lesson 3: the seven chakra symbols (mandalas)

Throughout this course, the chakra symbols appear at the top of each page. While you may not know the meaning behind these familiar and widely used images, most are aware that they are associated with the chakras. These symbols are called mandalas. They are utilized to focus on certain aspects of the body, mind, and spirit. Like the cross, magical runes and sigils, or Reiki healing symbols, chakra mandalas connect to energy that triggers a specific response in the energy body --- usually growth and healing. Below are explanations of each mandala’s appearance and focus of energy.

 ROOT CHAKRA MANDALA

  • Four petals representing four elements --- earth, air, fire, and water.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.

  • Square representing the world as we know it, expanding in four directions. The four sides represent the four gates into the Spirit world (self-control, inquiry, contentment, the company of good).

  • Inverted triangle symbolizing the drawing down of Divine energy from above, downward to the earth.

 SACRAL CHAKRA MANDALA

  • Six petals. The number six is also known as the Motherhood Number. It is associated with sacrifice, caring, healing, protecting, and teaching others. The Sacral chakra represents creative principles of the feminine Divine.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.

  • Crescent moon relating to the Sacred Mother and emotions. It is the same as the moon tides’ ebb and flow influence. The key to spiritual mastery is to master our emotions. The Sacral chakra is the seat of our emotions.

 SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA MANDALA

  • 10 petals, symbolic of karma. Through this chakra we can become empowered as we release and work through karmic issues and debt. In numerology, the “1” in 10 represents independence, which is governed by the Solar Plexus chakra. The “0” in the number 10 amplifies its strength.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.

  • Inverted triangle symbolizing the drawing down of Divine energy from above, downward to the earth.

HEART CHAKRA MANDALA

  • 12 petals, signifying completion, the number of mastery, rule, perfection. It is what we strive for on a spiritual journey. It can only be achieved through a pure heart.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.

  • Six-pointed star made up of two interlocking triangles --- one facing downward and symbolizing light coming into matter, and one facing up which represents matter becoming light. This is also symbolic of the Merkabah which is activated when we purify and live a heart-centered consciousness.

 THROAT CHAKRA MANDALA

  • 16 petals. In numerology 16 (1+6) is actually 7, representing the Christ Consciousness, expressing the Divine and Universal wisdom. It is the frequency at which this chakra spins.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.

  • Inverted triangle symbolizing the drawing down of Divine energy from above, downward to the earth.

  • Silver moon in the center is a symbol of Nada, the pure cosmic energy.

 THIRD EYE CHAKRA MANDALA

  • Two petals representing the two sides of the brain coming together in perfect balance --- masculine and feminine in perfect balance which forms the corpus callosum. When the brain is in perfect balance, our psyche opens up and we connect with Universal consciousness.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.

  • Inverted triangle symbolizing the drawing down of Divine energy from above, downward to the earth.

 CROWN CHAKRA MANDALA

  • 1000 petals representative of the highest frequency of all chakras. A fully open Crown chakra is the sign of an enlightened being. All other chakras have been purified and this is the last stage of the initiate’s journey, where the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves open through the Shushumna and unites with Unity Consciousness. It is the symbol of the perfected self and the embodiment of Buddhahood/The Christ Body/enlightenment. At this point, the chakra changes frequency and color. It spins crystalline white, producing a halo effect around the head This is depicted in pictures of Jesus, Mary, Egyptian gods, etc., suggesting they had reached this state.

  • A circle representing totality, wholeness, unending --- no beginning and no end --- the feminine principle.