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Singing Our Chakras

In the language of Sanskrit the word chakra means wheel of light. According to the ancient Vedic tradition there are seven spinning wheels of light spaced between the base of our spine and the crown of our head, drawing the energy, or 'prana', from the cosmos that sustains and ultimately illuminates our beings. Each chakra represents a different aspect of our human nature.

Singing different tones attributed to each chakra makes it easy to feel where they are located. The seven different tones are sometimes arranged in a chromatic scale, generally that of C major. This is a Western precept gained from measuring the frequencies of the rainbow colours attributed to each chakra. There are varying thoughts regarding the notes of each chakra, some saying the Root chakra is an A note and others saying it is a B note. Staying with our Western idea that the chakras are in C Major, the First chakra would be the note of C, the Second would be D, the Third an E, the Fourth an F, the Fifth a G, the Sixth an A and the seventh would be a B note.

The Chakras

The First or 'Root' Chakra (MULADHARA) is located at the base of spine. Its element is Earth and it is Red in colour. The sense this chakra represents is smell and, energetically it represents grounding and security. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'UH', or in the Vedic tradition LAM. Crystals and Gemstones for this chakra are Smoky Quartz, Garnet, Alexandrite, Ruby, Agate, Bloodstone, Onyx, Tiger's Eye and Rose Quartz.

The Second or 'Sacral' chakra (SVADISTHANA), also known as the Hara, is located between the root and navel. Its element is Water and it is Orange in colour. The sense this chakra represents is taste, energetically it represents sexuality and life energy. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'OO', or in the Vedic tradition, VAM. Crystals and Gemstones for this chakra are Amber, Citrine, Topaz, Aventurine, Moonstone and Jasper.

The Third or 'Solar Plexus' chakra (MANIPURA) is located at the navel. Its element is Fire and it is Yellow in colour. The sense this chakra represents is sight and, energetically it represents ego and self esteem. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'OH', or in the Vedic tradition RAM. Crystals and Gemstones for this chakra are Yellow Citrine, Apatite, Calcite, Kunzite, Rose Quartz, Iron Pyrites (Fool's Gold), Topaz and Malachite.

The Fourth chakra (ANAHATA) is located at the heart. Its element is Air and it is Green in colour. The sense this chakra represents is touch and, energetically it represents love. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'AH', or in the Vedic tradition YAM. Crystals and Gemstones for this chakra are Emerald, Green Calcite, Amber, Azurite, Chrysoberyl, Jade, Rose and Watermelon Tourmalines.

The Fifth chakra (VISUDHA) is located at the throat. Its element is Ether and it is Blue in colour. The sense this chakra represents is hearing and, energetically it represents communication. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'EH' (or sometimes 'MEM'), or in the Vedic tradition HAM. Crystals and Gemstones for this chakra are Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Sodalite, Turquoise and Sapphire.

The Sixth chakra (AJNA) is located at the Third eye. Its element is Light and it is Violet in colour. The sense this chakra represents is light and, energetically it represents insight and imagination. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'EE', or in the Vedic tradition SHAM. Crystals and Gemstones for this chakra are Amethyst, Purple Apatite, Azurite, Calcite, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue and White Fluorite.

The Seventh or 'Crown' chakra (SAHASRARA) is located at the top of the head. It is Indigo in colour. Energetically this chakra represents transcendence. The tone that resonates with this chakra is 'I' (EYE) or in the Vedic tradition AUM. Crystals and Gemstone for this chakra are Diamond, White Tourmaline, White Jade, Snowy Quartz and Celestite.

Journeying through the Seven chakras

We start with the Root chakra; this is all about survival, food and shelter. Once we have this sorted in our lives we move onto the second chakra where we experience sex and life energy. So having moved from a state of survival we then move into a state of sexuality. We then move up into a sense of 'self' with the Third chakra. This is an 'I will' or 'I want' mentality. Having connected with our 'selves' and our ego's, we can then to move to the heart chakra where we can love and move beyond our selfish motives. Moving up to the throat chakra we experience communication, not only spoken but also telepathy. Naturally we then move up to our Third eye which is all about insight and meditation. This is the point where we transcend our physical and emotional needs and move beyond to experience meditation. This leads nicely onto the crown chakra where we experience Nirvana or enlightenment.

Experiencing Your Chakras

By singing the chakra tones we are literally singing ourselves back in tune with existence. To feel and experience your chakras, you will need to sit in a quiet, meditative space and chant the relevant tones for each chakra. It is a good idea to start at the First or root chakra by chanting 'UH'. Some find it easier to visualise the colour of the chakras while chanting. Repeat the 'UH' chant for several minutes before moving on to the Second chakra, chanting 'OO'. Continue to move up through all the chakras, and after several minutes chanting the 'I' for the Crown chakra, move back down through all the chakras to the First or Root chakra.

