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What is the 12 Chakra System?

The 12 Chakra System is a way to understand the energies of the subtle body and how they relate to our wellbeing. The 12 Chakras include the seven major chakras and 5 minor chakras:

1. Earth Star Chakra
2. Root Chakra
3. Sacral Chakra
4. Solar Plexus Chakra
5. Heart Chakra
6. Throat Chakra
7. Third Eye Chakra
8. Crown Chakra
9. Soul Star Chakra
10. Universal Chakra
11. Galactic Chakra
12. Divine Gateway Chakra

What is the 13 Chakra System?

Sometimes you’ll see interpretations of the 12 Chakra System that include 13 chakras.

In these interpretations, the Earth Star Chakra is named Chakra 0 and there is another chakra called the Spirit Star Chakra above the Soul Star Chakra. It looks like this:

• Chakra 0: Earth Star Chakra
• Chakra 1: Root Chakra
• Chakra 2: Sacral Chakra
• Chakra 3: Solar Plexus Chakra
• Chakra 4: Heart Chakra
• Chakra 5: Throat Chakra
• Chakra 6: Third Eye Chakra
• Chakra 7: Crown Chakra
• Chakra 8: Soul Star Chakra
• Chakra 9: Spirit Star Chakra
• Chakra 10: Universal Chakra
• Chakra 11: Galactic Chakra
• Chakra 12: Divine Gateway Chakra

Each chakra is associated with different parts of our self and life experience. When one of the chakras becomes blocked or is not functioning properly, it can cause physical ailments and emotional distress.

By learning how to work with each chakra, you can open up your energy field to promote emotional healing on all levels of your being.

The 12 Chakra System Explained

The 12 chakras are energy centers located along the spine. These are connected to each other and help us process our emotions, thoughts, feelings, and physical health. Let’s take a look at each chakra and how it affects us.

Earth Star Chakra

The Earth Star Chakra is located about twelve inches below the feet. This chakra plays a similar role to the Root Chakra – it connects us to our environment and helps us feel grounded, secure, and safe.

It’s associated with our connection to Mother Nature, physical strength and stability, survival instincts, self-preservation, and security. When this chakra is balanced, we feel connected to the earth and the collective energy of other people.

The Earth Star Chakra is connected to the physical body, and so it plays an important role in our health. When this chakra is out of balance, we may experience physical ailments such as lower back pain, immune system issues, digestive problems, or fatigue.

To bring balance to this chakra, practice yoga poses that focus on grounding, such as Mountain Pose or Child’s Pose. Additionally, spending time in nature and connecting with the Earth can help to bring balance back to this chakra.

You can also meditate or use visualization techniques that involve grounding yourself by “pulling down” energy from the sky into your feet.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is the first major chakra and is situated at the base of your spine. This chakra is responsible for your sense of safety and security in life. When this chakra is balanced, you feel grounded, secure, and safe in your surroundings.

When it’s out of balance, you may be insecure or fearful of change. Balancing the Root Chakra begins with focusing on your physical body. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest is important for grounding yourself.

Exercise is also beneficial, as it helps to ground the divine energy of this chakra. Connecting with nature can be very helpful in balancing the Root Chakra, as can meditating or visualizing roots growing from your feet into the earth.

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is located in your lower abdomen, just below your navel. This chakra is associated with creativity, sensuality, and pleasure. When it’s balanced, you have an open attitude toward new experiences and can engage in personal growth

When it’s out of balance, you may be stuck in a rut and feel resistant to change. To balance the Sacral Chakra, practice activities that give you pleasure and satisfaction. Taking time for yourself, making art, or engaging in creative expression are all great ways of opening up this chakra.

The Sacral Chakra is associated with the color orange so it can be helpful to visualize a bright orange light radiating from your lower abdomen as you take deep breaths.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as the Manipura Chakra, is located just above your belly button and is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem. When this chakra is balanced, you feel like you are in control of your life and have healthy boundaries around it.

When it’s out of balance, you may feel powerless or lack of direction. Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra starts with taking time for yourself and using affirmations to build your confidence.

Connecting with your inner power through activities like martial arts, Solar Plexus yoga poses or tai chi are powerful tools for opening up this chakra. Visualizing a bright yellow light radiating from your belly as you take deep breaths is also beneficial.

Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra (also known as the Anahata Chakra) is located at the center of your chest and is associated with love, compassion, and kindness. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to others and have an open attitude toward life.

When it’s out of balance, you may feel disconnected from people or anxious about life. To balance the Heart Chakra, practice activities that bring you joy and connect with your emotions.

Using essential oils for the Heart Chakra, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in spiritual growth can be very beneficial for this chakra. Visualizing a bright green light radiating from the center of your chest as you take deep breaths is also helpful.

Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra is located at the base of your neck and is associated with communication, truth, and expression. When it’s balanced, you feel confident speaking up for yourself and are able to express your authentic self.

When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to find the right words or have difficulty expressing yourself. To balance the Throat Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your voice. Singing, chanting, or even just speaking out loud can be very helpful for this chakra.

Visualizing a bright blue light radiating from your throat as you take deep breaths can also help to open up the flow of energy of this chakra.

Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra is located between your eyebrows and is associated with intuition and wisdom. When it’s balanced, you have an open mind and trust in yourself and your intuition. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to focus on the present moment or feel confused about life.

To balance the Third Eye Chakra, focus on activities that bring clarity. Meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature are all great ways to open up this chakra. Visualizing a bright indigo light radiating from your Third Eye as you take deep breaths can also help to bring balance and clarity.

Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of your head and is associated with higher consciousness, awareness, and connection to the divine. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself and have a deep sense of peace.

When it’s out of balance, you may be disconnected from your spiritual side or struggle with feelings of uncertainty. To balance the Crown Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as prayer, yoga, or chakra meditation.

Visualizing a bright violet light radiating from the top of your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful in balancing this chakra.

Soul Star Chakra

The next chakra is the Soul Star Chakra which is located about 12 inches above your head and is associated with spiritual connection, joy, and peace. It’s important to note that the Soul Star Chakra is referred to as the 9th Chakra in the 12 Chakra System and the 8th Chakra in the 13 Chakra System. That’s because in the 13 Chakra system, the Earth Star Chakra is Chakra 0.

When it’s balanced, you feel connected to the divine and have a sense of oneness with all that is. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to find inner peace or experience feelings of loneliness.

To balance the Soul Star Chakra, practice activities that cultivate joy and peace such as chanting mantras, meditating on light, or embracing nature. Visualizing a bright white light radiating from above your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful in opening up this chakra.

Spirit Chakra

The Spirit Chakra is located at the base of your spine and is associated with spiritual connection, unity, and divine love. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself and have a sense of inner peace. When it’s out of balance, you may be disconnected from your spiritual side or experience feelings of disconnection from the divine.

To balance the Spirit Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as prayer, yoga, or meditation. Visualizing a bright gold light radiating from the base of your spine as you take deep breaths can also be very beneficial for this chakra.

Universal Chakra

The Universal Chakra is located at the center of your chest and is associated with oneness, unity, and cosmic consciousness. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to all that is and have a deep sense of inner peace. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle to connect with others or experience feelings of loneliness.

To balance the Universal Chakra, practice activities that cultivate oneness and deeper connection such as meditation, chanting mantras, or spending time in nature. Visualizing a bright silver light radiating from your chest as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful for this chakra.

Galactic Chakra

The Galactic Chakra is located above the Crown Chakra and is associated with cosmic consciousness and spiritual connection to the higher realms. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to a deeper sense of self and have an open mind. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle with feelings of confusion or disconnect from your true self.

To balance the Galactic Chakra, practice activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as meditation, chakra journaling, or spending time in nature. Visualizing a bright pink light radiating from above your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful for this chakra.

Divine Gateway Chakra

The Divine Gateway Chakra is located at the very top of your head and is associated with cosmic consciousness, spiritual connection, and inner knowing. When it’s balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself and have a deep sense of peace. When it’s out of balance, you may struggle with feelings of insecurity or confusion.

To balance the Divine Gateway Chakra, focus on activities that nurture your spiritual connection such as prayer, yoga, or meditation. Visualizing a bright blue light radiating from the top of your head as you take deep breaths can also be very helpful in opening up this chakra.

The chakras are not limited to just seven or even twelve; they extend to as many as 114 chakras in the human body.

