Chakras

Chakra is a Sanskrit term meaning circle or wheel. There is a wide literature on chakra models, philosophy, and lore that underpin many philosophical systems and spiritual energy practices, religious observance, and personal discipline. Theories on chakras fit within systems that link the human body and mind into a single unit, sometimes called the 'bodymind' (Sanskrit: namarupa). The philosophical theories and models of chakras as centers of energy were first codified in Ancient India.

Chakra are commonly described, as above, as energy centers in the body located at major branchings of the human nervous system, beginning at the base of the spinal column and moving upward to the top of the skull. Chakras are considered to be a point or nexus of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy of the human body.

The following primary chakras are commonly described:

Ajna: Your third eye chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As such it opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us "see the big picture."
Color Associations: Indigo
Stone Association: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite

Sahasrara: Your crown chakra is the chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, space less place of all-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss.
Color Associations: Violet, Crystal (White)
Stone Associations: Amethyst, Clear Quartz

Vishudda: Your throat chakra is located in the throat and is thus related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language.
Color Associations: Blue
Stone Associations: Blue Turquoise, Blue lace Agate

Anahata: Your heart chakra is related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centered.
Color Associations: Green, Pink
Stone Associations: Aventurine, Jade, Malachite, Tourmaline, Rose Quartz

Manipura: Your solar plexus chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. It rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.
Color Associations: Yellow
Stone Associations: Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Topaz

Swadhisthana: Your sacral chakra is located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs. It is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change.
Color Associations: Orange
Stone Associations: Carnelian

Muladhara: Your root chakra is located at the base of the spine; this chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts and to our sense of grounding, connection to our bodies and the physical plane. Ideally this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence.
Color Associations: Red, Brown, Grey
Stone Associations: Hematite, Smokey Quartz, Garnet, Red Jasper

Find out more about Chakras on Wikipedia!