Types of ChakrasThe simplistic position asserts that there is only one type of chakra, or at best two (major and minor). This in fact is quite incorrect, and comes from the obscure nature of the aura and thesubtle body(yogic anatomy), and the fact that the different grades, organs, strata, and so on are frequently confused and jumbled, owing to a lack of an overall systematic framework.It seems to me that there are at least five different chakra series (and probably more). These are:1. TheSeven Primary Major Chakras- these arearchetypaland pertain toemanated levelsof Consciousness and Being - the "inner subtle,causalandsupracausalbeing. In each of these regions or hypostases they represent the original microcosmicvertical axis("Mount Meru"), and contain (links to) gods and majorplanes of existence2. The Tan Tien ("Cauldren" for the processing of ch'i), of which there are at least three, which seem to constitute theethericcounterparts of the Primary Chakras, and are located with the body.3. The (at least 18, if not much more)Secondary Major Chakras. These are etheric and pertain to thesubtle physical being. They ideally constitute - or rather can be awakened into - a rhythmic microcosmic orbit (although this is very rarely the case because of congested energy flow etc)4. The ten(?) important "chakras" (if they can be called such) are obviously also associated with the internal organs. Chinese medicine speaks of the five pairs (one major and one minor) of internal organs, each pair associated with specificcorrespondencessuch as an emotion, a taste, colour, cardinal point, etc etc. These body chakras would seem to constitute a different series again.5. A larger number ofTertiary, Minor Chakras. These are associated with acupunture points, sensitive points in the body, etc6. An even much larger number of Quaternary, Quinternary etc chakras (minor acupuncture points etc), associated along the meridians.A distinction has to be made between primary andsecondarychakras, as these are very often confused.The primary chakras, as here defined, are the chakras as described by original Tantra (Shaktism,Nathism, etc), which can only be accessed through deep yogic practice. These chakras arearchetypaland do not have a form; the form they are represented as in tantric literature is stylised and symbolic. Now do they have a precise location. They are associated with specificcorrespondencesincluding mantric vibrations, elements, gods, etc.The primary chakras are represented in avertical axis(the microcosmic "Mount Meru" - world mountain), and are polarised according toShiva(pure unmanifest Consciousness, the Godhead) andShakti(the power of manifestation). Shakti is represented by theKundalini energyat the base of the spine, or more strictly speaking, in the Muladhara chakra (which as with all the Primary Chakras does not have a strict physical location). Shiva is located in the crown chakra (Saharsrara) at the crown above the head. This vertical polarisation represents the majorplanes of existenceAs microcosmic archetypes the primary chakras can beequatedwith theten sefirotof Kabbalah, which are arranged, significantly, in seven rows. Various schemes and suggestions have been made to equate the two, but none are completely satisfactory.It is possible that the primary chakras pertain toarchetypal octavesof the successiveemanatedlevels of Inner Consciousness and Being. Through contemplation on the mantric seed syllables, colours, deities, etc, one moves progressively inward, towards the spiritual-divine center and essence of one's being. InSant Matfor example there is the meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga) on inner lights and sounds, which allows the soul to transcend each of the successive spiritual regions in turn. But in traditional tantra, the path of Kundalini (which can be considered pertaining to the "subtlereality) involves the ascent along the vertical axis to the Crown Chakra, and thence (so the traditional texts say) to liberation.erminologyTantricsahasrara, sahasrara padma, sahasrara mahapadma, sahasrara ambuja, sahasrara saroruha, sahasradala, sahasradala padma, pankaja, or kamala, sahasrachchada panikaja, sahasrabja, sahasrapatra, sahasradala adhomukha padma, adhomukha mahapadma, wyomambhoja, wyoma, shiras padma, amlana padma (or parikaja), dashashatadala padma, shuddha padma

Vedic (late Upanishads)sahasrara, sahasradala, sahasrara kamala (pankaja, or padma), sthana, kapalasamputa, wyomambuja, wyoma, akasha chakra

Puranicsahasrara, sahasradala, sahasrara kamala (parikaja, or padma), sahasrapatra, sahasraparna padma, shantyatita, shantyatita pada, parama

Positionin void-region, as the upper part of the guru chakra

Petalsnumber1000, arranged from right to left, in 20 layers, each containing 50, and the arrangement of the petals gives the appearance of the sahasrara as bell-shaped

colourwhite, red, yellow, golden, changing colours of white, red, yellow, black and green

