Healing the Heart Chakra

Note: Thanks to everyone for your patience as we work to get this latest meditation up and “on the air.” This season is always a busy time for us as we are sure it is for you, and an illness in the family has kept us close to home. We hope that you enjoy this installment of the Chakra Challenge, may it help you further along your own path towards healing and happiness! Love and Light, ~DR

The heart chakra, also known as Anahata, is located in the ribcage near the organic heart. Its purpose in our physiology includes regulating the function of the heart and lungs, but its spiritual purpose is just as important. The heart chakra is where we store our sense of self-love and contentment, where we nurture our inner child. It is where we feel love for others in its purest forms, and the source of our feelings of connection. A dysfunctional heart chakra can lead to the illusion of separation, a sort of “me against the world” attitude which is counter-productive and unhealthy. Let the heart chakra blossom to feel your connection with those around you and with the universe at large. This chakra loves the affectionate color pink and the healing color green; good crystals to use when working with this chakra include rose quartz (associated with unconditional love), aventurine, and peridot. Nourishing foods include those that are nourishing to the heart and circulatory system; including dark leafy greens and grains such as oatmeal and quinoa. Because the heart chakra is the link between the lower three (feminine) chakras (associated with receiving energy) and the upper three (masculine) chakras (associated with giving energy), it is our center of relation and interaction with the world around us. The condition of the heart chakra affects our entire worldview, so stimulate and heal it by engaging in activities such as qi gong, balancing meditations, and volunteer work.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Anahata blossom, or simply a heart of green (or pink) light in the center of your chest. Feel its warmth and healing power; see it pulse in time with your heartbeat. Allow the glow to increase with each heartbeat. Allow the light to expand in your chest. Let your body relax.

4) Picture yourself in a scene in nature. Woods, a peaceful lake, on a mountaintop at sunrise, even in an underwater grotto. Choose the place that feels most lovely and healing to you. Allow yourself to rest and be comfortable in this place. Look around you, taking in the beauty and the quiet. Feel how much love mother nature has for you. Let this love envelop and buoy you as you reflect on your love for yourself. Is it lacking? Do you feel unappreciated? Realize that you are deserving of love and respect from your very self. The child you once were, whom you can clearly picture in your mind’s eye, is still present within you and needs love and affection. Remind yourself that to love yourself unconditionally is both deserved and demanded, your very soul cries out for the gentle healing of love. Remind yourself that if you feel loved, it will be easier to love others. Do you feel kindness and empathy for those around you? Do you find it easy to relate to those outside yourself? Do you realize that we are all one, or are you trapped by the illusion of separation? Realize that in loving yourself, you must love others; and by showing your love to others, you are in fact showing love to yourself.

5) When you have seen - if only for a moment - past the illusion of separation, and your inner child is smiling and content, take a moment to heal your past hurts. The heart is heavy with griefs and regrets. Look at each of them, as if flipping through a photo album. Do not dwell, offer only a brief glance. With each one, think “This was a hard lesson, but a lesson nonetheless. I accept it and let it go.” As you release each painful memory and bad feeling, feel your heart grow a little lighter, that glow surrounding it shining more and more.

6) When you are satisfied, and your heart feels light and content, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the green (or pink) light in your chest. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the warm glow. Feel the chakra blossom as you experience love for yourself and unity with others. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Heart Chakra

I am open to receiving love.
All the love in the universe is inside my heart.
I love and accept myself with no reservations.
I care for my inner child.
I am wanted, loved and appreciated.
I have grace and gratitude in my life.
The idea of separation is an illusion.
I know that I am one with the universe.
I have love and empathy for those around me.
I am grateful for the challenges that have encouraged me to open my heart.
I am connected with other human beings.
I have appreciation for nature.
I accept my life as it is, knowing I am a perfect being.
I am peaceful and content.

Ra Key pendant

I recently obtained my ZPE technology Ra Key from guru Arcturus Ra (http://www.ra-key.com/) and am amazed by its power and the benefits it has brought to my life. To enhance the key's power with some of her own crystal magic, my wife made a strand to hold it with garnet, clear quartz, hematite, carnelian and snowflake obsidian. A great gift for an already powerful tool!

