• Sanskrit Name:  Muladhara
• Location: Base of the spine
• Color: Red
• Element: Earth
• Qualities: Stability, grounding, security, and survival instincts. The root chakra is associated with our basic needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. When balanced, it fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the earth.

The foundational energy centre that connects us to the earth and our basic survival needs. Understanding what a balanced and unbalanced root chakra looks like can help you identify areas for growth and healing.

BALANCED

• Groundedness: You feel stable, secure, and connected to the earth. You have a sense of belonging and can navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

• Physical Well-Being: You may experience good physical health, particularly in the lower body, including the legs, feet, and lower back. You have a strong immune system and a sense of vitality.

• Emotional Stability: A balanced root chakra fosters feelings of safety and security, leading to emotional resilience. You can manage stress and anxiety effectively.

• Healthy Boundaries: You have a clear understanding of your personal boundaries and respect others’ boundaries as well. You engage in healthy relationships and interactions.

• Financial Security: You have a sense of financial stability and manage your resources effectively. You feel secure in your ability to meet your basic needs.

• Confidence in Decision-Making: You trust your instincts and make decisions with confidence. You are comfortable with your choices and feel empowered.

UNBALANCED

• Instability & Insecurity: You may feel anxious, fearful, or disconnected from the world around you. A sense of instability can lead to feelings of being lost or adrift.

• Physical Issues: An unbalanced root chakra may manifest as physical ailments, particularly in the lower body. Common issues can include lower back pain, sciatica, knee problems, or issues with the immune system.

• Emotional Instability: You may experience heightened anxiety, fear, or restlessness. Emotional responses can feel overwhelming, and you may struggle to manage stress.

• Difficulty with Boundaries: You may find it challenging to establish or maintain personal boundaries. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed by others’ needs or becoming overly defensive.

• Financial Anxiety: An unbalanced root chakra may create feelings of financial insecurity or instability. You may struggle with managing resources or experience chronic worry about money.

• Decision-Making Challenges: You may have difficulty making decisions or trusting your instincts. Feelings of doubt and uncertainty can hinder your ability to act confidently.

• Sanskrit Name: Svadhisthana
• Location: Lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel
• Colour: Orange
• Element: Water
• Qualities: Creativity, pleasure, sexuality, and emotions. The sacral chakra governs our relationships, desires, and the ability to embrace change. A balanced sacral chakra encourages healthy emotional expression and creativity.

The vibrant energy centre associated with creativity, pleasure, and emotional expression. Understanding what a balanced and unbalanced sacral chakra looks like can help you recognize areas for healing and growth.

BALANCED

• Emotional Stability: You experience a healthy range of emotions and can express them appropriately. You feel comfortable with intimacy and are able to build meaningful relationships.

• Creativity: You feel inspired and open to creative expression. Whether through art, music, writing, or other outlets, you enjoy exploring your creative potential.

• Pleasure & Enjoyment: You embrace pleasure in life, whether it's through hobbies, relationships, or self-care. You have a healthy attitude toward sexuality and intimacy.

• Adaptability: You are flexible and open to change, able to navigate life’s ups and downs with ease. You embrace new experiences and opportunities.

• Connection to Sensuality: You feel connected to your body and comfortable in your own skin. You appreciate the physical sensations of life, such as touch, taste, and movement.

• Healthy Boundaries: You establish and maintain healthy emotional and physical boundaries in relationships. You respect both your needs and those of others.
  

UNBALANCED

• Emotional Instability: You may experience extreme emotions, such as mood swings, sadness, or anger. You might find it difficult to express your feelings or feel overwhelmed by them.

• Creative Blocks: You may struggle with creative expression or feel uninspired. A lack of enthusiasm for creative projects or hobbies might be evident.

• Sexual Issues: An unbalanced sacral chakra can lead to issues related to intimacy and sexuality, such as feelings of shame, guilt, or disconnection from your sexual self.

• Rigidity & Resistance to Change: You may become resistant to change, feeling stuck in your routines or patterns. This rigidity can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.

• Disconnection from Sensuality: You might feel disconnected from your body or uncomfortable with physical sensations. This can manifest as a lack of enjoyment in life’s pleasures.

• Boundary Issues: You may struggle with establishing or maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships, leading to feelings of overwhelm or being taken advantage of by others.
  

• Sanskrit Name: Manipura
• Location: Upper abdomen, around the stomach area
• Colour: Yellow
• Element: Fire
• Qualities: Personal power, confidence, willpower, and self-esteem. The solar plexus chakra is associated with our sense of self and our ability to take action. A balanced solar plexus chakra fosters confidence and assertiveness.

The vibrant centre of personal power, confidence, and will. It plays a crucial role in our sense of self and how we interact with the world. Understanding what a balanced and unbalanced solar plexus chakra looks like can help you identify areas for growth and healing.

