Chakra Crystals & Stones: The Beginner’s Guide to the 7 Chakras
Updated on:
October 30, 2021
Author:
Aimee Hughes
Chakra stones and chakra crystals can have a significant impact on your chakras. In Eastern philosophies, chakras are important energy centers in our body. Before starting on the different chakra stones and chakra crystals, we’ll first go into detail on what chakras are.
What’s in this article?
What Are Chakras?
The term “chakra” comes from a Sanskrit word that means circle or wheel. Chakras are vital points that represent energy centers in our body. This complex system originated in India. The chakra system was first mentioned in ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge, the Vedas. These texts date from 1500 to 1000 BC.
Why Are Chakras Important?
Chakras are important because they connect the body and psyche. They are thought to be connected to nerves and organs. Chakras are believed to help bridge the gap between the physical body and the spiritual plane. This concept plays a key role in yoga.
When open, the energy in these chakras flows freely. This brings positive effects for the mind and body. A balanced chakra is like a flowing stream that runs smoothly. When chakras are blocked or closed, the energy stops flowing. This results in negative effects both physically and emotionally.
Chakra Stones and Chakra Crystals
Before we delve deeper into the 7 chakras, it is best to understand some basics of chakra stones and chakra crystals. Chakra stones or crystals help to activate, amplify, or balance the chakras. These gemstones have a unique natural chakra healing frequency that resonates with different chakras.
You can harness the energy of these precious stones for their unique healing properties. When energy is magnified through the healing stones, it resonates with the chakra you are focusing on.
The 7 Chakras
There are 7 main chakras in the body. Each chakra is associated with an element, sound, color, stone, and more. Chakras absorb the universal life force, Prana. Prana is universal energy that flows through all living things via unique energy lines to sustain life. These energy lines (nadis) form a network throughout the body. The 7 main chakras are points where these nadis congregate most densely.
Muladhara – The Root Chakra
Muladhara or “base support” refers to the root chakra. It is located in the perineum, at the base of the spine. This chakra represents all that is stable and solid. It is linked to our sense of security and self-confidence. The root chakra is especially important.
Just like how roots are essential for a tree’s survival, the root chakra is the foundation of our body. Solid roots provide us support and allow us to thrive. When the root chakra is:
Balanced – We feel happy and safe. This enables us to feel optimistic and ready for our future.
Blocked – We feel lost and insecure. We become dissatisfied in life and will try to change our environment often. Physically, we feel tired and may experience issues with the kidneys, joints, and teeth.
Too open – We form a strong attachment to the past and are unable to live in the present. Material goods become important, and we resist change. There is a lack of fear which can result in risky situations.
Balancing The Root Chakra
Start by finding a quiet place where you can have direct contact with Earth. A good example would be a garden. While in contact with Earth, practice the following yoga positions:
Tadasana – Mountain position
Vrksasana – Tree position
Virabhadrasana – Warrior 1 pose
You can also sit on the ground with your back upright and legs crossed. Visualize that your body has roots that are growing into the ground. As your body roots to the earth, send the negative energies to the earth. Once ready, recall your roots which now carry positive energy from the earth. This visualization exercise can be enhanced by using chakra crystals that are suitable.
Other exercises that may be beneficial for your root chakra are aerobic exercises, dancing, or walking. To help you stay focused, you can listen to mantras and use chakra stones that correspond to the root chakra.
Muladhara
Attributes
Mantra
“I can’t grow from an unsteady foundation.”
Location
At the base of the spine
Color
Red, black
Element
Earth
Sense
Smell
Chakra Stone
Black onyx, Ruby, Red jasper, Red coral
Animal
Elephant, Bull, Ox
Essential oils / Herbs
Cedarwood, Rosemary, Clove, Dandelion
Svadhisthana – The Sacral Chakra
Svadhisthana or the sacral chakra is associated with flow. This represents the ability to let go and the capacity for change. Connecting the body and soul, this chakra is located in the lower abdomen.
The center of creative energy, this is where we “birth” unique ideas. A healthy sacral chakra generates authentic thoughts and ideas. It is also related to the reproductive system and sexual organs. When the sacral chakra is:
Balanced – We become more creative and spontaneous. This enables us to feel more pleasure and connect with our sexual energy.
Blocked – We tend to feel negative emotions such as anger, guilt, and shame. Relationships become less intimate, and we become subjected to panic attacks. Physically, there may be issues with the menstrual cycle and bladder. Other issues include fear of pleasure and contempt for sex.
Too open – There is a search for pleasure and addictions to food, drugs, alcohol, or sex.
Balancing The Sacral Chakra
Breathing exercises are important to balance the sacral chakra. You can use chakra crystals that correspond to the sacral chakra to amplify the energy. Practice the yoga position:
Baddha Konasana – Bound angle pose.
Other exercises that may be helpful include swimming and dances that involve pelvic movements. You can also opt for long showers, baths, and relaxing in a jacuzzi.