Check out her page to see more creations like this one, both for fashion and more practical purposes: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stardustsage-Designs/147656582087668

Blossoms for the Lower Three ("feminine" chakras)

 Manipura Blossom, or Solar Plexus Chakra - "lustrous jewel"

 

 

Svadisthana Blossom, or Sacral Chakra - "my own sweet abode"

 

 

Muladhara Blossom, or Root Chakra

Healing the Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura, is located in the belly just above the navel. Associated with the color yellow, its flowering is enhanced with the use of crystals such as citrine, amber and yellow topaz (which incidentally is the birthstone for the month of November). The solar plexus chakra favors sunny foods such as lemon and grapefruit, and encourages the intake of Vitamin C to help it flourish. Activities to stimulate it can include competitive activities such as sports or martial art, theater or debate, or qi gong. It is where our beliefs and values, personal identity, and sense of self-worth dwell. It is the voice that tells us, we are good enough. Manipura means “lustrous jewel,” highlighting the multifaceted brilliance of each person’s personality.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Manipura blossom, or simply a globe of yellow light within your belly, expanding outward with a gentle glow. Enlarge the globe and intensify the color. Let your body relax and feel the warmth of the bright yellow color envelop your body.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, allow your mind to drift. The animal commonly associated with the Manipura is the lion, with an archetype of the peaceful warrior. Picture yourself as a fierce lion, proud and strong; or as a warrior, ready and able to defend yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. Feel the strength from these images flow into your body. Feel your spine straighten as you gather confidence from the conviction in your beliefs. Look back with new understanding on the challenges you have faced up to this point, and congratulate yourself for those occasions when you have acted with integrity and honor. Remind yourself that you must be true to yourself first and foremost, and to have faith in your own beliefs and your own inherent value. Rest quietly and reflect on the brilliant facets of your personal identity. This is you; a physical manifestation of the perfection of your spirit. Be proud of yourself, and know that you are enough. See how brightly you shine. You are unique and pristine, a gem worthy of protecting. You have the personal power to accomplish your goals, and assert your right to the life you want. Remind yourself of this feeling of innate pride, worthiness and personal integrity once more, and rest in the knowledge of what you have learned. Practice feeling comfortable in your own skin.

5) When you feel you have finished, and feel strong and content in yourself, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the yellow sphere in your belly. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the warm glow. Feel the chakra blossom as you acknowledge your worth and personal dignity. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Solar Plexus Chakra

I love and accept myself.
I stand up for myself.
I stand up for my beliefs.
I choose things that are good for me.
I choose to associate with people that promote my health and happiness.
I am authentic.
I am in control of my own life.
I am strong and fully aware of my strength.
I seek opportunities for growth.
I am proud of my achievements.
I express myself freely.
I appreciate and honor myself.
I am at peace with myself.
I am worth my weight in gold.

Healing the Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is our center of deservedness, sensuality and pleasure. Stimulated by the vibrant color orange, it is where we find the pleasure in our passions and learn that we deserve to enjoy life. Crystals such as cleansing carnelian and brilliant fire agate serve this chakra well. Help this chakra to heal itself by taking time for yourself, to do the things you love and experience pleasure from activities and stillness alike. Healthful activities include yoga and pilates, and sensual endeavors such as bellydance or tantra. The sacral chakra loves moderation - indulge your senses enough to make your soul sing; however, too much indulgence will cause this chakra to stagnate and your energies to become clouded and distracted. Stimulate this chakra and you will encourage the kundalini to rise.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Svadhisthana blossom, or simply a pyramid of orange light below your belly, about one handspan beneath your navel. Enlarge the pyramid and intensify the color. Let your body relax and feel the warmth of the orange color envelope your body.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, allow your mind to drift. “Svadisthana” means “my own sweet abode,” so imagine a place where you can be wholly yourself, where you can pursue the thoughts and actions that are healthy and good for you and which make you feel good. You have a right to feel and express your emotions healthfully and without apology. Know that your body is a manifestation of your spirit, and therefore perfect - love and nurture it. Remind yourself that you deserve to experience pleasure, that pleasure and enjoyment are right for you and help to make and keep you whole. Remember that the nature of the universe is oneness, and by allowing yourself to experience pleasure and enjoyment, you are transferring your joy automatically to the world around you.

5) When you have solidified your right to pleasure and enjoyment, and made a promise to allow yourself to enjoy life, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the orange pyramid low in your belly. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the orange glow. Feel yourself blossom, welcoming enjoyment and passion into your life. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Sacral Chakra

I have a right to experience pleasure.
I do not need anyone’s permission to experience pleasure.
Enjoyment and passion are good for me.
I love and enjoy my body.
I have healthy boundaries for myself.
I have healthy boundaries where others are concerned.
I am open to simply experiencing the present.
I find pleasure and abundance everywhere.
My body is sacred and I take steps daily to nourish it.
I am open to touch and connection.
I am comfortable expressing my emotions.
I know how to care for myself.
I am at peace with myself and my feelings.

