When I first started practicing yoga, I was only concerned with its physical benefits. I loved the way it made me feel. I didn’t know anything about the chakras. But as I advanced in my practice and became older, I learned to respect this ancient wisdom, and I became obsessed with learning about the chakra symbols.
Moreover, I became able to feel my chakras, and I was amazed by all the incredible things they can do for us if we tap into them. I had to understand more about how working with the chakra symbols can be incredibly potent and transformational.
At first, I only studied their functions and how to open them. Over time, I became engrossed with their symbols as well. Their powerful meanings opened up a whole new world for me.
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Our chakras and our energy
The chakra symbols symbolize the perfect cosmic geometry of the universe. Practicing yoga aligns us with this energy. Each pose and each pranayama is an opportunity to align our inner energy with the outer energy of the cosmos, and become in harmony with it.
When all 7 chakras are open, life force energy moves through us from the base of our spine up to our head and through our chakras without obstructions. And that’s when we can experience pure consciousness and develop our full potential.
Chakra meaning: what is the chakra system
Chakra in Sanskrit means “wheel” and refers to the wheels or vortexes of energy in our bodies. These energy centers in the body correspond to major organs and connect our physical and emotional health.
There are seven chakras in the human body and many smaller ones – some say there are up to 114 of them.
The history & origin of the chakra symbols
The chakra symbols and system stems from the Vedas, the oldest Indian texts. The knowledge of the chakra system was preserved and passed down verbally by the Indo-Eurpoean people. Modern scholars, one of whom is Anodea Judith, made the knowledge accessible to the wider public.
Seven chakra symbols: colors & characteristics
All the chakra symbols have one thing in common, which is a mandala.
In Sanskrit, mandala means circle. This is a universal representation of infinity and the cyclical nature of energy. It also represents the connection to ourselves and the divine.
Each chakra symbol, from its color to its petals, has a specific, hidden meaning and sacred symbolism.
These seven chakra symbols are meant to:
- focus the mind
- help it let go of negative thoughts and mental disturbances
- help us contemplate the qualities of a specific chakra
Now let's look at the 7 chakra symbols and meanings in order.
1. Root chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
Muladhara chakra, which means root or support in Sanskrit.
Its color is red, and it’s an earth element which is associated with the body, our physical form.
Root chakra symbol
The root chakra symbol is a four-petalled lotus flower containing a yellow square, a downward pointing triangle in the center, and the seed mantra LAM symbol.
Each of the geometric shapes in the petals contains one of the Sanskrit syllables वं vaṃ, शं śaṃ, षं ṣaṃ, and सं saṃ, which represent one of the streams of consciousness: joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and blissfulness in concentration.
Root chakra symbol meaning
The four petals represent four aspects of consciousness – the mind, the intellect, consciousness, and the ego.
The square symbolizes stability and rigidity in life, which makes sense since the root chakra is all about having stable foundations.
The inverted triangle represents the downward force of this chakra and its grounding energy.
Signs this chakra is balanced
You feel grounded in your body and the here and now.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
You have a lot of feelings of fear.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
When the root chakra is blocked, you may experience anxiety disorders, panic attacks, worry, overthinking, depression, and disconnection from your emotions and your body.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your root chakra
Spend time in nature.
Take off your shoes and walk around. Lie on the ground and hug it. Seriously, hug the ground.
You can do with every chakra – just let all the pain and discomfort you might have there into the ground – release it.
When you are walking around the city, feel the soles of your feet. Scan your body and feel your feet, then your ankles, your calves, knees, all the way up to your hips.
Feel yourself walking, moving around.
When you need to balance your chakras quickly, anchor yourself in the sensation of your feet and scan from the legs up. Focusing on the here and now helps with balancing the root chakra.
2. Sacral chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
Svadhisthana in Sanskrit, which means “where your being is established.”
Its element is water, and its color is vermillion.
Svadishtana is all about pleasure, creativity, a sense of oneself, sensuality, and procreation in life. It is also associated with emotions and the unconscious.
Sacral chakra symbol
The Tantric symbol for Svadhisthana has six petals of a red-orange (vermilion) color. It also has two more lotus flower within the chakra.
At the base of the symbol lies a crescent moon shape. The seed mantra, located in the center, is वं vaṃ.
Sacral chakra symbol meaning
The six petals in the sacral chakra symbol represent affection, pitilessness, destruction, delusion, disdain, and suspicion, all the obstacles to be overcome if you are to purify our sacral chakra.
The crescent moon shape symbolizes never-ending chaos, change, and movement.
Signs this chakra is balanced
When the sacral chakra is balanced, you are able to experience and enjoy pleasure. You are creative and in a good relationship with yourself. You have clear boundaries, and your relationships with others flourish.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
Problems experiencing orgasm or hypersexuality, feeling isolated and lonely. Anxiety and a lack of creativity.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
A blocked sacral chakra energy center can have a dire impact on your body’s physiology.
It may affect the digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. It is possible to develop problems with the intestines, reproductive organs, or kidneys.
Also, constipation might be a sign your sacral chakra is closed.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your sacral chakra
Dance! This is the best way to balance the sacral chakra. Swimming is also great.
3. Solar plexus chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
In Sanskrit, this chakra is called Manipura, which means “lustrous gem,” because it shines bright like the sun.
The solar plexus chakra is a fire element, and its color is yellow. This chakra is associated with self-esteem, personal power, willpower, inner fire, and action in life.
Solar plexus chakra symbol
A lotus with ten petals. In it, there is a downward-pointing triangle, surrounded by three T-shaped svastikas. Svastika here is a Hindu symbol for fire, and it has nothing to do with the Nazi swastika.
In the center, there’s a seed mantra रं' ram.
Solar plexus chakra symbol meaning
Ten is a number that symbolizes the beginning of a new cycle and the beginning of a new kind of awareness.