The chakras can be seen as spinning vortexes of vital energy or Prana. When translated literally, the Sanskrit word Chakra means “wheel”. This energy flows in our body through a network of 72,000 channels, known as Nadis, going to and from the 114 chakras.

The names and purposes of each of the 114 chakras are subject to interpretation and as such there is no definitive list of all the chakras. Therefore in this guide we look at how the 114 chakra map functions and interacts with the more commonly known seven key chakras.

But first, let’s look at how many chakras there are in total.

How Many Chakras Are There?

According to the teachings of Dr. Sri Amit Ray, there are 114 chakras in the human body. These are split into the 7 major chakras, 21 minor chakras and 86 micro chakras. 

It’s also becoming increasingly common to hear about 12 chakras. The 12 chakra system has become popular among contemporary energy healers, such as Cyndi Dale and April Pfender, who advocate the 12 chakra system as a way to draw on powerful energies outside of the human body.

The 12 Chakra System

The 12 chakra system connects the energetic body (also known as the subtle body) and the physical body.

The 12 chakra system typically includes the seven primary chakras which are located in the body, plus five transpersonal chakras that are located outside of the body. The five additional transpersonal chakras combine spiritual and transcendent aspects of the human experience. 

The full list includes:

1. Earth Star Chakra
2. Root Chakra
3. Sacral Chakra
4. Solar Plexus Chakra
5. Heart Chakra
6. Throat Chakra
7. Third Eye Chakra
8. Crown Chakra
9. Soul Star Chakra (sometimes known as the 9th Chakra)
10. Universal Chakra (also known as the 10th Chakra)
11. Galactic Chakra
12. Divine Gateway Chakra

Some energy healers believe that there are in fact 13 chakras within the 12 chakra system. In these interpretations the Earth Chakra is listed as 0 and there is another chakra located between the Soul Star Chakra and Universal Chakra called the Spirit Chakra. 

The 114 Chakras – Where Are They in the Body?

The 114 chakras are also known as junctions because they are meeting points for the energy flows (or Nadis) which cross our physical and outer bodies. 

For the most part, the 114 chakras are both structural and functional, and are generally linked with the organs, glands, hormones, brain areas and neurons. The exact location of each of these 114 chakras is open to interpretation which is why you are unlikely to find a definitive full body 114 chakras map.

Among the 114 chakras, 112 are believed to reside within the body while the other 2 are outside the body.

The 112 chakras in the body arrange themselves into seven dimensions, with sixteen aspects in each dimension. These seven dimensions, known as the seven chakras, also form the basis for seven schools of yoga.

This is why most chakra practices focus on healing the seven main chakras, since all the other minor and micro chakras are associated with these key energy centers.

The seven major chakras can be found along the spine, starting at the tailbone and ending at the crown of the head.  

What Do the Minor Chakras Do?

The 21 minor chakras are distributed all over the body, including our hands, legs, tongue, knees, elbows, clavicles, shoulders, eyes, ears and nose. It is unusual for all these chakras to be active all the time since some of them tend to be more prominent while some remain dormant.

The minor chakras support the work of the seven major chakras. They are also connected to major organs in the body including the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and reproductive organs. In this way they help the body to process toxins, as well as supporting immunity and fertility.

Minor chakras can be found:

• In both ears
• Above each breast
• At the intersection of the clavicle
• On each palm of your hand
• On each sole of your feet
• Above each eye
• In your reproductive organs
• In your liver
• In your stomach
• In your spleen
• Behind each knee
• In your thymus gland
• Near your Solar Plexus Chakra

Minor chakras are thought to be smaller in size than the seven main chakras. The 86 micro chakras are smaller still and can be found all over the body. These chakras are all interconnected through the energy pathways known as nadis.

There is a lot of debate around the exact locations of the minor and micro chakras so as a result there isn’t one definitive 114 chakras diagram.

How to Activate 114 Chakras

According to Dr. Sri Amit Ray, 112 of the 114 chakras are in the physical body and of these only 108 can actually be worked on. The other chakras open as a result of the activation of the 108 chakras in the body.

The number 108 is an important number in nature – the distance between the sun and earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun. Likewise the distance between the moon and earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon, and the diameter of the sun is known to be 108 times the diameter of the earth.

