Your Crown Chakra | A Complete Guide To Sahasrara: Symbol, Crystals, Symptoms Of Blockages + More

When the crown chakra opens, the 1000 petals of the perfect bliss arises. You will find no mud but nutrients.
Amit Ray¹

Mystical, magical, brilliant and bright… A spinning disk of white light… Balance, serenity, wisdom and enlightenment are key attributes of the seventh energy center – Sahasrara Chakra.

Let’s open the Crown Chakra and unpack:

A woman eyes closed looking up to the sky with a crown chakra symbol over her head.

A Simple Chakra History

The Seven Gods have seven spears and seven lights. They hold seven glories.
Rig Veda² 8.28.5 – Translated by David Frawley

Described in the Vedas, a large body of religious texts from ancient India which are thought to have been compiled between 1500 and 500 BC, and derived from the Sanskrit root cakra – chakra means “wheel” or “disk”.

Chakras are concentrated energy centers of the body, often visualized and depicted as spinning wheels of light.

Rooted in the ancient philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, chakras hold a prominent place in the science of yoga.

The chakra system says that the human body consists not only of bones, tissues and organs, but also of energy fields layered around the physical being. These layers form the subtle body, or the energy body.

Energy Channels Flow Through The Chakras

According to Eastern medicine, we have over 72,000 invisible channels called nadis circulating through our bodies.

They carry life force energy, referred to as Prana in Indian systems and Chi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Prana is omnipresent and omnipotent, and continuously flows through three major nadis – which connect with the thousands of minor nadis to distribute prana throughout the whole body and beyond – along the spinal column.

The three main channels start at the base of the spine and ascend through the head.

Sushumna Nadi – The central energy channel runs from the base of the spine to crown of the head.
Ida Nadi – The lunar energy channel represents Yin, which is symbolic of the moon, the left side of body, the feminine.
Pingala Nadi – The solar energy channel delineates Yang, noted as the sun, the right side, the masculine qualities.

Ida and Pingala Nadis crisscross each other as they spiral upwards and connect to opposite nostrils. Where Ida and Pingala intersect with each other and Sushumna, are the seven main chakras.

What Are The Chakras?

The chakras define cross sections of the physical human body, in the form of nerve plexuses, which house organ systems.

And understanding where the gross anatomy fits into this seemingly esoteric chaos tends to open (third) eyes to the perfect organization, deeper magic and higher connections available when we unite with these inner sources that correspond to the elements out in the Universe.

Chakras are responsible for lovingly taking in, incorporating and emanating energy to keep us functioning at optimal levels. When a major or minor chakra in our energetic body is blocked or imbalanced, illness is more prone to occur – physically, psychologically and spiritually.

Wellbeing on all levels can affect and is affected by the chakras.

Not taking in enough energy, through proper nourishment of the mind, body and soul, may lead to or be caused by depression. By bypassing feelings such as anger, or not speaking our truth, we may be unconsciously impeding healthy energy flow.

Physically, each chakra governs specific organs of the body which come along with hormones and emotions…

When chakras are constricted, blocked or too open, organs don’t operate effectively which contributes to disease, fluctuating energy levels, emotional imbalances, negative thought patterns and general lack of wellbeing.

Working with the chakra system is tapping into external and internal forces so that we may feel and function our best, in harmony with the world around and within us. The ancient yogis understood that to change our life, we have to effect change from within. One way to alter our inner reality is working with the chakras.

A silhouette of woman with chakras on her.

The Seven Chakras: In Order

Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

What is the Crown Chakra?

Sahasrara – the Sanskrit name for the Crown Chakra – translates to:
“Thousand-Petaled Lotus” or “Infinite”

Energetically connected to the first chakra (the root chakra) – bookends to the chakra system – the Crown Chakra is most often associated with the color white, clear or violet, and is considered to be beyond the senses and elements, associated with space or nothingness. Qualities represented here include self-transcendence, oneness and merging with the infinite.

Located on or slightly above the top of the head, Sahasrara is the center of spiritual connectivity. The seventh chakra is unique in that it’s not an intersection of energies, but rather an opening. The highest energy center is the gateway to pure universal consciousness. Here lies your faith, dedication, inspiration and connection to the infinite, limitless and divine.

For me, and many of my teachers and students, concentrating upon the Crown is a powerful practice. Not only is Sahasrara and all it represents a beautiful subject to offer the subjective mind, but sending our awareness here can help us tap into our connection with all that is, all that ever way, all that ever will be – our superpowers.

