Chakra Colors and Symbols: Complete Visual Guide & Meanings

Chakras are energy centers in the body that influence your physical health, emotions, and spiritual well-being. Located along the astral spine, each of the seven main chakras is linked to a specific color and symbol. 

Chakra colors and symbols are visual cues that reflect the chakra’s characteristics—what it governs and how it affects you. Swati Dalvi, a certified yoga coach and chakra healer at MyYogaTeacher, says, “Colors help you tune into the emotional or physical traits connected to that specific chakra, while symbols, often rooted in ancient geometry, represent different aspects of our being.”

Continue reading to learn about the colors and symbols of all seven chakras, how they are applied to meditation and healing practices, and what they stand for today! Chakra Balancing

The Significance of Chakra Colors and Symbols

In the chakra system, colors and symbols are visual cues that represent the unique energy a specific chakra holds. Each chakra corresponds to a particular frequency of energy, and its associated color reflects that vibration. Understanding these can deepen your awareness of how energy flows within you, how to recognize signs of imbalance, and how to rectify them through meditative practices.

For example, the Root Chakra resonates with red, a color often tied to strength, survival, and stability. The Throat Chakra, associated with blue, reflects communication and clarity. These colors aren’t arbitrary; visualizing them during practices like yoga, meditation, or healing work helps you connect with the energy of that specific chakra.

Interested in learning more? Read this detailed blog on Chakra Meditation here!

Origin & Cultural Context

The chakra system, along with its colors and symbols, originated in India, first appearing in ancient Indian texts around 1500-500 BCE. Its visual representations—chakra colors and chakra symbols—are deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. These visual cues have served as necessary tools for understanding the body's energy systems, spiritual development, and the path to inner balance since ancient times.

Chakras also appear across classical Indian art and iconography. In Hindu temple architecture and dances like Bharatanatyam, each chakra is symbolized through gestures (mudras), poses, and color-coded costumes. The lotus, a recurring element in chakra symbols, represents purity and spiritual awakening. Chakra symbols often include elements of sacred geometry, like triangles or circles, and are associated with specific mantras, deities, and elements (earth, water, fire, etc.), associating them with centuries of spiritual tradition.

Modern-Day Applications 

You can incorporate chakra colors and symbols into your life through the clothes you wear, the foods you eat, or even the way you decorate your space. For instance, wearing green when you’re working on heart-centered intentions (love, compassion, acceptance), or consuming plant-based meals for balancing the Crown Chakra can reinforce the qualities you’re cultivating.

Learn more about Chakra Balancing here!

Chakra Colors in Order: A Complete Guide to Their Meanings

The chakra system is often represented like a rainbow—a vibrant spectrum of colors flowing from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. This progression isn’t just visual; it symbolizes an energetic shift from the physical to the spiritual (from foundational human needs to higher consciousness).

• Red (Root Chakra) represents grounding, survival, and our connection to the earth.

• Orange (Sacral Chakra) moves upward into creativity, pleasure, and emotional expression.

• Yellow (Solar Plexus Chakra) reflects personal power and confidence.

• Green (Heart Chakra) bridges the lower and upper chakras, symbolizing love and compassion.

• Blue (Throat Chakra) channels communication and self-expression.

• Indigo (Third Eye Chakra) stands for intuition and inner wisdom.

• Violet (Crown Chakra) represents spiritual connection and transcendence.

While the primary colors are widely accepted, some chakra systems also include secondary and tertiary colors to represent more subtle variations in energy. For example, the Heart Chakra can also be associated with soft pink to highlight its gentle, loving qualities, while the Third Eye Chakra can be associated with White to underline the universal wisdom and consciousness that this energy center represents. 

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): Red

Located at the base of the spine, the Root Chakra, or Muladhara, is the foundation of the chakra system. It governs our sense of safety, stability, and connection to the earth—all foundational aspects related to survival, security, and basic needs.

Color: Red
Red symbolizes grounding, strength, and vitality. It’s the color of blood and earth—both essential for life. Its intensity brings awareness to the physical body and stimulates our instinct to survive and thrive.

Symbol Meaning:
The Muladhara symbol features a four-petaled lotus with a square and downward-pointing triangle at the center. The square represents structure and stability, while the triangle reflects grounding and rootedness.

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Visualize a glowing red orb at the base of your spine during meditation.

• Wear red clothing or accessories to feel more secure and energized.

• Eat grounding red foods like beets, tomatoes, or root vegetables.

• Use grounding crystals such as red jasper or hematite to stabilize energy.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel secure, grounded, and connected to the present moment.

