First Chakra
Area of the Body: Organs of Elimination
Human Talent: Acceptance
Color: Red
Shadow Emotion: Resentment, Rigidity
Element: Earth
Second Chakra
Area of the Body: The Sexual Organs
Human Talent: Creativity
Color: Orange
Shadow Emotion: Passionate manipulation, Guilt
Element: Water
Third Chakra
Area of the Body: Navel Center
Human Talent: Commitment
Color: Yellow
Shadow Emotion: Anger, Greed
Element: Fire
Fourth Chakra
Area of the Body: Heart Center
Human Talent: Compassion
Color: Green
Shadow Emotion: Fear, Attachment
Element: Air
Fifth Chakra
Area of the Body: Throat
Human Talent: Truth
Color: Blue
Shadow Emotion: Denial, Abruptness
Element: Ether
Sixth Chakra
Area of the Body: Third Eye Point
Human Talent: Intuition
Color: Indigo
Shadow Emotion: Confusion, Depression
Element: None
Seventh Chakra
Area of the Body: Crown of the Head
Human Talent: Boundlessness
Color: Violet
Shadow Emotion: Grief
Element: None
Eighth Chakra
Area of the Body: The Electromagnetic Field (Aura)
Human Talent: Radiance
Color: White
Shadow Emotion: None
Element: None
You will notice that the first five chakras are each associated with an earthly element -- earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
Most people recognize the first four elements, but are unfamiliar with the term "ether." Ether is a subtle, heavenly energy, beyond the earth. As we move up the ladder of chakras, into the higher mental and spiritual realms, there are no longer earthly elements associated with these chakras.
Chakra Imbalances
Lust, anger, greed, pride, and attachment are human qualities that result from the imbalance of the eight energy centers called chakras. When these imbalances settle in, we often experience mental or physical problems.
Taking an Active Positive Role in Healing Yourself
See your body as God's perfect gift to you, for it is in loving and appreciating our body that we begin the path to consciousness. The eight greatest talents of humankind are located in the eight chakras, the eight major power areas of the body. The Eight Human Talents are the gifts of God that make us different from all other creatures on earth. Happiness is your birthright. The use and cultivation of these eight talents are keys to the happiness that God wants for you.
Happiness is Your Birthright
Our bodies are gifts from God. We need them to be here. For it is in loving and appreciating our bodies that we begin the path to consciousness. Happiness is your birthright. Opening, or balancing all your chakras is the key to that happiness.
The very purpose of our life is happiness, the very motion of our life is towards happiness.
--The Dalai Lama
It is nearly impossible to balance these eight power centers perfectly to bring out their talents every day of your life. But don't worry, perfection isn't the goal. The goal is to become aware of the energy emanating from each chakra and to be able to call upon it when you need it. Let's say you're called on to make a presentation at a board meeting. You'll need to shift into the fifth chakra located at your throat to communicate your ideas clearly, and the third chakra to give your presentation the special emphasis and punch of commitment. If an angry coworker blows up over the smallest inconvenience, don't meet fire with fire. Try meeting her with your fourth chakra, using compassion to heal the fear and insecurity behind her outburst.
Our bodies are like complex worlds within worlds. We know where they begin and end, and yet they are vast and full of mysteries which we may never understand. No machine has ever been devised by a human that is as complex or artful as our own human body. The ancient system of chakras is a way to understand ourselves. There is an incredible amount of subtle interaction going on all the time.