Matrika-letterson petals50 in number in each layer: Angto L(rh)angor Kshang, arranged from right to left

colourpetal-colour, or normal colour

Pericarp colourgolden

In the pericarp(see diagram below)the circular moon-regionthe luminous triangle (inside the moon-region)ama-kala (inside the triangle)ama-kala is subtle, shining in colour and crescent-shaped (in one-half coil)nirvana-kala (inside ama-kala)nirvana-kala is very subtle, shining red in colour, and crescent-shaped (in one-half coil)nirodhika-fire (within nirvana-kala)nirvana shakti (inside nirvana-kala)nirvana shakti is extremely subtle, and shining red in colourvoid (inside the triangle)void is in the form of a circle and is the centre of Supreme BinduVisarga; its first point is just beyond ama-kala, and the second point is just below Supreme BinduDivine Sharikhini who is above the second point of Visarga, and extends from Supreme Bindu, passing through Supreme Nada, Shakti principle to Sakala Shiva in coils, and then is absorbed into Parama Shiva [the Absolute]

Further AssociationsThe majority opinion seems to be that above theCrown or Nirvana Chakraare not one but several higher centres, which, like the inner mid-line centres, are not a part of the regular microcosmic orbit.Sri Aurobindomentions only one, the Sahasrara. Shyam Sundar Goswami [Laya Yoga] refers to two: the Guru Chakra, white in colour and possessing twelve petals, and the Sahasrara or Sahsradala Chakra, with a thousand petals, of golden or variable colour. In theRadha Soamisystem however there are five higher chakras, the first being the Crown or Sahasrara centre, and each corresponding to a particular heaven region and inner or yogic sound (nada or shabda).Ann Ree Coltonspeaks of five chakras above the Crown centre. Whatever the number, all agree that these higher chakras represent varying degrees of transpersonal or higher spiritual Intuitive Divine Consciousness.Barbara Brennanrefers to the highest point in this central chakra line the ID point or individuation point; located about a metre above the head, it represents our first individuation out of the void or unmanifest Godhead [Light Emerging,p.289]. This would be the same as Ann Ree Colton's "Eternal Sustaining Atom" or "Atma" located above the head as far as the arms can reach, and which constitutes the highest sphere of spiritual consciousness. This is region of the superconscious principle and demiurgic hierarchies [Colton,The Third Music, pp.85-6, 124, 132].

The 1000 petals of the Sahasrara, arranged in 20 layers, each containing 50 petalsand the arrangement of the petals giving (as a cross-section?) a bell-shaped appearance

The Ajna Chakra

The word Ajna means "command", in the sense of theGuru's command (spiritual guidance). TheTantricAjna or Brow chakra has two petals, is associated with thetattwaof Manas or Mind (not to be confused with theManas-Chakra), which is beyond even the most subtle elements (although still part of embodied existence). It is said to be white in colour. More recently inWestern occultandNew Agethought the Ajna chakra has been identified with the "third eye" (eye of psychic vision), and other such concepts not found in the original Tantrika system.the Ajna ChakraThe Ajna chakra showing the two petals, theitara-linga(the upraised conical object in the triangle), and the Pranava orAum.

The Ajna chakra with Hakini shakti in the centerAJNATerminologyTantricajna, ajita-patra, ajna-pura, ajna-puri, ajnamhuja, ajnapankaja, jnana-padma, dwidala, dwidalambuja, dwidala-kamala, dwipatra, bhru-saroruha, triweni-kamala, netra-padma, netra-patra, bhru-mandala, bhru-madhya, bhru-madhyaga-padma, bhru-madhya-chakra, bhru-mula, shiva-padma

Vedic (late Upanishads)ajna, bhru chakra, bhruyugamadhyabila, baindawa-sthana, dwidala

Puranicajna, dwidala, trirasna

Positionexternally, eyebrow-region

Petalsnumbertwo

colourwhite, lightning-like

Matrika-letterson petalstwo in number: HangKshang, arranged from right to left

colourwhite, golden, variegated, shining

In the pericarppowerHakini

Concentration form of HakiniHakini is moon-white, white, a mixture of white-black-red, dark-blue, or red in colour; she has one, two, three, four, five or six laces; six faces of red colour; three-eyed; six-armed, holding a book, a skull, a drum, and a rudraksha rosary, and making the gestures of granting boons and of dispelling fear; holding a rudraksha rosary, a drum, a skull, a book, and a bow, and showing the mudra; holding a skull, a spear, and a shield, and making the gestures of granting boons and of dispelling fear; two-armed; clad in red raiment with the white upper garment; seated on a white lotus

In the pericarp above Hakinia triangle

Within the triangleItara-linga

colourmoon-white, golden, red

Above Itara-lingaa trianglepranava (Ong) [=AUM] in the triangle

colourmoon-white

Above pranawa-bindusubtle manas (manas 2) (in bindu pitha)

