Our fifth chakra is located in the region of the neck and shoulders and is the c enter of communication and

creativity. Its colour is a bright turquoise blue, mi xing with the deep indigo of the sixth chakra and the green of the fifth. Its lo tus has 16 petals, upon which are inscribed all the vowels of the Sanskrit langu age. Vowels are generally thought to represent spirit, while consonants give the edges and definitions which define matter. As we enter the throat chakra, we ar e crossing deeper into the realms of mind and spirit. This lotus is called Visud dha, which means purification. To successfully reach and open the fifth chakra, th e body must attain a certain level of purification, which helps to achieve the s ensitivity needed for the subtler levels of the upper chakra. Classically, the e lement associated with this level is ether, or akasha, meaning spirit, as well as the element of sound. Sound is a rhythmic vibration of air molecules as they are impacted by matter in movement. If someone claps their hands, the sound that re aches you is in the form of the air they have displaced. All sound is a vibratio n, and all things, living and nonliving, have a unique vibration. At this level, we do not see the world as individual things or their activities, but as comple x interwoven net of energies with characteristic vibrational rhythms. The Hindus believe that the universe itself is made of sound. Mother Kali, the d estroyer, is said to have the power to remove the letters of the alphabet from t he petals of the chakras when she chooses to destroy the world. WIthout sound an d language, there is no form. Sound waves are subject to a principle called reso nance, also known as rhythm entrainment or sympathetic vibration. Resonance is what occurs when sound waves of similar frequency meet - they lock into phase, with t heir vibrations oscillating at the same time. That which is in phase tends to re main in phase; hence, the interlocking of vibrational waves creates the ongoing harmony and substance that we experience in the world. Our breathing, heart rate , brain waves, and sleeping and eating patterns are all rhythmic activities that entrain or connect us with the world around us. When we are feeling harmonious wi th our surroundings, then our internal rhythms are resonating within ourselves. This resonance will, in turn, call other wave forms into harmony with it, bringi ng strength and integrity to the organism. From sound we get communication. Communication is the activity and function of t he throat chakra. Here we have language, a complex pattern of sound and rhythm, through which we symbolize the physical world around us. Through symbol, we have a more efficient way of dealing with the world. Someone can describe a car, but cannot bring it into the through with them. You can call someone in New York an d speak to them without actually going there. Our minds work with symbols. We th ink in words, as well as image and sensory memory. The world of the upper chakra s is symbolic of the world below. Communication is a rhythmic activity. THe more resonant our own internal rhythms, the more easily and pleasantly we will commu nicate. Studies have shown that regardless of the content of words used, listene rs and speakers enter into a rhythm entrainment as they converse. It is believed that understanding occurs only when entrainment can take place. The sense of this chakra is hearing, and the note at which it vibrates at is F. The glands and organs influenced by the fifth chakra include the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, throat, mouth and teeth. Because of this association, when on e keeps this chakra imbalanced for a prolonged period of time, experienced illne sses include communication and/or speech problems, using knowledge unwisely, ign orance, lack of discernment, or thyroid and immune system problems. When one keeps this chakra well-balanced, they tend to be contented, centered, c an live in the present, have a good sense of timing, are a good speaker, artisti c, can meditate and experience Divine energy, and they can seek bliss through me ditation (their sexual energy). However, this chakra can be over-active and contain excessive energy, and when i

t is one will be arrogant, self-righteous, talk too much, dogmatic, addictive, h ave macho sexual energy, and prefers partners who can be dominated. If this chak ra is too open, one will be so busy expressing that they will forget to listen, or their voice is dissonant, and they are unable to enter into resonance with th ose around them. If this chakra is neither balanced or over-active, one will have deficient energ y in the heart chakra, (or, otherwise, a closed or blocked chakra,) and with tha t they tend to be scared, timid, hold back, are quiet, inconsistent, unreliable, weak, devious, manipulative, can t express own thoughts, can t relax (their sexual energy), feel conflict with your religious upbringing, and may be afraid of sex. Communication involves both listening and speaking. If one s fifth chakra is clos ed down, then there is a fear of expressing oneself, fear of speaking one s truth, or excessive shyness. The voice itself is timid and the words are few. Gems and minerals associated with the throat chakra that can be used in stone me ditation for clearing blockades in the chakra are blue topaz (and sometimes even yellow), sapphire (and sometimes even emerald), quartz, turquoise, gem silica, chrysocolla, aquamarine, chalcedony, and tourmaline. To balance this chakra, sing, chant, hum. Listen to music that you really like. Take a walk and look at the beautiful blue sky and breathe consciously. Practici ng prana (also known as the breath of life) can help with this chakra. Taking tu rns talking to a friend, and actively listening as well. Ideally, the fifth chak ra should be connected to the self - to all the other chakras above and below to visions of the mind and the feelings from body with equal ease. Chanting is a n activity that increases the overall resonance of our being, allowing all our i nternal systems to enter into a rhythmic harmony. When chanting is practiced as a group activity, it enhances resonance and communication with the group as a wh ole. From Zen monasteries to rock concerts, this is a powerful tool for enhancin g collective consciousness. The fifth chakra is also a center of creativity, ano ther form of symbolic communication. As we open up this center, we open up our c reative potential. The greater our resonance within, the greater the power withi n our creations. Oils associated with Vishuddha include lavender, chamomile, rosemary, thyme, or sage. These oils can be used in aromatherapy with a diffuser, or in the form of essence. It can also be used in an aromatic bath or during meditation to help wi th the opening and balancing of this chakra.