THE HISTORY OF THE CHAKRAS
"Go on a quest for the chakras, mystical treasures hidden for millennia, where each discovery brings you closer to powerful ancient wisdom.
Explore how these energy centers influence your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Enter the adventure and let yourself be guided by unsuspected forces that could well change your destiny."
Written by Lionel Pradeau
Reducible content
Reading time
Approx. 15 min.
THE CHAKRAS
According to millennia-old philosophical beliefs stemming from Hinduism, the 7 chakras reveal "energy centers", "spiritual centers" or "junction points of energy channels" located in the human body, through which flows vital energy, also called Chi or Qi in Chinese Feng Shui, or Prana in India. They have an impact on the harmony of body and mind, depending on whether they are open or closed, aligned or asymmetrical.
This energy circulates up and down the spine, from the sacrum and perineum to the fontanelle at the top of the skull, creating a global energy field. Each energy center has its own color, vibratory frequency and significance.
Together, these energy centers generate emotional sources, the survival instinct, self-confidence, the ability to love and the ability to Live Happily. Here are their identities and meanings:
"Get inspired by the power of colors!
Chakra identity card
First of all, a chakra is a subtle energy center in the body, where vital energy, called prana, circulates and concentrates.
Then, each chakra is associated with a specific color, a natural element, and a particular vibration, reflecting the psychological, physical and spiritual aspects it influences. These colors range from red, symbolizing anchorage and survival, to violet, representing enlightenment and divine connection.
Then we talk about the location of each chakra, which is an indication of its area of influence; they extend along the spine from the coccyx to the top of the head, governing different aspects of our being, from material security to cosmic consciousness.
Finally, the state of each chakra is expressed by its balance or imbalance. A balanced chakra promotes harmony and well-being, while a blocked or overactive chakra can lead to emotional, mental or physical imbalances. Chakra work, whether through meditation, yoga or other energetic practices, aims to harmonize these centers for an overall alignment of body and mind.
To conclude this brief presentation of the chakras in general, we can say that each chakra plays an essential role in our overall health and spiritual evolution. Their harmony profoundly influences our experience of life, setting us on a path of growth, healing and self-realization.
Let's have a look!
N°1 Red Chakra or Muladhara, the Root of Life
THE ROOT CHAKRA
At the heart of ancestral traditions, Muladhara, the root chakra, is the foundation of our existence. In Sanskrit, "Muladhara" means "base" or "foundation", symbolizing stability and a deep connection to the Earth. This chakra is represented by a four-petal lotus of deep, vibrant red, a color that evokes life force, passion and survival.
Located at the base of the spine, Muladhara is the seat of primordial energy, the energy that anchors us in the physical world and supports our body in its material form. The red of this chakra is the color of blood, earth and the fire that burns within us, symbolizing security, stability and the need for survival.
In ancient Vedic texts, Muladhara is associated with the earth element, representing raw strength, security and grounding. This is where Kundalini resides, the sleeping energy coiled like a snake, ready to be awakened to rise through the chakras. The red of Muladhara also reflects our most primitive instincts, those that drive us to protect our body and mind.
Balancing this chakra is essential for feeling a sense of security, stability and comfort in life. When Muladhara is in harmony, it gives us inner strength, unshakeable determination, and a deep sense of belonging. However, when it's blocked, it can lead to fears, insecurities and a sense of disconnection from the material world.
Ancient yogis used the sacred mantra "LAM" to activate and harmonize Muladhara, awakening vital energy and connecting it to the Earth. This chakra is also closely linked to survival, vitality and physical energy. By balancing Muladhara, we strengthen our connection to the Earth, feel more grounded and prepared to face life's challenges.
Muladhara's red color reminds us that, just as a tree needs deep roots to grow, we need to be firmly anchored to reach our full potential. By cultivating the energy of this chakra, we lay the foundations for a stable, fulfilling existence, nourished by the life force that flows through us.
N°2 Orange Chakra: Svadhisthana, the Ocean of Creativity
THE SACRAL CHAKRA
Immersed in the mysteries of ancient times, the Svadhisthana chakra, known in Sanskrit as "the abode of the self", is the energetic center where the forces of creativity, sensuality and desire come together. This chakra, represented by a bright orange six-petal lotus, embodies the fluid energy of water, the element associated with this sacred center.
Svadhisthana is located just below the navel, where the power of creation resides, not only in a physical sense, but also emotionally and spiritually. The orange of this chakra is the color of dawn, that which gently illuminates after the dark night, bringing with it the promise of transformation and renewal.
