Essential Oils for the Chakras by Jen Nash Most people have heard about the seven main chakras in the body: the Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown. However, many people do not fully understand what they are, their function in our body, the role they play in our spiritual development, and how we can work to balance them to improve every area of our lives. Many people even question their existence, believing that they are a religious belief not grounded in science or reality. I am here to say that they are not only very real, but that they have a bigger impact on our lives than we realize. An imbalanced chakra can have negative physical, mental, and spiritual effects. When our entire chakra system is out of balance, our lives can feel like they are falling apart. Fortunately, there are many ways to balance the chakras, including the use of essential oils. Below, we will discuss what essential oils work the best for each of the chakras and how to use them effectively. Wheels of Energy in order to fully understand how the chakras influence our body, mind, and spirit, we must first understand what they are. Chakra is the Sanskrit word for “wheel”. Each of the seven main chakras is located on the spine, from the base to the crown of the head, extending out past the front, back, and both sides of the body. These chakras are said to be where universal life force energy – prana – connects with our spirit and manifests into the physical body. This energy keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive. They can be described as whirling vortexes of energy that are each associated with a color, vibrational frequency, and element – earth, air, fire, water, or ether. Each chakra is correlated with body processes such as digestive function, the immune system, reproductive health, emotional health, etc. This is due to the fact that each chakra corresponds to massive nerve centers in the body. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Balancing the Chakras When a chakra is out of balance, it means that it is either overactive or underactive. Think of it as a wheel that is either spinning too fast and out of control, or one that is barely turning. Chakras can also become blocked, where the energy cannot flow fluidly through. This can cause emotional distress and disease if it is not re-opened so the energy can flow through it to maintain optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health. For example, when your Solar Plexus – located behind your stomach – is imbalanced, it can cause digestive issues. Your gut is also an intuitive center and is acknowledged by the medical community to be the second brain in your body. When this chakra is out of balance, you may experience a lack of confidence in decision making, loss of motivation or willpower, and a struggle to understand your sense of self. On the other hand, when your chakras are open, balanced, and aligned, you feel balanced in all areas of your life. How to Connect With Your Chakras Before using essential oils for the chakras, take some time to connect with the state of each one. Find out which ones are open, overactive, underactive or blocked. There are different ways to connect with your chakras, including meditation, visualization, kundalini yoga, Reiki, crystal healing, sound healing, and acupuncture. Some people can see their chakra system in their mind’s eye or feel the swirling energy with their hands when placed over their body. There are even a few people who can feel the energy move and swirl in a clockwise direction up their spine when they go deep into meditation. Here is a free test that you can take that may help you discover what you need to know about your chakras. I was not paid to insert this, I took this test years ago and it changed my life. I recently re-took this test and here are my results:
When you are in alignment, you look at life from a fresh perspective. You are able to take on challenges and obstacles that come your way with courage and clarity. Your relationships thrive. Your overall health improves. You make better decisions. You are filled with self-love and compassion for others. You feel connected to something greater than yourself. You know in your heart that everything in life happens to you for very important reasons. You learn, you love, you grow, you flow. Who wouldn’t want to feel this way all of the time? It takes work and time to come into alignment, but once you do you will never want to risk losing it. Over time and with practice, it will cease to feel like work and begin to feel more like living. Using Essential OilsEssential oils can be used for balancing the chakras by either stimulating underactivity, or soothing/calming overactivity so they can open up and come into alignment. There are different methods to using essential oils to balance the chakras, depending on which