Chakras: Subtle Energy System

Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed.

Reiki Master/Teacher

Subtle Energy

The three channels of the subtle system are known in sanskrit language as

Ida Nadi (moon side, female, yin)

Pingala Nadi (sun side, male, yang)

and Shushumna Nadi. the balance of the other two channels

A Nadi (plural: Nadis) is an energy channel in which prana energy

flows and may connect chakras

Chakras

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, or vortex

Seven major energy centers (21 minor)

These chakras, or energy centers, function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy through our energy system.

The functioning of the chakras reflects decisions we make concerning how we choose to respond to conditions in our life.

We open and close these valves when we decide what to think, and what to feel, and through which perceptual filter we choose to experience the world around us.

The Shushumna – Sheath Around

Spinal Cord where Kundalini Flows

1st Chakra – “Root”

First year of life

Energy incarnation

through the fontanelle

Governs the adrenal

glands and kidneys

Fight or flight

response

Love vs Fear

Four vortices of

energy - RED

Root Chakra – Expanded vs

Contraction of Energy Stability

Courage – Stand up

under the pressure

Feeling safe, secure

vs unsafe, unstable,

having the root pulled out

from under you

Governs the

musculoskeletal system

Mother issues

Red

Fear

Insecurity

No courage – weak

Muscles and structure

weak

Easily taken advantage of

Hip, knees and foot

problems

2nd Chakra – Sacral PlexusOrange

Developed in the 1-3 years of life – “terrible twos”

6 vortices of energy

Located just below the navel

This energy center radiates powerful emotional and

creative forces. All who desire to create more in the

physical world must develop a relationship with this

energy center.

What are the issues of sacral chakra?

Freedom Movement Desires Sensation Needs

Emotions Creativity Playfulness Pleasure

Sensuality and Sexuality – Reproductive organs

Second Chakra – Expanded vs

Contracted Energy

Freedom

Locomotion

Movement-dance

Independence

Creativity

Sensuality

Sexuality – tantra

Relationships

Mother issues-nurture

Control

Guilt

Frigidity

Dependence

Lack of creativity

Close-minded

Emotionally stuck

Poor relationships

Overprotective mother

Third Chakra – Solar Plexus

Governs Gastrointestinal

Tract

8 Vortices of energy

Clockwise movement

Preschool years 3-6

Father energy

Color is Yellow = Sun

Solar Plexus – Expanded vs

Contracted Energy

Self-confidence

Self-empowered

Loyal

Honest

Digest life easily

Courageous

Authentic

Ashamed

Powerless

Overbearing father

Shy – withdrawn

Worried – afraid of

confrontation

GI issues

Victimized

4th Heart Chakra

Thymus – master gland of immune system

Heart chakra – 12 vortices of energy

Color is GREEN

Cardiovascular system

Issues around the heart and breasts

4th Chakra – Expanded vs

Contracted Energy Love

Compassion

Forgiveness

Acceptance of others

Open hearted

Connected mind and heart

Joyfulness

Happiness

Gratitude and Grace

Anger

Hostility

Resentment

Jealousy

Attachment to other

Feel and sadness

Grief

Unhappy

Rage and Violence

5th Chakra – Throat Chakra

Thyroid – gland of metabolism

Breathing – pranayama

Color is BLUE

Communication issues

Respiratory issues

16 vortices of energy

Throat Chakra – Expanded vs

Contracted Energy Honesty

Mercy

Compassionate words

Positive words

Words have a lot of

energy

Functioning thyroid

Speaking truth

Being HEARD

Babbling

Verbal diarrhea

Empty words

Critical of self and

others

Victimized words

Thyroid and

respiratory issues

Not being heard

Untruthfulness-lying

6th Chakra – Third Eye - CNS

Pituitary and

Hypothalamus Glands

84 Vortices of energy

Higher Self

Wisdom/Intuition

Governs our senses

Higher Sense Perceptions

are developed with yoga

and meditation practices

Color is INDIGO

Third Eye – Expanded vs

Contracted Energy Wisdom

Intuition

Clairvoyant

Clairaudient

Heightened smell

Clairsentient (touch)

All knowing

See beyond illusions

Narrow minded

Stuck in structured

paradigms (science,

religious organizations,

healthcare, government)

Arrogant – egocentric

Narcissistic

No perceptions

Avidya – lack of

knowledge - ignorant

Crown Chakra - CNS

Pineal Gland – connects to Pituitary

Self-Realization

Connection to the Universe, GOD

1000 petal lotus – 976 vortices

Chakra of consciousness, the master

chakra that controls all the others.

Secretes hormones to control the rest

of the endocrine system, and also

connects to the central nervous

system via the hypothalamus.

Crown Chakra – Expanded vs

Contracted Energy

Self realization

Self love

Expanded consciousness

All seeing, knowing,

feeling, sensing

Walking between the

illusions of the world

Avatars, Sages, Priests,

Gurus, Spiritual Teachers

Attached to the third

dimension by addictions

and lower chakra

energies:

To substances,

belongings, emotions

Children, Spouse, Other

Jobs, Hobbies

Lack of spirituality

Underdeveloped higher

self

Entities and “Dragons” – They

drag on the energy system Fear

Lust

Greed

Addiction/Attachment

Ego and Vanity

Courage/Stability

Divine love (tantric)

Abundance

Freedom in

relationship and

independence

Wise – intuitive –

contentment –

spiritually evolved