Therefore the number 108 is important in various spiritual traditions as it represents our connection with the universe.

Many spiritual leaders and energy healers believe it’s not possible to activate all 108 chakras at one time, let alone 114 chakras. It is simply beyond the spiritual capabilities of the normal person.

In Amit Ray’s teachings the minor and micro chakras are often dormant and only open now and again. This is why we generally focus on the seven major chakras (or the 12 chakra system) as by working on these key energy centers we are in turn balancing the minor and micro chakras which are connected to them. 

What Are the 72000 Nadis?

Nadis is the name for the channels through which energies (known as prana) are said to flow throughout the body. The nadis are connected at certain points of intensity, in other words the chakras.

There is thought to be a huge number of nadis, but the number commonly quoted is 72000. But just like with the 114 chakra map, we tend to focus on a smaller number of nadis which are thought to be the most powerful.

The Shiva Samhita, an ancient classical yoga treatise, refers to three principal nadis – the Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. The Ida can be found on the left of the spine, while the Pingala lies to the right of the spine. The Sushumna runs through the centre of the spine.

The junctions at which the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna meet are the chakras. As discussed, the chakras are like spinning wheels radiating energy which is carried out by the nadis to the rest of the body.

The energy flow in the nadis is associated with the sleep cycle, circadian rhythm and ultradian rhythm of the body. The ultradian rhythm of the body is associated with our fundamental bodily functions such as brain wave frequency, hormone secretion, sleep, and blood flow. As such, the 72000 nadis are closely connected with the heart area, brain area and navel area of the body.

What is Kundalini?

Kundalini is another term you often see in discussions about the 114 chakras list. In ancient yoga traditions it is believed that Kundalini is a form of stored energy which rests at the base of our spine, in the location of the Base Chakra or Root Chakra. It is often symbolized as a coiled serpent sleeping in the Muladhara area.

Human beings generally only tap into a tiny fraction of the potential energy that resides in our body. The remaining energy, or Kundalini, remains in a state of potentiality or a seed state.

Kundalini meditation and yoga practices are geared towards awakening the Kundalini, to increase the flow of Pranic energy, also known as life energy, around the nadis to achieve true enlightenment. This is often achieved through a range of physical movements and deep breathing.

What is the Void or Bhavsagar?

Another term you often hear in yoga traditions, is the Void or Bhavsagar (translated as the Ocean of Illusion) which sits above the Kundalini and encompasses the Sacral Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra.

The Void represents the unenlightened awareness within each of us. Through spiritual practice, we can learn to identify this void within us and work to fill this gap in our spiritual awareness. This is believed to happen during a Kundalini awakening.

Through a chakra meditation practice, you can purify and balance the nadis and chakras. Purification is the process of separating the negative elements from the raw energies in the nadis and thereby harmonizing our energy field. This could include filtering negative thoughts, reducing negative actions, eliminating negative visions and reducing toxicity in the body.

The Kundalini Body Map

The Kundalini body map is a useful way to visualize how the nadis and chakras interact.

The 7 Major Chakras

Within the 114 chakras map, there are seven major chakras which we discuss in more depth below. If you are struggling with emotional or physical issues, it could be a sign that your chakras are out of balance. Read our guide to 20 ways to heal your chakras.

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

The Root Chakra or Muladhara in Sanskrit is also known as the root of all things.

This Chakra is physically located at the base of the spine and is visualized in red. The Root Chakra serves to align the mind with our physical body. When the Root Chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet.

Depression, lower back pain or disorders related to the immune system may be a sign that your Root Chakra is imbalanced.

While the Root Chakra is evolutionarily connected to the basic instincts that help us survive, in the modern day it is often linked to our daily ability to thrive in our surroundings.

This Chakra is especially essential to the 114 Chakras Map because a lack of “roots” can threaten the integrity of all the other 114 Chakras and thereby negatively impact the well-being of the entire body, spirit and mind.

Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana Chakra)

The Sacral Chakra is visualized in the color orange. This Chakra emanates creative energies that nurture inventive ideas.

It is located between the lower abdomen and the navel. It is also related to the emotions tied to guilt, money, blame, control, power and morality, as well as governing creativity and sexual energy.

If you have a blocked Sacral Chakra, it is common to feel a lack of control in your life.