Above Manas 2nada (manas chakra)

colourshining white

the Ajna System

The Ajna system showing:the Ajna chakra (bottom) with theManas,Indu, and Mahanada centers above it,then theNirvana chakraat the top of the head (frequently identified with the Sahasrara),and above that the higher centers, culminating in theSahasrara proper

Further AssociationsAlthoughTantraoften refers to the Ajna Chakra as being located in the brow region, the implication is that this is its external manifestation, whereas the actual position is in the middle of the brain behind the brows. I differ from this conventional explanation in positing a front (descending) and an internal "Ajna" centre, as well as the back-of-the-head (ascending) centre.InTaoism, this primary chakra in the centre of the brain is variously referred to as the Square Inch [Secret of the Golden Flower, p.25], the Heavenly Heart [Ibid], the Crystal Palace [Mantak Chia,Awaken Healing Light, pp.222-223], theUpper Tan Tien, the Original Cavity of the Spirit (Yuan Shen Shih) or the Ancestral Cavity (Tsu Ch'iao) [Taoist Yoga - Alchemy and Immortality, pp.5, 9, etc]. As with the other mid-line chakras, the Ajna is not a Chi-energy chakra, part of the ch'i circuit ormicrocosmic orbit, but a subtle consciousness centre, located along the laser line orSushumni nadithat extends from the Perineal (the lower or yin polarity) to the Crown (the upper or yang polarity). It constitutes the central focus point or governing centre of the otherhead chakras.The Brow Chakra corresponds to the eleventh or 772.0 Bode position. There is no planet known in this orbital, although the 20th centuryalchemistFrater Albertus locates "Adonis" here [The Seven Rays of the QBL, p.40]. The reason why he puts such a "personal" myth-symbol in such a position (past Pluto, the Underworld), is not stated. His association of Adonis with Pisces, and transference of Neptune from Pisces to Taurus [Ibid, p.45], seems to be very difficult to go along with.The Vishuddha Chakra

InShakta Tantra, the Vishuddha chakra has sixteen smoke-coloured petals, each linked with one of the Sanskrit vowels. The central chakra-region is either white, transparent, smoke, or sky-blue in colour, and is associated with the element Space (Akasha), through which are transmitted the subtle vibrations of mantras [Laya Yoga].Deities within the Vishuddha Chakracounterclockwise from the bottom: Ambara, Sadashiva, Shakini

VISHUDDHATerminologyTantricvishuddha, vishuddhi, kantha, kanthadesha, kanthapadma, kanthapankaja,kanthambuja, kanthambhoja, shodasha, shodasha-dala, shodashara,nirmala-padma, dwyashtapatrambuja, akasha, shodashollasa-dala,shodasha-patra

Vedic (late Upanishads)vishuddha, vishuddhi, kantha chakra

Puranicvishuddha, vishuddhi

Positionexternally, neck-region

Petalsnumbersixteen, arranged from right to left

coloursmoke colour, shining smoke colour

Matrika-letterson petalssixteen in number;AngAngIngIngUngUng Ring RingLring LringEng AingOngOung AngAh, arranged from right to left

colourdeep red, red, golden

Vrittison petalssixteen in number, arranged from right to left

name1 Pranava (mantra Ong[Aum]); 2 Udgitha (the Sama-mantras); 3 Hung(a mantra); 4 Phat(a mantra); 5 Washat(a mantra); 6 Swadha (a mantra); 7 Swaha (a mantra); 8 Namak (a mantra); 9 Amfita (nectar and seven (musical) tones, viz. 1 nishada; 2 riskabha; 3 gandhara; 4 shadja; 5 madhyama; 6 dhaiwata; 7 pachama

In the pericarpcircular akasha-regiona triangle inside the akasha-regioncircular lunar region inside the triangle

colourakasha-region; white, transparent or smoketriangle; sky-blue or smokelunar-region; white

Akasha-bijaHanginside lunar region

colour of Akasha-bijawhite

Form of Akasha-bijadeityAmbara (Akasha)

Concentration form of AmbaraAmbara is white in colour; four-armed, holding a noose and a goad, and making the gestures of granting hoons and dispelling fear; seated on a white elephant

In thebinduof HangdeitySadashiva

Concentration form of SadashivaSadashiva as Ardhanarishwara: The right half of the body (the Shiva aspect) is white, and the left half (the Shakti aspect) is golden; five-faced, three-eyed; ten-armed, holding a trident, a chisel (or an axe), a sword, the wajra, fire, the great snake, a bell, a goad and a noose, and making the gestures of dispelling fear; clad in tiger's skin

Presidingdivinitypower Shakini

Concentration of ShakiniShakini is shining white, or yellow in colour; five-faced, three-eyed, four-armed, holding a bow and arrow, noose and goad; or a noose, a goad and a book and making the attitude of janamudra; or a bow, a trident and a book and showing janamudra; or a noose, a trident, and a and showing janamudra; or two-armed, holding the Vajra and a staff; clad in yellow raiment or black raimeot; seated in a red lotus