• Imbalanced: You may feel fearful, anxious, or disconnected from your body.

• Physically, this chakra is associated with the legs, feet, bones, and large intestine.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Orange

The Sacral Chakra, or Svadhisthana, lies just below the navel. It governs creativity, sexuality, pleasure, and emotional expression. It’s the seat of passion, desire, and our ability to experience joy.

Color: Orange
Orange symbolizes warmth, enthusiasm, and movement. A blend of red’s grounding and yellow’s brightness, orange awakens sensuality and artistic flow—both physical and emotional.

Symbol Meaning:
The Svadhisthana symbol includes a six-petaled lotus with a crescent moon inside a circle. The crescent reflects the water element and cycles of change, fluidity, and creation.

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Visualize an orange light gently pulsing in your lower abdomen.

• Wear orange or decorate your space with orange accessories to spark creativity.

• Consume orange foods like carrots or oranges to energize this chakra.

• Use carnelian or orange calcite crystals to enhance passion and confidence.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel creative, emotionally open, and comfortable with intimacy.

• Imbalanced: You may feel emotionally numb, overly reactive, or struggle with guilt or shame,

• Physically, it’s connected to the reproductive organs, kidneys, and lower back.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Yellow

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura, is the third chakra and represents personal power, confidence, and inner strength. Located in the upper abdomen, this chakra governs self-esteem, willpower, and the ability to take action.

Color: Yellow
Yellow symbolizes energy, clarity, and intellectual power. It’s a bright, vibrant color that stimulates the nervous system and uplifts the spirit. 

Symbol Meaning:
The Manipura symbol features a ten-petaled lotus with an inverted triangle at the center, representing fire and transformation, apt for a chakra that fuels ambition and drive.

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Visualize a yellow light during meditation to boost confidence.

• Wear yellow clothing or surround yourself with yellow objects to ignite personal energy.

• Incorporate yellow foods like bananas, corn, or yellow peppers into your diet.

• Use crystals like citrine or amber to enhance focus and determination.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel self-assured, decisive, and assertive.

• Imbalanced: You may feel powerless, anxious, or overly controlling.

• Physically, it influences digestion and the adrenal system.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Green

Positioned at the center of the chest, the Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is the bridge between the lower physical chakras and the higher spiritual ones. It governs love, compassion, forgiveness, and our capacity to connect deeply with others and ourselves.

Color: Green

Green symbolizes growth, healing, and harmony. The secondary color for the Heart Chakra is pink, which is associated with unconditional love and gentle compassion.

Symbol Meaning:
The Anahata symbol consists of a twelve-petaled lotus with two intersecting triangles forming a six-pointed star. This geometric balance reflects unity, integration, and balance between male and female energies.

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Visualize a soft green glow in the chest during meditation.

• Wear green or pink clothing to support emotional healing.

• Surround yourself with plants or spend time in nature to activate Anahata energy.

• Use rose quartz or green aventurine to encourage self-love and emotional balance.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel open, empathetic, and at peace in relationships.

• Imbalanced: You may feel closed off, resentful, or overly dependent.

• Physically, it’s linked to the heart, lungs, and thymus gland.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Blue

Located at the base of the throat, the Vishuddha Chakra is your center of expression, truth, and communication. It offers a gateway between your inner world and how you share it with the outer world—through words, tone, and authenticity.

Color: Blue

Typically represented by a sky or turquoise blue, this color stands for clarity, truth, and clear expression. Blue energy supports clear, open, and honest communication, without fear or suppression.

Symbol Meaning:
The Vishuddha symbol features a sixteen-petaled lotus, containing a downward-pointing triangle within a circle. This represents the purification and expansion of consciousness through truth and vocal expression.

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Visualize a blue glow at the throat while chanting or meditating.

• Practices like journaling or even singing can activate this chakra.

• Wear turquoise, lapis lazuli, or blue topaz to strengthen self-expression.

• Practice breathwork to clear energetic blockages in the throat area.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel confident expressing your thoughts and feelings.

• Imbalanced: You may hold back opinions, speak harshly, or struggle with self-expression.

• Physically, it relates to the throat, neck, jaw, and thyroid.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Indigo

Positioned between your eyebrows, the Ajna Chakra is often called the seat of intuition. It governs your ability to see beyond the obvious—whether that’s through imagination, intuition, or insight.

Color: Indigo

Most commonly associated with a deep indigo, this color symbolizes wisdom, perception, and spiritual insight.

Symbol Meaning:
The symbol of Ajna features a two-petaled lotus, representing the duality of self and consciousness. Within the lotus lies a downward-pointing triangle and a circle, symbolizing enlightenment through inner perception and unity.