Healing the Root Chakra

The root chakra is our center of security and safety, where our basest needs (food, shelter) are met. It is where we harbor our sense of duty and our relationships to family and community. As its color is red, crystals to use in aiding this meditation include garnet, ruby, and red jasper. Hematite is also good for use on a dysfunctional root chakra, as it has a powerful grounding energy. Foods to stimulate this chakra include meats, tomatoes, and hearty ethnic fare such as pasta, curry or paella.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.)

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Muladhara blossom or simply a red cube at the base of your spine, near your tailbone. Intensify the color and enlarge the cube in your vision. Feel the chakra, the weight of your body pulling you into the floor.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, picture yourself in an environment you find secure and calming (a place in nature, or a favorite room in your home). Picture yourself looking at photographs of loved ones and familiar places. Let the sense of belonging and purpose wash over you. Remind yourself that you are safe no matter where you are; have faith in the fact that you are entitled simply to be. Feel as one with the universe. Give thanks for the challenged you have faced, for they have built your character and helped you find the strength to ensure and grow.

5) When you feel calm and connected, withdraw from the scene, and bring your attention once again to the red cube at the base of your spine. Intensify the cube’s light, and expand it to envelop your entire body, your home, your community, and finally the world. When all of creation is together in that warm red glow, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Root Chakra

I feel deeply rooted to the earth.
I have everything I need.
I feel connected to and care for my body.
I have a right to be here.
I stand up for what I believe in.
I am stable, secure and self-sufficient.
I nurture my body with all the best - healthy food, clean water, exercise, play and adequate rest.
I am grateful for the challenges that have helped me to grow.
I trust in the inherent goodness of life and the people around me.
I make choices that are healthy and good for me.
I trust and believe in myself.
I love life.

*Note: It is recommended that when meditating on opening the chakras, one works from root to crown in order - particularly if this is the first time working with the chakra system, or the first time after a long lapse in meditative study. Some time should be spent on each chakra (I usually take about a week). Repeat the affirmations morning and evening, and complete the guided meditation several times in a week. Feel free to get to know your chakra - use the crystals associated with healing for that particular energy center, eat the foods that will stimulate and open the blossom. Keep an eye out for next week’s post on the Sacral Chakra…

Crystal Healing

Crystal healing and Reiki can go hand in hand - the energies which resonate from certain stones help to heal corresponding chakras in the body. Visit my wife's page to view some lovely handcrafted jewelry designed with health and spirituality in mind:



https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stardustsage-Designs/147656582087668

~Cleansing Prayer~

I cleanse myself of all selfishness, resentment, critical feeling for my fellow beings, self-condemnation, and misinterpretation of my life experiences.

I bathe myself in generosity, appreciation, praise and gratitude for my fellow beings, self acceptance and enlightened understanding of my life experiences.

(This prayer is great to recite before shower or bath, or before a Reiki session!)

Quotes II

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

-Dalai Lama 

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand." -Mother Theresa

Inspiration and Education - images to enlighten and encourage

The following images include basic information on Reiki, its function and benefits, and the principles practitioners follow. It also offers basic information on the Chakra system, a staple of Eastern medicine and something which has been discussed in earlier posts.

Reiki Box

A helpful focus for distance healings is the Reiki box. It can be ornate or more simple, just choose a box that speaks to you of being secret and safe - for this box will be holding important things! For magickal practitioners, you can place in the box things that will help you think of distance magick, such as white feathers (representative of Hermes, the messenger god) or healing (such as crystals, herbs, or even statuettes or images of gods such as Imhotep or Asclepius). Place inside the box, on one sheet of paper or many small slips, the names of individuals near or far who require Reiki’s healing energy. Seat yourself, meditate for a moment on these individuals. Then, charge the box - perform a Reiki session on it as you would on a person, using Reiki symbols such as Cho Ku Rei and taking your time. After that, you may add names at any time, if you know someone who is in need of healing. “Recharge” the box every 2-3 weeks or so by performing another Reiki session on its contents. This is also a good way to meditate on the fluid nature and interconnectivity of Reiki - it really is “universal life energy.”

