The 5th Chakra ~ Throat ~ Vishuddha
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or Vishuddha which translates to “very pure.”
This chakra gives a voice to your personal truths.
In the ancient Kabbalah, man is referred to as “The Speaker.” This single human attribute gives us the power to express ourselves on every level of experience.
To honor this gift fully, we are asked to consciously commit to expressing our truth and sing the song of individuality clearly and with integrity. To do so truly serves our spirits.
The throat chakra covers the area of the external and internal throat and neck as well as the mouth, teeth, and jaw. It is often blocked with suppressed feelings, revealing unspoken emotions and unexpressed ideas.
When the throat chakra is blocked, it prevents energy from rising to the upper centers.
Clearing this center requires a deep commitment to the truth, as well as living from integrity.
When it is healed, strength flourishes and directs the life force toward creativity and self-expression.
The qualities expressed by the throat chakra are creativity, willpower, the truth, communication, and personal integrity. This center governs the thyroid and controls our ability to communicate our thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
When the throat chakra is functioning optimally, people will take stands for what they believe in. They are seldom dependent on others to give them permission to express their feelings.
Qualities and Attributes
The throat chakra is the gateway to higher spiritual realms and is called “the mouth of God” in esoteric teachings.
The throat chakra is a vessel for subtle energy and its integrity can be harmed through injury and emotional and physical abuse.
The throat chakra shuts down from grief and unexpressed feelings such as anger and fear. It is compromised when we are dishonest, maligning, or gossip about others.
This chakra is damaged by all forms of substance abuse that pass through the throat.
Alcohol, smoking, both recreational and allopathic drugs, and over-eating all pass through the narrow opening of the throat and profoundly disrupt the energy flowing from the lower chakras to the brow and crown chakras, cutting us off from expressing our highest truths when they are most needed.
We default on our integrity when we fail to honor our individuality. To maintain a strong and viable sense of selfhood it is essential to express our truth as best we can, even at the risk of being different or standing apart from others.
Location: The throat chakra’s center is right in between your collar bone, and it radiates down to the center of your heart and up to the center of your eyes.
Shape: An inverted pyramid, suspended around the jaw and pointing down toward the heart
Color: Turquoise
Musical note: G
Type of music: Opera
Element: The ether, in which all things are contained
Aspect of intelligence: Will and expression
Sensory experience: Hearing
Essential oils: Blue chamomile, gardenia, ylang ylang
Astrological associations: Gemini, Virgo
Metal: Mercury
Earthly location: Italy
Mythological animal: Sparrow hawk
Plant: Gardenia
Qualities: Will, communication, creativity, truthfulness, integrity
Life issues: To harness your will, to express your highest truth, to live creatively
Physical activities: Alexander technique, yoga, osteopathic alignment of the spine, cranio-sacral therapy, expressive theater and dance, qi gong, tai chi
Spiritual activities: Chanting, silent retreats, fasting, yoga, prayer, meditation, singing, keeping a journal, public speaking, bearing witness
There are many ways in which to open up the throat.
If feelings and true expression have been suppressed, one can benefit from therapy to help reanimate the feeling function. Singing or voice lessons are another way of strengthening the throat.
Each time the throat is exercised, emotions rise to consciousness. Making a clear intention to express the truth paves the way for healing to happen.
Many of us are disconnected from our inner reality. We don’t know what we are experiencing within ourselves. It takes a conscious effort to be comfortable with feelings.
If you feel angry, sad, anxious, or joyful, it serves your development to acknowledge these emotional states.
Each time you can tell the truth about your feelings, you have the opportunity to look at a deeper truth about the nature of reality.
Meditation for the Throat Chakra
In this meditation you will practice listening to, speaking and communicating, and living from your truth. You might want to light a candle and burn incense to focus your attention in your mouth and throat.
Affirmations Meditation for the Throat Chakra
Repeat this affirmation once every morning and once every evening to strengthen and heal the throat chakra. (Sorry about the scratchiness at the very beginning of the recording!)
Throat Chakra Journal Prompts
These journal prompts are centered on clear communication and conscious integrity to help balance your throat chakra. Sometimes this involves being more expressive, and other times it may revolve around the quality and truth in our communication. Be gentle and kind with yourself as you explore these questions…
How willingly do you share your truth with others?
Do you say what you feel?
Do you honor your personal truth?
Do you tune into your body, your feelings, and your spirit to know what your truth is?