Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Element: Thought

Color: Violet

Location: Cerebral cortex

The seventh and final chakra in the system is the crown chakra, the center of higher thought and spiritual connection. This chakra is focused on the complexity of the mind, but its true purpose goes beyond intellect—it's about merging with divine consciousness and understanding our true nature. The crown chakra reminds us that life holds a deeper meaning, one that transcends our everyday existence and connects us to the vastness of the universe.

Often referred to as the "thousand-petal lotus," the crown chakra symbolizes this expansive connection. While many visualize these petals reaching upward into the heavens, they are actually turned downward, like a sunflower, allowing divine energy to flow into the crown and through all the chakras below. The crown chakra completes the cycle, reminding us that spiritual growth is deeply rooted in our physical experience. Just as a lotus cannot bloom without its roots in the earth, our spiritual connection cannot flourish without grounding in our day-to-day lives. Each chakra is interdependent, forming a system where balance in one supports the others.

What happens when the crown chakra is open?

When the crown chakra is open and balanced, a person gains the ability to perceive, analyze, and integrate information on a deeper level. An open crown chakra creates a mind that is receptive and expansive—those connected to this energy center are often highly intelligent, thoughtful, and aware. They possess the ability to see beyond the surface, questioning and exploring the mysteries of life with an open yet discerning mind.

A balanced crown chakra also signifies a strong spiritual connection. This doesn’t necessarily mean being religious; rather, it’s about feeling connected to something greater than yourself—whether that’s the universe, nature, or a higher consciousness. When the crown chakra is open, individuals often possess wisdom beyond their years, demonstrating a mastery of life’s lessons and a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. This heightened awareness allows them to approach life with a sense of purpose and clarity, rooted in both intellect and spiritual insight.

What happens when the crown chakra is closed off?

When the crown chakra is open and balanced, it allows for a heightened ability to perceive, analyze, and integrate knowledge on a deeper level. An open crown chakra creates a mind that is not only intelligent and thoughtful but also open and receptive to new ideas and profound truths. Individuals connected to their crown chakra are able to question, reflect, and expand their understanding, acknowledging both the complexity of the mind and the existence of something greater.

A balanced crown chakra brings spiritual connection, but this doesn’t necessarily mean being religious. It’s about feeling connected to a higher power—whether that’s the universe, nature, or a deeper sense of purpose. This connection provides clarity, wisdom, and a sense of mastery over life. People with an open crown chakra often display profound understanding and insight, as they are aligned with both their intellect and their spiritual self, embodying a broad awareness that transcends the ordinary.

What happens when there is too much energy in the crown chakra?

When the crown chakra is closed off, the idea of spirituality may feel intimidating or dismissed as unrealistic. This disconnection makes it challenging for individuals to explore deeper meanings in life, stunting intellectual and spiritual growth. A blocked crown chakra limits open-mindedness and curiosity, often causing individuals to feel stuck in rigid belief systems, resistant to new ideas or perspectives.

With a closed crown chakra, there is a tendency to become overly focused on material gain, greed, or dominance in thought. A closed crown chakra disconnects individuals from a sense of purpose or connection to something greater than themselves, leading to an overemphasis on the physical world. This imbalance can also cause excess energy to build up in the lower chakras, as the flow of energy is disrupted, leading to feelings of instability, restlessness, or a skewed sense of self. Without the guiding influence of the crown chakra, it becomes challenging to find balance between the interior world, the exterior world, and the spiritual aspects of life.

How do I open my crown chakra?

Opening the crown chakra begins with cultivating a connection to your spirituality. Whether through meditation, prayer, creative expression, or simply experiencing moments of awe and reflection, engaging with something greater than yourself is key to unlocking this energy center. Spirituality in this context is personal—it’s not about religion unless that resonates with you, but about finding a path that connects you to a higher state of consciousness.

Intellectual exploration also plays an important role in stimulating the crown chakra. Learning and intellectual growth also play a significant role in opening the crown chakra. By stimulating your mind through study, self-reflection, and exploration, you allow energy to build and flow in this chakra, helping you to expand your awareness. Equally important is maintaining a strong physical and emotional connection to yourself. Grounding yourself in your physical and emotional experiences creates the foundation needed for the crown chakra to open, allowing you to bridge the gap between the material world and your spiritual essence.

Affirmations:

Divinity resides within.
I am open to new ideas.
Information I need comes to me.
The world is my teacher.
I am guided by higher power.
I am guided by inner wisdom.

As part of the MY Chakra Series, we will explore and bring awareness to each chakra, starting with grounding into your Muladhara (root) chakra, upwards to your Svadhisthana (sacral) chakra, Manipura (solar) chakra, Anahata (heart) chakra, Vissudha (throat) chakra, and Ajna (third eye) chakra, before finally transitioning into your Sahasrara (crown) chakra.

Divine Consciousness: The Crown Chakra