The Sanskrit word chakra translates to “wheel” or “disk,” representing psychospiritual energy centers within the subtle body, a non-physical component believed to interpenetrate the physical form. These energy vortices are considered loci for the life force, or prana, which flows through pathways called nadi. While Western practices focus on a system of seven centers aligned along the spine, the number and arrangement of these energy points varies significantly across different traditions and historical texts. Ancient Hindu and Buddhist tantric yoga practices visualized four, five, or six main centers. The popular seven-chakra model became dominant largely through specific translations and simplifications that reached the West in the early 20th century.
The Seven-Chakra Framework
The framework most familiar to the general public consists of seven primary chakras, beginning at the base of the spine and ascending to the crown of the head. This system includes the Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown chakras. Each is associated with distinct physiological functions, aspects of consciousness, and elements. The Root chakra, for example, is linked to stability and survival, while the Crown chakra is associated with spiritual connection and higher consciousness.
This seven-center model was popularized in the West through translations, most notably Sir John Woodroffe’s 1919 book The Serpent Power. This book translated a 16th-century text describing a system of six centers plus the Sahasrara, or Crown chakra. Theosophists and later New Age authors then adapted and expanded on this translation, associating each center with a color, psychological attribute, and other correspondences. Consequently, this seven-point alignment became the default baseline for understanding the body’s subtle energy anatomy for most people today.
Beyond the Spine: Transpersonal Chakras
The answer to whether more than seven chakras exist lies in the concept of transpersonal centers, which are located outside the physical body, generally above the Crown chakra. These centers are higher-frequency energy points that connect the subtle body to universal consciousness and cosmic knowledge. They are not part of the standard seven-chakra system, which focuses on the human experience from physical grounding to spiritual enlightenment.
One of the most frequently cited transpersonal centers is the 8th Chakra, often called the Soul Star. Situated approximately six inches to two feet above the head, this center holds the blueprint of the soul, including information about past lives, karmic lessons, and the soul’s mission. Activating this center facilitates memory retrieval related to past life experiences and the clearing of associated karma.
Moving further upward, the 9th Chakra, sometimes referred to as the Spirit or Causal chakra, oversees the individual’s soul path and links the person to higher spiritual guidance. This center is associated with accessing the sphere of potentialities and fate, and its function can involve bringing forth spiritual skills developed in prior lifetimes.
The 10th Chakra, known as the Stellar Gateway, is positioned even higher, sometimes described as being twelve inches above the Crown. This center serves as a gateway for receiving high-frequency energies and divine light. When functioning optimally, the Stellar Gateway measures and channels the intensity of light a person can hold, integrating these cosmic vibrations into the energy system. These higher centers focus on expanding awareness into multi-dimensional realities and establishing a link with the divine, rather than personal or emotional regulation.
Grounding and Auxiliary Centers
The complexity of the subtle energy body also extends below the physical form and includes numerous auxiliary centers throughout the extremities. The Earth Star Chakra, for instance, is not located within the physical body but rather about 12 to 18 inches below the soles of the feet. This center is foundational to the entire energy system, acting as a high-performance grounding point that anchors the subtle body to the Earth’s core. A healthy Earth Star ensures physical stability, security, and the ability to manifest desires.
In addition to this deep grounding point, there are numerous minor chakras, including secondary centers and micro-chakras. The minor chakras in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are significant for energy exchange.
The hand chakras, located in the palms, are associated with the ability to give and receive, relating to creative expression, healing, and the manifestation of intentions. The foot chakras, located in the arches, work in tandem with the Earth Star to facilitate the flow of energy from the Earth upward and to channel excess energy downward.
The High Heart or Thymus chakra is another significant auxiliary point, located between the heart and the throat. This center is often cited as a bridge between the physical heart and higher consciousness, supporting the immune system and governing feelings of divine love, compassion, and forgiveness.