Further AssociationsBothAnn Ree Colton[Kundalini West, p.298] and Oscar Marcel Heinze [Tantra Vidya] associated this centre astrologically with the planet Mars, and this is in keeping with the astrological series followed here. Mars represents dynamic energy, and rules the sign of Aries, initiating new beginnings. In theQabalisticscheme too, in both the linear and the holistic/tree diagrams this centre is associated with the principle or Sphere of Mars.The Anahata Chakra

InTantra, the Anahata ("Unstruck Note") chakra is said to have twelve petals of a red or white hue, while the central part is a smokey colour. It is associated with the element ortattwaof Air, and is the seat of theDivine Soulor Higher Self, the Jivatman, represented by the image of a motionless golden lamp-flame.Deities within the Anahata Chakracounterclockwise from the bottom: Vayu, Isha, KakiniANAHATATerminologyTantricanahata, anahata-puri, padma-sundara, dwadasha, dwadashadala, suryasangkhyadala, hrit padma, hritpatra, hritpankeruha, hritsaroruha, hridambhoja, hridambuja, hridabja, hridaya, h'idayambhoja, hridayambuja, hridayasarasija, hridayabja, hridaya kamala, hritpankaja

Vedic (late Upanishads)anahata, hridaya chakra, dwadashara chakra, fourth chakra

Puranicanahata

Positionexternally, heart region

Petalsnumbertwelve, arranged from right to left

colourdeep red, shining red, shining vermilion, yellow, dark blue-yellow, white

Matrika-letterson petalstwelve in number; KangKhangGangGhangNangChangChangJangJhangangTang Thang, arranged from right to left

colourvermilion, deep red, shining red, white

Vrittison petalstwelve in number, arranged from right to left

name1 lustfulness; 2 fraudulence; 3 indecision; 4 repentance; 5 hope; 6 anxiety; 7 longing; 8 impartiality; 9 arrogance; 10 incompetency; 11 discrimination; 12 an attitude of defiance

In the pericarphexagonal 'air'-region

colour of the Air Regionsmoke-coloured, black

Air-bijain Air RegionYang

colour of Air-bijasmoke-coloured

Form of Air-bijadeityVayu

Concentration form of VayuVayu is smoke-coloured; four-armed, holding an kusha; seated on a black antelope

In thebinduof YangdeityIsha

Concentration form of IshaIsha is shining white as pure crystal in colour; one-faced, or five-faced, three-eyed; two-armed, four-armed, or ten-armed; making the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear; clad in tiger's skin or silken raiment

Presidingdivinitypower Kakini

Concentration of KakiniKakini is shining yellow, shining red, moon-white or white in colour; one-faced, three-faced or six-faced; three-eyed; four-armed or two-armed; holding a noose and a skull; a trident, a drum, and a noose; a noose, a trident, a skull, and a drum; a skull and a trident; a trident, a bow, and a skull; the Veda; making the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear; the gesture of dispelling fear; the gesture of granting boons; clad in white raiment, black raiment, or yellow raiment; seated in a red lotus

In the pericarpa triangle

colour of the trianglelightning-like, golden

Within the triangleBana-linga

colourgolden, shining red

In the pericarpJivatman

Concentration formmotionless flame of a lamp, shining gold colour

Further AssociationsAstrologically, there is no doubt that this centre corresponds to the Sun (althoughAnn Ree Coltonmakes the strange association that it is linked withVenus, perhaps because she wishes to reserve the sun for the "Tenth Chakra" [Kundalini West, p.298]. Colton reflects her Christian bias by locating "Jesus" in this chakra; in fact it is more likely that the Jesus-impulse is accessed through the front Heart chakra, not the rear will centre.Rudolph Steinerhowever associates theSphere of the Sunspiritually with the "Cosmic Christ" or "Spirit of Form"; the Divine principle behind the Human Christ, and cosmic and human evolution. In theKabbalisticlinear series ofSefirot, the Anahata/Sun Centre corresponds to the Sefirah ofTifaret, representing the first stage of the initiate or adept, in which one recieves revelation from one's Higher Self or "Holy Guardian Angel" (represented by Keter, the highest Sefirah).According toTibetan Buddhism, the white, eight-petalled Heart centre is the meeting place of the Red and White Drops, and the seat of the "Very Subtle Mind" and "Very Subtle Wind" that are immortal and pass from life-time to life-time [Clear Light of Bliss, p. xxx]; equivalent to Ann Ree Colton's heart "permanent atom" [Colton,The Third Music, p. xxx ]. The Tibetans also describe this centre as the seat of the Dharmakaya or Buddha-nature Truth-body, which is of the essence ofAbsolute Reality(in Hindu thought, the equivalent term would be the Paramatman or Supreme Self).InKabbalah, this Centre corresponds toTifaret, located in the very Centre of the Tree, on the central pillar betweenYesodandDaat. An alternate, Medieval Jewish representation of the Tree has Tifaret connected by eight paths to the other sefirot [see left]; this recalls the eight spokes or petals of the Tibetan Heart-wheel.InTaoism, this centre is located at the top of the central "Thrusting Channel", and is identified with the heart and the "House of Fire". It is counterpole of theLower Tan Tienor "House of Water", and the yogi is advised to shuttle the chi between these two centres, but not going above or below them [Taoist Yoga - Alchemy and Immortality, pp. xxx ]. Note that inTibetan Buddhism(influenced no doubt by Indian Tantra) it is the Navel Centre (a little above the Lower Tan Tein) that constitutes the "Fire" Centre.The Manipura Chakra