In ancient yogic texts, Svadhisthana is described as the seat of deep emotions and unconscious desires. This is where Shakti, the divine feminine energy, resides in all its creative power. Svadhisthana's gentle yet constant fire fuels passions, dreams and aspirations, connecting us to life's pleasures, joy and abundance.
By balancing this chakra, we open ourselves to the experience of life in all its sensory richness, cultivating our capacity to feel, love and create. Ancient yogis used the sacred mantra "VAM" to harmonize Svadhisthana, activating the flow of creative energy through this center, while purifying stagnant emotions.
When Svadhisthana is in harmony, it releases a passionate life force, a desire to live each moment to the full, and boundless creativity. But when it's blocked, it can lead to fear of change, a loss of motivation, or a disconnection from the pleasure and joy of life.
Svadhisthana orange reminds us that, just as water flows and changes form, our creative energy is fluid and constantly transforming. By embracing this energy, we learn to navigate the waters of life with grace and find a balance between passion, pleasure and creation.
N°3 Yellow Chakra: Manipura, the Inner Sun
THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
At the heart of the ancient Vedic teachings, the Manipura chakra, whose Sanskrit name means "city of jewels", shines like an inner sun, radiating power and light. This energy center, located at the level of the solar plexus, is symbolized by a ten-petal lotus in golden yellow, the color of mental clarity, willpower and personal power.
Manipura is the home of dynamic energy and transformation, the place where the inner fire, Agni, burns intensely, fueling strength of character and determination. In ancient times, sages saw this chakra as the reservoir of vitality, the place where courage and self-confidence were forged, guiding the individual through life's challenges with unwavering assurance.
Manipura yellow evokes the power of the sun, the source of all life on Earth, and symbolizes the pure, radiant energy that emanates from within. This is where our ability to make decisions, exercise personal power and realize our ambitions lies. Manipura connects us to our will to succeed, to our ability to transform our intentions into action, and to manifest our reality with confidence and conviction.
Ancient yogis used the sacred mantra "RAM" to awaken and balance Manipura, strengthening the inner flame and purifying energy blockages. This chakra is also associated with the element of fire, representing heat, light and purification, essential elements for personal transformation.
When Manipura is in balance, it gives us a sense of control, self-confidence and dynamism, allowing us to shine brightly in all aspects of our lives. But when it's blocked, it can give rise to feelings of doubt, indecision or lack of motivation, extinguishing our inner fire.
N°4 Green Chakra: Anahata, the Awakened Heart
THE HEART CHAKRA
In the depths of ancient yogic wisdom, the Anahata chakra, whose Sanskrit name means "unstruck" or "unharmed", is the energetic center of the heart, where universal love and infinite compassion reside. Symbolized by a bright emerald-green twelve-petal lotus, Anahata is the sacred bridge that links the physical and the spiritual, the individual and the universe.
Anahata green is the color of nature itself, representing healing, growth and harmony. It's the living energy of the forest, the regenerative force of plants, the gentle breath of life. In Vedic tradition, this chakra is associated with the element air, symbolizing freedom and the circulation of vital energy, prana. Anahata is the seat of pure love, transcending egoism and opening the door to acceptance, inner peace and emotional balance.
The ancient sages taught that the opening of Anahata awakens in us the capacity to love unconditionally, to forgive and to embrace life with unwavering tenderness. It's here that we feel the deep bond that unites us with all beings, transcending the boundaries of duality to reach the unity of the heart. The sacred mantra "YAM" resonates in this chakra, like a gentle, healing vibration that harmonizes and balances our capacity to give and receive love.
When Anahata is in balance, it confers deep inner peace, an ability to love authentically and to live in harmony with ourselves and others. But when this chakra is blocked, it can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness or resentment, hindering our ability to make meaningful connections.
The emerald green of Anahata reminds us that love is the most powerful force in the universe, capable of healing, transforming and uplifting the soul. By connecting to this sacred energy center, we learn to live with an open heart, ready to welcome the world with kindness and compassion.
N°5 Chakra Bleu Cyan: Vishuddha, the Divine Voice
THE THROAT CHAKRA
Steeped in the mysteries of Sanskrit and ancient traditions, the Vishuddha chakra, whose name means "purification" or "purity", is the energetic center of authentic communication and expression. This chakra, symbolized by a sixteen-petal lotus in deep azure blue, embodies truth, wisdom and the ability to express our purest essence. Located in the throat, Vishuddha is the sacred passage through which we transform our thoughts into words, our ideas into actions, and our emotions into sound.
Vishuddha blue is the color of the infinite sky and vast oceans, representing universal truth, tranquility and spiritual awakening. In yogic texts, this chakra is associated with the ether element, or Akasha, the subtle essence that envelops and contains the entire universe. It is through Vishuddha that we learn to express our inner truth, communicate with clarity and listen to the divine voice that resonates within us.
