Ajna is associated with the element light and the color indigo blue and it is involved in both the creation and perception of art. It is through this chakra that we recognise that what we see has a powerful impact on us. Even when we’re not aware of it, we are all sensitive to the images we find in our environment, whether they be positive or not.

Two much energy in this chakra can lead to headaches, hallucinations, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. If we are lacking energy in Ajna, we may have a poor memory, be unable to visualize well, and experience problems with our eyes, ears and sinuses. A healthy ajna chakra ensures we have good levels of concentration, memory and intelligence and that we are able to trust in our intuition and go with our inner intelligence.

Throughout this weeks practice, whenever you practice with your eyes closed, you can experience pratyahara, the drawing inward of the senses, which encourages us to become more insightful about our bodies, the breath, and our minds.

Intentions for Ajna might be: to trust your intuition; to improve correct perception; to realise that we are all connected; to be guided by your inner wisdom.

This is the first of the higher chakras, whose focus is on the spiritual plane. This chakra is associated with the colour turquoise, and with the elements of sound and ether (the upper sky, beyond the clouds). Vishuddha is located in the neck, throat, jaw, and mouth and this masculine chakra connects us with our inner truth and helps us find our own way of conveying our voice to the outside world. Vibration, rhythm, music, voice, words and communications are all associated with this centre, and as you listen to a favourite song or piece of music, you may notice how the vibrations and rhythms positively affect your body and mind, right down to the cellular level. Music, dancing, singing and communication through writing and speaking are all fifth chakra ways of expressing ourselves. It is at this energy level that we effect our will and power of choice. Here is where we take responsibility for decisions and speak up for what we believe in.

Deficient energy in this chakra leads to neck stiffness, shoulder tension, teeth grinding, jaw disorders, throat ailments, an underactive thyroid, a fear of speaking or an inability to express our Self. Excessive energy in this chakra manifests as talking too much, an inability to listen, hearing difficulties, stuttering, and an overactive thyroid.

Intentions for this chakra might be: To communicate clearly, honestly, and with compassion; to release fear of speaking up for yourself or for others; to be a good listener; to learn not to over-talk or dominate conversations; to refrain from gossip.

Namaste (the light within me recognises the light within you).