Chakra Flowers & Symbolic Meaning
Chakra flowers offer unique symbolic meanings for each of the seven major chakras. Flowers are among the oldest spiritual symbols. As a result, sacred flowers exist in nearly every culture and spiritual tradition. These beloved flowers have inspired poetry, hymns and sacred art throughout history. In addition, chakra flowers reveal the role and significance of each chakra.
Lotus Flowers and the Chakras
The lotus flower is connected to all of the chakras in the Hindu tradition. The lotus is a perfect metaphor for the flowering of consciousness. Each chakra has a specific number of petals. In turn, each of these petals have their own meanings. For example, the root chakra has four petals. The crown chakra is known as the thousand-petaled lotus!
More Chakra Flowers
In addition to the lotus, each chakra is also connected symbolically to other flowers. Sometimes this connection is due to the color of the flower. At other times, the structure of the flower relates to the role and purpose of the chakra.
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Root Chakra Flowers
The root chakra is often associated with the color red. Poppies, peonies and poinsettia are clear favorites as chakra flowers for the root or base chakra. In a purified state, the root chakra is thought to be white. Thus, white flowers can also symbolize the root chakra.
Flowers with Strong Roots
The root chakra also creates the base for all of the other chakras. Flowers that have a strong root system are ideal choices as root chakra flowers. For this reason, some root chakra flowers are on shrubs, bushes or trees.
Role of the Root Chakra
The root chakra is at the base of the spine. The energy from the root chakra is pulled upwards to the other chakras. The root chakra can also be seen as connected with your personal and ancestral history. These are the roots that can give you a strong base and presence in the world. Root chakra flowers growing as shrubs include hibiscus and begonia.
Root Chakra Flowers: Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are sacred to the goddess Kali. Kali is a fierce Hindu goddess who symbolizes primal energy. Kali is a demon-slayer. She protects her devotees from attacks and negative influences. She defends their right to pursue spiritual practices. Hibiscus flowers are orange, yellow, red and pink. Learn more about the Goddess Kali.
Root Chakra Flowers: Begonias
Begonias are a solid, strong flower. They are often white, pink or scarlet. Some view white as the color of the purified root chakra. Begonias grow in shrubs rather than on individual stems. Begonias are sometimes given as gifts to celebrate major accomplishments. This includes events like graduations and anniversaries.
Root Chakra Flowers: Poppies
Poppy flower meanings are beauty, magic, fertility and eternal life. For this reason, the Egyptians included poppies as a sacred flower at funerals and in burial tombs. Thus, poppies are related to both eternal life and to death. The root chakra is connected to survival. This involves food and shelter. Accordingly, poppies mean both prosperity and humility. Having a strong financial foundation is a key. When the basics are available, this provides the freedom needed to pursue spiritual practices. Read full article: Poppy Flower Meaning.
Root Chakra Flowers: Peonies
Peonies are another beautiful flower that is usually pink, red or white and grows on a sturdy bush. They are appreciated worldwide for their large, scented flowers. Peonies signify wealth and prosperity. Peonies are also symbolic of romance and a happy marriage. The name of this flower comes from a Greek myth in which Zeus brought a young man named Paean back to life and transformed him into a flower. “Paeonia” morphed to “peonies” over time.
Sacral Chakra Flowers
The sacral chakra is often associated with the color orange. In a purified state, the sacral chakra is a violet color. This is the chakra of relationships, creativity and reproduction. There are many flowers associated with romance and relationships!
Role of the Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra is the realm of communication and exchange. Along with the solar plexus chakra, the sacral chakra is connected to finances. If the energy of the sacral chakra is used improperly, addiction to sex or gambling can result.
Flowers for the Seat of the Soul
The sacral chakra is also the seat of artistic creation. Sometimes the sacral chakra is called the seat of the soul. Sacral chakra flowers include the calla lily, crocuses, and orange blossoms.
Sacral Chakra Flowers: Calla Lily
The calla lily was a sacred flower to the Minoans and also prized among the ancient Jews. In Christian iconography, the calla lily means purity, chastity and the ascension. The calla lily also has spiritual significance as a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter.
Symbol of Beauty and Sexuality
The calla lily is also a symbol of sexuality. The Romans also viewed the flower’s large spadix, a phallic flower stalk containing many male (pistillate) as a symbol of lust. According to Roman legends, Venus saw the flower and felt her beauty was threatened by its pure white blossoms. She cursed the flower so that it would grow a large and unsightly pistil.
