The seven primary energy centres of the subtle body — Sanskrit knowledge thousands of years old that maps the relationship between consciousness, energy and physical existence.
The word chakra (चक्र) means "wheel" or "circle" in Sanskrit — referring to the spinning vortices of energy located along the central channel of the subtle body (Sushumna Nadi). While the chakra system as commonly taught in the West derives primarily from the Tantric tradition (7th–11th century CE), its roots extend deep into the Vedas. Each chakra governs specific physical organs, emotional states, psychological patterns and spiritual capacities.
In Vedic and Theosophical traditions, the human being consists of multiple interpenetrating energy bodies (Koshas in Sanskrit — "sheaths") that extend beyond the physical body. The chakras serve as energy exchange points between these layers. Understanding the energy bodies provides deeper context for chakra work.
The chakra system does not exist in isolation — it cross-references remarkably well with Western astrology, numerology, tarot and Kabbalistic thought. These connections reveal a deeper unity underlying apparently different traditions.
| Chakra | Tarot (Major) | Numerology | Kabbalah Sephirah | Colour therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st · Muladhara | The World · The Emperor | Number 1 · New beginnings | Malkuth (Kingdom) | Red — vitality, grounding |
| 2nd · Svadhisthana | The Moon · The High Priestess | Number 2 · Duality, flow | Yesod (Foundation) | Orange — creativity, warmth |
| 3rd · Manipura | The Sun · Strength · The Chariot | Number 3 · Power, action | Hod / Netzach | Yellow — confidence, joy |
| 4th · Anahata | The Lovers · The Star | Number 4 · Stability, love | Tiphareth (Beauty) | Green / Pink — love, healing |
| 5th · Vishuddha | The Hierophant · The Magician | Number 5 · Communication | Geburah / Chesed | Blue — calm, expression |
| 6th · Ajna | The High Priestess · The Hermit | Number 6–7 · Intuition, wisdom | Binah / Chokmah | Indigo — insight, depth |
| 7th · Sahasrara | The Fool · The World | Number 0 / 9 · Unity, completion | Kether (Crown) | Violet / White — transcendence |
Kundalini — The Serpent Energy
In Tantric tradition, Kundalini (कुण्डलिनी) is the dormant spiritual energy coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine in Muladhara. When awakened — through sustained yogic practice, meditation, breathwork or spontaneous spiritual experience — it rises through the Sushumna Nadi (central channel) activating each chakra in sequence until it reaches Sahasrara, producing states of expanded consciousness. Kundalini awakening can be profoundly transformative — and, if unprepared, destabilising. Always approach with qualified guidance.
The popular Western model of seven chakras is a simplified teaching — introduced primarily through the Theosophical Society in the late 19th century and further popularised in the 1970s New Age movement. Classical Tantric and Yogic traditions describe a far more complex system. Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev) of Isha Foundation teaches that the human body contains 114 chakras — of which 112 can be worked with in the physical body and 2 exist outside it. Other traditions speak of 7, 12, 15, 21 or even hundreds. The seven we work with are the primary entry points — the most accessible and widely agreed upon.
Transpersonal Chakras — Beyond the Physical Body
Notable Minor Chakras — Within the Body
The Nadis (नाड़ी — "river" or "tube") are the channels through which prana (life force) flows throughout the subtle body. Classical Tantric texts describe 72,000 nadis — though some texts say 350,000. Of these, 14 are considered principal and three are supreme. The nadis are not physical structures like nerves — they are subtle energy channels that correspond roughly (but not exactly) to the nervous system and acupuncture meridians of Chinese medicine.
Nadi & Nostril Breathing
The dominance of Ida and Pingala alternates naturally throughout the day — roughly every 90 minutes — corresponding to which nostril is most open at any given time. This is the basis of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) — one of the most important pranayama practices. By consciously alternating breath between nostrils, the practitioner balances Ida and Pingala, creating the conditions for prana to enter Sushumna. The moment both nostrils flow equally is considered especially auspicious for meditation.
The 14 Principal Nadis