chakra you are working with. These are excellent tools you can use alongside other methods of balancing the chakras, like meditation, Reiki, or massage. Essential Oils for the ChakrasRoot or Muladhara: The First ChakraThe Root chakra is located at the base of the spine/tailbone and is correlated with the legs, feet, colon, spine, and adrenal glands. It is associated with the color red, which represents physical manifestation. It vibrates at 396 Hz, which is a tone known to release guilt and fear. It’s element is Earth and represents grounding to the physical realm, stability, and survival. It is the center of security, safety, prosperity, and mindfulness. It is connected to overall physical health. To stimulate an underactive Root chakra, use nutmeg essential oil. To soothe an overactive Root chakra, use patchouli or vetiver essential oil. Massaging the bottoms on the feet using a combination of a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and the essential oil of your choice will stimulate your Root chakra. Massage with intention and compassion. Sacral or Swadhisthana: The Second ChakraThe Sacral Chakra is located two inches below the navel. It is correlated with the reproductive system, sacral vertebrae, circulation, and urinary function. It is associated with the color orange, which represents wisdom, creativity, and benevolence. It is said to vibrate at 417 Hz, which is the tone of the synodic moon, or lunar month. It’s element is water. It is the center of sexuality, vitality, passion, creativity, self-gratification, pleasure, sensuality, desire, fluidity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to embrace change. Healing the Sacral chakra is essential for those living with sexual trauma or abuse, and those who have fears around intimacy and emotional connection. Spicy cardamom essential oil stimulates an underactive Sacral chakra and neroli and ylang ylang calm an overactive one. A lower back massage using these oils combined with a carrier oil will help to activate and balance this chakra. Solar Plexus or Manipura: The Third Chakra The Solar Plexus chakra is located below the sternum and behind the stomach. It is connected physically to the pancreas, liver, spleen, stomach, lower back muscles, the metabolism, and digestion. It is associated with the color yellow, symbolizing fire, activation, heat, and initiation. It vibrates at 528 Hz, also known as the tone of the Sun and is the frequency of miracles, transformation, and DNA repair. It’s element is fire. The Solar Plexus is the center of personal willpower, motivation, confidence, self-discipline, gut instincts, ambition, reliability, and sense of self. Eucalyptus and juniperberry essential oil activates this chakra and vetiver or helichrysum calms it. A gentle tummy massage will stimulate this energy center. Heart or Anahata: The Fourth Chakra The Heart Chakra is located in the center of the chest at heart level. It is physically connected to the lymph glands, heart, rib cage, lungs, skin, arms, hands, circulation, and the immune system. It is associated with the color green, which represents healing, soothing, ecstasy, and fulfillment of anticipation. It is correlated with the frequency 639 Hz, which is the tone of the Earth’s year and has to do with connecting and relationships. The Heart Chakra is the center of love and compassion. It is characterized by self-acceptance, connection, forgiveness, contentment, peacefulness, and being centered. It is the middle of the seven chakras and unites the lower chakras of matter and upper chakras of spirit. It serves as a bridge between our body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When we work through the physical chakras (the first three) we can open the spiritual chakras more fully. To stimulate an underactive Heart chakra, use palmarosa essential oil. To soothe an overactive Heart chakra use lavender essential oil or sweet marjoram essential oil. Anointing the breast bone or massaging the middle back area is a great way to balance this energy center. Throat or Vishuddha: The Fifth Chakra The Throat Chakra is located in the center of the throat/neck area. It is physically connected to the esophagus, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, hearing, and thyroid gland, which regulates our body’s metabolic function. When this chakra is out of balance, we may experience physical symptoms, such as a sore throat, sore neck, or even lose our voice. This happens when we fail to express our authentic selves out of fear of vulnerability. When we fail to speak up, speak out, and speak our truth, our physical health suffers. This chakra is associated with the color blue, which represents clarity, knowledge, and alignment with Divine guidance and purpose. It’s frequency is 741 Hz, also frequency of the planet Mercury, which is known as the planet that rules