Course Five: Spectrum, Part 1 213
Chakra Two is associated with
the Element Water and the rise into
duality. This center relates to the
emotional and sensate aspects of
consciousness, and the urge to
bridge duality through erotic union
with another. Its name, Svadhisthana, means “one’s
own place.” Because water is fluid and moving, this
chakra helps us move forward in life, following our
desires. Desire is an important fuel for the will, but if
excessive, it can keep us bound at this level, unable to
rise to the other chakras. Like all things, it must be
held in balance.Chakra Three is associated with
the Element Fire and represents vital-
ity and power. Here we develop our
will, directing the raw energy of the
body according to the intentions set
by consciousness. Its name,
Manipura, means “lustrous gem.” This chakra devel-
ops when we strengthen our will by sticking to a
course of action and focusing our energies. It is sup-
ported by having a solid ground (first chakra) and
being able to speak up for ourselves (fifth chakra), as
well as having vision and knowledge to guide our will
(sixth and seventh chakras).Chakra Four is associated with
the Element Air and relates to the
heart and its aspects of love, com-
passion, and relationship. The heart
chakra lies in the middle of the chakra
system and integrates mind and
body, spirit and matter, inner and outer in perfect bal-
ance. Within this balance lie the seeds of deep peace.
Its name, Anahata, means “unstruck” or “unhurt.”
We open the heart chakra by opening our heart to
others, through kindness and consideration, through
trust and compassion. We can also access this chakra
by working with the breath as the Element Air. By
expanding our breath we expand our chest capacity
and feel an expansion in the heart.Chakra Five is associated with the
Element Sound (Ether in ancient
texts). It is the chakra of communi-
cation and creative self-expression. It
relates to the truth we hold within us
and the great truths that we all share.
It opens through use of the voice and through deep
inner listening. Its name, Vissudha, means “purifica-
tion.” We access this chakra by toning and chanting,
playing or listening to music, speaking our truth, and
listening deeply to the communication of others. When
this chakra is open, our creativity increases as a vital
form of self-expression.Chakra Six is associated with
the Element Light and relates to the
psychic faculty of deep inner see-
ing or insight. It opens us to the
beauty of the inner world, the sym-
bolic realm of archetypes and dreams, and the awak-
ening of a guiding vision. Its name, Ajna, means “to
perceive” and “to command.” We access this chakra
through paying attention to our dreams, developing
our psychic abilities, paying attention to the patterns
that we see, and learning about the archetypes through
mythology. This chakra is strongly supported by medi-
tation, especially the kind in which visualizations are
used.Chakra Seven is the thousand-
petaled lotus associated with pure
Consciousness. It is the seat of en-
lightenment or realization, the
abode of the god Shiva, the ab-
stract realm of conception and ideas, and the mind of
the cosmos. Its name, Sahasrara, means “thousand-
fold.” This means that its realm is infinite, as the realm
of consciousness is infinite. This chakra opens us to
divine wisdom, cosmic consciousness, intelligence,
and understanding. It is accessed by learning and
study in which you challenge and utilize your mind.
However, its deepest jewels are gained through a regu-
lar practice of meditation. For yogis, it was the en-
trance into the supreme world of absolute bliss.All seven chakras need to be open and function-
ing to have a healthy balance in our lives. In this way
the chakras are a template for transformation and a
profound formula for wholeness. This system can be a
lifelong guide to keep you centered and on track in all
that you intend to do. Healing the chakras requires
understanding the meaning and function of each one
and determining if the chakra is over or underactive
(excessive or deficient). In short, excessive chakras
need to let go, relax, or discharge energy, whereas
deficient chakras need to bring energy in, get charged
up, or hold on. In either case, massaging or moving the
part of the body (as through yoga postures or dance,
for example) can help to balance the chakra by relaxing
the energy. When something that has been held tightly
can open and relax, it will fill with energy. When some-
thing overactive relaxes, it releases energy.
In both cases, healing the imbalances requires
bringing your attention to the affected area and work-
ing with visualization, breath, and movement. See the
chakra filling or emptying, expanding or contracting
according to what is needed. Move your body and
breath in ways that support what you are trying to
accomplish, focusing on the exhalation for decreasing
energy and on the inhalation for increasing. Imagine
that your hands can bring energy in toward the body- Spectrum 1.p65 213 1/15/2004, 9:15 AM