To understand the question of what the 12 chakras are, their names, colors, locations, and roles are presented here—from the 7 traditional chakras rooted in the body to the supplementary chakras associated with subtle planes. This collection illuminates the system of the 12 chakras, their energetic centers, and their place within the great energy traditions of India and the Himalayas.
The 12 main chakras, from earth to the universal chakra
The word chakra, in Sanskrit, designates a wheel: a focal point where energy circulates, concentrates, and transforms. Ancient texts describe above all the 7 classical chakras, aligned from the base of the spine up to the top of the head. Complementing this heritage, contemporary currents have formulated an expanded model, the system of the 12 chakras, which links the base of the body to subtle dimensions and the universal chakra. To explore these chakras in detail within a practical framework, an artisanal semi-precious stone 7 chakra bracelet can serve as a visual support throughout your practice journey.
The 7 classical chakras, from root to crown chakra
The major chakras that structure the chakra system form the 7 primary chakras. These centers, also called traditional chakras, unfold as follows: the root at the base, the sacral under the navel, the solar plexus chakra at the level of the solar plexus, the heart chakra in the center of the chest, the throat at the base of the neck, the third eye chakra between the eyebrows, and finally the crown or crown chakra at the top. The colors associated with them follow a simple axis: red, orange, yellow, green or pink, light blue, indigo, violet or white.
Their role follows a progressive ascent. The root chakra supports incarnation and security; the sacral moves relation and creativity; the solar plexus chakra refines will and self-esteem; while the heart chakra links the lower chakras to the upper chakras. Next comes the throat, which opens true expression; the third eye chakra, linked to inner vision and perceptive clarity; and finally the crown, the gateway to universal consciousness: Tibetan tradition teaches that this ascension remains stable only if grounding in the root remains alive.
In meditation, a simple practice involves visualizing these 7 chakras in detail, one after another, from the base up to the crown chakra. Hold your attention on each center for a few breaths, noting its color and exact location. When this axis is regularly felt, energy circulates with greater continuity between the lower chakras and the upper chakras. A magnetic copper 7 chakra bracelet is often appreciated as a daily reminder of grounding.
The 5 higher chakras beyond the physical body
Contrary to superficial approaches, the expanded model does not replace the 7 traditional chakras: it extends them. The five additional chakras are presented as subtle energetic centers, located outside the dense body, within a vaster field of consciousness. They belong to modern interpretations of the 12 main chakra system, and not to ancient descriptions of classical chakras.
In this mapping, the Earth Star is located about 30 cm below the feet and supports telluric anchoring. Above the head, the Soul Star is associated with deep memory and inner orientation. Even higher are sometimes described the Lunar Chakra, the Solar Chakra, and the Galactic Chakra, before opening to the universal chakra. The stability of the primary chakras conditions access to these subtle planes: without grounding in the body, attention can become lost at heights without finding a return path.
Once grounding is established in the main chakras, these subtle planes can be addressed moderately during meditation. First direct your attention below the feet, and then above the head, without seeking intensity. An adjustable natural lava stone 7 chakra bracelet is useful for this preliminary work, as it reminds you of the stability of the 7 primary chakras before exploring the supplementary chakras.
| Chakra | Location | Color | Frequency | Main Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Star | 30 cm below feet | Black | 396 Hz | Telluric anchoring, collective unity |
| Root (Muladhara) | Base of the spine | Red | 432 Hz | Security, survival, incarnation |
| Sacral (Swadhisthana) | 5 cm below navel | Orange | 540 Hz | Creativity, emotions, abundance |
| Solar Plexus (Manipura) | 5 cm above navel | Yellow | 648 Hz | Willpower, self-esteem, integration |
| Heart (Anahata) | Center of the chest | Green / Pink | 756 Hz | Love, compassion, telluric-cosmic bridge |
| Throat (Vishuddha) | Base of the neck | Light Blue | 864 Hz | Expression, inner truth |
| Third Eye (Ajna) | Between eyebrows | Indigo | 972 Hz | Intuition, clairvoyance, mental clarity |
| Crown (Sahasrara) | Top of the head | Violet / White | 1 080 Hz | Universal connection, illumination |
| Soul Star | Above the head | Silver | 1 188 Hz | Life memory, soul mission |
| Lunar Chakra | Upper subtle plane | White | 1 296 Hz | Lunar energies, karma |
| Solar Chakra | Upper subtle plane | Gold | 1 404 Hz | Masculine energy, dream realization |
| Galactic Chakra | Cosmic plane | Violet / gold / silver | 1 518 Hz | Akashic records, galactic consciousness |
Sacral and Heart Chakras: Pillars of the Energy System
Among the 7 chakras in detail, the sacral chakra occupies a central place in moving relational life. Located below the navel, it is associated with orange, emotional fluidity, and creativity; an imbalance can result in emotional dependency, difficulty feeling, or lack of momentum. In meditation practice, slow breathing and hip-opening postures, such as Ustrasana (camel pose), can be complemented by carnelian to support this center.
The heart chakra, at the center of the chest, links the lower chakras to the upper chakras. Its role goes beyond passing emotion: it commands a quality of energy made up of connection, compassion, and inner stability. Place green aventurine on your sternum for a few minutes during meditation to help bridge the passage between earthly grounding and crown opening.
Frequencies, Meditation, and Harmonizing the 12 Chakras
The table above collects the 12 main chakras along with their correspondences of location, color, frequency, and function. In some practices inspired by the Himalayan world, singing bowls are used to accompany attention paid to the energy centers, from the root up to the universal chakra. Far from being a fixed reading, these correspondences primarily serve to order the breath, visualization, and quality of presence.
To harmonize the chakra system, the safest progression remains simple: starting from the base, passing through the plexus, the solar plexus chakra, the throat, the third eye chakra, and the crown chakra, then only opening attention to subtle planes. Follow this order consistently. Balance is built when the traditional chakras are first stabilized within the body, before any opening towards the more extended forms of the universal chakra.
FAQ
Are there really 12 chakras or just 7?
The 7 traditional chakras constitute the oldest reference in Indian yogic texts. They also traverse energy traditions linked to the Himalayan world, with variations in interpretation according to lineages. The model of the 12 main chakras, however, stems from more recent elaborations: it adds five subtle centers beyond the physical body without replacing the traditional chakras.
Start with the most well-known primary chakras, from the root to the crown, then expand if your inner work calls for a finer reading of the energy centers.
How do I know which chakra is unbalanced?
Each chakra can be read through concrete signs, both in the body and in emotional momentum. Persistent insecurity, lack of grounding, or difficulty advancing often point towards the root. Throat tensions, suppressed speech, or noticeable shyness may signal an imbalance in this center.
Tibetan tradition teaches that observation must remain sober and regular. Note what recurs over time, then link these signs to areas like the solar plexus, the sacral, or the third eye, in order to adjust the practice: posture, breath, mantra, stone, or attention paid to the inner eye.
What natural stones should I use to harmonize chakras?
Each stone works on an energy quality associated with a specific center. Red jasper accompanies the root, carnelian supports the sacral, and yellow aventurine accompanies the solar plexus chakra. For the heart, green aventurine or pink quartz are commonly used, while sodalite or angelite are linked to the throat.
Amethyst is traditionally chosen for the third eye chakra and the crown. In meditation practice, place the stone on the corresponding area during a prolonged session, maintaining calm attention on the energy centers concerned.