communication. It’s element is ether. The Fifth chakra is the first of the chakras of spirit and is the center of communication, sound, expression of creativity through thought, speech, music, art, and writing. When we have an open Throat chakra, we communicate clearly with others, feel free to express our authentic selves, and have a full voice. Lemon essential oil will activate a closed or sluggish Throat chakra and vanilla or Roman chamomile essential oil will calm an overactive one. A body spray with these essential oils applied to the neck will stimulate this chakra. Third Eye or Ajna: The Sixth Chakra The Third Eye Chakra is located just above the middle of the eyebrows in the center of the forehead. It is physically connected to the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, left brain hemisphere, left eye, nose, ears, sinuses, conscious mind, the endocrine system, neurological system, and small muscle control. It is associated with the color indigo, which represents great devotion and wisdom. It’s frequency is 852 Hz, known for being the tone of the planet Venus, raising awareness, and helping you return to spiritual order. It’s element is light. The Ajna chakra is the center of psychic power, higher intuition, magnetic forces, transcendence, visualization, intellect, dreams, memory, and self-reflection. Rosemary essential oil will open and activate a dormant or blocked Third Eye chakra. German chamomile or sandalwood essential oil will stabilize and focus an overactive one. Anointing the forehead with these oils, or simply inhaling or diffusing them will stimulate this energy center. Crown or Sahasrara: The Seventh Chakra The Crown chakra, or the Thousand Petaled Lotus chakra, is located at the crown of the head and extends out in the space above your head. It is physically connected with the pineal gland, pituitary gland, cerebral cortex, cerebrum, the right eye, the right brain hemisphere, central nervous system, the subconscious mind, and large muscle control. The color associated with the Crown chakra is violet or white, representing royalty, enlightenment, spirituality, existence, and the search and attainment of the true meaning of life. It’s frequency is 936 Hz, the tone of the Great Year, a period of 25,800 years and signifies a completion of a period of one complete cycle of the equinoxes around the ecliptic. It’s element is “spirit”. The Sahasrara chakra is the center of spirituality, universal consciousness, enlightenment, dynamic thought, and energy. It is our spiritual connection to our higher selves and the Divine, as if it is a gateway connecting our minds to higher consciousness. It teaches us that only unconditional love exists, at its essence the search for soul is over and everything just is. The Crown chakra shows us that this reality is not perceivable or describable – it is your true nature. Lavande essential oil will cleanse and stimulate an underactive Crown chakra and neroli or frankincense oil will calm an overactive one. Diffusing these essential oils during meditation is the best way to stimulate this energy center. Final Thoughts on Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras Start from the ground up. When starting to work with balancing the chakras, it is best to start with the Root chakra and work your way up the spine to the Crown chakra. The health of the lower chakras is crucial to the health of the upper chakras. As I mentioned previously, the Heart chakra acts as a gateway between them. Without grounding yourself in the physical chakras, opening up and accessing the spiritual chakras may be jarring and leave you feeling like your head is in the clouds, so to speak. Like a tree, the roots must grow deep within the Earth to stabilize it as the branches and leaves reach upwards towards the heavens.
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by Alessandra Sorrentino Just like we have our own energy centers or chakras, Mother Earth also has hers. When you start looking into the nature of this Universe and the Earth, you will start to see how everything is a mirror. Within us is a Universe, around us is a Universe and we are all connected. We are connected to Mother Earth through the subtle electrical current that runs around the entire planet. These electrical currents are known as “Ley Lines” and are almost like Mother Earth’s veins. Just like we have veins that flow in and out of the heart, Mother Earth has Ley Lines, which are lines of energy that coil around the earth in a similar fashion as a strand of DNA. In fact, where the Ley Lines intersect are believed to be high points of energy or high concentrations of electrical charge. Usually places where most scientific anomalies happen. These Ley Lines are also said to be able to take information or energy from these higher vibrational points and carry them around the world, spreading knowledge