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Meditate with indigo light radiating from between the eyebrows.

• Use affirmations like “I trust my intuition” to balance your chakra.

• Work with amethyst, sodalite, or lapis lazuli for intuitive clarity.

• Limit screen time and overstimulation to support a clear mental space.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel deeply intuitive, imaginative, and mentally focused.

• Imbalanced: You may feel disconnected, indecisive, or overly skeptical.

• Physically, it relates to the brain, eyes, sinuses, and pituitary gland.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Violet

Located at the top of the head, the Crown Chakra is your bridge to the divine, the universe, or your enlightened self. It governs consciousness, spiritual connection, and the sense of being part of something greater.

Color: Violet

Violet is traditionally linked to higher awareness, wisdom, and transcendence. The secondary color, white, symbolizes purity, unity, and cosmic consciousness.

Symbol Meaning:
The Sahasrara is symbolized by a thousand-petaled lotus, radiating upward like a crown. It represents the infinite and the expansive nature of self and spiritual awareness. 

Applications in Healing Practices:

• Practice stillness or silent meditation to connect with your higher self.

• Visualize a soft violet or white light pouring into the crown of your head.

• Use affirmations like “I am connected to all that exists.”

• Surround yourself with calming spaces—open skies, sacred music, or soft lighting.

Emotional and Physical Associations:

• Balanced: You feel peaceful, open, connected, and spiritually fulfilled.

• Imbalanced: You might experience disconnection, cynicism, or spiritual confusion.

• Physically, this chakra influences the brain and nervous system.

Want to experience how chakra colors can support your healing journey? Book a free 1-on-1 session with a certified chakra healer and discover how each color connects to your energy, emotions, and well-being.

Understanding Chakra Symbols and Their Meanings

Chakra symbols come from ancient Indian traditions, especially from yogic and Tantric texts. They are used in practices like meditation and energy healing. These symbols aren’t just decorative, but represent the body’s energy centers, meant to help us understand and connect more deeply with our inner energy. 

Want to give this a shot? Try this group class on Chakra Healing for free! 

Each chakra symbol includes:

• A lotus flower with a specific number of petals. These petals represent different qualities of our consciousness. For example, the Root Chakra has four petals, which symbolize basic instincts, while the Crown Chakra has a thousand petals, representing infinite awareness and universal wisdom.

• Geometric shapes, like triangles or circles, reflect how energy moves. For example, downward-pointing triangles often represent grounding energy, while upward shapes may suggest rising energy or transformation. Circles represent wholeness, unity, and balance.

By working together, these elements reflect the unique qualities of each chakra. The colors, shapes, and petal counts come together to represent what that chakra governs, whether it’s stability, creativity, love, or intuition.

Meditating on these symbols or using them in visualizations often helps people feel more centered, calm, and in tune with their emotions and energy.

Takeaway

In conclusion, chakra colors and symbols come together to help you better understand the flow of energy within your body and mind. Each color and symbol carries meaning, guiding you toward emotional balance, spiritual growth, and physical well-being.

Incorporating these visual cues into your personal practice—whether through meditation, visualization, or mindful living—can deepen your connection to yourself and the universe, supporting your energies and overall well-being.

A certified chakra healer can guide you through this practice. Book a free 1-on-1 session today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 chakra colors in order?

The seven chakra colors are:

1. Red (Root Chakra): Stability and Grounding
2. Orange (Sacral Chakra): Creativity and emotion
3. Yellow (Solar Plexus Chakra): Personal power and confidence
4. Green (Heart Chakra): Love and compassion
5. Blue (Throat Chakra): Communication
6. Indigo (Third Eye Chakra): Intuition
7. Violet (Crown Chakra): Spiritual connection

How can I use chakra colors for healing?

Chakra colors can be employed in healing practices through meditation, wearing corresponding clothing, consuming foods associated with that color, or placing gemstones near the body or around the house to support chakra balance.

What do the lotus petals in chakra symbols represent?

The specific number of petals varies with each chakra. These symbolize different aspects of our consciousness, spiritual growth, and the various layers of energy within each chakra.

Can chakra colors affect my mood and energy?

Yes, colors influence our emotional and energetic state, making chakra colors a helpful tool for mood regulation and energy healing.

Can I focus on one chakra color at a time?

Yes, focusing on one chakra color during meditation or healing practices can help you address specific imbalances or goals related to that energy center.

What's the difference between primary and secondary chakra colors?

Primary colors are the traditional associations, while secondary colors represent subtle variations or modern interpretations of the chakra's energy.