The Crown Chakra Symbol

Each chakra symbol has a color associated with it, and other geometric elements inside and outside of the sacred circle. In some artwork, the Sanskrit bija mantra of the chakra is depicted in the center. A unique number of lotus petals always encases the entire symbol.

a purple crown chakra symbol in watercolour.

Beyond elements, the energy center above the head inspires our realization that enlightenment is within reach. The symbol is simply the divine circle and the lotus flower – a reminder of our connection to all and the Divine within. At the essence of this chakra is potent energy with the power to amplify our equanimity. And the beautiful symbol encompasses this.

The circle represents the full moon, which is indicative of awakening the conscious mind to a point of pure openness.
The thousand petals represent connection to the Divine, unity with others and the universe – the lotus flower symbolizes eternity and the prosperity of these integral connections.
Violet, white or clear are typically the colors of Crown Chakra symbol.

Is Your Crown Chakra Balanced or Blocked?

Balanced Crown Chakra

When the Crown Chakra is open we are able to experience peace, tranquility and a positive attitude. Alignment within Sahasrara elevates our union, with others and ourself, and allows us to access:

Feelings of ease, relaxation and clear-headedness.
An ability to feel at home in the world.
Increased synergy between the physical and mental.
A deeper connection with the spiritual realm – experiences states of enlightenment.
Detachment from illusion – deeply understanding that one is all and all is one.

Someone with a balanced Sahasrara Chakra feels clear and confident. They are secure in themselves and the world. They’re likely empathetic and intuitive, and are willing to share their wisdom when prompted.

Blocked Crown Chakra

Key responsibilities of the Crown Chakra are balance and the ability to connect with our higher self and the divine. The capacity to readily connect and stay connected are empowered or prevented here.

Interestingly, many people who are relatively balanced in the higher chakras are off-kilter in the lower ones. This can stem from beliefs deeply engrained during upbringing through an array of potential first chakra quakes throughout childhood and into adulthood.

The Chakras spin and attract energy that is on the same frequency, and in turn sends it back out – like attracts like.

The more positive energy a chakra consumes, the more positive energy it releases and the more positivity it magnetizes back. However, the same goes for negativity.

Presence and awareness are crucial when it comes to unblocking, attracting and manifesting.

Symptoms of Crown Chakra blockage can include:

Feeling negative and close-minded
Disconnection from spirituality, self and reality
Attachment to the material
Inability to be at ease the world
Uncomfortable in one’s own skin
Trouble accessing one’s higher self
Boredom

Expensive cars lined up with people photographing them.

As with the other energy centers, the two main reasons your Crown Chakra may not function properly are due to an overactive or underactive flow of energy (prana). When Sahasrara is out of balance, we may struggle to see what’s real and true, ignore our intuition, feel disconnected from ourselves, or experience other destructive emotions such as:

Mental – lack of concentration, disassociated train of thought, agitated nervous system

Emotional – inability to connect with self, others and the divine, lack of empathy, nightmares or dreamless sleep

Physical – headaches, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, endocrine system (hormones and the body’s biological processes) out of whack

Crown Chakra Healing Stones

Everything in the universe has a vibrational frequency, including crystals and gemstones.

Crystals carry healing properties that connect to each chakra – and the elements within that resonate with that outside of us – uniquely. Stones hold vibrational energy that resonate with our energy centers to heal the body, mind, and soul.

Gemstones are believed to have a host of physical health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, blood pressure, chronic pain, and a lowering chances of disease. Emotional trauma, negative thoughts and energies are also thought to be released by working with stones.

So, let’s figure out which stone to use and how to use it!

Crown Chakra Crystals:

Amethyst. Quartz Crystal. Apophyllite. White Calcite. Whiie Topaz. Selenite. Herkimer Diamond.

Some believe that your stone will speak to you – notice if you feel a different vibration when holding a specific stone in your hand or near your Chakra. Or choose one from this list that you find beautiful!

How to use healing stones for the Seventh Chakra:

Meditate: Hold the stone in your hand, or place it on or near the body part associated with this Chakra. Repeat a mantra or the seed sound (see below) to amplify balancing energies.
Decorate: Place the stones around your home to fill your personal space with balancing energy.
Wear: Keep stones in your pocket or bag, or wrap a stone in wire or string to wear as a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings.

Crown Chakra Essential Oils

It is said that essential oils can restore balance to the Chakras – oils too have a vibration and hold frequency. Apply them to pulse points, anoint the Chakra location, put a few drops in the bath or a diffuser. Here are some to consider.

