Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra)

Understanding Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) in Vedic Astrology

The Vishuddhi Chakra is also known as the throat chakra and is the fifth primary chakra according to the Hindu Tradition. This chakra is considered to be the centre of the physical and spiritual purification and according to the puranas this chakra has immense purificatory power. It is associated with communication, self-expression, will power and choice. The name Vishuddhi means deep purification hence it is associated to eliminate any negative thoughts and ideas from our mind and is aso related to the higher mind as well as removal of subtle obstructions which prevent us from understanding and expressing our deepest feelings and personal truth. Some of the aspects of this chakra are communication, sound, creative expression and telepathy. It is associated with the sense of hearing and also the organ of knowledge. It helps you to improve the power of self expression in the most truthful manner. It prevents us from telling lies and speaking in a hurtful way as it goes against the very virtue of human nature.

Vedic Astrology Analysis

Associated Element : Akash/Space
Governing Planet : Mercury
If Vishuddhi chakra is blocked

Mental problems related to that are: Lack of intelligence and Communication, bad decision making.
physical problems related to that are: Abdomen, skin, nervous system, neck, mouth, bronchial tube, tongue, lungs, hands arms, insomnia, deafness, dyspepsia, Endocrine gland: Thyroid and Parathyroid gland.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Location

This chakra is located at the neck region, near the spine with its Kshetram or superficial activation point in the pit of the throat. It is for this reason it is known as the throat chakra as it is located in the vicinity of Larynx. This chakra is the centre of physical and spiritual purification and is also mentioned in the Puranas.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Appearance

This chakra is believed to be of white colour with 16 purple or smoke colour petals as per Hindu tradition. Within the pericarp is a sky blue downward pointing triangle containing a circular white region like the full moon. This represents the element of Akashi or aether. This region is represented by the deity Ambara who is also white in colour and is depicted with four arms and holding a noose and a goad, making the gesture of granting boons and dispelling fear while seated upon a white elephant.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Seed Mantra

The seed mantra or the Bija mantra of this chakra is the syllable 'ham' and is written in white upon the chakra. The deity Sadashiva lies in the bindu or point above the mantra and has five faces and ten arms. The body of this deity is divided into two parts, the right half which is the white Shiva and the left half which is the golden Shakti. He is seen holding a trident, chisel, sword, vajra, fire, a great snake, a bell, a goad, and a noose and is also seen making the gesture of dispelling fear. Clad in a tiger skin his Shakti is Shakini who is shining white and is seated on a red lotus. He has five faces with three eyes on each face, four armed and a bow and arrow, noose and a goad.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Petals

This chakra has 16 purple petals upon which there are written the 16 sanksrit vowels in golden. The Petals correspond to the vrittis of the mantra Ong (Aum), the Sama Mantras, the mantras - Hung, Phat, Washat, Swadha, Swaha and Namak, the nectar Amrita and the seven musical tones.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Function

The main function of this chakra is believed to be purification. It is considered to be the purification of the body where the nectar amrita drops down from the Bindu chakra and is split into a pure form and a poison. In its abstract form this chakra is also associated with higher discrimination, creativity and self-expression. It is believed that when this chakra is closed we undergo decay and death. When this chakra remains open it helps to transform all the negative experiences into wisdom and learning. A person's success and failure in life is depended on this chakra and its state, whether it is polluted or clean. The most common reason for this chakra to be blocked is the feeling of guilt. Feeling guilty will block the Kundalini energy moving upwards. It is associated with the element Akasha and also the sense of hearing and the action of speaking. When one meditates upon this chakra it is said to bring the following siddhis or occult powers - vision of the three periods - past, present and future; freedom from disease and old age; destruction of dangers and the ability ot move the three worlds.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Association with the body

This chakra is mainly associated with the neck and throat. It is located near the larynx and has strong connection with the power of self-expression. It is also associated to other parts of the body like thyroid gland, ears, jaw and mouth. When the throat chakra is out of harmony we will feel repeated problems with this part of the body. As it is associated with hearing it is related to ears and because of its association with speaking it is related to mouth. It is also associated with the thyroid gland in the human endocrine system. This gland is located in the neck and produces the hormones that are necessary for growth and maturation. At times excessive stress and fear of speaking out may cause the blocking of this chakra and causes problems in throat. To stimulate this chakra, one can sing, but should be careful and not hit the throat area as it can be harmful.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Practices and awakening process

To open and balance this chakra one can follow practices like asanas like the shoulder stand, pranayama, Jalandhara Bandha or throat lock and Khecari Mudra. To open or clean this chakra one can practice medication or also sing and pay musical instrument.

Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) Comparison with other systems

In the Vajrayana traditions of Yoga the throat when is an important centre which is of special importance to the practice of dream yoga. It helps you to get sound and peaceful dreams. Western occultists make different associations with Kabbalistic traditions like some related it with the hidden sephirah Da'at which is responsible for understating and wisdom. According to Sufi Lataif-e-sitta there are no Lataif in the throat but there are three region of the heart which are arranged horizontally and not vertically. In Taoism the position of the lalana chakra is the roof of the mouth and corresponds with the point known as 'The Heavenly Pool'.