What Are the 7 Chakras? A Guide to Their Meanings & Correspondences

Chakras are an energetic and spiritual framework used in traditions rooted in yoga and meditation to explore different aspects of our physical experience, emotions, self-expression, intuition, and connection. The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and is commonly translated as “wheel.” The seven main chakras are often described as energy centers running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.

You can use the chakra system as a tool for curiosity and self-reflection: noticing where you feel grounded, expressive, connected, confident, or called to pay closer attention.

Below is a reference guide to the seven main chakras and some of the correspondences commonly associated with each one.

THE 7 MAIN CHAKRAS

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is associated with our foundation. Muladhara is commonly translated as “root support.”

Correlations with the root chakra include:

• Function: Security, Safety, Stability, Comfort, Grounding
• Color: Red
• Element: Earth
• Affirmation: “I exist” or “I am”
• Crystals: Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Hematite, Onyx, Red Jasper, Red Tiger's Eye, Garnet, Smoky Quartz
• Essential Oils: Vetiver, Cedarwood, Angelica, Black Pepper, Patchouli, Myrrh
• Bija Mantra: Lam

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

The sacral chakra is located in the pelvic area. Svadhisthana is commonly translated as “one's own place.”

Correlations with the sacral chakra include:

• Function: Sensuality, Passion, Pleasure, Creativity, Emotion
• Color: Orange
• Element: Water
• Affirmation: “I desire” or “I feel”
• Crystals: Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Peach Moonstone, Sunstone
• Essential Oils: Ginger, Blood Orange, Cinnamon, Coriander, Fennel, Clary Sage, Sandalwood
• Bija Mantra: Vam

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The solar plexus chakra is associated with the abdomen and core. Manipura is commonly translated as “lustrous gem” or “jewel city.”

Correlations with the solar plexus chakra include:

• Function: Power, Courage, Confidence, Self-Esteem
• Colors: Yellow, Gold
• Element: Fire
• Affirmation: “I do”
• Crystals: Citrine, Honey Calcite, Amber, Yellow Jasper, Tiger's Eye, Pyrite, Yellow Apatite
• Essential Oils: Grapefruit, Neroli, Tea Tree, Lemon
• Bija Mantra: Ram

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

The heart chakra is associated with the center of the chest. Anahata is commonly translated as “unstruck.”

Correlations with the heart chakra include:

• Function: Love, Compassion, Abundance
• Colors: Pink, Green
• Element: Air
• Affirmation: “I love”
• Crystals: Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Ruby, Cobalto Calcite, Green Aventurine, Moss Agate, Unakite, Malachite
• Essential Oils: Jasmine, Lavender, Bergamot, Rose, Ylang Ylang
• Bija Mantra: Yam

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

The throat chakra is associated with the throat and self-expression. Vishuddha is commonly translated as “purification.”

Correlations with the throat chakra include:

• Function: Communication, Self-Expression, Truth
• Colors: Blue, Light Blue, Turquoise
• Element: Sound/Ether
• Affirmation: “I speak”
• Crystals: Blue Lace Agate, Amazonite, Angelite, Aquamarine, Blue Apatite, Turquoise, Blue Kyanite, Blue Tiger's Eye
• Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Peru Balsam, Lemongrass, Chamomile, Bay Leaf, Peppermint
• Bija Mantra: Ham

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

The third eye chakra is associated with the forehead, just above and between the eyes. Ajna is commonly translated as “command” or “perceive.”

Correlations with the third eye chakra include:

• Function: Insight, Intuition, Visualization, Imagination
• Colors: Dark Blue, Indigo
• Element: Light
• Affirmation: “I see”
• Crystals: Azurite, Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite, Fluorite, Iolite, Sodalite
• Essential Oils: Blue Lotus, Juniper, Mugwort, Patchouli, Lavender
• Bija Mantra: Aum/Om

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The crown chakra is associated with the top of the head. Sahasrara is commonly translated as “thousand-petaled.”

Correlations with the crown chakra include:

• Function: Knowledge, Fulfillment, Self-Realization, Spirituality
• Colors: Purple, Violet, White
• Element: Thought
• Affirmation: “I understand”
• Crystals: Amethyst, Selenite, Lepidolite, Clear Quartz, Fluorite, Moonstone, Clear/Optical Calcite
• Essential Oils: Lavender, Palo Santo, Pink Lotus, Spikenard, Frankincense
• Bija Mantra: Om

Exploring Your Chakras

You don't need to decide that a chakra is “good,” “bad,” “open,” or “blocked” to work with this framework. Instead, you can get curious: Which themes feel especially present in your life right now? Where do you feel supported? Where might you want more attention, reflection, or intention?

Within a Personal Light Activation, chakra work may be incorporated alongside Reiki, crystal healing, meditation, sound, grounding, or other supportive energetic practices based on what you need and what we are exploring together.

Explore an Introductory Light Activation Session

*The services and information provided by Divine Curiosity, LLC are intended to support personal growth, self-awareness, and overall well-being as part of a holistic approach to wellness. Our offerings are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, psychiatric, or other licensed healthcare services. We do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition, nor do we prescribe medications or medical treatments. If you are experiencing physical, emotional, or mental health concerns, we encourage you to seek the guidance of a licensed physician, therapist, or qualified healthcare professional. Any insights, recommendations, or practices shared through our services are intended to complement, not replace, the care provided by licensed healthcare practitioners. By participating in our services, you acknowledge responsibility for your own health and wellness decisions.*