In the IndianTantrictradition, the Manipura chakra, or "place of gems", is described as having ten petals, red in colour with a downward pointing triangle, representing thetattwaof fire. This chakra is traditionally located at the navel (hence the alternative name of nabhi (navel) chakra), but in many modern (especially Theosophical- and New Age - orientated) chakra formulations it is placed at the Solar Plexus. This latter however seems to refer to a distinct (minor) chakra - theSolar Plexuschakra.

Deities within the Manipura Chakracounterclockwise from the bottom: Vahni, Rudra, Lakini

Chakra table 3MANIPURATerminologyTantricmanipura, manipuraka, dashapatra, dashadala padma, dashapatrambuja, dashachchada, nabhipadma, nabhipankaja

Vedic (late Upanishads)manipura, manipuraka, nabhi chakra

Puranicmanipura, nabhi chakra

Positionexternally, navel region

Petalsnumberten, arranged from right to left

colourblack, dark-green or dark-blue

Matrika-letterson petalsten in number:Dang Dhang NangTangThangDangDhangNangPang, Phang, arranged from right to left

colourdark-blue, black, lightning-like

Vrittison petalsten in number, arranged from right to left

name1 spiritual ignorance; 2 thirst; 3jealousy; 4 treachery; 5 shame; 6 fear; 7 disgust; 8 delusion; 9 foolishness; 10 sadness

In the pericarptriangular 'fire'-region

colour of the Fire Regionred, deep red

Fire-bijain Fire RegionRang

colour of Fire-bijared

Form of Fire-bijadeityVahni

Concentration form of VahniVahni is shining red; four-armed, holding a rudraksha rosary and a spear, and showing the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear; seated on a ram

In thebinduof RangdeityRudra

Concentration form of RudraRudra is red or white; three-eyed; two-armed, showing the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear; seated on a bull

Presidingdivinitypower Lakini

Concentration of LakiniLakini is black or dark-blue vermilion, pale-red, or deep red in colour; three-eyed, or three-faced with three eyes in each face; four-armed, holding Vajra and a spear, and making the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear; or two-armed holding a noose and a goad, as showing the gestures of granting boon and dispelling fear; dressed in yellow raiment, or white raiment; seated on a red lotus