and wisdom to all inhabitants. These exact intersecting points are ‘coincidentally’ home to some of the most sacred temples and monuments in the world including the Egyptian Pyramids, Machu Picchu, Stonehenge and Angkor Wat. When you look into advanced civilizations like the Ancient Egyptians, it is clear that they seemed to understand the energy and power of these energy currents. In fact, most ancient cultures probably had some understanding of Ley Lines. In China they are known as Dragon Lines. In South America the Shaman’s referred to them as Spirit Lines, in Australia the ancient Aboriginals called them Dream Lines and in the west they are referred to as Ley Lines. The most interesting thing to note is that the points where the Ley Lines intersect, are perfectly aligned with astrological constellations. If you think of these Ley Lines as Mother Earth’s energy currents, you will begin to see how it is possible that Mother Earth also has energy centers or chakras. It is believed that these are the Chakra’s of Mother Earth: Root Chakra:Mount Shasta, California, USA Mt. Shasta is part of the Cascade Mountain Range which runs from Northern California into Oregon and all the way up to the Canadian border. Mt. Shasta is believed to be one of the most electrically charged mountains but the whole area is also buzzing with energy. This area is believed to be the base of Mother Earth’s energy system. Sacral Chakra:Lake Titicaca, Peru-Bolivia, South America The Titicaca Stone is the geometrical center for the Solar Plexus Chakra of Mother Earth. The surrounding area of Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Iquitos are also believed to have a very high energy. Two Ley lines intersect at Lake Titicaca, these include the Male Great Dragon Ley Line which runs from Mt. Shasta to Lake Titicaca and the Female Great Dragon Ley line. Solar Plexus ChakraUluru- Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory, Australia Uluru and an area called Kata Tjuta is believed to be the Solar Plexus charka of the earth. These areas are still considered sacred to the native Aboriginals today. The Female Great Dragon Ley Line connects both Lake Titicaca and Uluru. Heart Chakra:Stonehenge, England Stonehenge as well as the surrounding areas of Glastonbury, Somerset, Shaftesbury and Dorset all form the heart chakra of Mother Earth. Where Stonehenge is constructed is the strongest point of all of this energy. Again, the Female Great Dragon Ley Line connects Uluru to Stonehenge. Throat Chakra:The Great Pyramid, Jerusalem, Mt. Sinai and Mt. Olives (Middle East) The throat chakra of Mother Earth includes the area of the Great Pyramid, Mt Sinai and the Mount of Olives which is located in Jerusalem. The throat chakra is one of the largest energy centers of Mother Earth, which indicates its importance at this particular time in our history. It is also the only energy center that is not connected to the Male or Female Great Dragon Ley Line. Third Eye Chakra The Third Eye chakra is the only one that moves, this is due to the the movement of Earth’s axis. The Third Eye chakra moves every 150-200 years or every aeon. These aeons are also lined up with astrological constellations. It is believed that in 2012 we shifted into the Age of Aquarius, which means the Third Eye chakra is currently located in Western Europe near Stonehenge. When we shift into the Age of Capricorn, the Third Eye chakra will move to Brazil. Crown Chakra:Mt. Kailash (Himalayan Mountains) Tibet Mt. Kailas is considered to be the most sacred mountain of the Himalayas and is located in Tibet. This is the Crown Chakra of Mother Earth and is believed to be connected to the Scorpio Full Moon. In fact, many locals harness the energy of Mt. Kailas on the night of the Scorpio Full Moon, which typically happens once a year in April or May. For Mother Earth, this Full Moon marks the start of a new evolution and a new cycle of energy, as Scorpio is connected to the idea of death and rebirth. Even though these 7 chakras have a very high energy, there are also other high points of energy around the world where the Ley Lines travel. These include:
Article originally published on Life Coach Code Repost of article from Evolve and Ascend “Chakra” is a sanskrit word, which translates from Hindi to “wheel of spinning energy”. It is believed that there are seven energy centers within our body, and each center corresponds to a space where life-force flows. When a chakra is out of balance, we may feel off-balanced in our day to day life, but in learning how to cleanse, and activate our life force centers, we learn to become a force of nature within our reality. While the connection to the chakra system may be tied to Hindu spiritual belief systems, one may also be surprised to find that even the ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of the seven energy centers. The