Chinese rice flower (Aglaia odorata): Benefits contemplation of life, a portal to the divine, supports the study of spiritual philosophy, enhances understanding how to transform ideas into action.
White lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera): Stimulate the unconscious mind, cultivates the desire for self-actualization, supports the seeking of higher consciousness, reinforces wisdom from all the chakras.

Crown Chakra Mantra

Each energy center has a one-syllable Bija, or seed, mantra that activates its vitality and power. Chanting the mantra can alter, purify and harmonize the flow of energy.

Focus your awareness on the physical location of the Chakra as you chant its bija mantra to feel connected, joyful and radiant.

Crown Chakra bija mantra: Silent Om

Crown Chakra Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts, encourage yourself, boost self-esteem, relieve anxiety, increase self-love, and expand upon the tangible as well as the mystical properties of the chakras.

There are affirmations to help access and elevate willpower, endurance, your sense of security, connection with nature and stability with wellness including physical, mental and emotional health, spirituality… Even finances!

How to choose an affirmation

Simply choose an existing affirmation that resonates with you in the moment – reading it feels like a cuddle or elicits an emotional response or inspiration. Or create one for yourself – this may come to you intuitively, or you might be inspired by ours.

The affirmations here are only suggestions. Please feel free to add affirmations that feel empowering, leave behind those that do not, or come up with your own!

A woman in a white stripy shirt writing affirmations in a diary with a coffee on a desk.

Crown Chakra Affirmations

Crown Chakra affirmations can help heal and activate the energy center that powers your ability to connect with higher realms. By powering your intentions through affirmations, this Chakra can be balanced and allow more alignment in life – internal and external.

Practice these Crown Chakra affirmations to elevate your awareness, bring balance to your mind and body, and connect you to the divine. Commitment to your path of devotion can be positively, profoundly affected by working with Crown Chakra affirmations.

Basic Crown Chakra Affirmations

I am a spiritual being in a physical body.
I am my highest, most authentic self.
I am pure, beautiful, radiant light.
I am love. I am light. I am connected to all.
I am worthy of unconditional love from divine energy
I am at peace.
I release doubt and welcome faith.
I am aligned with the highest vibrational frequency of love.
I trust my intuition and listen to the wisdom of the universe.
I know deep inner peace.
Everything is connected.
Eternal peace flows through me.
I am open to letting go of my attachments.
I live in the present moment.
I am connected to the universe.

How to practice Crown Chakra affirmations

Everyone’s style varies – according to body type, time available, emotional and energetic needs, state of mind – and it’s likely that your choices will evolve through the short and long seasons of life pending how you’re feeling and what you’re seeking.

Here are some loose guidelines and tips to get started. Feel free to experiment and cuddle accordingly to suit your needs!

To practice Crown Chakra meditation, find a sweet spot – many prefer a quiet place.
Get comfortable, like you would for meditation – seated or lying down, with the spine as straight as possible.
Focus on the space at the top of your head – the location of the Crown Chakra. You might turn your head right to left a few times, or even rest your hand on your crown to help hone in on Sahasrara. See if you can find and feel a sense of buoyancy, spaciousness or light.
Breathe. Consider trying sama vritti – often called equal or coherent breathing – where the length of the exhalation matches the length of the inhalation. No prescribed count, your own pace, rolling circularly from inhale to exhale and back again.
Read your chosen affirmation over and over, committing it to memory if possible. Perhaps eventually softening your gaze or closing your eyes, if that feels safe, as you continue to say it aloud or silently.
As you repeat the affirmation, visualize the sparkling white of the Crown Chakra and imagine it flowing into your energy center. This may appear as an expansion of the color from the center through your body into the space around you, or an increase in vibrancy or saturation, with your inhalation, followed by the color shrinking back to a small point or soft glow with the contraction of your exhalation.
Truly, deeply engage – immerse in the sensation of the feeling of the words of the Crown Chakra affirmation.

Final Thoughts

When your 7th Chakra is aligned, you’ll be able to access infinite energy, tap into all there is, and effortlessly divert your attention from yourself to the world around you. Questions may arise like: How am I connected to the world? How can I gain clarity about my place in the world? How can I better serve the world?

The ability to connect with your higher self and the divine can be positively, profoundly affected by working with Crown Chakra!

If you enjoyed this article, check out Shakti Rising: How To Embrace Your Light & Your Shadow!