Further AssociationsIn addition to thefront (navel)andrear (kidney)"Manipura" Centres, there is a third Centre, red in colour, located in the central "Thrusting Channel" that links the Perineal and Crown Chakras. In Tibetan Buddhism this centre is called the Wheel of Emanation (corresponding to the Nirmanakaya or manifest physical body), it is said to have sixty-four petals, a central triangle, and is the source of the Red Drop or Tumo that when activated ascends and unites with the descending White Drop in the central Heart Chakra. This centre links to thePubicandPerinealchakras. It is not part of the normal microcosmic orbit, but is associated with higher yogic consciousness.This centre is equivalent to whatBarbara Brennancalls the Tan Tien, and describes it as the one note that holds our physical body in manifestation [Light Emerging, p.289]. She describes it as being one and a half inches below the navel - about the position of theSea of Chicentre, and is linked downward to the molten core of the Earth. This inner Tan Tien or central Muladhara would in fact stand behind and suport the outer Tan Tien or Lower Elixar Field, just as the entire chakra system supports the physical body.Perhaps it is this central Manipura orLower Tan Tiencentre that represents the red or Fire-polarity usually associated with the central part of the Tantric Manipura chakra; remember that in Tantra, the central and the rear chakra-series are confused.Astrologically(in terms of the etheric body of the solar system), the planet or Celestial Sphere that links with the Manipura in the Geocentric astrological arrangement, isVenus, and hence theLower Emotional Body. The spiritual philosopher Oscar Marcel Hinze, in his essay "Understanding Archaic Astronomy", relatesMercuryto the Swadhisthana chakra (which however I would associate with theMoon), and Venus to the Manipura, which does match this association.However, in the Heliocentric arrangement, (which might reflect the actual macrocosmic sequence of Chakras or Celestial Spheres), this centre might be said to correspond to the astrological planet Venus; in the linear Qabalistic series the sefirah Netzah, representing spontaneity and joy (hence the link with adrenal excitement). Ann Ree Colton associates this chakra withJupiter[Kundalini West, p.298], which is in contemporary astrology ghenerally considered the "higher octave" of Venus.But in terms of Geocentric astrology (which reflects the path of the Soul to and from the Earth sphere), this centre corresponds to the macrocosmic chakra or planet Mercury, and for this reason this chakra is often said to mental chakra [Barbara Brennan, p.75] and is associated with the mental body or rational intellect [Hills]. Qabalistically also, in terms of the Holistic Tree of Life diagram, the Diaphramatic Centre represents the upper part of the Sefirah Hod.The Christian TheosophistAnn Ree Coltonputs Buddha - obviously the Divine orAvataricprinciple, not the human Buddha - in the "solar plexus" chakra [Kundalini West, p.350]. This would be a strange association with Jupiter, which she has already matched with Chakra. But it makes more sense in terms of the Geocentric symbolism, which would link this Buddha-principle to Mercury or the archetype of the Intellect or Mental Body. Both Blavatsky and Steiner associate the figure of Buddha with the sphere of Mercury, although Steiner makes the rather bizaare statement elsewhere that Buddha went on to become the "Christ" of the Martians! Perhaps there is a link here with the Vishuddha or Base of the Neck Centre, representing the microcosmic equivalence of the Celestial Sphere of Mars.

Correspondences:Status: Primary ChakraSpokes/Petals: 10 (Shakta); or 64 (Tibetan).Colours: Red (petals: black, dark green, or dark blue); .Element: FirePsyche: Will-powerOccult faculty: Centre oftu-mo(inner fire) (Tibetan)Correspondence: corresponds to emanation body (Nirmanakaya) in Tibetan BuddhismGeocentric Astrological Correspondence: VenusKabbalistic Sefirot -HodandNetzahThe Swadhisthana Chakra

In the IndianTantrictradition, this chakra, called the Swadhisthana or "Self or Own Abode", is figured as having six petals, white in colour, and with a crescent in the center, thetattwaof water. This chakra therefore corresponds to the element Water and is traditionally associated with the sexual impulses and sexual energy. I would be suggested that it does not, however, correspond to the sex-organs as such, which are under the supervision of theSacralandPubicCentres, but to the original subtle energy behind the sexual impulse.Indian teachings place a lot of emphasise on celibacy, in order to raise and transmute this powerful sexual energy to the brain (or, more correctly, the UpperTien TanCentre, to use theTaoistparadigm), increasing higher consciousness. This is actually the basic principle behind celibacy in all religions, includingCatholicism. In practice however, this noble ideal flounders, because the individual is not yet ready to renounce physical sex, and may become psychologically unbalanced, full of guilt, or turn to paedophilia or other unnatural forms of sex.Deities within the Swadhisthana Chakracounterclockwise from the bottom: Varuna, Vishnu, Rakini

Chakra table 2SWADHISTHANATerminologyTantricswadhishthana, adhishthana, bhima, shatpatra, skaddala padma, wari-chakra

Vedic (late Upanishads)swadhishthana, medhra

Puranicswadhishthana

Positionexternally, genital region

Petalsnumbersix; arranged from right to left

colourvermilion, deep red, shining red, whitish red, lightning-like, golden

Matrika-letterson petalssix in number: BangBhangMangYangRangLang, arranged from right to left

colourlightning-like, diamond-white, white, vermilion

Vrittison petalssix in number; arranged from right to left

name1 affection; 2 pitilessness; 3 feeling of all-destructiveness; 4 delusion; 5 disdain; 6 suspicion

In the pericarphalf-moon-shaped 'water'-region

colour of the Water Regionwhite

Water-bija(in Water Region)Wang

colour of Water-bijamoon-white

Form of Water-bijadeityVaruna

Concentration form of VarunaVaruna is white in colour, four-armed, holding a noose, and seated on amakara("crocodile" - "water monster")

In thebinduof WangdeityVishnu

Concentration form of VishnuVishnu is shining dark-blue (or black), golden, crystal-white, moon-white, and white; youthful and graceful; three-eyed, four-armed, holding a conch, wheel, mace and lotus; dressed in yellow raiment; wears shriwatsa-mark, Koustubha-gem and wanamala; seated ongaruda