You will experience each chakra as a swirling, circular energy, hence the name 'the wheel of light'. After chanting up and down through your chakras, it is a good idea to sit quietly. This is a fantastic meditation that relaxes and replenishes our being.

About the Author

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Hot Trends in Jewelry

 

Consumers are cutting back on spending nowadays, but jewelry retailers are looking toward the upcoming summer months, to get consumers back into jewelry stores. Additionally, with the trends of bright colors and bold pieces, consumers can't help but take notice of and want a piece of fashion item this year.

Fashion magazines are discussing trends in jewelry for the spring in their latest issues, and big pieces are definitely in style. InStyle magazine focused on nature- and tribal-themed pieces and bright colors, while Lucky included a whole spread of classic, yet modern, cocktail rings. In its March issue, Vogue gave brides-to-be some of the magazine's favorite engagement rings and wedding day jewelry. A lot of this season's trends are a natural progression from last season. Necks were bare and rings were big, but this season necklaces have made an extremely bold comeback..

For spring and summer 2008, shine is everywhere in terms of fashion accessories. From the purses we carry to the clothes we choose to the shoes we wear, the newest trend is all about shine from head to toe. Jewelry is one accessory that will never go out of style and can last a lifetime with the proper care. So while consumers may be cutting back on a lot of spending, jewelry retailers are hoping that the latest jewelry trends will get consumers into the stores and at least looking at the latest pieces. For upcoming holidays and special occasions, be sure to carry items that are on-trend.

 

Nature-inspired Jewelry Trend

Nature-inspired Jewelry has become one of the hottest trends in Hollywood today! Tons of celebrities are sporting nature jewelry with both elegant formal wear and casual everyday looks. Snake jewelry is one of the most popular styles of nature-inspired jewelry.

 

For centuries, people have crafted nature-inspired jewelry in appreciation of the world around them. In the Victorian period, romantic notions about the natural world caused a flourish of nature-inspired jewelry and art. Flower jewelry and images of animals were very popular styles; Victoria herself loved snake jewelry and believed the serpent motif represented fidelity and love. The more people learned about plants, animals, and the oceans, the more they were moved to create nature style jewelry and nature inspired jewelry.

 

“Enlightenment” Jewelry Trend

 

Sentimental Jewelry is a strong category not only for self-purchase but also for gift giving. 

Engraved jewelry featuring messages of love, poetry or initials will be the most popular.

 

Yoga Inspired Jewelry is becoming abundant, reflecting the growing number of people who are adopting this ritual discipline, which is said to bring physical and spiritual alignment. Yoga talismans are also popular among those who just want an overt and motivational reminder.

 

Green Jewelry and Green Gems are being used in many jewelry collections this season. Jewelers with a green conscience are making a point to incorporate earth friendly methods and materials into their jewelry designs.

 

Jewelry For A Cause is becoming plenteous. As JFC says, the jewelry industry is that with a heart! Designers today are donating proceeds from sales to endless philanthropic causes and people in need. Designers’ passion comes pouring out artistically through the creation, often reflecting the organization benefiting from the proceeds.

 

Big, Bold Jewelry Trend

Wearing less jewelry pieces is more when it comes to the top jewelry trends for 2008, but the key ingredient for trend-setting fashionistas is larger, bolder styles that are gem-intensive.

That advice comes from Jesse Chao of Gems by Chao, a leading Houston fine jeweler. Chao specializes in advising her gala-minded clientele-a mix of socialites and philanthropists-and matching fine jewelry to their personal style. In a statement, Chao said women who are already planning to attend galas will be wearing less fine jewelry but adorning themselves with larger, more impressive pieces, for a classic "Grace Kelly" look.  I've actually already seen this trend over the past year, less jewelry but each piece that is worn is big and bold - one big bracelet, no necklace but super long earrings.

While I personally don't feel comfortable in really large jewelry pieces, for that special occasion - red carpet affair for example, it does make sense because of the dramatic statement a few large jewelry pieces can make.

 

Ethnic inspired jewelry is supposed to be gaining momentum. Due to the increased cost of gold, we'll see more filigree type designs, which look great but cut down on the gram weight. Now, this sounds interesting!

Bold Pendants Trend
This is no time for a wimpy drop necklace. You need a substantial pendant that really makes a fashion statement, and two of the hottest colors will be yellow and its complementary color, purple.

Yellow
Refreshing gemstones like Citrine, Yellow Topaz, Amber, and Chrysoberyl and simulated Canary Diamond jewelry, topaz glass beads and the Cubic Zirconia substitutes will keep you on top of seasonal jewelry trends! Like this lovely Citrine:
Purple
A great counter point color for yellow is purple, which will also be highlighted this spring. Like this gorgeous pendant.

About the Author

Nature-inspired jewelry are hot as fashion accessories and apparel accessories