| chakra, the Crown Chakra, is known as the | | | | may have an unquestioning adherence to religious |
| thousand-petaled lotus, a symbol of purity | | | | dogma. |
| and spirituality. It is our highest energy center, | | | | The Crown Chakra can be a dangerous place for |
| both in terms of physical location and rate of | | | | imbalance, as some become vulnerable to anxiety |
| vibration. This chakra brings great knowledge, | | | | and depression, or even possibly to a psychosis. |
| deep understanding, inner-wisdom, and a | | | | Physical manifestations of an imbalance include |
| connection to the highest state of enlightenment | | | | cranial and cerebral illnesses; diseases of the |
| and spiritual growth. It represents union with the | | | | musculoskeletal system; skin problems; chronic |
| higher self, the cosmos, and the divine. | | | | exhaustion; hypersensitivity to light, sound, and |
| Crown Chakra Basics: | | | | environment. Mind-altering drugs and material |
| Color: white or violet | | | | acquisitiveness are common addictions. |
| Element: energy | | | | Crown Chakra Balancing Techniques: |
| Location: top of head | | | | When the Crown Chakra is balanced, you will |
| Associated body parts: center of the head, brain, | | | | experience a profound awakening: like the lotus |
| fontanel | | | | blossom when it opens. You feel completely |
| Basic issues: wisdom, intuitive knowing, spiritual | | | | connected to your innate spiritual nature, and to |
| development, humanitarianism, selflessness, | | | | divine or cosmic consciousness. The knowledge |
| connection to the Divine, universal higher | | | | that higher powers prevail brings assurance that |
| consciousness | | | | you are fulfilling your true destiny. This assurance |
| Gemstones and crystals: black opal, diamond, | | | | often creates a sense of bliss. Activities that |
| quartz crystal, sunstone | | | | promote and maintain Crown Chakra include: |
| Flower essences: lotus, star tulip, yarrow | | | | Silent meditation, chanting, conscious breathing. |
| Essential oils: frankincense, geranium, sandalwood | | | | If you are desperate, try to completely let go, |
| Food: none (fasting: ingest only water, juices) | | | | allow divinity to intervene and fate to take its |
| Signs of Imbalances in the Crown Chakra: | | | | course. You have nothing to lose, but stand to |
| Major issues of an unbalanced Crown Chakra are | | | | gain significantly. |
| lack of purpose, loss of meaning, indifference and | | | | Holding or wearing black opals, diamonds, quartz |
| depression. An attachment to materialism is | | | | crystals or sunstone. |
| central, and ethical and moral beliefs may be | | | | For more information about the chakras, please |
| weak. We may feel disconnected from the flow | | | | see Chakras for Beginners: at The Yoga Dojo. |
| of life and nature. Spirituality is nonexistent, or we | | | | |