Presidingdivinitypower Rakini

Concentration of RakiniRakini is dark-blue (or black), or red in colour; beautiful-faced, vermilion-mark on forehead; three-eyed; dressed in white raiment; two-armed, holding a sword and a shield; or, four-armed, holding a trident, a lotus, a drum and the Vajra, or a chisel; seated on a red lotus

Further AssociationsAnn Ree Coltonlinks this Centre with the god Jehovah (perhaps because ofRudolph Steiner, who, curiously, associates Jehovah with the Moon), who she describes as the "Race Lord", responsible for the moulding of races, and also for wars. It may well be that Jehovah represents the negative or destructive polarity of this chakra, just as the Pagan Goddess (more usually associatyed with the Moon) represents the positive or creative polarity. In any case, this centre is very much tied up with the drive to physical procreation and, hence, biological evolution of the species.Astrologically then, this centre perhaps corresponds to the Moon - not the actual physical moon of course, but the subtle-causal or etheric counterpart (relative to which the gross or external moon is simply the physical body), the first "Celestial Sphere" relative to Earthly existence. Relative to the Sun and the Solar System as a whole, however, this Centre corresponds to the first Macrocosmic Chakra, represented by the etheric (non-physical) planet Vulcan.Further Correspondences:Status: Primary ChakraSpokes/Petals: 6.Element: WaterAstrological Association MoonDeity: Yahweh, Indra, VishnuKabbalistic Sefirot:YesodThe Muladhara Chakra

The Muladhara is one of the seven Primary Chakras, and is associated with the element: Earth, representing the densest grade of manifestation. In the Kundalini-yoga system ofShaktism, the Muladhara Centre is described as having four petals, corresponding to the psychological states of greatest joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passions, and blissfulness in concentration. All these qualities correspond to the bliss of realising the Divine in the physical body. The highest and most complete forms of spirituality do not reject the body, but see it as the vehicle for the transmutation of the body and the spirit together.It is, according to Shakta Tantric doctrine, the seat ofKundalini, the latent cosmic energy or shakti that resides in every living being. When this latent power is activated through Hatha Yoga practicises (pranayama, purification of thenadis, etc), it rises through each of the rear or spinal chakras, and up through the top of the head, to theSahasraraor "Thousand Petalled Lotus" located above the crown. There it unites with its opposite polarity, the Paramashiva or Supreme Godhead Consciousness, and the yogi attains total Liberation from phenomenal reality.Colours associated with this chakra are red, yellow, and golden. It could be considered the bliss centre for physical body.Deities within the Muladhara Chakra

countercounterclockwise from the bottom: Indra, Brahma, DakiniMULADHARATerminologyTantricmuladhara, adhara, mula chakra or padma, brahma padma or bhumi chakra, chaturdala, chatuhpatra

Vedic (late Upanishads)muladhara, adhara, mulakanda, brahma

Puranicmuladhara, adhara

Positionexternally, perineal region, close to anus

Petalsnumberfour; arranged from right to left

colourblood-red (deep red), shining red, yellow, golden (shining yellow)

Matrika-letterson petalsfour in number;Wang Shang Shang Sang, arranged from right to left

colourgold (shining yellow), blood red (deep red)

Vrittison petalsfour in number; arranged from right to left

name1 greatest joy; 2 natural pleasure; 3 delight in controlling passion; 4 blissfulness in concentration

In the pericarpquadrangular Earth-region

colour of the Earth Regionyellow, golden (shining yellow)

Earth-bija(in Earth Region)Lang

colour of Earth-bijayellow, shining yellow

Form of Earth-bijadeityIndra

Concentration form of IndraIndra is yellow in colour, four-armed, holding the Vajra and a blue lotus in his hands, mounted on the white elephant Airawata

In thebinduofLangdeityBrahma

Concentration form of BrahmaBrahma is deep red, young, four-faced, three-eyed, four-armed, holding a staff, a sacred water-pot, and a rosary of rudraksha, and making the gesture of dispelling fear; seated on a swan

Presidingdivinitypower Dakini

Concentration of DakiniDakini is shining red or shining white in colour; she has beautifull face with three eyes; four-armed, holding a trident, a skulled staff, a swan and a drinking vessel; seated on a red lotus

Triangle colourshining deep red

Swayambhu-lingalocationinside the triangle

formbroad at the bottom and tapers to a point at the top

colourshining deep red, black (or green), golden (shining yellow)

Kundalini asKula-KundaliniSupremely subtle, lightning-like splendorous; also of shining red, white and black (or dark-green) colour; in three and a half coils around Swayambhu-linga

