The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more.

The charkras are (from the lowest to the highest along the spine):

MULAHARA

This chakra is located at the base of the spine at the perineum (between the anus and genitals). In the center of this chakra is a burning triangle containing the coiled up mystical serpent "kundalini". This chakra represents the most basic elements and life energies.

SWADHISTHANA

This chakra is located at the pelvic center (and corresponds to the physical center of gravity of the body). This center is associated with all forms of physical power, (for example, strength, money, political power, hunger, sexuality, etc).

MANIPURAKA

This chakra is located at the navel and is associated with basic values and mores of one's culture/society/tribe. The term "gut feeling" is a good representation of the manipuraka chakra.

ANAHATA

This chakra is located at the heart center and is associated with higher values such as unconditional love, universal human rights, altruism, and wisdom (prajna). In the Eastern traditions, the heart center is where the mind is located.

VISHUDDI

This chakra is located at the throat (thyroid gland) and is associated with the will and inner power (such as power to alter the autonomic nervous system).

ANJA

The brow chakra is located in the middle of the forehead and represents the "third eye". This chakra is associated with the unconscious as well as cosmic insights and higher wisdom.

SAHASRARA

This is the crown chakra that is located at the crown of the skull. It is represented as a "thousand-petal lotus". It represents divine insight and cosmic consciousness.