sense of well-being and vitality.

What is the 12 Chakra System?

The 12 Chakra System is a way to understand the energies of the subtle body and how they relate to our wellbeing. The 12 Chakras include the seven major chakras and 5 minor chakras:

1. Earth Star Chakra
2. Root Chakra
3. Sacral Chakra
4. Solar Plexus Chakra
5. Heart Chakra
6. Throat Chakra
7. Third Eye Chakra
8. Crown Chakra
9. Soul Star Chakra
10. Universal Chakra
11. Galactic Chakra
12. Divine Gateway Chakra

What is the 13 Chakra System?

Sometimes you’ll see interpretations of the 12 Chakra System that include 13 chakras.

In these interpretations, the Earth Star Chakra is named Chakra 0 and there is another chakra called the Spirit Star Chakra above the Soul Star Chakra. It looks like this:

• Chakra 0: Earth Star Chakra
• Chakra 1: Root Chakra
• Chakra 2: Sacral Chakra
• Chakra 3: Solar Plexus Chakra
• Chakra 4: Heart Chakra
• Chakra 5: Throat Chakra
• Chakra 6: Third Eye Chakra
• Chakra 7: Crown Chakra
• Chakra 8: Soul Star Chakra
• Chakra 9: Spirit Star Chakra
• Chakra 10: Universal Chakra
• Chakra 11: Galactic Chakra
• Chakra 12: Divine Gateway Chakra

Each chakra is associated with different parts of our self and life experience. When one of the chakras becomes blocked or is not functioning properly, it can cause physical ailments and emotional distress.

By learning how to work with each chakra, you can open up your energy field to promote emotional healing on all levels of your being.

The 12 Chakra System Explained

The 12 chakras are energy centers located along the spine. These are connected to each other and help us process our emotions, thoughts, feelings, and physical health. Let’s take a look at each chakra and how it affects us.

Earth Star Chakra

The Earth Star Chakra is located about twelve inches below the feet. This chakra plays a similar role to the Root Chakra– it connects us to our environment and helps us feel grounded, secure, and safe.

It’s associated with our connection to Mother Nature, physical strength and stability, survival instincts, self-preservation, and security. When this chakra is balanced, we feel connected to the earth and the collective energy of other people.

The Earth Star Chakra is connected to the physical body, and so it plays an important role in our health. When this chakra is out of balance, we may experience physical ailments such as lower back pain, immune system issues, digestive problems, or fatigue.

To bring balance to this chakra, practice yoga poses that focus on grounding, such as Mountain Pose or Child’s Pose. Additionally, spending time in nature and connecting with the Earth can help to bring balance back to this chakra.

You can also meditate or use visualization techniques that involve grounding yourself by “pulling down” energy from the sky into your feet.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is the first major chakra and is situated at the base of your spine. This chakra is responsible for your sense of safety and security in life. When this chakra is balanced, you feel grounded, secure, and safe in your surroundings.

When it’s out of balance, you may be insecure or fearful of change. Balancing the Root Chakra begins with focusing on your physical body. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest is important for grounding yourself.

Exercise is also beneficial, as it helps to ground the divine energy of this chakra. Connecting with nature can be very helpful in balancing the Root Chakra, as can meditating or visualizing roots growing from your feet into the earth.

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is located in your lower abdomen, just below your navel. This chakra is associated with creativity, sensuality, and pleasure. When it’s balanced, you have an open attitude toward new experiences and can engage in personal growth

When it’s out of balance, you may be stuck in a rut and feel resistant to change. To balance the Sacral Chakra, practice activities that give you pleasure and satisfaction. Taking time for yourself, making art, or engaging in creative expression are all great ways of opening up this chakra.

The Sacral Chakra is associated with the color orange so it can be helpful to visualize a bright orange light radiating from your lower abdomen as you take deep breaths.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as the Manipura Chakra, is located just above your belly button and is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem. When this chakra is balanced, you feel like you are in control of your life and have healthy boundaries around it.

When it’s out of balance, you may feel powerless or lack of direction. Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra starts with taking time for yourself and using affirmations to build your confidence.

Connecting with your inner power through activities like martial arts, Solar Plexus yoga poses or tai chi are powerful tools for opening up this chakra. Visualizing a bright yellow light radiating from your belly as you take deep breaths is also beneficial.

Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra (also known as the Anahata Chakra) is located at the center of your chest and is associated with love, compassion, and kindness. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to others and have an open attitude toward life.

When it’s out of balance, you may feel disconnected from people or anxious about life. To balance the Heart Chakra, practice activities that bring you joy and connect with your emotions.

Using essential oils for the Heart Chakra, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in spiritual growth can be very beneficial for this chakra. Visualizing a bright green light radiating from the center of your chest as you take deep breaths is also helpful.

Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra is located at the base of your neck and is associated with communication, truth, and expression. When it’s balanced, you feel confident speaking up for yourself and are able to express your authentic self.

When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to find the right words or have difficulty expressing yourself. To balance the Throat Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your voice. Singing, chanting, or even just speaking out loud can be very helpful for this chakra.

Visualizing a bright blue light radiating from your throat as you take deep breaths can also help to open up the flow of energy of this chakra.

Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra is located between your eyebrows and is associated with intuition and wisdom. When it’s balanced, you have an open mind and trust in yourself and your intuition. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to focus on the present moment or feel confused about life.

To balance the Third Eye Chakra, focus on activities that bring clarity. Meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature are all great ways to open up this chakra. Visualizing a bright indigo light radiating from your Third Eye as you take deep breaths can also help to bring balance and clarity.

Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of your head and is associated with higher consciousness, awareness, and connection to the divine. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself and have a deep sense of peace.

When it’s out of balance, you may be disconnected from your spiritual side or struggle with feelings of uncertainty. To balance the Crown Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as prayer, yoga, or chakra meditation.

Visualizing a bright violet light radiating from the top of your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful in balancing this chakra.

Soul Star Chakra

The next chakra is the Soul Star Chakra which is located about 12 inches above your head and is associated with spiritual connection, joy, and peace. It’s important to note that the Soul Star Chakra is referred to as the 9th Chakra in the 12 Chakra System and the 8th Chakra in the 13 Chakra System. That’s because in the 13 Chakra system, the Earth Star Chakra is Chakra 0.

When it’s balanced, you feel connected to the divine and have a sense of oneness with all that is. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to find inner peace or experience feelings of loneliness.

To balance the Soul Star Chakra, practice activities that cultivate joy and peace such as chanting mantras, meditating on light, or embracing nature. Visualizing a bright white light radiating from above your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful in opening up this chakra.

Spirit Chakra

The Spirit Chakra is located at the base of your spine and is associated with spiritual connection, unity, and divine love. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself and have a sense of inner peace. When it’s out of balance, you may be disconnected from your spiritual side or experience feelings of disconnection from the divine.

To balance the Spirit Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as prayer, yoga, or meditation. Visualizing a bright gold light radiating from the base of your spine as you take deep breaths can also be very beneficial for this chakra.

Universal Chakra

The Universal Chakra is located at the center of your chest and is associated with oneness, unity, and cosmic consciousness. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to all that is and have a deep sense of inner peace. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to connect with others or experience feelings of loneliness.

To balance the Universal Chakra, practice activities that cultivate oneness and deeper connection such as meditation, chanting mantras, or spending time in nature. Visualizing a bright silver light radiating from your chest as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful for this chakra.

Galactic Chakra

The Galactic Chakra is located above the Crown Chakraand is associated with cosmic consciousness and spiritual connection to the higher realms. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to a deeper sense of self and have an open mind. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle with feelings of confusion or disconnect from your true self.

To balance the Galactic Chakra, practice activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as meditation, chakra journaling, or spending time in nature. Visualizing a bright pink light radiating from above your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful for this chakra.

Divine Gateway Chakra

The Divine Gateway Chakra is located at the very top of your head and is associated with cosmic consciousness, spiritual connection, and inner knowing. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself and have a deep sense of peace. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle with feelings of insecurity or confusion.

To balance the Divine Gateway Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as prayer, yoga, or meditation. Visualizing a bright blue light radiating from the top of your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful in opening up this chakra.

Final Thoughts

Chakras are powerful energetic centers that have the potential to open us up to deeper spiritual connection and inner peace.

This article has explored the 12 chakras (7 primary and 5 minor additional chakras) and what they each relate to. Understanding how these chakras work can help us find balance within ourselves and in our connection with the divine.

By taking the time to nurture this connection through chakra healing activities such as meditation, prayer, and visualization, we can find deeper peace and joy in our lives.

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