Did you know that each chakra is associated with an animal (a chakra is an energy centre within the body, 7 in total from the base of the spine all the way up to the crown of the head)? It’s true, and each chakra can be focused upon in our practice (if desired) using different animal asanas. See an initial list below though there’s a lot more detail to delve into here if you wish to explore further 🙂

Sahasrara (crown) chakra
Related animal: Egg/enlightened human (not actually mentioned in original texts but come to be associated with)
Inviting: Realisation, limitlessness, potential, enlightenment
Example posture: Corpse (Savasana)

Ajna (third eye/brow) chakra
Related animal: Hawk
Inviting: Guidance, visualisation, imagination, truth, trust, intellect
Example posture: Dolphin (Catur Svanasana)

Vishuddha (throat) chakra
Related animal: White elephant
Inviting: Expression, communication, mastery, interaction, purification, harmonisation
Example posture: Lion (Simhasana)

Anahata (heart) chakra
Related animal: Antelope
Inviting: Compassion, acceptance, grace, fulfillment, inspiration
Example posture:

Manipura (solar plexus) chakra
Related animal: Ram
Inviting: Decision-making, determination, expansive power
Example posture: Peacock (Mayurasana)

Swadhistana (pelvic/sacral) chakra
Related animal: Crocodile
Inviting: Development, confidence, depth & resurfacing, endurance, creativity
Example posture: Cobra (Bhujangasana)

Muldara (root, base of spine) chakra
Related animal: Elephant with 7 trunks
Inviting: Provisions, security, stability, protection, blockage removal
Example posture: Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Do you see how these animalistic attributes combined with the qualities of each chakra can help foster a feeling of connection with other animals and our own animal self? 🙂

 

Information sourced from: Ernest Wood’s book on Yoga and ultimately from Arthur Avalon’s The Serpent Power.