Also called the “Social Chakra” and the “Creation Chakra”, it acts as our center of pleasure and passion, both in a sensual and creative way. In this way it governs the reproductive systems, sexuality, process, relationships, emotions and sense of adventure.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura Chakra)

The 3rd Chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra. This Chakra speaks to our ability to be confident and be in control of our life.

As you can probably guess from the name “Solar,” this Chakra is connected to the color yellow.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is responsible for our personal power and ego, and it is typically developed during puberty. If our Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked, we might feel shame and self-doubt.

Those with open Sacral Chakras, on the other hand, are free to express their true selves. These individuals emanate self-love and accept themselves and others.

Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra)

The Heart Chakra is visualized in green. It is the center of love in one’s physical and emotional bodies.

The Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest by the heart organ. It is the bridge between the lower chakras, which are associated with materiality, and the upper chakras, which are associated with spirituality.

If you have a blocked Heart Chakra, you will have difficulty fully opening up to the people. If an individual’s heart is open, they can experience empathy and deep compassion.

The Heart Chakra governs our sense of trust, gratitude, generosity and connectedness to others. It informs our relationships with others, and our ability to create healthy emotional boundaries.

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra)

Connected with the color blue, the Throat Chakra gives voice to the Heart Chakra and controls our ability to communicate. It is the center of will and truth.

When the Throat Chakra is functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Being open and honestly expressing oneself can ensure a healthy Throat Chakra.

On the other hand, being dishonest or false can inhibit the flow of energy through the Throat Chakra. If you have a blocked Throat Chakra, you will feel like you have trouble finding the words to say how you truly feel.

The Throat Chakra acts as our force of expression and individual truth, both internally and externally. It will help us embrace our originality and unique individual experiences.

It is also connected with purity, which correlates with the concept of truth.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna Chakra)

Located at the center of the forehead and linked to the color indigo, the Third Eye Chakra is a center of wisdom and governs the ability to learn. It influences the brain, nose, eyes, neurological system, and pituitary gland within the physical body.

The Anja, or Third Eye Chakra, controls our ability to see the bigger picture and connect to intuition.

Think of it as the eye of our soul – it registers information beyond the surface. Visions and intuitive feelings are common for someone with an open Third Eye Chakra.

Ajna in Sanskrit translates as the “seat of intuition”, or as “beyond wisdom” and the word “perceive”. It allows for spiritual contemplation, clear thought and self reflection.

The Third Eye Chakra also helps determine our reality and beliefs based on what one prefers to see in the world.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra)

The Crown Chakra is associated with the color violet. It is the highest chakra, located at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.

It is the center of spiritual connection and the Chakra that ignites spiritual awakening and divine energies. The Crown Chakra is the most spiritual in nature of all the seven major chakras. It is linked to the interaction and communication with the universe, union with the higher self and divinity.

When you fully open your Crown Chakra, something very few individuals can achieve, you will be able to access a higher consciousness.

Many people think that the Crown Chakra is a kind of a cord tied to the divine, whereby we, as human beings, are connected to the oneness of all things.

In this way we can see ourselves as not separate from the divine, but rather part of a greater universal force of energy.

The Chakras and Their Petals

Chakras are also known as lotuses, and each chakra symbol is linked with a different number of petals, which are the expression of their vibratory frequency. The number of petals corresponds to the number of subtle energy connections flowing to and from each chakra.

Lotus is a sacred flower which can only grow in the mud and whose petals open one by one. The chakras behave like the petals of the lotus flower, they can be opened or closed depending on the state of consciousness.

When a chakra opens, just like a lotus flower, a new awakening takes place. When the chakras are in sync with each other, they work together to eliminate stagnant energy from the body and mind.

Each petal also has one letter of the Sanskrit alphabet upon it so that all 50 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet are represented upon the petals of the chakra flowers.

The Sanskrit language consists of 52 letters, made up of 16 vowels and 36 consonants. The chakras each have the following number of petals:

• Crown Chakra: 1000 petals
• Third-eye Chakra: 2 petals
• Throat Chakra: 16 petals
• Heart Chakra: 12 petals
• Solar Plexus Chakra: 10 petals
• Sacral Chakra: 6 petals
• Root Chakra: 4 petals