Chakra One: Muladhara Earth, Physical identity, oriented to self-preservation Located at the base of the spine, this chakra

forms our foundation. It represent s the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical plane. Idea lly this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence. Chakra Two: Svadhisthana Water, Emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification The second chakra, located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, is rel ated to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to othe rs 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. Chakra Three: Manipura Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition This 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 po wer. Chakra Four: Anahata Air, Social identity, oriented to self-acceptance This chakra is called the heart chakra and is the middle chakra in a system of s even. It is related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mi nd and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourt h chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace a nd centeredness Chakra Five: Vishuddha Sound, Creative identity, oriented to self-expression This is the chakra located in the throat and is thus related to communication an d creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language. Chakra Six: Ajna Light, Archetypal identity, oriented to self-reflection This chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to th e act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As such it opens our psychic f aculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us t o see clearly, in effect, letting us see the big picture Chakra Seven: Sahasrara Thought, Universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge This is the crown chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of al l-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understandin g, spiritual connection, and bliss.

MULADHARA CHAKRA MEDITATION ---------------------------

Chakras are the sacred centers within that carry us on our journey toward greate r awareness and aliveness. As the architecture of the soul, they provide an impo rtant map for our wholeness and transformation, both personally and globally. As an ancient spiritual system, they show the path to enlightenment and integratio n. The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basi c energy centers in the body that correspond to nerve ganglia branching out from the spinal column, as well as states of consciousness, developmental stages of life, archetypal elements, body functions, colors, sounds, and much, much more. Together they form a profound formula for wholeness and a template for transform ation. Muladhara Chakra Meditation: Bring your attention to the perineum, the flat spac e between the anus and the genital area. Take several seconds to allow your atte ntion to find the space, and to get settled into it. Allow the mantra Lam to ari se repeatedly in your mind field, silently. Allow it to repeat at its own natura l speed. You may find that it comes 5-10 times and wants to pause, or you might find it wants to come continuously. If it pauses, allow it to return in its own time. The mantra may move quickly or slowly. In any case, keep your attention on that space; this is very important. That space might be tiny, such as a pinpoin t, or it might be several inches across. Follow your own inclination about the s ize of the space. Allow your mind to naturally be aware of earth, solidity, or f orm. That awareness may come a little or a lot; either way is okay. Allow to com e through your mind field the awareness of of the karmendriya of elimination (wh ich operates throughout the body), and the jnanendriya of smell (best to become familiar with the nature of the indriyas). Gradually, over time with the practic e, it becomes more clear how it is that the indriyas operate from these centers, along with the five elements. You may or may not also find that colors and soun ds naturally come to the inner field of mind.