THE PERFECT TIME TO JOIN
50% OFF MEMBERSHIP

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies.

Cookie Image

Learn the Meaning Behind Each Chakra Symbol In This Quick Guide

You’ll come across many symbols during your yoga journey, and each one has a distinct and deep meaning. And the chakras are no exception! These seven energy centers within your body are represented by seven unique symbols, each with hidden meanings.

The symbol for each chakra is made up of different imagery and colors, and each symbol embodies the meaning of its corresponding chakra.

This short guide is your introduction to the hidden meaning behind the chakra symbols!

Want to dive deeper into the meaning of the chakras themselves? Read An Introduction to the Chakras.
 
 

Here’s Your Crash Course on the Chakra Symbols

In Sanskrit the word chakra roughly translates to “wheel.” The seven symbolic energy wheels in your body begin at the base of your spine and end at the crown of your head. They connect to the body to the mind and the mind to the spirit.

Before we dive into the chakra symbols, let’s talk about the one element they all have in common – the circle. The circle is a universal representation of infinity, and the infinite and cyclical nature of energy.

It also represents connection to and unity with ourselves, other beings, and a higher purpose. Each chakra symbol incorporates the powerful circle as a reminder of our connection to the divine.
 

1. Muladhara

Muladhara is the Root Chakra at the base of your spine, and it’s all about grounding. The square in this symbol represents rigidity, stability, and has a foundational energy. It provides a stable structure for the chakra system to rest on.

The upside-down triangle is the alchemical symbol for earth, which also reminds us of the grounded energy of Muladhara. The four petals in this symbol represent the four mind-states that originate in this chakra: mind, intellect, consciousness, and ego.

Learn more about your Root Chakra here.
 

2. Svadhishthana

svadhishthana

Svadhishthana is your Sacral Chakra, your center of creativity. The circles in connection with the lotus flower petals represent the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth. The tangential circles also create a crescent moon shape, which is a nice reminder of the connection between creativity and the phases of the moon.
 

 
 
Learn more about your Sacral Chakra here.
 

3. Manipura

manipura

Manipura is your Solar Plexus Chakra, and directly affects your confidence. The ten petals of this symbol connect it to the ten Pranas in your body, or, for simplicity, types of air energy manipulation. You have five Pranas and five Upa Pranas.

The upside-down triangle in this symbol represents the energy of the lower three chakras being concentrated and energetically spreading up to the higher chakras. Think of it as an upside-down funnel of earth energy.

Learn more about your Solar Plexus Chakra here.
 

4. Anahata

anahata

Anahata is your Heart Chakra, and fuels your compassion towards yourself and others.

It is also a unique chakra because it’s the connection between your three base chakras and your three higher chakras. This is represented by the two triangles in the center of the symbol – the upward and downward, male and female energies mingling to create that six-point star shape.

The six-point star in combination with the 12 petals in this symbol represents your 72,000 energy channels, or nadis (6,000 x 12 = 72,000). This is also representative of how Anahata is the central chakra that connects the whole system.

Learn more about your Heart Chakra here.
 

5. Vishuddha

vishuddha

Vishuddha is your Throat Chakra, and houses your ability to communicate and speak up for what you believe in. Similar to Manipura, the triangle in this symbol represents energy moving upward. In this instance, though, the energy is the gathering of knowledge toward enlightenment.

The 16 petals of this symbol are often associated with 16 vowels of the Sanskrit language. The pronunciation of these vowels is light and breathy, so the petals represent the airy quality of communication.
 

 
 
Learn more about your Throat Chakra here.
 

6. Ajna

ajna

Ajna is your Third Eye Chakra, your seat of intuition. You see a continuation of the upside-down triangle in this symbol as this is the last chakra before your Crown Chakra, which is your connection to divinity and true enlightenment.

This triangle represents the knowledge and lessons of the lower six chakras being gathered and expanded into your divine consciousness.

Learn more about your Third Eye Chakra here.
 

7. Sahasrara

sahasrara

Sahasrara is your Crown Chakra, or your divine connection. This symbol is simply the divine circle and the lotus flower, which is a reminder of our connection to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

This symbol represents our divine unity with other beings and with the universe. The lotus flower represents prosperity and eternity, among many other things.

Learn more about your Crown Chakra here.
 
 

How to Use and Activate Chakra Symbols

To end, it’s important to acknowledge that there are many different interpretations of the chakra symbols, and this set is just one of those interpretations. I encourage you to look up the meaning behind any new symbols you come across and get curious about how they apply to you and your practice.

You can use these chakra symbols, or pieces of them, to help activate and align your chakras. Remember – if one chakra is blocked you’ll sense an imbalance in your entire being. By wearing certain colors or eating certain foods, you can realign your chakras.

You can also realign your chakras with your yoga practice. In yoga, particular postures and mantras align the chakra system and overall flow of prana (life force) energy. When your chakras are in alignment, you can live your best life!
 

This article has been read 200K+ times. Wowzers!

Comments

wonderful comments!

Chakra 101: An Introduction to the 7 Chakras
There are 7 chakras total: each is represented by a specific color, shape, name and location in the body. Learn about the chakra system here.
Read »

Morgan Casavant

Morgan is a graphic designer and yoga instructor committed to inspiring compassion, balance, and centeredness - on and off the mat. She loves minimalism, the zero waste movement, and all the things working to protect the environment.

morgancasavant.co

This Month's Letter
From the Editor

Monthly motivation and food for
thought from our founder.

READ THE LETTER
Mind, body & life wellness in your inbox.
iPhone

Get the
YA Classes App

No WiFi? No Problem! Download
classes and take them without an
internet connection.

2k+
Download YA Classes app on the Apple App Store
Download YA Classes app on the Google Play Store

Also available in Apple TV , Mac and Amazon apps.

Send this to a friend
Follow us on Close

Create Your FREE Account

Woohoo! You’re about to unlock unlimited articles, exclusive
community content, and select on-demand yoga and fitness classes.

OR USE THE FORM BELOW

Lost password?