Egyptians tied the energy centers to the endocrine system, and seven specific glands within the body, which include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, thymus, adrenal glands, spleen, and testes/ovaries. In fact, The Pyramid Texts of Saqqara, believed to be the oldest religious writings in the world, detail Seven Sacred Oils, which were used in daily temple ritual, funerary rites, cosmetics and medicines. According to Alkemi.co, “The deities (gods and goddesses) were said to be the most fragrant beings imaginable, and the temple statues were anointed daily with perfume. It is said that during his reign, Ramses III offered more than 16,000 jars of perfume to the gods.” Below, we’ve detailed these Seven Sacred Oils, and the gods/goddess (aka: Neters, “forces of nature”) they correspond with. Seven Sacred Oils For Chakra Healing Crown of Osiris: Lotus Flower (Crown Chakra) In the modern mythology of the story of Osiris, it is believed that the reason he is portrayed as green is because he was slain, and resurrected back to life. According to The Story of Osiris, Isis and Horus: The Egyptian Myth of Creation: “From Geb, the sky god, and Nut, the earth goddess came four children: Osiris, Isis, Set and Nepthys. Osiris was the oldest and so became king of Egypt, and he married his sister Isis. Osiris was a good king and commanded the respect of all who lived on the earth and the gods who dwelled in the netherworld. However, Set was always jealous of Osiris, because he did not command the respect of those on earth or those in the netherworld. One day, Set transformed himself into a vicious monster and attacked Osiris, killing him. Set then cut Osiris into pieces and distributed them throughout the length and breadth of Egypt. With Osiris dead, Set became king of Egypt, with his sister Nepthys as his wife. Nepthys, however, felt sorry for her sister Isis, who wept endlessly over her lost husband. Isis, who had great magical powers, decided to find her husband and bring him back to life long enough so that they could have a child. Together with Nepthys, Isis roamed the country, collecting the pieces of her husband’s body and reassembling them. Once she completed this task, she breathed the breath of life into his body and resurrected him. They were together again, and Isis became pregnant soon after. Osiris was able to descend into the underworld, where he became the lord of that domain.” However, the story runs deeper than the myth, and the Egyptian mystery schools believe that the reason Osiris was portrayed as green, was because not because he died and came back to life, but because he was closest to nature. The very word for Egyptian god/goddess, “Neter”, actually translates as “force of nature”, and the gods/goddesses were not God, but forces of “God”, which is not a being, but is nature as a whole. Patricia Awyan of Khemitlogy elucidates: “Osiris embodies the tree, rooted in the earth and reaching for the heavens. This is the path of the kundalini moving through our glandular ChakRAs , from the root to the crown . We choose how we want to interact with this reality by where we place our focus. We vibrate at higher levels when we raise our levels of consciousness and transmute our polarities within.” In looking at Osiris as a “force of nature” (a being in connection with the powers of creation), in relation to the crown chakra, which unleashes our ability for astral communication, and connection with the energy of the all, lotus flower is the fragrant vehicle, which unlocks our senses, and cleanses any static from this energy system, so we can connect to the divine, observe the powers Osiris embodied, and open to receive all of sources of infinite wisdom, and mystery. Eye of Horus: Sandalwood (Third Eye Chakra) Horus, energetically speaking, aligns with the powers of the Sun, and symbolizes power, wisdom and the all seeing eye (Third Eye Chakra). By working with Sandalwood and this energy sphere/Neter, we tap into the powers of the Sun, which allows “in-sight” and lights up our inner vision. This vision of the all provides the opportunity to transcend time and space, by exploring the various visionary realms, and spiritual planes of the worlds within our world. Throat of Thoth: Ambar Kashmir (Throat Chakra) “Man is in process of changing to forms that are not of this world. Grows he is time to the formless, a plane on the cycle above.” – The Emerald Tablets of Thoth Thoth was a powerful Neter, and both the Egyptians and Greeks credit him as the inventor of astrology, astronomy, science, mathematics, geometry, medicine, reading, writing, and so much more. Furthermore, they believed Thoth was the true author of every branch of knowledge, both human and divine, and a master of the material and spiritual realms. A scribe of wisdom and wonder, a seer, a sage, a mystic and a magician, Thoth was a