BALANCED

• Confidence & Self-Esteem: You possess a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in your abilities. You approach challenges with a positive mindset and believe in your potential.

• Personal Power: You feel empowered to make decisions and take action in your life. You are assertive without being aggressive, and you can advocate for yourself effectively.

• Emotional Stability: You experience healthy emotional regulation, allowing you to respond to situations with composure and clarity. You can handle stress and adversity with resilience.

• Motivation & Drive: You have a clear sense of purpose and direction in your life. You are motivated to pursue your goals and aspirations with enthusiasm.

• Healthy Boundaries: You establish and maintain appropriate boundaries in relationships, respecting both your needs and those of others. You can say "no" when necessary without guilt.

• Ability to Let Go: You can release control over situations and trust the process of life. You are adaptable and can navigate changes with ease.

UNBALANCED

• Low Self-Esteem: You may struggle with feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or insecurity. This can lead to a lack of confidence in your abilities and decisions.

• Overbearing Control: You might feel the need to control situations or people excessively. This can manifest as manipulation or a fear of vulnerability.

• Emotional Reactivity: An unbalanced solar plexus chakra can lead to emotional volatility, where you may experience anger, frustration, or anxiety more intensely or frequently.

• Lack of Motivation: You may feel unmotivated or apathetic about your goals and aspirations. This can lead to procrastination or a sense of stagnation.

• Difficulty with Boundaries: You may struggle to establish or maintain healthy boundaries, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or taken advantage of by others.

• Digestive Issues: Physical manifestations of an unbalanced solar plexus chakra can include digestive problems, such as bloating, indigestion, or issues related to the stomach and liver.
  
  

• Sanskrit Name: Anahata
• Location: Center of the chest
• Colour: Green
• Element: Air
• Qualities: Love, compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. The heart chakra is the bridge between the lower and upper chakras, connecting our physical and spiritual selves. A balanced heart chakra allows for healthy relationships and emotional openness.

The centre of love, compassion, and connection. It serves as a bridge between the lower and upper chakras, encompassing our emotional well-being and relationships with ourselves and others. Understanding what a balanced and unbalanced heart chakra looks like can help you identify areas for growth and healing.

BALANCED

• Unconditional Love & Compassion: You have a deep sense of love for yourself and others. You approach relationships with kindness and empathy, fostering connections based on mutual respect.

• Emotional Openness: You feel comfortable expressing your emotions and are open to receiving love. You can both give and accept love without fear or hesitation.

• Healthy Relationships: You engage in relationships that are nurturing and supportive. You set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively, allowing for honest and fulfilling connections.

• Forgiveness: You possess the ability to forgive others and yourself. Letting go of past grievances fosters emotional healing and peace.

• Empathy: You can easily relate to others' feelings and experiences, demonstrating compassion and understanding. You are genuinely interested in the well-being of others.

• Joy & Gratitude: You experience joy and gratitude in your life. You appreciate the beauty around you and find fulfillment in simple moments.
  
  UNBALANCED

• Fear of Vulnerability: You may struggle with opening your heart to others, fearing rejection or abandonment. This can lead to emotional withdrawal or isolation.

• Difficulty in Relationships: You might experience issues in your relationships, such as jealousy, possessiveness, or a lack of trust. You may have trouble forming and maintaining healthy connections.

• Resentment & Grudges: An unbalanced heart chakra can lead to holding onto past hurts and grievances, making it difficult to forgive yourself or others.

• Emotional Numbness: You may feel disconnected from your emotions, experiencing a sense of emptiness or apathy. This can manifest as difficulty in expressing love or joy.

• Overly Giving or Martyrdom: You might find yourself giving too much to others at the expense of your own needs, leading to feelings of resentment or burnout.

• Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations of an unbalanced heart chakra can include issues related to the heart and lungs, such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, or respiratory problems.
  

• Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha
• Location: Throat
• Colour: Blue
• Element: Ether (Space)
• Qualities: Communication, self-expression, and truth. The throat chakra governs our ability to express ourselves and communicate effectively. A balanced throat chakra encourages authentic expression and active listening.

The centre  of communication, self-expression, and truth! This chakra plays a vital role in how we convey our thoughts, feelings, and creativity to the world. Understanding the characteristics of a balanced and unbalanced throat chakra can help you identify areas for growth and healing.

BALANCED

• Clear Communication: You express your thoughts and feelings clearly and assertively. You feel comfortable speaking your truth, whether in personal or professional settings.

• Active Listening: You are an attentive listener, creating space for others to express themselves. You value open dialogue and foster healthy communication in your relationships.

• Creativity: You are able to express your creativity through various outlets, such as writing, singing, or art. You embrace your unique voice and share it with confidence.

