A Journey Through The Chakras II:
The Journey Continues With Chakras Four and Five

by Susan Cameron

Chakra Five

Chakra five is located in the region of the neck and throat. The Sanskrit word is Visuddha and means purification. The element associated with it is sound and the color is bright sky blue. The gemstone is turquoise and the planetary rulerships are Mercury and Neptune.

The throat chakra is the center of communication, creativity, self expression, willpower, and truth. Its purpose is to allow clear and effective communication. When we are able to express ourselves clearly and honestly our throat center is open and we feel expressive. This area is the center of our struggle with choice and the ability to release our will to Divine guidance. Our every choice, thought and feeling has biological, social, personal and global consequences.

Our voice indicates the health of the fifth chakra. If this chakra is constricted, the voice will also be constricted, sounding whiny, whispered or raspy. If the chakra is excessive, the voice may be loud, shrill, or the person may habitually interrupt or dominate conversation.

Many of us grew up in an atmosphere of hostility expressed through constant arguing, yelling or screaming as a child. When the home atmosphere is unpleasant to hear, we close down and effectively block off our listening by creating something else instead. Later on in life, we may find it hard to be a good listener and be able to hear the truth of someone else. Many grew up under the adage of the old saying "don't talk back!" If we are not listened to, we shut down our fifth chakra and there is no practice ground for a child to learn communication skills.

This silent child can hold on to its feelings and not reveal its hurt and pain openly. The silent adult can control its feelings with drugs, tobacco, alcohol and other addictions. Substance abuse numbs the spirit which is why the silenced one is attracted to it. You don't have to experience or express the pain you are holding on to. You remain closed and don't reveal pain at any cost, even at the expense of wellbeing and pleasure. This can become a recurring pattern in later life if not recognized and changed. Through creativity and personal expression the silenced child and adult can transmute negative emotions into positive control over their willpower.

Taking responsibility for our thoughts and feelings may be easy but saying what we feel and expressing our needs to others can be the most threatening thing on earth. Overcoming our inability to speak up at the right time is sometimes a formidable task and expressing our real self takes courage. Keeping our feelings hidden doesn't serve our physical or emotional health and it makes others responsible for knowing what we want and need. Learning how to effectively communicate and make decisions is essential for our development. Eventually your personal expression and self worth will become stronger. Telling the truth about your feelings and recognizing your needs will become a priority in your life. Problems will be cleared up faster. You will be more deeply in touch with your own creativity but most important of all, you will develop both a strong inner and outer voice.

In the next installment of this chakra series we will examine the sixth and seventh chakra. Until the next issue try examining your fourth and fifth chakras and eliminating your own limiting beliefs in these energy centers for a fuller life.

Please email me with any questions or comments you may have while working on clearing your chakras of any blocks and I will be happy to answer your questions.