Ancient sages taught that activating Vishuddha releases the power of right speech, enabling the individual to transcend illusions and connect with universal wisdom. The sacred mantra "HAM", resonating in this chakra, is a powerful vibration that purifies the throat and activates the flow of divine communication, aligning our expression with our true essence.
When in balance, Vishuddha gives us the confidence to speak with integrity, to share our wisdom and to create deep connections through the spoken word. However, when this chakra is blocked or out of balance, it can lead to difficulties in communicating, fears about self-expression, or a tendency to shyness or lying.
The azure blue of Vishuddha reminds us that our voice is a sacred instrument, capable of creating, healing and manifesting reality. By awakening this energetic center, we learn to listen to our inner truth and share it with the world, honoring the divine power of speech.
N°6 Indigo Blue Chakra: Ajna, the Eye of Inner Wisdom
THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA
In the depths of ancient knowledge lies Ajna, the third eye chakra, a powerful energy center that embodies inner vision and intuitive perception. In Sanskrit, "Ajna" means "to perceive" or "to command", reflecting its crucial role in spiritual guidance and mental clarity. This chakra, symbolized by a two-petal lotus in deep indigo blue, is located in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows, and represents the gateway to divine wisdom and enlightenment.
The indigo blue of Ajna is the color of twilight, that mysterious boundary between day and night, symbolizing intuition, higher consciousness and access to the invisible worlds. In yogic traditions, Ajna is associated with light and the mind, and is the seat of intelligence, intuition and higher consciousness. It is also called the "eye of wisdom" or the "inner eye", for it is here that we develop the ability to see beyond appearances, understand hidden truths and perceive reality beyond material illusions.
Ancient yogis taught that the awakening of Ajna opened the door to deep, clear vision, enabling the individual to transcend the limitations of the ordinary mind and access higher consciousness. The sacred mantra "OM", vibrated through this chakra, resonates throughout the whole being, aligning the mind with the universe and awakening the inner light of wisdom.
When Ajna is in balance, it enables clear perception, sharp intuition and a deep connection with the higher self. It is the center of clairvoyance, premonition and access to divine truth. However, when blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to mental confusion, a lack of perspective or an inability to connect with intuition.
The indigo blue of Ajna reminds us that, beyond physical sight, there is an infinitely more powerful inner vision, capable of piercing the veils of ignorance and revealing the true nature of reality. By activating this sacred center, we open ourselves up to higher guidance and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.
N°7 Violet Chakra: Sahasrara, the Crown of Cosmic Consciousness
THE CROWN CHAKRA
At the pinnacle of yogic tradition lies Sahasrara, the crown chakra, an energy center that embodies divine union and spiritual enlightenment. In Sanskrit, "Sahasrara" means "thousand petals", representing the crowned lotus that blooms at the top of the head, bathed in violet or white light. This chakra is the gateway to cosmic consciousness, the place where the individual connects with the infinite, transcending duality and earthly limitations.
Sahasrara violet is the color of supreme spirituality, transformation and universal wisdom. It is the hue that unites heaven and earth, symbolizing the connection between the individual self and the universal collective consciousness. In ancient times, sages considered Sahasrara to be the seat of enlightenment, where the soul merges with the divine, realizing its true potential and ultimate purpose.
Sahasrara is associated with pure consciousness, beyond the mind, beyond the body, a state of bliss where duality disappears and unity with the whole reigns. Ancient yogis taught that awakening this crown chakra opened the way to spiritual liberation, enabling the individual to transcend the cycle of rebirths and enter a state of higher consciousness. The sacred mantra "AUM", or "OM", is often used to activate Sahasrara, resonating throughout the universe and uniting the individual spirit with cosmic vibration.
When Sahasrara is in balance, it brings a sense of deep peace, inner knowledge and connection with the universe. It is the center of divine wisdom, spiritual enlightenment and pure consciousness. However, when blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to feelings of separation, spiritual confusion or disconnection from the divine.
The luminous violet of Sahasrara reminds us that, beyond our physical existence, there is an infinitely greater reality, where ultimate truth and eternal bliss reside. By activating this crown chakra, we open the way to the realization of our divine nature and union with the infinite.
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Valentine's bio
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VALENTINE
1994, Reunion Island, Mauritius, a Life of the Indian Ocean and Yoga
Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has crisscrossed the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches the world over.Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the ocean her playground and source of inspiration.
The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.
Through her explorations, yoga has become more than a practice for her - it's a way of life.
Between morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she has found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, fluidity and self-awareness.
Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South-West and often remotely :)
This adventuress is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.
Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.