Svadhisthana
Attributes
Mantra
“I honor others but not before myself.”
Location
Lower abdomen
Color
Orange
Element
Water
Sense
Taste and touch
Chakra Stone
Citrine, Opal, Topaz, Amber
Animal
Fish, Snake, Reptile, Crocodile
Essential oils / Herbs
Ginger, Ylang-ylang, Vanilla
Manipura – The Solar Plexus Chakra
Manipura is the third chakra located in the abdomen between your diaphragm and navel. This chakra is related to power, strength, and self-will. It is linked to awareness of life and self-esteem. This chakra governs courage and confidence.
It is related to many different body parts including the muscles, skin, and eyes. Connected to the digestive system, it is linked to the large intestine, stomach, and liver. The solar plexus chakra signifies the union of the root and sacral chakra. When the solar plexus chakra is:
Balanced – We feel confident, strong, and in control. We are not afraid of what others think.
Blocked – We can become insecure, introverted, and feel inadequate. Physical issues may include gastritis, nausea, and liver issues.
Too open – There is a hunger for power and validation. We can become arrogant, overconfident, and aggressive.
Balancing The Solar Plexus Chakra
To rebalance the Manipura chakra, practice yoga positions that involve the abdomen such as:
Navasana – The boat position
Parivrtta Trikonasana – The rotated triangle
You can also meditate while using chakra crystals that are linked to the solar plexus chakra. Other activities that may help include running, changing habits, and breaking routines.
Manipura
Attributes
Mantra
“Self-love starts when I accept all parts of myself.”
Location
Solar plexus
Color
Yellow
Element
Fire
Sense
Sight and smell
Chakra crystals
Topaz, Citrine quartz, Calcite
Animal
Ram
Essential oils / Herbs
Cinnamon, Lemon, Mint, Tea tree, Cumin
Anahata – The Heart Chakra
The Anahata chakra is the central chakra. It unites the spiritual chakras and material chakras. For this reason, it represents the air that unites the earth and sky. It is related to compassion, humility, and generosity. The heart chakra is closely linked to the entire circulatory system including the heart and lungs.
It represents our love of life and our connection to the love that is around us. This chakra is where all energies meet. It is where we find calm and balance. When the heart chakra is:
Balanced – We are generous and caring. There is unconditional love. We become independent and love ourselves. Physically, the circulatory system functions smoothly.
Blocked – At first, we become incapable of self-love. With time, we become cold, suspicious, and unable to love others. Heart and lung issues may arise.
Too open – We focus our love and attention on others. This is only in hopes to gain benefits from the relationship. There is disconnection, isolation, and selfishness.
Balancing The Heart Chakra
Start by practicing yoga poses where the chest is involved. This includes the:
Dhanurasana – The bow pose
Anahatasana – The melting heart
Ustrasana – The camel pose
Breathing techniques such as pranayama can be beneficial. This breathing technique is an important part of yoga practice where some refer to it as the “heart of yoga”. Other full-breathing exercises that involve large chest openings can also be helpful.
Anahata
Attributes
Mantra
“When I love myself, loving others comes easily.”
Location
Center of the chest
Color
Green
Element
Air
Sense
Touch
Chakra Stone
Green Aventurine, Tourmaline
Animal
Antelope
Essential oils / Herbs
Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose, Thyme
Vishuddha – The Throat Chakra
Located at the base of the throat, this chakra is connected to communication with others and the self. It is linked to the throat, neck, arms, and hands. The throat chakra is a symbol of transparency. When it is:
Balanced – We can express ourselves easily in a calm and relaxed manner. This chakra helps express our creativity and smooth our relationships. We become interested in others without judgment. Concentration and learning peaks.
Blocked – There is an inability for self-expression. We become shy and awkward. Relationships with others disintegrate. There may be issues with breathing and the thyroid. Illnesses like speech disorders, asthma, and earaches may appear.
Too open – Our conversations become filled with manipulations and lies. We stop listening to others and do not accept criticism.
Balancing The Throat Chakra
Start by appreciating silence and listening to others. Fight your creative block by dancing, singing, writing, and painting. Learn to let go of your emotions. You can also practice the yoga pose:
Matsyasana – The fish pose
Focus on breathing during meditation. You can use chakra stones or chakra crystals that correspond to the throat chakra to amplify your energy. Other activities that may help are exercises involving the neck, vocal exercises, and singing.
Vishuddha
Attributes
Mantra
“I speak my truth always.”
Location
At the throat
Color
Light blue
Element
Ether
Sense
Hearing
Chakra stones
Lapis lazuli, Aquamarine
Animal
White elephant
Essential oils / Herbs
Lemongrass, Sage, Eucalyptus
Ajna – The Third Eye Chakra
The third eye chakra is the source of intuition. It represents vision beyond reality. The Ajna chakra is connected to the eyes, brain, and spinal cord. Uniting opposites and all duality, the third eye sees beyond earthly concepts. When the third eye chakra is:
Balanced – We become in tune with our higher self. This makes us more perceptive, intuitive, and aware. We become wiser and understand the essence of our surroundings. There is mental clarity.