The Secondary Chakrasillustration from Barbara Brennan,Hands of Light, Bantam Books 1987, p.44The secondary chakras are the chakras described byTheosophy, theNew Agemovement,Christopher Hills,Barbara Brennan, and many others. Unlike the archetypalPrimary chakrasthey have a specific form (usually described as vortexes of energy), colour and a specific precise location in theauric bodies(although these qualities will vary according to the individual). These chakras areethericand pertain to thesubtle physical being, which includes not only the ordinary everyday consciousness but even psychic, occult and many transpersonal andmysticstates.List of Secondary Chakras (front and rear) and psycho-auric zone each pertains to.psycho-auric zonerear chakras(governor channel)ascendingfront chakras(descending channel)

ImaginationCrown

IntuitionBack of Headupper forehead

Indu/forhead

Manas/forehead

Brow

Intuition?Mouth of GodTalu/Lalana

Intuitive Feeling

Back of NeckThroat

Base of NeckBase of Throat

Thymic

FeelingShoulder BladesHeart

Intellectual?DiaphragmaticSolar Plexus

IntellectualDoor of LifeNavel/Sea of Ch'i

SocialSacralPubic

SensationCoccygeal

Perineum

The Secondary chakras (front and rear) according to Barbara Brennan and Mantak Chia

The chakras located at the front (feeling) and rear (will) of the body, as described byBarbara Brennan, . The psychological characteristics of each chakra are emphasised, but there is no conception of a circulation of energy. The idea of an energy axis down the midline of the body, rather than along the spine, is not found in other books and may be a result of artistic (mis)interpretation.diagram fromHands of Light, Bantam New Age books, 1988, p.46.

The microcosmic orbit showing theyin(descending, in black), andyang(ascending, flame) points which can be equated with the Secondary chakras. This is a dynamic conception involving the circulation of Ch'i energy. However there is little emphasis on the psychological aspects of these centers.diagram fromMantak and Maneewan ChiaAwaken Healing Light of the Tao(Healing Tao Books, 1993), p.170.

The secondary chakras can be awakened into a rhythmic microcosmic orbit throughmeditationand disciplined practice (this is the initial stage of TaoistNei Tanor Internal Alchemy). Thismicrocosmic orbit- called theCirculation of the Light- is actually (I believe) the equivalent of the macrocosmic cycle of evolutionarymetamorphosis, as described in theosophical and anthroposphical teachings (Rounds, Root Races, etc).In occult, spiritual, andNew Ageliterature the secondary chakras are almost always confused with thePrimary Major Chakras. This confusion is due to the imperfect state ofesotericknowledge at the moment (equivalent tosciencein the 16th or 17th century). In fact the two types of chakra are quite distinct and easily distinguished. The following table gives some contrasts:

Primary ChakraSecondary Chakra

Inner Being (Archetypal)Outer Being (Etheric)

No spatial location except by analogySpatial location along front and rear midline of body

Vertical (rising) orientationCyclic (rise along back, descend along front)

Stylised (Tantric) iconography - lotus flowersClairvoyantly described as vortexes

correspond to mantric letters, planes of consciousness, deities etccorrespond to subtle body / aura (Barbara Brennan) and psychological types (Christopher Hills)

non-rainbow colours(colours usually red, white, blue, smoke etc)usually rainbow colours(although this modified in higher bodies)

Heart Chakra locus of Soul/Higher Self (Jivatma)Heart Chakra can channel love butnot the locus of soul

Kundalinilocated in the lowest chakra (Muladhara)No Kundalini(although Kundalini-like energy, if poorly activated, may flow through, reading to possible psychosis and other dangers - c.f. Gopi Krishna's writings on the dangers of Kundalini)

Chakrainactive until awakened through yogaChakras active during everyday life, may be open,blocked, or closed

Chakras never at front of body - energy never descendsChakras sometimes represented e.g. Theosophy, at front of body, sometimes energy descends down front, in some New Age visualisations you are told to raise the energy along the front of the body!!!

The Tertiary Chakrasillustration from Barbara Brennan,Hands of Light, Bantom Books 1987The tertiary or minor chakras are not part of the main circuit of ch'i (themicrocosmic orbit). Rather they would seem to correspond to points that regulate energy flow. They are variously and unsystematically described in someNew Agematerial and in the and in holistic health movement, radionics, and so on. Although the above diagram fromBarbara Brennan's book (which in turn seems to be based onDavid Tansley's material, assumes "twenty one minor chakras", this is a purely arbitrary number (an attempt at multiples of seven perhaps), and most certainly incorrect. Other books give different numbers of minor chakras.Some minor chakras, like the chakras in the palms of the hand, are used in healing work. In my experience of practice with Reiki it seems that these constitute a definite sensation. There are also definite minor chakras, not shown here perhaps because of prudishness on the part of the original author, on or in the genitals, as well as the eyes, nipples, and other sensitive parts of the body.