The Middle Pillar

by Israel Regardie

  Like the Western Sephiroth, each chakra has a series of correspondences attributed to it. These include colors, sounds, deities, symbols, planets, exercise positions or asanas, and parts of the body, among a host of other associations. All of these correspondences can be called upon for meditation and ritual work with the chakras.

  Tattvas

  Before describing the individual chakras, we must mention a few words about the tattvas (see Figure 8, p. 164). The word tattva means “quality,” and it is used to describe a characteristic, essence, truth, or element. There are five primary tattvas which conform to the five basic elements.4 These tattvas are also used as emblems for some of the chakras (see Figure 9, p. 168).

  The first element of earth corresponds to the tattva known as prithivi which is represented by a yellow square. Traits of this element include cohesion, materialization, and solidarity. Apas is attributed to water, the second element and the principle of liquid, portrayed by a silver crescent. Tejas corresponds to fire, the third element, symbolized by a red triangle. Its attributes include transmutation and heat. Vayu is assigned to air, the fourth element, represented by a blue circle. Vayu symbolizes motion and the principle of vapor or gas. The fifth and final element of ether or spirit is referred to as akasha, symbolized by a black oval. Unity and limitlessness are its characteristics.

  Figure 8: The Tattva Symbols.

  The Seven Chakras

  1. Muladhara, the base or root chakra. The first chakra is located at the sacrum at the base of the spine, near the anus. Associated glands/organs are the ovaries, the testes, and the pelvic plexus.5 The traditional color of this chakra is yellow.6 An alternate color given for this center is red.7 Sometimes called the earth chakra, its symbol is prithivi, the yellow square of elemental earth. Basic survival needs are the focus of this center. Muladhara means “basic,” “fundamental,” or simply “root base.” This center is associated with the physical self, elimination of waste, and basic needs of movement, sustenance, support, grounding, survival, and protection from danger. It also controls the function of sex, a role it shares with the second chakra. Bowel and sexual disfunctions result from psychic “blocks” at the base center.

  2. Svadisthana, the navel chakra, controls sexuality. It is located about three inches below the navel. Associated organs are the kidneys and the adrenal glands. The generative organs and the hypogastric (lower abdominal) plexus are also attributed here. Traditionally this chakra is colored light blue. An alternative color is vermillion (brilliant orange-red).8 The symbol of this center is apas, the silver-white crescent of elemental water. The word Svadisthana means “one’s own self” or “dwelling place of the self.” Sometimes called the “moon chakra,” the Svadisthana controls the balance and flow of bodily fluids. It functions to preserve the human species through procreation. The issues of family, home, health, and security also correspond here, as well as the raw vitality of “gut-level” emotion, unfettered desire, and the unconscious. Fluid imbalances such as anemia are controlled through this center.

  3. Manipura, the solar plexus chakra, is located just below the sternum. Manipura means “diamond,” or “city of precious stone.” The pancreas, liver, and spleen are also associated here. The traditional color of this chakra is red. An alternative color is gold.9 Its symbol is tejas, the red fire triangle. This chakra is the center of metabolic energy, enthusiasm, ego, identity, and the personal will for power and control. Its foundation is the individual’s personal being or essence. (Anyone who has ever experienced the sensation of having a “knot in the stomach” when anxious or tense will appreciate the importance of the solar plexus center. Continuous stress at this center may cause a number of gastro-intestinal disorders.)

  4. Anahata, the heart chakra in the middle of the chest, is the center of love, feelings, connection, relationships, associations, cooperation, and compassion. It is also the center of meditation, devotion and prayer. The word Anahata means “unstruck sound,” implying that its sound is completely inner—a silent sound. The thymus gland and the cardio-pulmonary plexus are associated here. The traditional color of the fourth chakra is green. An alternate color is deep red.10 Its symbols are vayu, the blue circle of elemental air, and the blue hexagram or six-pointed star. This center is the bridge between the more physical energies of the first three chakras, and the transcendent energies of the final three centers. Disorders of the heart and lungs fall under the realm of the fourth chakra.

  5. Visuddha, the throat chakra, is located in the hollow of the throat. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are associated here, along with the vocal chords and the pharyngeal plexus. The name Visuddha means “purity.” The traditional color for this center is purple. An alternate color is gold.11 Its symbol is the akasha or black egg of spirit. The fifth chakra controls respiration, auditory functions, cleansing, sensations, intuition, perception, psychic ability, communication, creativity, and self-expression. It is a center of focus and direction. (When psychic blockage occurs at this center, it is usually described as a feeling of being “all choked up” or having “a lump in the throat.”) Malfunctions of the thyroid, as well as speech and hearing disorders, are under the dominion of the fifth chakra. The essence of this center is associated with sound, particularly vibration. In yoga the Visuddha is a very important center of alchemical transmutation. It is also said to produce a secretion of immortality.