 

 

Cho Ku Rei

Cho Ku Rei

“Cho Ku Rei (pronounced ‘cho-koo-ray’) literally means ‘Put the power here’ or ‘Increase the power.’ I think of it as an ‘on’ switch for Reiki. Traditional Japanese Reiki Masters translate this symbol to mean ‘Focus.’ Practitioners often say its name silently before all uses of Reiki, or draw it on their hands before all sessions. I do this sometimes, but not always. Cho Ku Rei increases the power and flow of Reiki whenever used. It can be drawn with the spiral counterclockwise, its original form, or clockwise. Magickal practitioners often feel the clockwise version… adds power, while the counterclockwise version removes unwanted energy.” - From Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak

Quotes

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mystical. It is the source of all true art and science." -Albert Einstein

"What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen." -Henry David Thoreau

"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour." -William Blake

“The work is done, but how no one can see;
‘tis this that makes the power not cease to be.” -Tao te Ching

"Light up the darkness." -Bob Marley

Interview With a Student

-the following is an interview with one of DR’s students, who has achieved her own Mastery-

What was your initial response to Reiki?

I’ve been a pagan and a student of holistic medicine for many years, so the concept of energy healing came somewhat naturally to me. I can understand how it would be more difficult to accept for others, but between my own paganism and my family’s Episcopalian background, the idea of healing through the “laying on of hands” seemed perfectly viable. During my first encounter, I felt it quite strongly (as sort of a tingling sensation, almost like getting goosebumps), and was able to work with the energy and practice on my own after my first attunement. My second attunement came with a deeper understanding of Reiki symbols and their purpose, and by the time I received my mastery it had become a daily part of my life.


How long did it take you to achieve your Mastery?

From the time I received my initial attunement, until receiving my Level 3 degree, I’d say it took about six months. For some people it might take less time, for others I’m sure it would take more. I was fortunate, Gary was a feature in my life at the time so I was able to seek guidance and instruction whenever I needed. I was spending time with a circle of spiritual people so it helped me to maintain my focus - also I did most of my studying over the course of a summer, which seemed to help. My schedule was mostly empty and I was able to devote my time to practicing what I really wanted to do.


You said that Reiki is a part of your daily life. How so?

I won’t lie - I’ve struggled with clinical depression and bipolar disorder for most of my life. A mental illness like that can make it difficult to focus on the positive energy that is Reiki. There have been times when I refused to tap into the life force at my very fingertips, out of sheer stubbornness. Reiki, while not issued directly from the practitioner, does require a certain degree of conviction to channel properly, and there have been moments where I just didn’t feel that. It can happen to anyone. But I would encourage them to not give up. Reiki is a big part of my life as a spiritualist, a friend, a wife and a mother. When received from another, it helped me to battle the very issues that made me lay it aside in the first place. When my son cries over his new teeth or a tummyache, I can tell him it will be okay and mean it (Reiki is so wonderful to use with babies because it’s completely safe and also gives them the sensation of spiritual mother-comfort they crave, I love that). I have a Reiki box for distance healings on my altar and use it regularly, it gives me a sense of peace to know that I can aid my friends and family, near or far, if they need me - even if I can’t be there in person, I know that my positive, healing intentions, through Reiki, will reach them. And yes, I use Reiki on myself. I’ve been sickly most of my life - diabetes, fibromyalgia, and the various complications that can stem from those disorders. Reiki helps to keep me in good health and good spirits so that I can go about my days positively.

How have you connected with others in the Reiki community?

I’ve attuned two other students, one to Level 2 and the other to Level 1. We’re still working on studying together - in both cases it’s a long-distance relationship so we’ve been taking our time. It’s really satisfying to me to see someone who really needs it unlock their abilities and use Reiki to help themselves get on a positive spiritual path. It’s been very rewarding, definitely worth the time and study. I’ve made contact with a practitioner of veterinary Reiki (4pawreiki.com), and her abilities are really amazing. I think it takes a special kind of person to use this energy to connect to animals in the way she has, and I’d really like to learn to do so myself. More and more I find that when I mention that I have my Reiki degree, others are responding with recognition and enthusiasm - even those that have never experienced Reiki firsthand know someone that has, or has a friend who is a practitioner. It’s very encouraging. I look forward to the day when energy healing is just a matter of course, something that is understood and accepted by everyone - because that would be something that would work to everyone’s advantage.


Any other comments?