• Authenticity: You feel aligned with your true self and express your identity honestly. You are not afraid to share your opinions and beliefs, even if they differ from others.

• Healthy Boundaries: You can assert your needs and set boundaries effectively. You communicate what is acceptable to you without feeling guilty or defensive.

• Confidence in Expression: You possess the confidence to share your ideas and feelings, whether in conversation, presentations, or artistic endeavors.

UNBALANCED

• Difficulty Communicating: You may struggle to express your thoughts and feelings clearly, often feeling misunderstood or unable to articulate your ideas.

• Fear of Speaking: You might experience anxiety or fear about speaking in public or sharing your opinion. This can lead to avoidance of social situations or self-censorship.

• Over-Talking or Interrupting: Conversely, you may dominate conversations, interrupt others, or talk excessively without allowing space for dialogue.

• Lack of Creativity: An unbalanced throat chakra can lead to creative blocks, making it difficult to express yourself artistically or find inspiration.

• Self-Censorship: You may hold back your true feelings or opinions, conforming to what you think others want to hear or avoiding conflict.

• Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations of an unbalanced throat chakra can include sore throats, hoarseness, thyroid issues, or neck and shoulder tension.

• Sanskrit Name: Ajna
• Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows
• Colour: Indigo
  Element: Light
• Qualities: Intuition, insight, and perception. The third eye chakra is associated with our ability to see clearly, both literally and intuitively. A balanced third eye chakra enhances intuition and spiritual awareness.

Associated with intuition, perception, and spiritual insight. When discussing a balanced versus an unbalanced Third Eye Chakra, we can consider both emotional and physical characteristics, as well as visual representations often associated with chakra work.

BALANCED

Emotional Characteristics:

• Clear intuition and insightStrong ability to visualize and imagine

• Open-mindedness and clarity of thought

• Good decision-making skills.

Physical Characteristics:

• Good sleep patterns and healthy dreams

• Awareness of mind-body connection

• Sharp and focused mental clarity

Visual Representation:

• The colour associated with the Third Eye Chakra is indigo or deep blue.

• It is often depicted with a lotus flower with two petals, representing the duality of thought and the connection to the spiritual realm.

UNBALANCED

Emotional Characteristics: 

• Difficulty trusting intuition or making decisions

• Overactive imagination leading to paranoia or fear

• Confusion, lack of clarity, or inability to focus

• Disconnection from spiritual or inner self

• Frequent headaches or tension in the forehead area

Physical Characteristics: 

• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares

• Issues with vision or headaches

• Difficulty with concentration or memory

Visual Representation: 

• An unbalanced Third Eye Chakra might be represented by muddied or dull colours, such as grey or brown, indicating a lack of clarity and blocked energy.

• The lotus flower may be depicted as wilting or closed, symbolising a lack of spiritual growth or insight.

• Sanskrit Name: Sahasrara
• Location: Top of the head
• Colour: Violet
• Element: Inner Light
• Qualities: Spiritual connection, enlightenment, and unity. The crown chakra is the gateway to higher consciousness and spiritual awakening. A balanced crown chakra fosters a sense of connection to the universe and a deeper understanding of life.

The highest energy centre in the chakra system, associated with spiritual enlightenment, connection to the divine, and universal consciousness.

BALANCED

Emotional Characteristics:

• A strong sense of connection to the universe and a feeling of oneness with all living beings.

• Deep spiritual understanding and a sense of purpose.

• Open-mindedness and acceptance of various perspectives.

• Inner peace, contentment, and joy.
   

Physical Characteristics:

• Good mental clarity and focus.

• A sense of well-being and health.

• Balanced energy levels and a sense of vitality.

Visual Representation:

• The colour associated with the Crown Chakra is typically violet or white.

• It is often depicted as a thousand-petaled lotus flower, symbolising spiritual awakening and potential, with petals that are open and vibrant.

• Radiant light or energy emanating from the top of the head, indicating a strong connection to higher consciousness.

UNBALANCED

Emotional Characteristics: 

• Feelings of disconnection from the universe or spiritual beliefs.  - A sense of isolation or lack of purpose.

• Difficulty in trusting one's intuition or spiritual insights.  - Overthinking, confusion, or inability to focus on spiritual matters.

Physical Characteristics: 

• Headaches, migraines, or issues with the nervous system.

• Mental fatigue or fogginess.

• A sense of apathy or disinterest in spiritual practices or life in general.

Visual Representation: 

• An unbalanced Crown Chakra may be represented with muted or dark colors, such as gray or black, indicating stagnation or blockage of energy.

• The lotus flower may appear closed or wilting, symbolizing a lack of spiritual growth or the inability to access higher consciousness. 

• Imagery may also include chaotic or swirling energy, representing