Decorative Uses of Calla Lilies
As calla lilies have shifted into prominence, they have become a popular wedding flowers. A single calla lily in a tall vase is a classic statement of elegance and beauty. White calla lilies are said to be a good luck charm for newly married couples. They are extremely popular in bridal bouquets. Read full article: Calla Lilly Meaning: Magnificent Beauty, Sexuality & Purity.
Sacral Chakra Flowers: Crocuses
The crocus is one of the earliest signs of spring and new life. The typical purple and gold colors also represent the purified state of the sacral chakra. Crocus can also be lilac, orange and white.
Crocus in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, the crocus flower is associated with Hermes, son of Zeus and the nymph Maia. Hermes is the inventor of the lyre and is the god of trade, travel, wealth and good fortune.
Crocus Meaning
The Victorian meaning of crocuses is cheerfulness. Crocus plants grow from corms. They are mainly perennials. Crocuses are simple flowers that grow close to the ground. Likewise, the sacral chakra is the chakra immediately above the root or base chakra.
Sacral Chakra Flowers: Orange Blossoms
Orange blossom flowers mean innocence. They also mean eternal love. In Chinese traditions, orange blossoms are sacred flowers for marriage. In addition, orange blossoms mean good fortune. For these reasons, orange blossoms are popular in bridal bouquets and wreaths.
Additional Orange Blossom Meanings
Orange blossoms also mean fruitfulness. The petals of orange blossoms create flavored water. Because of this, orange blossom water is part of Middle Eastern cuisine. In the United States, the orange blossom is the state flower of Florida.
Chakra Flower Shorts
Solar Plexus Chakra Flowers
The solar plexus chakra is connected to both service to others and personal desires. This is the chakra where we get a gut feeling about people, places and events. The solar plexus is symbolized as a ten-petaled lotus that resembles a sun.
Flowers of the Sun
Flowers that resemble the sun are clear winners as solar plexus chakra flowers. Flowers that are golden or yellow are also often associated with the sun. The color of the solar plexus is usually yellow. In a purified state, the color is purple and gold.
Solar Plexus Chakra Flowers: Sunflower
Sunflowers are sacred flowers for some Native American tribes. These tribes include the sunflower in ceremonies and rituals such as the Sun Dance. Sunflowers have historically been sacred to other groups as well. Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus. This is a reference to Helios, the Greek sun god.
Practical Uses of Sunflowers
Sunflowers also have many important practical uses. For example, they are an important source of food. These beautiful flowers are growing rapidly in popularity. Sunflowers are perfect as cut flowers and garden flowers.
Modern Sunflower Meaning
Modern sunflower meaning is adoration. This is because sunflowers turn their heads to the sun. This characteristic is the origin of their common name. Sunflowers are known as one of the most joyous flowers. Read full article: Sunflower Meaning – Ancient Incas to Modern Weddings.
Solar Plexus Chakra Flowers: Dandelions
Dandelions also symbolize the sun, an ancient and universal symbols. The name dandelion literally means “tooth of the lion.” This is a reference to Leo, the constellation most associated with the sun.
Modern Dandelion Meanings
Modern dandelion flower meanings are numerous. They mean “love me” and “affection returned.” Additionally, dandelion flowers mean desire, faithful and happiness. Dandelions also mean sympathy and love’s oracle.
Dandelion Culinary Uses
Beautiful, bright dandelions are a perfect chakra flowers for the positive feelings desired in the solar plexus. Although considered to be a weed in many places, the dandelion has many uses including use as a coffee substitute (roasted dandelion root). Dandelions are always yellow! Learn more about Flower Color Meaning.
Solar Plexus Chakra Flowers: Daisies
Daises are the sacred flower of Freya, the most renowned of the Norse goddesses. Freya is the goddess of death, battle, love and fertility. Daisy flowers mean purity, innocence, loyal love and faith. In addition, daisies mean beauty, patience and simplicity. More about the history of daisies in the article Article: Daisy Meaning in Mythology, Religion and Around the World.
Classic Daisy Colors
Daisies bloom in many colors but the classic daisy most closely associated with chakra flowers is white with a bright yellow center, a wonderful symbol of the sun! Amazingly, this flower is more than 4,000 years old. For example, daisies decorate hairpins found in a Minoan Palace on the Island of Crete.