Another interpretation is that the ten petals stand for the ten pranas or energy currents inside us. The petals also correspond to the modes of spiritual ignorance, which are thirst, jealousy, treachery, shame, fear, disgust, delusion, foolishness, and sadness.
The downward-pointing triangle symbolizes the energy of the lower chakras spinning upwards towards the higher chakras.
Signs this chakra is balanced
You feel confident about yourself.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
Inertia, or the opposite, extreme action. Self-doubt, poor sense of self.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
The physical manifestation of a blockage may be indigestion, IBS, eating disorders, excessive weight gain, or high blood pressure.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your solar plexus chakra
The sun, taking vitamin D, action, and sweating are great for balancing the third chakra.
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4. Heart Chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
Anahata chakra, which means “unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten.” This refers to the Vedic concept of unstruck sound (the sound of the celestial realm).
Its element is air, and the color is dark green. This chakra is all about love, relation, compassion, and connection in life.
Heart chakra symbol
The symbol for the heart chakra is a circle of twelve petals with two intersecting triangles, one upward pointing triangle, and one pointing downward, together forming a six-pointed star.
Heart chakra symbol meaning
The star shape from the overlapping triangles in the heart chakra symbol represents a balanced union of masculine and feminine energy in the body. This is the star of radiance that shines from an open heart chakra.
The six points can also be seen as referring to the six other chakras, as they are all integrated at this center.
Signs this chakra is balanced
You feel full of compassion and joy. You are connected and open to the world around you.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
When it’s overactive, you overgive and feel exhausted. That’s what moms usually have difficulty with.
When this chakra is underactive, you have problems establishing healthy and loving relationships with yourself and others.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
The heart chakra is what governs the health of the heart, lungs, chest, arms, and hands. When blocked, one can have problems with poor circulation, high or low blood pressure, and other heart and lung conditions can result.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your heart chakra
Hugging, the more, the better. If there are no people to hug, trees or animals can help.
5. Throat chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
‘Vishuddhi,’ which means ‘especially pure.’
Its element is Ether, and its color is bright blue. This is the chakra of communication.
Throat chakra symbol
A lotus flower with sixteen petals, which has all the Sanskrit vowels on its petals.
Inside the lotus flower are a downward-pointing triangle and a circle. Inside the circle is the seed mantra हं Ham.
Throat chakra symbol meaning
In Sanskrit, vowels are typically thought to represent spirit, while consonants stand for matter.
The triangle pointing downward in the throat chakra symbol symbolizes the manifestation of speech, and the circle refers to the full moon, a symbol of the purified mind.
Signs this chakra is balanced
You feel self-assurance and empowerment. You speak your truth openly and authentically, not being afraid of judgment. You don’t struggle with self-doubt, and you stand in your own power.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
Overly talkative, or talking too fast without thinking, having difficulty expressing one’s truth, being shy, social anxiety, dishonesty, and insensitivity.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
Physically, a blocked throat chakra can cause tension in your throat, clenching of the teeth, or stiffness in the jaw. A blockage can also lead to thyroid problems, gum disease, ear and sinus infections, and TMJ.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your throat chakra
Singing! At home, while vacuuming, under the shower, wherever. Singing is great for the throat chakra. Drama and theater activities are also great.
6. Third eye chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
Ajna chakra, which means ‘perceive,' ‘command,' or ‘beyond wisdom.’
Its element is light, the color is indigo, and signifies the unconscious mind. This chakra is associated with intuition in life and clairvoyance.
Third eye chakra symbol
A lotus with only two petals, a circle, and an inverted triangle in the middle.
Third eye chakra symbol meaning
Numerous interpretations exist. I believe that there are only two petals because they represent Ida and Pingala which meet at this point.
The petals are also reminiscent of wings, illustrating this chakra’s ability to transcend time and space. The inverted triangle represents our connection to the divine.
Signs this chakra is balanced
You can trust your intuition and your inner knowledge, which enables you to make good decisions.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
Lack of clarity or focus, creativity, or imagination.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
Headaches, problems with sleep, eyesight, ears, or sinuses.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your third eye chakra
Any kind of focus meditation helps. For example, looking at the third eye chakra symbol and contemplating it.
The best way to balance this chakra is to meditate on candlelight, also called Trataka.
7. Crown chakra symbol
Sanskrit name
‘Sahasrara,’ which means ‘infinite.’
The element of the crown chakra is thought, and the color is light purple. The crown chakra is associated with space or nothingness, self-transcendence, oneness, and the merging with the universal consciousness.
Crown chakra symbol
A thousand-petalled lotus with a circle in it.
Crown chakra symbol meaning
The thousand petals on the crown chakra symbol represent the connection to the divine. It’s about our prosperous and eternal unity with other beings and the universe. The circle stands for the full moon, signifying an awakened mind.
Signs this chakra is balanced
You have feelings of inner peace and connection to your life’s purpose and a feeling of trust in the universe.
Signs this chakra is out of balance
Confusion in your head, disconnection from the world, poor cognitive activities, inability to focus.
What happens if this chakra is blocked
Psychosis, depression, and feeling ungrounded.
How to balance this chakra: how to heal your crown chakra
Practice headstands to balance your crown chakra. Even the easiest version, with your feet on the floor if necessary.
Takeaway on the chakra symbols
I hope my brief intro to the chakra symbols compels you to go deeper into studying this fascinating system. This is just the tip of the iceberg, actually! There's so much more to this to explore, such as chakra stones, chakra animals, chakra crystals, chakra healing, and more!
But by first understanding the symptoms of balanced or imbalanced chakras, you can tell which of your chakras need work. The best way to diagnose your own chakras is to start from the bottom and travel your way up. So, the lowest chakras should come first.
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