Journey of the Chakras : From Ancient Roots to Modern Balance
Journey through the Chakras : From Ancient Roots to Modern Practice
By Jill N. Henry, Ed.D.
8/4/2024 based on Well-Being, Llewellyn Publishers
Chakra evolution traces its roots from our ancestors to the present day. The first chakra to develop fully was the root chakra, located at the base of the spine and primarily concerned with survival on the physical plane. Early humans relied on this energy for their existence in a dangerous world, focusing on physical survival, security, health, money, and even death.
As physical needs were met, social relationships began to develop, driven by the energy of the second chakra in the pelvic region. Sensuality and sexuality between two people expanded to include pleasure and gratification from others, leading to the formation of societies based on this energy.
Once safety and community were established, the personal power of the third chakra began developing in the solar plexus area. This chakra represents a masculine power characterized by aggressiveness, competitiveness, recognition, status, self-image, and significance. Civilizations rose and fell according to the dominating individual or ego, with this chakra predominating through the mid-20th century.
The “love-ins” of the 1960s marked the emergence of the fourth chakra, the heart. The opening of the heart chakra allows self-acceptance and generates feelings of love and caring for others as well as oneself. This feminine center balances the self-preoccupation of the lower centers and acts as a bridge to higher emotions and energies.
As we transition into the 21st century, many of us find the throat chakra to be particularly challenging. The development of our creative abilities and self-expression is the next major lesson for many. This chakra of communication is reflected in the growth of the Internet and World Wide Web, which challenges us to achieve our highest levels of creativity and integration.
The brow chakra, located at the center of the forehead, is the witness center, merging left and right brain wisdom and intelligence. The energies here connect us with our Higher Self and encourage the development and practical use of intuition.
Our spiritual center, the crown chakra, is located at the top of the head and connects us with cosmic consciousness. The energy here enables us to live in the moment, free of desires, concerns, worries, doubts, and fears.
Chakra Evolution Exceptions
Exceptions to the rule of chakra development have occurred throughout history. Figures like Jesus, Buddha, and other holy and wise individuals have demonstrated full mastery of all chakras. In fact, we all have access to the power of our chakras at any given moment, experiencing unconditional love, a sense of oneness with our environment, and pure joy.
Chakra Exercise
A simple exercise to enliven your chakras involves using color and sound imagery. For a quick tune-up, watch the Solfeggio video.
Finally, before going to sleep each night, take a couple of minutes to complete the following visualization:
Begin by imagining a soft glow of red at the base of your spine. Notice the quality of the color and make it bright and beautiful. Now allow this red color to expand and flow up your body, down your arms and legs, and up into your head. Continue to allow red to expand through and out your body, surrounding you in a gentle red glow.
Repeat this process using the following colors and areas: Orange in the pelvis, yellow in the solar plexus, green in the heart, blue in the throat, indigo at the brow, violet at the top of your head, and white surrounding your whole being.
As you work with these colors, allow your breath to move the energy through and around you. Slow your breathing and let the colors flow and merge.
Perform this exercise nightly and notice differences in feelings, sensations, and attitudes. This is one of the first steps you can take to begin to explore and balance the chakra energies within you.
Our Purpose Now
Our purpose now is to learn how to fully utilize chakra energy for the highest good of our family, our community, the Earth, and ourselves. This requires learning how to let go of negative emotions and conditions that disturb the flow of our energies and refining and developing these energies for consistent positive manifestation in our world.