  6. Ajna, the brow or third eye chakra, is located in the forehead. It is associated with the pituitary gland and the frontal lobes of the brain. The word Ajna means “order” or “command,” which indicates that activation of this chakra is indicative of true order and mastery. The traditional color here is translucent blue. An alternative color is white.121ts symbol is a circle with two wings or petals, which correspond to two pituitary lobes and the two major nadis of pingala (right petal) and ida (left petal). This center controls all higher intellectual functions, imagination, intuition, insight, consciousness, spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and true sight. Activation of the sixth chakra is thought to be responsible for all experiences of astral vision and astral traveling, as well as all encounters with the higher self. It is attributed to the “element” of light.

  7. Sahasrara, the crown chakra located at or above the top of the head, is associated with the pineal gland and the cerebral cortex. Traditionally this center is given the various colors of the rainbow. An alternate color is clear.13 The word Sahasrara means “thousand-petalled lotus,” which is the symbol of this chakra, alluding to the thousands of brain cells within the cerebrum. The seventh chakra controls all aspects of mind and body, and it regulates the activities of all the other chakras. Its energy is often described as pure thought, spiritual understanding, bliss, peace, eternal life, superconsciousness, and the divine white light. The seventh chakra is activated at peak instances of oneness with the divine. It is said to be the abode of Shiva (illuminated consciousness), who demolishes ignorance and illusion.14

  We should add that although the chakras are correlated to certain physical organs, glands, or nerve centers, they are not solely physical centers. To think of them in this way is to fall into the trap of Western rationalization. Anyone who believes that the chakra system is a network of purely physical organs and responses will never be able to experience the “raising of the kundalini.”

  Since they are partially corporeal and partially incorporeal, the chakras can influence and be influenced by both the material and the spiritual worlds. The subtle body of the individual is affected by his or her physical habits (diet, posture, physical tension, etc.) as well as mental and psychological habits (thought processes, emotions, imagination, aptitude, etc.).

  Figure 9: The Chakras.

  Kundalini

  The vital energy that is used to activate the chakras is called kundalini, a Sanskrit word that means “serpent power.” This fiery transformative energy has been described as a sleeping, coiled serpent which rests in the lowest chakra of Muladhara. Through the spiritual disciplines of
yoga, exercise, breath control, and meditation, this “serpent power” is stimulated. It rises up the spine, vitalizing, purifying, and equilibrating each chakra it comes into contact with. With each chakra thus attained, the individual reaches new plateaus of spiritual development. “Raising the kundalini” from the lowest to the highest chakra is the Eastern method for attaining higher levels of consciousness that are associated with the experience of union with the divine. It is equivalent to the various stages of the “Great Work” of Western mystics and magicians. Tradition says that when the kundalini unites with the crown chakra, the result is a shock to the nervous system which arouses the pineal gland out of its dormancy to provide the practitioner with various siddhis or psychic/sensory powers that have been lost through neglect.

  Many yogis15 warn against practicing kundalini yoga without a teacher and without extensive practice in hatha yoga. This is because the kundalini energy may encounter impurities and psychic blockages in the subtle body as it flows upward. The fiery energy of the kundalini tries to burn its way through such obstacles. If too much obstruction is experienced, the “serpent force” may induce extreme physical and mental repercussions as the blocks are removed.

  A far safer method of working with the chakras is to simply visualize them within the aura and contemplate their various attributes.

  Chakra Awareness

  Many asana positions and breathing exercises are intended to purify and invigorate the chakras, removing any “blocks” from the subtle body. Although such blocks usually have a psychological basis, they often result in physical problems, such as digestive disorders. These psychosomatic tensions can be diffused gradually by focusing the mind on the chakras. The way to do this is to concentrate on the various symbols and correspondences that the chakra system provides. These include geometric symbols, colors, gods and goddesses, Sanskrit letters, animals, and sounds used as mantras.

  CHAKRA CORRESPONDENCES

  CHAKRA AWARENESS EXERCISE

  1. Be seated in a meditative position on the floor or in a chair.Relax but be sure that your spine is straight. Begin to breathe slowly and rhythmically through your nostrils. As you inhale, draw the air into the lower part of your chest, filling the lungs to their fullest capacity without strain. Maintain this relaxed pattern of deep, full breathing throughout the exercise.

  2. Imagine a disk or center of light at the base of your spine. Visualize a yellow square within this disk. As you focus on the square, breathe in and begin to notice the weight of your body, its density and mass. Breathe out and visualize the yellow square again.Breathe deeply, then intone the mantra “La-NG” (Lah-ng). Place special emphasis on the nasal “ng” sound, extending the latter sound out with the remaining breath.16 On the following inhalation, mentally intone the word “La-M” (Lah-m), extending the “m” of the mantra. Repeat this mantra cycle three or four times.

  3. Imagine a light blue disk just a few inches below your navel.Visualize a silver-white crescent within this disk. As you focus on the navel center, breathe in and begin to notice that the horns of the crescent are upturned to form a cup. Imagine this cup filled to the brim with pure, sacred water. Feel this water flowing throughout your body, cleansing and purifying it. Breathe out and again visualize the silver crescent within the light blue disk.