Heart Chakra Flowers
The fourth chakra is the heart chakra or the Anahata chakra. In Sanskrit, “Anahata” means “unhurt, unstruck, unbeaten.” The heart is the focus of spirituality in many systems, notably Christianity. There are many depictions of Jesus with a heart burning with sacred fire. Other traditions also teach that there is a sacred flame or spark within the heart. In the East, a mystical inner chamber in the heart is known as “Brahma’s Cave.”
Focus of the Heart Chakra
The physical organs associated with the heart chakra are the heart itself, the circulatory system and the lungs. As the seat of love and devotion, the heart expresses charity, compassion, and kindness. The heart is also a focus for beauty and culture. The chakra flowers for the heart include the rose, forget-me-nots and camellias.
Heart Chakra Flowers: Roses
The rose in the West is similar to the lotus flower in the East: the meanings of these sacred flowers are unparalleled. The most well known rose flower meaning is love. Additionally, roses can mean passion. Roses are tradition for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and all other expressions of love.
Roses and Christian Symbolism
Wild roses have five petals. This has led to their symbolic connection to the wounds of Christ. The rose also symbolizes the Virgin Mary herself. Mary was known as the “Mystic Rose.” Not only are roses perfect chakra flowers for the heart, but the rose is also clearly associated with secret societies with mystical religious beliefs such as the Rosicrucians.
Heart Chakra Flowers: Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots mean true love and memories. When we wish someone to be remembered, we often say they will “live forever in my heart.” This expression indicates the connection between these chakra flowers and the heart. Scientists now believe that the heart does have its own consciousness, leading to the moniker the “second brain.” Some experiments indicate that the heart sends signals to the brain of warning or happiness.
Legend of the Forget-Me-Not
Forget-Me-Nots are clearly associated with love and the memories of the heart. In 15th century Germany, lovers wore forget-me-nots. An old legend tells the story: a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. The knight picked a posy of flowers. Unfortunately, he fell into the river. He sank due to the weight of his armor. As he was drowning, he threw the posy to his loved one. Thereupon he shouted, “Forget me not!”
Christian Story of the Forget-Me-Not
Another legend is that Christ was sitting on Mary’s lap. Mary wished future generations could see them. Hence Jesus touched her eyes. Then he waved his hand over the ground. Blue forget-me-nots appeared. Although they are usually blue, forget-me-nots can also be white, pink or yellow. Learn more about Flower Color Meaning.
Heart Chakra Flowers: Camellias
Camellia flower meaning is everlasting love. For one thing, camellias bloom for many months. In contrast, other flowers may bloom for only a few weeks. For this reason, lovers give camellias to express ongoing devotion, a quality of the heart. Learn more about camellias in Camellia Meaning and the History of Green Tea.
Camellia Meaning in China
Camellias have meanings in many cultures. For example, the Chinese believe that the petals reflect the spirit of a lady. On the other hand, the calyx represents the young man as her protector. The calyx of the camellia falls with the petals when the flower dies. This is unlike most other flowers in which the calyx and petals separate. As a result, the camellia is a symbol of eternal union. In Japan, the camellia is also considered to be sacred and divine.
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Throat Chakra Flowers
The throat chakra is connected to creativity and self-expression as well as the actions of speaking, chanting and singing. This chakra is associated with the neck, thyroid, esophagus, teeth, mouth and the ears. The throat and thyroid are where emotions, intentions, praise and criticism are expressed.
Role of the Throat Chakra
As the gateway to the digestive system, the throat chakra is said to have the ability to neutralize the poisons of life. This protects us from “swallowing” impure food or unpleasant feelings. On the other hand, the throat is also connected to addictions centered around food, alcohol and drugs.
Meaning of the Throat Chakra Name
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or the Vishuddha chakra. In Sanskrit, Vishuddha means “especially pure.” The throat chakra is depicted as having sixteen petals. In the center is a triangle pointing downward and a white circle representing akashi or ether.
Types of Throat Chakra Flowers
As the focus of communication, throat chakra flowers often have a bell-like shape. These flowers include tulips, bluebells and foxgloves. In both the earthly and purified etheric state, the throat chakra color is blue.
Throat Chakra Flowers: Tulips
Tulip flowers mean fame, freedom and perfect love. Tulips mean eternal life. They are heralds of spring. Along with crocuses and daffodils, tulips are the first flowers to blossom each year. As chakra flowers for the throat, these flowers are boldly and colorfully announcing spring each year.
