The Fifth Chakra
We enter the upper triad...
Vishuddha (vish-UUD-hah), the throat chakra, means "especially pure" in Sanskrit. Its color is bright blue or turquoise, its elements are space and sound, its developmental stage is 7 to 12 years, and it’s the gateway to the three upper “spiritual chakras.” It governs the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and not only the neck and throat as one might expect, but also the tongue, jaws, larynx, ears, and shoulders.
As one might also expect, Vishuddha’s theme is communication of all sorts, including not only speaking from our deepest sense of truth, but also deep listening, self-expression, creativity, harmony, personal integrity, confidence, purpose, vocation, sense of timing, and learning. Its shadow is lies. The fifth chakra is said to work in consort with the second: with Vishuddha, we express the creativity born in Svadhisthana.
With a balanced fifth chakra, we’re honest, creative, and expressive, we listen with compassion, and we remember that words are more difficult than toothpaste to put back into the tube. An overactive fifth chakra might lead to boisterousnes, speaking too loudly, gossip, cruelty, or dishonesty, and an underactive to fears of speaking up, speaking too softly, difficulty knowing our truth, timidity, withdrawal, or secrecy.
Activities to open and balance the fifth chakra might include creative activities of all sorts, singing, listening to music, humming, and chanting — the seed mantra for Vishuddha is “Ham.” You might also consider an affirmation such as “I am aligned with my truth, and I speak with clarity, integrity, and intention.” And may it be so!
“Communication allows connection and makes it possible for consciousness to dissolve its boundaries and be shared by many.” —Anodea Judith
We enter the upper triad...
Vishuddha (vish-UUD-hah), the throat chakra, means "especially pure" in Sanskrit. Its color is bright blue or turquoise, its elements are space and sound, its developmental stage is 7 to 12 years, and it’s the gateway to the three upper “spiritual chakras.” It governs the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and not only the neck and throat as one might expect, but also the tongue, jaws, larynx, ears, and shoulders.
As one might also expect, Vishuddha’s theme is communication of all sorts, including not only speaking from our deepest sense of truth, but also deep listening, self-expression, creativity, harmony, personal integrity, confidence, purpose, vocation, sense of timing, and learning. Its shadow is lies. The fifth chakra is said to work in consort with the second: with Vishuddha, we express the creativity born in Svadhisthana.
With a balanced fifth chakra, we’re honest, creative, and expressive, we listen with compassion, and we remember that words are more difficult than toothpaste to put back into the tube. An overactive fifth chakra might lead to boisterousnes, speaking too loudly, gossip, cruelty, or dishonesty, and an underactive to fears of speaking up, speaking too softly, difficulty knowing our truth, timidity, withdrawal, or secrecy.
Activities to open and balance the fifth chakra might include creative activities of all sorts, singing, listening to music, humming, and chanting — the seed mantra for Vishuddha is “Ham.” You might also consider an affirmation such as “I am aligned with my truth, and I speak with clarity, integrity, and intention.” And may it be so!
“Communication allows connection and makes it possible for consciousness to dissolve its boundaries and be shared by many.” —Anodea Judith