Blocked – We cannot see beyond earthly possessions becoming cold, selfish, and shrewd. We only trust what we see with our eyes and are blind to our future. Issues such as insomnia, headaches, and eye issues may appear.
Too open – We become conceited and only celebrate ourselves. Physical issues such as fatigue, migraines, and neurosis may occur.
Balancing The Third Eye Chakra
Meditation is one of the best practices to rebalance the third eye chakra. Using chakra stones that are linked to this chakra, helps amplify the energy to unblock the Ajna chakra. This can be combined with breathing techniques such as pranayama. Practice the yoga pose:
Balasana – The child’s pose
Immerse yourself in nature and pay attention to your surroundings. Do activities that stimulate creativity such as visualization exercises. You can also massage your temples, eye contour, and eyes using your fingertips.
Ajna
Attributes
Mantra
“I am open to exploring what cannot be seen.”
Location
Between the eyebrows
Color
Purple or Indigo
Element
Light
Sense
Sixth sense or sight
Chakra Crystals
Amethyst, Opal, Lapis lazuli, Labradorite
Animal
None
Essential oils / Herbs
Juniper, Cypress, Mugwort
Sahasrara – The Crown Chakra
The highest chakra is located like a crown, at the top of your head. It is related to the brain and nervous system. The chakra of knowledge and liberation represents the connection to the universe. Those who reach this stage understand the mysteries of life as they are enlightened. When the crown chakra is:
Balanced – There is a sense of peace and happiness. We become compassionate, patient, and understanding.
Blocked – We become depressed and unwilling to live. We can no longer cultivate our spirituality. There is depression, exhaustion, and apathy.
Too open – There is attachment to material goods and power. We become impatient, anxious, and arrogant. There may be bullying and always wanting to be right.
Balancing The Crown Chakra
Start with yoga positions that stimulate the top of the head such as:
Sirsasana – The headstand
Padmasana – Lotus pose
Sasangasana – The rabbit pose
You can also use meditation and prayer exercises to activate the crown chakra. Use chakra stones and crystals to help support you throughout your session.
Sahasrara
Attributes
Mantra
“I am a vessel for love and light.”
Location
Above the head
Color
Deep purple, White
Element
Metal
Sense
Empathy, Thought
Chakra Crystal
Amethyst, Hyaline quartz, Diamond
Animal
None
Essential oils / Herbs
Lavender, Frangipani, St. John’s wort
Cleansing Chakras with Chakra Crystals
To cleanse your chakra, start with a quiet mind. Meditate to connect to your inner self. Focus on filling your chakra with light and releasing negative energy. You can use chakra crystals to reset and open your chakra. These chakra stones help maintain and stimulate your energy.
The easiest way to tap into a crystal’s energy is to place it over your chakra for 15 minutes. This rebalances the energy center. Choose a crystal that corresponds to the chakra you are targeting. You can also hold the crystal in your hands. Focus your attention on the crystal and say your mantra. Breathe gently and let the process unfold.
Chakra cleansing is different for each person. All you need to remember is your awareness. Bring your chakras into balance and express yourself fully. Embody your true self.
How To Choose The Right Chakra Stone?
Look for a stone that corresponds to the chakra you are targeting. Each chakra can have several different stones. Determine which stone works best for you based on your circumstance. You can also choose a stone using your intuition. If possible, hold the stone and feel the energy.
If it is too hard to choose, you can buy a chakra kit. This kit has seven types of stones, one for each chakra. Some kits contain more stones so you can pair different healing crystals. Many of these kits have programs for you to follow, a great way for beginners to start out.
Wearing Your Chakra Stone
Once you have chosen your stone, always clear your stones before using them. This can be done by washing them in saltwater or burying the stones in the ground. Charge them by putting them under the moonlight.
After obtaining your stone, consider wearing it as jewelry. The stone power increases with the clarity of your intention. Wearing a chakra crystal can radiate and attract energy. Chakra stones are now available as a pendant, bracelet, ring, and more.
Chakra Stones Yoni Eggs and Yoni Wands
You can also use yoni eggs as they are made from gemstones. Many yoni egg users use them to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and for self-care. These carefully sculpted Kegel adjuncts double as a chakra stone for meditation.
Yoni wands are also available. These crystal sex toys provide pleasure while supporting your general wellness. Some types of yoni eggs and their corresponding chakras include:
As we come to the end of an intriguing journey, we hope you have learned more about the 7 chakras and the different chakra stones. Practice mindfulness and awareness to balance your chakras. Yoga and meditation with the support of chakra crystals are the best ways to help your energy flow efficiently again.
Aimee is a mindfulness enthusiast who's practiced yoga for 21 years. She earned her B.A. in French from Tulane University and a Doctorate in Naturopathy from Clayton College.