Symbolic Uses of Tulips
Due to their association with spring and new life, tulips also make wonderful get well flowers. Tulips are also popular Easter flowers. To celebrate the cycle of growth and the return of warmth and abundance after the long winter, bright bouquets featuring yellow tulips, pink tulips, orange tulips, red tulips and variegated tulips are all perfect for centerpieces during the Easter season.
Tulips for the Holidays
The strong, simple shape of tulips are a wonderful metaphor for strong, clear communication through the throat chakra. Although you might not think of tulips for the Christmas and winter holiday season, red tulips are a striking and somewhat exotic display, reminding everyone in the darkest time of the year of the coming of spring.
Throat Chakra Flowers: Bluebells
Bluebells are closely linked to the realm of fairies. To call fairies to a convention, a fairy rings a bluebell. This role in communication links the bluebell to the throat chakra. Flowers with a bell-shaped petals are generally viewed as announcing or bringing a message to the viewer. A bell shape is reminiscent of a trumpet or horn. The color blue is also the color for the throat chakra.
Symbolic Meaning of Bluebells
Bluebells also mean humility, gratitude, constancy and everlasting love. Bluebells are named due to their most common color and their bell shape. Bluebells in a dream indicate that you are grateful for all that you have in life. Walking through a field of bluebell flowers in a dream is a positive experience. However, if the bluebells are dark blue, they can mean sadness. Bluebells are also associated with old growth forests. Learn more in Bluebell Flower Meaning – Fairies, Shakespeare, Witches & Dreams.
Throat Chakra Flowers: Foxglove
Foxglove flower meanings are both positive and negative. For this reason, they are said to sometimes heal and sometimes hurt. This is similar to the power of the throat chakra: the words we say to others can sometimes hurt and sometimes heal.
Meaning of Foxglove Flowers
In the language of flowers, foxgloves mean immortality. This is another key connection to the throat chakra. The power of speech and sound is the power of life. The world is brought into being through the spoken word: “Let there be light!” Learn more in Foxglove Flower Meaning.
Third Eye Chakra Flowers
The sixth chakra is the third eye, the seat of spiritual vision. The Sanskrit term for this chakra is Ajna, which means “command” or “perceive.” The pineal gland or third eye is associated with this chakra.
Developing the Third Eye
The third eye is associated with several deities in Hinduism. For example, Shiva is often depicted as having three eyes because of his powerful development of this chakra. The third eye, usually associated with clairvoyant abilities, can be developed with yoga, meditation and the practice of chanting.
Third Eye Chakra Flowers: Marigolds
Marigolds mean passion, creativity and happiness. According to tradition, water from marigolds may be rubbed on the eyelids to induces visions of fairies. Some cultures add marigold flowers to pillows. As a result, the sleeper will have prophetic dreams.
Marigolds and Psychic Abilities
This connection to psychic abilities and to dreams qualifies marigolds as third eye chakra flowers. The Welsh also thought that marigolds had prophetic abilities and used marigolds for weather prediction. They watched to see if marigolds were open early in the morning. If not, a storm was on the way.
Sacred Flower in Hinduism
Marigolds are a sacred flower to Hindus as well. They are used in many ceremonies, especially those dedicated to Vishnu and his consort, the goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and abundance.
Origin of Marigold Flower Name
In the Catholic tradition, marigolds are connected to the Virgin Mary. In fact, that is the origin of the common name for this flower, derived form “Mary’s gold.” Those who could not afford gold coins to place at the foot of her statues would use marigold flowers instead. Learn more in Marigold Meaning in Romance, Astrology and Religion.
Third Eye Chakra Flowers: Lupines
Lupine flower meaning is imagination. The name actually means “of wolves.” However, this is due to a mistaken belief. Ancient people thought that lupines robbed the soil of nutrients. In fact, lupines add nitrogen to the soil. Hence the Romans used lupines for fertilizer. Interestingly, they also ate the high-protein seeds.
Lupines and Imagination
The third eye plays a strong role in imagination and visualization. The color of the third eye is often represented as indigo or as green in the purified state. Lupines come in many beautiful colors including, purple, blue, yellow, pink and white.
Colors of Lupine Flowers
This stately flower has been bred to have taller stalks and bright colors. Most wild lupines come in purple, a color usually associated with the imagination and creativity of artists and musicians. Purple is also viewed as the color of royalty.