I would like to point out that while I am such a strong proponent of Reiki and its benefits, both spiritually and physically, I also have some faith in the medical establishment. Reiki has enriched my life and made me healthy and at peace in a way that in my younger years I didn’t think possible, but I do have a medical doctor whom I see if something is truly wrong. Reiki can work alongside conventional medicine, hand-in-hand with traditional methods, there is no reason not to. I’ve seen it brought onto the playing field in the ICU at University of Pennsylvania hospital, in a prominent local psychiatry and therapy office, in veterinary medicine and even in prisons. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, ask if they have a Reiki practitioner on staff or if they would be willing to invite one. The answer might surprise you. Energy healing has been recognized in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, and Western medicine is finally starting to take it seriously as well. Get involved, ask questions, spread the word and the energy however you can. Blessed be.

Chakra System

Chakra System

The chakra system is a series of energy centers that travel up the body from base to crown. There are seven major chakras and various minor chakras that can be discussed in detail at another time. “Chakra” means wheel, and if energy were visible to the naked eye on this plane, each chakra would look like a spinning wheel of light. While these energy hubs have been used by practitioners of Eastern medicine for thousands of years, recent developments in Western medicine have discovered that each of the first five chakras has a corresponding main nerve ganglion on the spine, and the brow and crown chakras correspond to the pineal and pituitary gland in the brain (this brief overview will not cover these details but they will be explained later). Each chakra has a specific function in an individual’s emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Each chakra also has a corresponding element and each is typically represented by a colored mandala with a specific pattern (as shown in the diagrams posted previously).


Root Chakra (earth) physical identity, survival, basic instincts

The root or base chakra’s color is red, color of sexuality and vitality. It is located between the sexual organs and the anus, at the base of the spine. This is the chakra responsible for our sense of self, our sense of belonging (the safety and security of a well-balanced home or community), our basic needs and primal urges. It is also the chakra that rules over the eliminative system, governing the removal of wastes from the body; and also the chakra that allows for retrieval of new energy from the earth at our feet. If there is a dysfunction in this chakra, it may be due to issues such as a weak sense of self (low self-esteem), lack of connection with one’s inner or higher self, or perhaps a chaotic home life. If our basic needs are not met this chakra’s energy will experience blockages. These blockages may manifest as physical health problems such as fatigue, anxiety, renal or bowel problems.

 
Sacral Chakra (water) creativity, sexuality, energy

The sacral chakra is located just below the navel, so named because rests near the sacrum on the
spine. Its color is traditionally orange, associated with creativity and joy. This chakra governs sexuality, and someone with a healthy and well-balanced sacral chakra will be comfortable with their sexuality and have a healthy outlook on sex. Those who experience dysfunctions in this chakra may seem repressed or anxious about their sexuality, or shy and awkward in sexual situations. As the sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen, it is also connected to the spleen, intestines and lower digestive system. Problems that occur in these systems indicate a need to work on clearing the energy of this chakra. It is the chakra of self-nourishment, encouraging us to have a care for our own needs, energy, and potential.

 
Solar Plexus Chakra (fire) identity, power, sense of self

The solar plexus chakra is located above the navel, in the center of the ribcage. Its color is yellow, the bright vitality of fire, and it is here that our sense of personal identity and personal power rest. This chakra will suffer dysfunctions if we are in a position where our power is not our own, where we are not in control of our own lives - victims of abuse, addiction, oppression. It is here that we get a “gut feeling” about people and things, and here that we instinctively fold our arms protectively when feeling anxious or afraid. It is also the chakra that governs the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and adrenals. Dysfunctions may manifest as issues with weight, eating disorders, hormonal imbalances, stomach ulcers, and more. To balance this chakra we must be in control of ourselves and at peace with ourselves.

 
Heart Chakra (air) love, social identity, acceptance of self and others

The heart chakra allows us to experience pure love, compassion, and empathy. When we say someone has a “broken heart,” we are referring to a dysfunction in their heart chakra. We are born with open heart chakras, as evidenced by the openness and earnestness of children, but over time experience and social conditioning teach us to believe that it is safer to be less vulnerable; and the heart chakra begins to shut down. This chakra helps us to relate to and accept others, to recognize others as kindred spirits, and perhaps most importantly, to love ourselves as divine creations. Problems with this chakra can show themselves as poor circulation or heart trouble, but also as depression and a feeling of isolation. Because of the chakra’s location and its association with the element of air, issues with the lungs and respiratory system can also be traced back to the heart chakra. Its color can be green or pink, both colors universally associated with peace and compassion.

