Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
From Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers
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The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha is located centrally at the base of the neck, in the throat pit (laryngeal region) near the larynx and thyroid. As the fifth vital Chakra along th central energetic channel, it forms a bridge between the Heart Chakra (Anahata) and the subtle centers above, the Third Eye (Ajna) and Crown (Sahasrara) Chakras. The Sanskrit word for Vishuddha means “especially pure” or “purification,” and this Chakra governs truth, communication, authentic self-expression, and the capacity to listen deeply. The idea of voice as the expression of inner purity is significant in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions; healing involves uncovering the clarity already present within and allowing truthful expression to arise. The Throat Chakra governs honesty and resonance, crucial for linking heart and mind through clear speech and receptive listening. In Vedic Astrology, Mercury is linked to communication associated with the Throat Chakra.
In modern times, the concept of the Chakra system has been embraced by New Age and holistic medical and spiritual traditions. In these teachings, balancing of the seven nodes of Chakra energy is considered essential for matters of emotional healing, physical well-being, financial stability, personal empowerment, and spiritual peace. Meditation, physical touch, body awareness, and the wearing of talismans may be included in the work of Chakra balancing.
The Throat Chakra encompasses the voice and throat region—notably the thyroid and larynx—and is thought to be the area where effective healing practices include breathwork (such as humming or toning), intentional silence, mindful listening, the use of the appropriate mudra or hand gesture, and mantra work with the seed sound of this Chakra. The mudra of the Throat Chakra is called the Akash (Space) Mudra. To make this hand gesture, lightly touch the tip of your middle finger to the tip of your thumb on each hand, keep the other three fingers relaxed and extended, and rest the back of the hands on the knees with palms up while breathing evenly. As you make the mudra, intone the seed-sound of this Chakra, which is "HAM" or "HUM", while letting the vibration resonate in the throat.
Practices based on the concepts of ether or space may be recommended to strengthen or balance the Throat Chakra. These include intentional silence, sky-gazing, mindful listening, chanting, and simple vocal toning. To connect with the element of ether, one might also engage with Throat Chakra plants by appreciating their flowers, leaves, or berries or, if medically appropriate, drinking an herbal tea made from these plants. You may also include the use of stones or crystals for vocal clarity and cues for honest speech , such as Blue Lace Agate, Aquamarine, Larimar, Sodalite, and Turquoise, which can be placed before you, held in the hands for contemplation, worn as talismanic jewelry, or applied to the specified area of the body by a practitioner, while the client lays prone on the floor or a massage table. Healing methods such as Reiki have also been said to help with matters of the Throat Chakra.
Throat Chakra Keywords to Remember
- Anatomic Location: Center of the neck at the throat pit (laryngeal region)
- Associated Anatomy: Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands, Larynx, Pharynx, Vocal Cords, Mouth, Ears, Neck/Shoulders.
- Concepts: Truth, Communication, Deep Listening, Creative Voice.
- Lucky Colour: Sky Blue; White/Smokey-Violet.
- Element: Ether (Space).
- Seed Sound: Ham or Hum.
- Mudra: Akash (Space) Mudra.
- Symbol: Sixteen-petal lotus with a white circle (space) and a downward-pointing triangle.
- Hindu Deities: Sadashiva, Shakin, Sarasvati.
- Animal Symbol: White Elephant symbolizing strength, purity, ad stable voice.
- Lucky Jewels: Blue Lace Agate, Aquamarine, Larimar, Sodalite, and Turquoise
- Lucky Star: Mercury.
- Lucky Flowers: Blue Lotus, Forget-Me-Not, Lavender, Bluebell.
- Lucky Numbers: 16.
- Sign of The Zodiac Gemini, Virgo.
Credits
This page is brought to you by the AIRR Tech Team:
- Author: Papa Newt
- Contributors: catherine yronwode, Lukianos, nagasiva yronwode
- Images: Adrenalina; photo-sourced and edited by catherine yronwode and nagasiva yronwode
