First Chakra

First Chakra, Part I – Earth Element Associations

Background for the chakras and their corresponding elements:

Our current understanding of the chakras and their elemental associations arise from yoga theory, with is roots originating primarily from India along with related insights from Tibet, China and hermetic teachings from western civilization’s mystical tradition as well as new contributions made in our own historical time.

It’s good to acknowledge the historical roots for these teachings and to also recognize that much of what is written about chakras has been more recently presented. Therefore, it may not be accurate to give these teachings any extra legitimacy by claiming that they are intact legacies from ancient holy masters.

For me, learning the language of the chakras and the elements is very helpful in that it gives us a way to talk about our physical, emotional and psychological patterns in ways that become more comprehensible. Prior to my exposure to the chakra and elements system, it was more difficult for me to make sense of some aspects of my life experience. In addition to helping with my own comprehension, this language enables us to more readily communicate with each other about the places in our lives where the physical, mental and psychological interconnect…and do so with greater accuracy and understanding.

First lets briefly overview all of the chakras:

Chakra is the Sanskrit work for wheel, as in a wheel or vortex of energy. It is said that these energy centers are the main organizing principles within our ‘energy anatomy’. Many teachers say that these chakras are also linked to our glandular endocrine system.

1st Chakra – Earth Element. This is said to be located at the base of the pelvic floor spiraling vertically, like an upside down tornado emanating from the pelvic floor’s center, between the genitals and the anus. The endocrine correspondence is the reproductive organs of the testes in men and the ovaries in woman.

2nd Chakra – Water Element. This is said to be located in the lower abdomen, with the chakra spinning like a teacup plate, with the flat part against the belly. 2nd – the 6th chakra are depicted as spinning plates of various size with the flat part spinning against the body. The endocrine correspondence is the pancreas in some literature and the reproductive organs of the testes in men and the ovaries in women according to other teachings.

3rd Chakra – Fire Element. This is said to be located in the upper abdomen or solar plexus. The endocrine correspondence is the adrenal thymus glands located on top of the kidneys.

4th Chakra – Air Element. This is said to be located in the center of the sternum in line with the heart. The endocrine correspondence is the thymus gland.

5th Chakra – Space or Ether Element. This is said to be located in the front of our lower neck. The endocrine correspondence is the thyroid gland.

6th Chakra – This is said to be located and centered at the 3rd eye point, very slightly above the eyebrows. It has to do with 6th sense attributes including visualization, intuition and extra sensory abilities. The endocrine correspondence is the pituitary gland.

7th Chakra – This is said to be located on the “Thousand Meeting Place” acupressure/acupuncture point at the very top of the head and is said to spin like a tornado with the bottom of the tornado tail touching this point. The endocrine correspondence is the pineal gland.

For more insight on the 1st Chakra, please proceed to First Chakra, Part II – Earth Element Associations