Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "Wheel." It refers to a spinning vortex of energy that emanates from the predominant positions around the human body. There are actually hundreds of minor chakras throughout the body, but our discussion here will focus on the seven major chakras which are located from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.

The chakras correlate to the endocrine glands and the spinal system. They regulate the energy within and outside the body for distribution throughout the nerve pathways and circulatory system. Each chakra regulates energy to a set of organs and bodily systems. When energy is blocked in a specific chakra, sets of symptoms develop in the associated organ or bodily system.

The seven major chakras represent seven different levels of spiritual development, or spiritual awareness. These levels are encountered, usually in order, as we live our lives. As you evolve spiritually, the lessons associated with each chakra are mastered and your soul evolves to merge with the divine source. It can take many lifetimes to complete this process. The speed and readiness at which you move through each chakra’s lessons during your lifetime will depend greatly on the level of growth your soul has experienced prior to this incarnation.

Each chakra vibrates at a different level, creating a different color. Those with clairvoyant sight can see these colors and determine if the chakra has been mastered or if it holds emotional blockages. The energy of each chakra can be interpreted and from this information the intuitive can gain insight into the childhood of the person, their perceptions about themselves and the world, basic personality traits, fears, ability to communicate, level of intuition and spiritual understanding. The physical health can also be "read" through the energy of the chakras, as can the emotional and mental root of the illness.

The following is a summary of each chakra, its location, vibratory color, spiritual lesson and associated bodily organ or system. I have included an example to help you understand the purpose and meaning of each chakra.

First Chakra (Root Chakra)

Location: Base of the spine

Color: Red

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons related to the material world, survival, instincts

Associated Area: Sexual organs, legs and feet, pelvis area

Example: This is the chakra where the childhood experiences are held. Our earliest ideas of ourselves and the world are held in the energy of this chakra. The energy of this chakra reveals if you felt safe, secure, loved, abandoned, neglected or unhappy as a child. These experiences carry over into the next lesson and are also apparent in the energy of the second chakra.

Second Chakra (Spleen Chakra)

Location: Just below the navel

Color: Orange

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons pertaining to sexuality, work and physical desire

Associated Area: Spleen, bladder, pancreas and kidneys

Example: This chakra begins to develop as you leave the nest and find your own place in the world. The energy of this chakra can reveal if you are anti-social, critical of others, vain, having trouble finding your place and purpose, untrusting or suspicious. It has to do with how you relate to civilization and your place in it.

Third Chakra (Solar Plexus)

Location: Solar Plexus

Color: Yellow

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons related to the ego, personality and self-esteem

Associated Area: Digestive system, adrenal glands, stomach, liver and gall bladder

Example: The center of self. The energy in this chakra reveals if the individual is secure in himself, has self-confidence, is comfortable in society with clear self-understanding.

Fourth Chakra (Heart Chakra)

Location: Center of the chest

Color: Green

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons related to love, forgiveness and compassion

Associated Area: Thymus gland, immune system, heart and circulatory system and assimilation of all nutrients

Example: This chakra is the main energy center of the body. The soul is seated here. It is the major vortex for spiritual energy. Through the energy of this chakra it can be seen if you are a loving, open person or someone who is cautious and reserved. Past emotional pain is visible here, along with fears of intimacy or commitment.

Fifth Chakra (Throat Chakra)

Location: Center of the throat

Color: Blue

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons related to will and self-expression

Associated Area: Throat, thyroid, esophagus, mouth, teeth and respiratory system

Example: The center of will, communication and creativity. This chakra becomes blocked through reluctance to express oneself. To hold in what you wish to say creates these blockages. Creativity and expression are stifled. The need to be in control and the fear of "letting go" also are reflected here.

Sixth Chakra (Third Eye)

Location: Center of forehead, just above the eyebrows

Color: Indigo

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons related to mind, intuition, insight and wisdom

Associated Area: Pituitary gland, endocrine system, immune system and brain. Sinuses, eyes, ears and the face in general.

Example: The center of clairvoyance. When this chakra is developed, one receives intuitive visions. Dreams are received and interpreted here. When the energy of this chakra is read it reveals the degree of openness and the potential in this lifetime to fully open and experience psychic communication. Through this chakra we are able to sense the world "beyond our five senses".

Seventh Chakra (Crown Chakra)

Location: Crown of the head

Color: Violet (some refer to this chakra as white energy also)

Spiritual Lesson: Lessons related to spirituality

Associated Area: Nervous system, skeletal system, penal gland and electrical synapses within the body

Example: This chakra is the link to our spiritual essence. It aligns us to the higher forces of the universe. Through this chakra we can bring forth the experiences from our past lives for integration into our current lifetime. When this chakra is fully open, one has the continual experience of being one with God. The energy of this chakra reveals the level of spiritual awareness one has achieved. One’s beliefs about who and what they are and the perception one has of God is held here.