The alternative healing practice of chakras is incorporated into many therapies and exercises. Each of the seven main energy points along the Endocrine System have correspondences including a pair of archetypes: one archetype linking to a negative character and one archetype to a positive.
But what can be found in the space between the energy points? And what relevance do the archetypes have? According to Dr. Allan Hunter, the six stages of human development connect one chakra to the next in ascending order.
The Root Chakra Archetypes
The first chakra, the Root Chakra, associates the Earth Mother as a positive archetype and the Victim as the negative archetype. Located at the base of the spine, this chakra represents security.
Taking care of oneself both physically and emotionally enables the individual to identify with the Earth Mother as opposed to being the unsteady Victim. The soul’s energy then grows into the first developmental stage identified by Hunter as the Innocent.
Stage One: The Innocent
The Innocent carries three traits: trust, love and vulnerability. After unblocking the first chakra one asks do I share trust or do I withhold it? What does it mean to be vulnerable? The Innocent trusts and loves whoever is willing to reciprocate the qualities.
Vulnerability acts as a danger in this case. It is only when the Innocent matures that vulnerability turns into strength. Lessons learned are carried out towards the greater good, unifying voices.
The Sacral Chakra Archetypes
The Sacral Chakra extends the theme of security and one’s self-responsibility. The two archetypes are the Sovereign and the Martyr. The Sovereign is open to opportunities and nurtures desires while the Martyr’s attitude of self-pity neither lessens nor grows.
Stage Two: The Orphan
With an open mind, the Sovereign climbs the kundalini, meeting the next stage in between the Sacral and Solar Plexus chakra, the Orphan. The Orphan is given directions and like the Innocent, a person may choose to be a follower or to reject external pressure.
The Solar Plexus Archetypes
The Solar Plexus is the point in the body where one either depends on others or on oneself. The positive archetype of the Solar Plexus is acquired through following inner guidance.
A Spiritual Warrior overcomes the challenges of the first two chakras. The negative archetype, the Drudge, does not overcome challenges and depends on the qualities of others, not moving on to the Pilgrim Stage.
Stage Three: The Pilgrim
Before the Heart Chakra, the Pilgrim collects courage to go in the opposite path of others. Along the Pilgrim’s journey, questions are asked about the self. Through finding the answers along the way, the individual sheds conformity.
The Heart Chakra Archetypes
Located exactly halfway between the three lower chakras and the three higher chakras, the Heart Chakra offers an ultimatum to the individual. One can choose to revert back to old patterns or choose to find serendipitous events.
When dealing with past challenges, or the first three energy points, one is known to be the Lover. The heart is open and willing to grow. The Performer, on the other hand, steals strength from others hiding the inability to love. Individualism is feared.
Stage Four: The Warrior-Lover
When the Lover is developed the person enters the fourth stage of human development as the Warrior-Lover. One loves for what is fought for and one fights for what is loved.
The Throat Chakra Archetypes
Learning how to peacefully fight encourages self-expression, thus leading one to the Throat Chakra. Personalities are introduced through the voice box. The archetypes of the Throat Chakra are the Communicator and the Masked Self. The Communicator contributes honest, clear and purposeful ideas to the world. The Masked Self hides beliefs.
Stage Five: The Monarch
Contributions are also made in the fifth stage of development known as the Monarch. Knowledge is passed on and strategies are thought out. The Monarch also exercises the use of intuition found at the Third Eye Chakra.
The Third Eye Chakra
The Third Eye acts as a third part of the brain between the left and right hemisphere. Avoiding the negative archetype of the Rationalist, a Psychic trusts instincts beyond logic.
Stage Six: The Magician
From the Third Eye, the Psychic develops into the sixth and final stage: the Magician. The Magician changes the energy in the atmosphere. The stages that another person goes through are seen as familiar. The Magician inspires others and allows them to be who they are.
The archetypal pattern is a cycle. Once the Magician is accessed, the Magician counts on an Innocent turning up looking for love.
The Crown Chakra
The seventh chakra, the Crown Chakra, illustrates success and spirituality. The Guru and Egocentric are the associated archetypes. The Guru sees success and spirituality as one. Just as the Magician sees the endless cycle of human development, the Guru sees endless possibilities. The negative archetype of the Egocentric believes in forcing luck and success; this stunts spiritual growth.
Bookending the chakra system with Hunter’s development pattern, one either lives without knowing one’s true personality or nurtures courage from the base of being to the crown of opportunities.
Sources
- Hunter, Allan G. Stories We Need to Know. Scotland: Findhorn Press, 2008.
- Simpson, Liz. The Book of Chakra Healing. New York: Sterling Publishing, Co., Inc., 1999.
Brittany Capozzi - Brittany sees how writing makes a difference in people's lives, therefore she strives to inspire and teach through her pieces.
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