What Are the 7 Chakras & What Do They Represent?

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

The root chakra is symbolized by the color red. Red is a vibrant, bold color that represents power and vitality and evokes action. The root chakra is believed to be the source of safety. When the root chakra is balanced, you feel grounded, safe, and secure. When the chakra is imbalanced, you’ll feel anxious or fearful, especially when it comes to making decisions. Properties: Grounding, energy, and stability Location: Base of the spine How to open: Do sun salutations when practicing yoga

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

The sacral chakra is represented by the color orange. Orange is often associated with warmth and enthusiasm—its vibrant and welcoming glow perfectly represents the passionate energy of the sacral chakra. When the sacral chakra is balanced, you feel emotionally stable and creative. When the chakra is blocked, you may feel guilt, shame, or uninspired. Properties: Creativity, passion, and pleasure Location: Below the navel above the pubic bone How to open: Whisper affirmations over yourself, like “I am passionate” or “I am an abundance of creativity”

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The solar plexus chakra is the color yellow. The sunny brilliance of yellow matches the solar plexus chakra because the color evokes confidence. This chakra helps define who you are, giving you the strength to be yourself and shine bright. When this chakra is open, you’ll be confident and motivated. When it’s blocked, you’ll likely feel insecure or have low self-esteem. Properties: Confidence, strength, and determination Location: Upper abdomen above the navel How to open: Wear or meditate with a citrine crystal

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

The heart chakra conveys the color green. Green is commonly associated with growth and renewal—think of blooming flowers and plush grass. The heart chakra controls your empathy and connects you to the world around you. Therefore, green is a symbolic color to represent the chakra’s harmonious, uplifting energy. When this chakra is balanced, you feel loved and optimistic. When it’s blocked, you’ll likely feel lost, lonely, or jealous. Properties: Love, compassion, and acceptance Location: Center of the chest How to open: Try pranayama or breathing exercises

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

The throat chakra embodies the color blue. Blue is the color of peace and calm, often symbolizing trust and tranquility. The throat chakra is connected to your ability to talk, write, and communicate, alluding to blue’s trusting energy. If the chakra is balanced, you can speak your mind and express yourself freely. If blocked, you may have a hard time communicating and feel trapped within yourself. Properties: Communication, self-expression, and inspiration Location: Base of the throat How to open: Repeat affirmations like, “I communicate confidently” and “My voice is necessary”

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

The third eye chakra is represented by the color indigo. Indigo or purple’s soothing tone is often associated with serenity and peace, making it an excellent representation of the third eye chakra. This chakra opens your spiritual awareness and allows you to concentrate. When blocked, you may feel confused or have trouble concentrating or making decisions. Properties: Intuition, spiritual awareness, and trust Location: Between the brows How to open: Try adding a headstand to your yoga practice

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The crown chakra is the color white. White commonly symbolizes purity, innocence, and divine power. Because of this, it’s often associated with the crown chakra, as this chakra is the closest energy source to the spirit world. When the crown chakra is balanced, you feel connected to a higher power and have a sense of clarity and inner peace. When blocked, you’ll likely feel disconnected from yourself and your spiritual purpose. Properties: Spirituality, knowledge, and fulfillment Location: Top of the head How to open: Chant “OM” after meditating Know that some spiritual guides use the color violet to represent the crown chakra. White and violet have similar symbolic meanings and can be used similarly.