Third Eye Chakra Flowers: Gardinias
The ancient Greeks believed that a person smelling gardenias could be transported to the Elysium paradise. The flowers were associated with Morpheus, the god of dreams and sleep. In the Victorian language of flowers, gardenia flowers mean “you’re lovely.” They also mean happiness, purity, refinement and secret love.
The most popular gardenia color is white. Gardenia plants have a strong, sweet scent. Gardenia flowers can be very large in some species. Gardenias grow on shrubs or small trees. The English name means simply “garden flower.” The form of gardenias is similar to roses– multiple petals opening outward in layers. This is an apt metaphor for the unfolding of the spiritual gifts of vision and prophecy.
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Crown Chakra Flowers
The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, the seat of enlightenment, known in Sanskrit as the Sahasrara chakra. Sahasrara means “thousand-petaled.” According to Eastern traditions, the crown chakra is related to god-consciousness (samadhi) and the transforming powers of the divine. The crown can be viewed as the father, or spirit energy, drawing the mother, or earth energy, from the lower chakras upward.
Symbolism of the Crown Chakra
The dominating color of the crown chakra is white or gold. Reaching the crown chakra is largely equated with freedom from limitations and the boundaries of time and space. In this way, the crown is a link to the universal. Those who have advanced practice in meditation may feel that the confines of their minds and bodies have been swept away. Chakras flowers associated with the crown chakra include the lotus, magnolias and rhododendrons.
Crown Chakra and the Brain
On the physical level, the crown is related to the nervous system and the brain. There is also a connection to the pineal and pituitary glands (similar to the third eye) and to the hypothalamus. Some authorities connect the crown chakra to the integumentary system (skin, hair, nails). More about the crown chakra can be found in the article Crown Chakra: Achieving Enlightenment and Bliss.
Crown Chakra Flowers: Lotus
The lotus flower is connected to all of the chakras in the Hindu tradition. The lotus is a perfect metaphor for the literal flowering of consciousness. Each chakra has a specific number of petals. In turn, each of these petals have their own meanings. For example, the root chakra has four petals. The crown chakra is known as the thousand-petaled lotus! Learn more in Chakra Symbols.
Crown Chakra Flowers: Magnolia
Magnolia trees are a large evergreen native to India and considered to be sacred by the Hindus and Buddhists. According to Tibetan beliefs, the next Buddha will find enlightenment under a magnolia (champaca) tree.
Magnolia Spiritual Meaning
Magnolias are typically white with a yellow center, colors associated with halos and the crown chakra. Halos are symbols of holiness depicted as an arc or circle around the head of angels, saints or holy individuals.
Popularity of Magnolia Flowers
Magnolia flower meanings are nobility and love of nature. There are more than 200 species of Magnolia across Southeast Asia, Eastern North America, Central America, the Caribbean and parts of South America. This flower is the official state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana.
Crown Chakra Flowers: Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are the national flower of Nepal, blooming in the famous Himalayan mountains. Rhododendrons are indigenous to this region. Many hikers go to the region specifically to see these flowers blooming. The rhododendron flower on the flag of Nepal is a bright red.
Symbolism of Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons mean protection, bold beauty, beware and caution. This is a solemn flower, growing in a difficult climate. Rhododendron means “rose tree.” The meaning of caution is warranted: Some species are toxic to animals. They may have a hallucinogenic and laxative effect on humans.
More Chakra Resources
Chakras and Musical Notes: Chakras and musical notes have been paired in a number of ways. Learn about both Western and Eastern systems.
Chakra Names: Chakra names reveal the roles of the chakras in the body on psychological, spiritual and emotional levels. Includes explanations of English and Sanskrit chakra names.
Chakra Flowers: Chakra flowers offer unique symbolic meaning for each of the seven major chakras. Flowers are among the oldest spiritual symbols, revealing the meaning of each chakra.
Author Kathleen Karlsen
Kathleen Karlsen is a musician, artist, writer and speaker. She is the author of two books (Flower Symbols and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Kathleen, her husband Andrew, and their five children live in Bozeman, Montana. More about Kathleen Karlsen.
CHAKRA FLOWERS ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article covers chakra flowers for each of the seven major chakras. Flowers are among the oldest spiritual symbols and exist in nearly every culture and spiritual tradition. Included are three to four chakras flowers for each chakra: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown. Chakra Flowers includes identifying photos and helpful explanations of the connections between the chakras and the given flowers.