Sahasrara - The Gateway to Enlightenment

The crown Chakra Sahasrara, which translates as “thousand-petaled” and represents a thousand-petaled lotus flower, is located at the top of the head. It is the most spiritual in nature of all seven Chakras. This energy center represents the sense of universal consciousness, wisdom, and unity. It has masculine energy and its associated color is ultraviolet, almost white, associated with spirituality and enlightenment. The Crown Chakra is also the gateway to super-consciousness, it’s like an umbilical cord to the divine.

Balancing Crown Chakra

When the Sahasrara Chakra active, it brings a positive outlook on life which reflects on our habits and attitude. The Self is no longer ruled by the ego.

At times when we lose our ability to see beyond the material world we might feel lost, and frustrated, feeling like we got abandoned by the Higher Power.

Common indicators of blocks or imbalances in the Crown Chakra include inability to concentrate, feelings of isolation, melancholy, headaches and even migraines, and disconnection from divine purpose. In case of overactive Chakra one may experience self-destructive tendencies, spiritual addiction, overwhelmed by knowledge.

1. Asana Practice. One of the ways to bring our Crown Chakra into the alignment is through physical activity like yoga. Specific yoga asanas like headstands, Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana) or Corpse Pose (Savasana) can be beneficial for moving energy through the crown region.

2. Meditation. Meditation is a great tool to awaken your Crown Chakra to flood the divine energy into your body. Mantras are great tools to use during meditation to bring the Crown Chakra into alignment.

3. Essential Oils. Diffusing or applying essential oils can help to activate the crown energy center. Lavender and jasmine are calming and soothing, while cedar wood, sandalwood, frankincense and myrrh are stimulating. Crystals. Clear Quartz is a popular stone for clearing any negative energy that can be blocking your Chakra. Other crystals: Diamond, Amethyst, Apophyllite, Lavender Quartz, Selenite

4. Tapping. Another common approach to activate the Crown Chakra is Emotional Freedom Technique, commonly known as a “tapping” technique.

5. Reiki. Energy healing through the reiki session is a great way to bring balance to all energy centers including Crown Chakra.

Affirmations for Crown Chakra

Affirmations work the best when our brain state is relaxed and most receptive - these are the moments we know just before we fall asleep and as we wake up but did not have a chance to open our eyes. They can be repeated throughout the day, mentally or out loud. For some people journaling might be the best approach - writing down phrases 108 times. Affirmations could be used as part of the meditation, it will serve as an anchor, as a Drishti (focal point).

• I am Divine Love

• New ideas are flowing into me

• I receive needed information

• I am one with the World

• I accept the Divine Guidance

Mudra for Crown Chakra

For the Crown Chakra, the best mudra to try is the mudra of a thousand petals. To do this, bring the tips of your thumbs together, then rest the tips of your index fingers together too, forming a pyramid shape.

Spread the rest of your fingers wide, fingertips pointing upwards. Holding this position, bring your hands up above your head to invite connection with the wisdom of the universe.

Bija Mantra for Crown Chakra

The Sanskrit word “mantra” comes from words “manas” (the linear thinking mind) and “tra” (protection). So Mantra is a protection of the mind, which brings positive transformation to our perception. Bija (or Beej ) means seed. It is known in Vedic tradition as a Seed Mantras, the core sound that provides great spiritual powers. Bija mantras usually consist of one-syllable seed sounds and typically chanted out loud. Bija Mantras promote energy activation and purification of the Chakras.

OM (AUM) - is the Bija Mantra for Crown Chakra. Chanting or mentally repeating OM Mantra helps to cultivate a connection with the aspect of Higher Self and the entire Universe.