 
Throat Chakra (sound) creative identity, self-expression

The power of the spoken word is highly underrated. A mother’s voice telling a child that everything is okay, makes everything okay. Enough people on a streetcorner saying, “Looks like rain, doesn’t it?” And it will rain. The throat chakra is representative of the creative power of our words, and how we govern our lives with the words we choose to speak. If we speak only truth, are honest about our feelings and seek to educate and uplift, then our throat chakra will be in good health. If we repress our feelings and choose not to speak on them, tell lies or choose to speak words of hate and anger, the chakra will reflect it. Physical problems can include sore throat, swollen tonsils and adenoids, tooth and oral problems, or upper respiratory infections. The throat chakra’s color is pale blue.

 
Brow Chakra (light) sight, clarity, perception, reflection

Those at all familiar with spirituality should recognize this chakra. This is the brow chakra, more commonly known as the Third Eye. It rests on the forehead, directly between and slightly above our two physical eyes. This chakra governs our sight, both inner and outer. It affects our intuition and our ability to see things clearly - literally and metaphorically. If the brow chakra is dysfunctional, it may manifest as ocular problems or migraines - or it may make it difficult for the person to view themself or others clearly. Someone with a clear brow chakra is able to rely on their intuition, to carefully examine themselves, their motives, their beliefs and identity, and to do the same with others. Clairvoyants rely on this chakra to exercise their special gift. The inner eye’s color is indigo.

 
Crown Chakra (spirit) connection

The crown chakra, is, quite simply, our connection to the divine - our tether, if you will, to the energy and Oneness of the universe. It is the location of the “silver rope” that those who have had an out-of-body-experience see, it is the place that anchors us during astral projection. It is the place children unconsciously angle toward the heavens when they bow their heads to pray. It is the place many Reiki practitioners feel energy flowing into them to be delivered to the patient, just as they feel
negative energy leaving through their feet to be recycled into the earth. Its color is white, or often violet.

Basic Reiki FAQ

Basic Reiki FAQ

What is it?

“Rei” in Japanese means “universal” and “ki” means “life energy.” Reiki itself dates back over 2000 years to ancient Tibet, where it was used for healing. However, it has been recorded in one form or another in multiple societies at many points in history. It is the equivalent of Chinese Qui Gong.  It is similar in form and function to the energy Jesus used to heal the sick (e.g., “the laying on of hands”). Every living thing has its own energy matrix. Scientific research has proven that a field of bioelectric energy surrounds human beings, and that this energy can be manipulated. This field is Reiki, it is inherent in our being and ties us to the boundless energy of the universe. Reiki does not require intensive training, but does require a series of attunements to assure safety and effectiveness. We may feel Reiki as a sense of warmth or tingling, sometimes a vibratory sensation in our palms.

 
How it Works

The universe is a living being and requires no instruction. As such, the healing energy we draw from the universe requires no direction or effort. We are not the healer, we are merely the channel through which the One (of which we are all a part) chooses to heal itself. Reiki can be turned on by a mere thought or intention or, if it aids the practitioner or the client, a verbal cue (such as “Reiki on”). As a living energy, Reiki knows where to go, what to do, and when to stop. It is not possible to harm using Reiki (though it is possible to inadvertently draw from one’s own life force to heal, or to absorb the negative energy of another while healing - this is why the Usui method of Reiki has had safeguards built into its attunements for generations). Because energy is everywhere and all energies are interconnected, Reiki does not need contact to work. It can be sent across two inches, from one outstretched palm to another - or, with a thought, over 2000 miles.


What Can I Expect From a Reiki Session?

Everyone experiences Reiki differently. Some experience warmth or tingling, or a relaxation of tension. Some experience a relaxation and a stillness that is present more in mind than in body. Some even fall asleep! And some, rarely, feel nothing at all. This is not an indication that the Reiki is not working - more often it is an indication that the person’s aura, their bioelectric field, is damaged. This can be a result of ill health, stress, abuse, or many other factors; and is one of the reasons a Reiki session is performed. Reiki is particularly well-suited for treating ailments of the spirit, but as a basic study of the chakra system will tell you, physical ailments often have their root in the spiritual realm. Reiki is usually given to someone sitting or lying in a comfortable position, fully clothed. Traditional meditative poses are excellent, if possible. The practitioner’s hands are placed on or slightly above the body, in 22-24 different positions to ensure energy is distributed evenly to all points in the body. The Reiki recipient is free to do whatever feels natural during the session - sleep, meditate, talk, or just rest quietly. Background music or incense may be used, at the practitioner’s and/or the client’s discretion.