clear channel, and a conduit for articulating the power of infinity. He aligns with the throat chakra, and ambar kashmir is thought to unlock the powers his energy holds. Working with the throat chakra, and ambar kashmir allows the opportunity to speak with clarity, to articulate with ease, and to let wisdom flow through your words, writing and creativity. Heart of Isis: Attar of Roses (Heart Chakra) Isis, whose name literally translates to “the throne”, was worshipped as the goddess that was the living embodiment of The Divine Feminine. She was perceived to be the connection between nature and magic, and an ideal representation of majestic, maternal, loving, energy. She was a friend to all walks of life, both the oppressed and the opulent, and her heart was open to give, receive, live, and embody love. The heart chakra relates to Isis as a Neter, and Attar of Roses is the oil, which connects us to her power and grace. When working with this chakra, and this oil – we open our hearts to give love, to live love, to receive love, and also embody the magical healing that loving warmth imbues into all aspects of our actions and experiences. Connecting to the heart chakra also helps us connect to the ideals of The Divine Feminine in mind as well, which is the living consciousness of non-linear (cyclical) time, eternity, ritual, magic/intuition, altered states, and art. Solar Plexus of Ra: Jasmine (Solar Plexus Chakra) Ra is another incarnation of Horus, believed to be the “Horus of the Two Horizons”. Like Horus, Ra also corresponds to the Sun, and was seen as a creator god that embodied the energies of light, warmth and growth. With Ra relating to the Solar Plexus, his nature in relationship to the nature of this energy center is a reminder of our “I Am Presence”, and our connection to confidence, security, and systems of belief. Systems of belief in the sense of our ability to believe in our own power, and our potential to create. Jasmine reminds us of our inner creator, and helps dissolve insecurity, doubt, and anything that dims your spiritual sunshine from shining at its lightest, brightest, and very best. Spleen of Hathor: Musk (Sacral Chakra) The Egyptians believed that the health of the glands was essential to the health of the whole, the hormones each secreted helped with living as a fully activated human. Fertility and reproduction which were held in high esteem, and when all major glands were in healthy communication, higher levels of consciousness and creativity were easily accessed. Hathor, was revered as a Neter, and personified the principles of joy, feminine love, and fertility, while also balancing the ability to be a wife, mother and lover. She relates to the spleen (sacral/navel) chakra, which is closely associated to the realm of emotions, sensual, and sexual desire. Musk activates our abilities of clairsentience by opening us up to the energies of “feeling” into the world around us with love, light, sacred sexuality and softness. Base of Set: Red Ambar (Root Chakra) According to Ancient Egypt Online: Set is a Neter that associated with intensity and frightening events such as eclipses, thunderstorms and earthquakes. He also represented the desert and, by extension, the foreign lands beyond the desert. His glyph appears in the Egyptian words for “turmoil”, “confusion”, “illness”, “storm” and “rage”. He was considered to be very strong but also very dangerous, but he was not always considered to be an “evil” being. Set was a friend to the deceased, and assisted them to ascending to heaven on his ladder, and he protected the life giving oases of the desert, and was at times a powerful ally to the pharaoh and even the sun god Ra. In looking to Set in relation to clearing the base chakra, one can be reminded of what can happen when this energy center is off-balance. The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, and relates to grounding, survival instincts, the need for safety, and security. For a person who has imbalance in the first chakra, it might be hard to feel safe in the world and everything looks like a potential risk. The desire for security dominates and can translate into concerns over the job situation, physical safety, shelter, health. A blocked root chakra may turn into behaviors ruled mainly by fear. Red Ambar allows us to transmute any negative feelings from an off-balance chakra, transforming darkness to light, aligning us to the Earth, and the calm, trusting vibration of acceptance, ease, and peace. On OCTOBER 14, 2017 • By JENNIFER SODINI |
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Lisa Rasmussen MFA is the Founder and Director of the Harmonia Institute. Lisa Rasmussen—artist, educator, curator, life coach, arts and healing practitioner, and art advocate—believes art can change and heal the world. Archives
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