  Breathe deeply, then intone the mantra “Va-NG” (Vah-ng). Emphasize the “ng” sound, extending it out with the remaining breath. On the following inhalation, mentally intone the word “Va-M” (Vah-m), extending the “m” of the mantra. Repeat this mantra cycle three or four times.

  4. Imagine a disk of light just a few inches below your sternum.Visualize a red triangle within this disk. As you focus on the solar plexus center, breathe in and imagine the red color of the triangle glowing hot. Feel the heat from this center spreading to all parts of your body. As the heat spreads, visualize it burning away all toxins and impurities. Breathe out and visualize the red triangle cooling a bit, returning to its original temperature.

  Breathe deeply, then intone the mantra “Ra-NG” (Rah-ng). Emphasize the “ng” sound, extending it out with the remaining breath. On the following inhalation, mentally intone the word “Ra-M” (Rah-m), extending the “m” of the mantra. Repeat this mantra cycle three or four times.

  5. Imagine a green disk of light in the area of your heart. Visualize a blue hexagram within this disk. As you focus on the heart center, breathe in and imagine that you are filled with the breath and spirit of God. Feel the cool breeze of the vast sky flowing through you, as if your body were porous. Your heart opens with a feeling of compassion for all things. For a moment you imagine the golden sun with its healing rays in the center of your heart. Breathe out and again visualize the blue hexagram within the green disk.Breathe deeply, then intone the mantra “Ya-NG” (Yah-ng). Emphasize the “ng” sound, extending it out with the remaining breath. On the following inhalation, mentally intone the word “Ya-M” (Yah-m), extending the “m” of the mantra. Repeat this mantra cycle three or four times.

  6. Imagine a violet disk of light in the hollow of your throat. Visualize a black oval or egg shape within this disk. As you focus on the throat center, breathe in and imagine that you can hear the heartbeat of the universe. You are aware of angelic choirs singing softly in some far-off heaven, and you have the feeling that if you opened your mouth to speak, your words would drip honey and have the aroma of jasmine. Breathe out and again visualize the black oval within the violet disk.Breathe deeply, then intone the mantra “Ha-NG” (Hah-ng). Emphasize the “ng” sound, extending it out with the remaining breath. On the following inhalation, mentally intone the word “Ha-M” (Hah-m), extending the “m” of the mantra. Repeat this mantra cycle three or four times.

  7. Imagine a disk of clear translucent blue in the middle of your forehead. Within this disk visualize a white circle with two wings on either side. As you focus on the brow center, breathe in and imagine that the wing or petal on the right side is golden like the sun, while the left-hand wing is silvery like the moon. Inhale and notice the solar side glowing brightly on the right. Exhale and visualize the lunar side beginning to shine. Breathe in and again visualize the white winged circle within the clear blue disk.Breathe deeply, then intone the mantra “OM” (Oh-m), extending the “m” of the mantra. On the following inhalation, mentally intone the same word. Repeat this mantra cycle three or four times.

  Continue to breathe rhythmically and visualize an eye in the center of the brow chakra. Now imagine the eye opening. Through it you are able to perceive the divine light of the higher realms.

  8. Imagine a clear disk of light above your head. Within this disk visualize a lotus flower with a thousand petals—each petal is colored in one of the hues of the rainbow. All the colors of the universe are contained within this flower. At the center of the lotus is the white brilliance and true peace of the divine light. Inhale and feel a stream of energy extending up your spine, connecting all the chakras you have visualized on your ascent to the lotus crown. Exhale and imagine the divine light from the center of the lotus descending, passing through all of the chakra centers, cleansing, maintaining, and balancing each one. Do this several times. There is no sound or mantra that can do the crown center justice—there is only the silence of the divine union. Breathe in and again visualize the lotus flower within the disk of clear light.

  9. After all the centers have been meditated on, descend the path of the chakras from the crown to the base. Visualize each center briefly on your journey backwards and be aware of how all the chakras seem more vitalized and equilibrated. When finished with the base chakra, take some time to become conscious of your surroundings before attempting to get up and move about.

  Endnotes

  1 The singular form is galgal.

  2 Various yoga traditions also attribute different colors to the chakras.

  3 Also called the astral body.

  4 In Western alchemy, there are also five elements. However, in samkhya yoga, there are twenty-fiv
e tattvas. Compare this with the twenty-five traditional sub-elements of the Western system. In the Golden Dawn system, the Tattvas are used for skrying and astral projection.

  5 A plexus is a network, especially of nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatics.

  6 The traditional colors listed here are taken from the Shat-Chakra, a tantric text.

  7 The alternate colors given for the chakras are taken from the tantric text known as the Shiva Sanhita. H. P. B.’s (Helena Petrovna Blavatsky) theosophical teachings attributed the color red-orange to this center.

  8 Or rose-colored according to H. P. B.