The chakras. A monograph

THE FORCE-CENTRES 7

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of the tint might be taken to betoken the possession of more or less of that attribute.

THE ROOT CHAKRA

The first center, the basic (Plate I), at the base of the spine, has a primary force which radiates out in four spokes. It therefore arranges its undulations so as to give the effect of its being divided into quadrants, alternately red and orange in hue, with hollows between them. This makes it seem as though marked with the sign of the cross. For that reason, the cross is often used to symbolize this center. Sometimes a flaming cross is taken to indicate the serpent-fire the spiritual energy of kundalini which resides in it. When acting with any vigor, this chakra force-center is fiery orange-red in color, corresponding closely with the type of vitality which is sent down to it from the splenic center. Indeed, it will be noticed that in the case of every one of the chakras force-centers a similar correspondence with the color of its vitality may be seen.

THE SPLEEN CHAKRA

The second center, the splenic (Plate II), at the spleen, is devoted to the specialization, subdivision, and dispersion of the vitality which comes to us from the sun. That vitality is poured out again from it in six horizontal streams, with the seventh variety being drawn into the hub of the wheel. This center therefore has six petals or undulations, all of different colors. It is specially radiant, glowing, and sunlike. Each of the six divisions of the wheel shows predominantly the color of one of the forms of the vital force: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

THE NAVEL CHAKRA

The third center, the umbilical (Plate IV), at the navel or solar plexus, receives a primary force with ten radiations, so it vibrates in such a manner as to divide itself into ten undulations or petals. It is very closely associated with feelings and emotions of various kinds. Its predominant color is a curious blending of several shades of red, though there is also a great deal of green in it. The divisions are alternately chiefly red and chiefly green.

THE HEART CHAKRA

The fourth center, the cardiac (Plate V), at the heart, is of a glowing golden color. Each of its quadrants is divided into three parts, which gives it twelve undulations, because its primary force makes for it twelve spokes.