Crown Chakra Meaning
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. Sometimes a blocked or imbalanced crown chakra is said to be associated with accidents and unexpected life events.
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Table of Contents
Crown Chakra Symbol
The crown chakra is represented by twenty layers of fifty petals each. This chakra is sometimes thought to be a combination of a cluster of chakras on the skull, such as the back of the head where monks may gather their hair or shave a bare spot. The crown can be viewed as the father, or spirit energy, drawing the mother, or earth energy, from the lower chakras upward.
Color 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.
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Crown Chakra Sounds
Chakra sounds include spoken, sung and played vibrations. These vary based on the central role of each chakra for health, emotional balance and spiritual development. Each of the seven major chakras are affected by particular sounds, tones, mantras and musical instruments. The practice of chanting as well as listening to certain types of sounds and music can be used to heal and strengthen the chakras.
Sanskrit Seed Syllables
Bija seed syllables are Sanskrit one word mantras that activate and clear each chakra. The seed syllable for the crown chakra is AUM, AH or ANG depending on the system being utilized. There are also vowels sounds for each chakra. The vowel sound for the crown chakra is EE.
Chakras and Musical Notes
The musical notes for the crown chakra are TI in the Western system and NI in the Eastern sargam system. Another sound associated with the crown chakra is the sound of a conch shell. Listen to a chakra mediation including the conch shell for the crown in Chakra Sounds.
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Essential Oils for the Crown Chakra
Imbalances in the crown chakra can appear as dizziness, vision issues, memory problems, and nervous system problems. Helpful essential oils for the crown chakra include frankincense, spikenard and sandalwood.
Frankincense essential oil is steam distilled from the gum/resin of the frankincense tree. Frankincense supports spiritual awareness and is wonderful to use during meditation. It also has an uplifting effect on mood and mind.
Spikenard essential oil is create roots of the Valerianaceae, a beautiful flowering plant. Spikenard was used to anoint Jesus’ feet in the Bible. This oil can improve circulation and may help strengthen the heart. This oil is great for quieting the mind for meditation.
Sandalwood essential oil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for skin revitalization, yoga, and meditation. Traditionally used for healing scars, this oil can also enhance deep sleep and ground the body.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Learn more about essential oils for all of the chakras in the article Chakras and Essential Oils.
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Healing Stones for the Crown Chakra
Stones believed to positively influence the crown chakra are diamonds, quartz, and selenite.
Diamonds symbolize stability and dependability. “Diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning unbreakable, unchangeable or invincible. Diamonds activate the crown chakra and enhance the connection between mind and body.
Quartz is the most common mineral on earth. Quartz has a variety of beautiful colors that each have different effects. Snow quartz supports the crown chakra and soothes the mind in mediation. Snow quartz unifies the mind, body, soul connection.
Selenite is often translucent or transparent, selenite is the stone of protection and higher consciousness. Selenite encourage spiritual healing and clears one’s perspective. Selenite increases tranquility and reconciliation in all relationships.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Many crowns have been created throughout history featuring stones, gems and crystals. Learn more about the Literal Power of Crowns. Read a full article on Chakras Stones and Meanings.
Deities and Chants for the Crown Chakra
One of the presiding deities for the crown chakra is Shiva— often depicted in a dancing form known as Nataraja—Lord of the Dance. Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, part of the trinity composed of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Shiva the Destroyer
Shiva is the destroyer of evil, akin to the Holy Spirit in the Christian trinity. Shiva is alternately depicted both as benevolent and fearsome. Shiva is often shown with a serpent around his neck, a crescent moon as an adornment, the river Ganges flowing from his hair or flowing nearby, the trishula as his weapon, and a damaru (drum) nearby.
Cosmic Dancer Nataraja
The dancing form of Shiva called Nataraja is a joyful being spinning and dancing through creation. Learn more about the sounds and seed syllables for the crown chakra in the article Chakra Sounds.
The Literal Power of Crowns
I recently heard a recording of a lecture by John Byde on politics, health and the history of consciousness. He mentioned that the practice of wearing a gold crown would help to direct energy into the pineal gland and the brain, therefore help rulers to make appropriate decisions on behalf of their people. I had never thought about the purpose of a crown, or even thought that there was a purpose beyond some kind of fancy, expensive hat.
Metals Used in Creating Crowns
Crowns have traditionally been made of metals with a high degree of conducting power such as gold and silver. These metals are reputed to amplify the reception abilities of the pineal gland. Adding a variety of gemstones to the crown helps to fine-tune this process further. Byde actually made himself a metal crown with various stones that he said he wears under his hat in the winter. He says he does not wear it in the summer in public.
Crown of the Head Idioms
Even without the physical décor, we call the top of our heads the “crown.” A baby being born is “crowning” as their head reaches the end of the birth canal. Just below the crown are our “temples.” Byde discusses the architecture of physical temples and says that the traditional alcoves are a means of conducting the energy of the earth for enhanced spirituality. These alcoves serve as a kind of wave guide. Perhaps the “temples” on the sides of our heads have a similar function.
Consciousness and the Crown Chakra
Most of us are conscious of the boundaries of our physical bodies ongoing. We can think about our hearts and feel them beating in our bodies. Or we can think about our toes or about our necks or our stomachs and know where they are located. In this way our attention is traveling within our physical bodies.
Crown Chakra and the Body of God
Perhaps if we start to recognize that our consciousness extends beyond our bodies into the whole universe, sometimes referred to as the body of God, then our consciousness becomes free to travel into any part of the universe or other dimensions and to connect with any part of life. Ultimately, this may even include what we view as non-sentient life.
Extending Consciousness through the Crown
If we share a single consciousness with all that exists, then it is not really a question of whether a mountain is sentient or a flower or a planet or a star has conscious awareness. Perhaps by extending our consciousness through the crown chakra, we can “ensoul” any part of creation.
Unity through the Crown Chakra
In that way we are one with everything. This might help us to live life completely and fully because there would be no fear of loss. If we are part of a unified whole, forms may change but the sum total is the same.
Physical Organs and the Crown Chakra
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).
Hair and the Nervous System
The hair, skin and nails are sensory organs as well as protective organs. There are also people who believe that human hair is an extension of the nervous system. This is true in other species. Many mammals have whiskers that give them additional information about their environments.
Cultural Significance of Hair
Hair has cultural significance around the world. Shaving one’s head can be a sign of renunciation or a sign of accepting the authority of another over your life. In ancient Greece, long male hair was a symbol of wealth. A shaven head was appropriate for a slave.
Importance of Hair in the Bible
In the Old Testament, the Nazirites would go for long periods of time without cutting their hair. This showed their devotion to God. Samson is an example of an Old Testament figure whose strength depended upon refraining from cutting his hair.
Chakra Video Shorts
Root Chakra Seed Syllable
Root Chakra Flowers
Root Chakra Symbol
Crown Chakra Affirmations
Affirmations can be used to create a positive vision for the future, a process that directly involves the visualization power of the third eye chakra. The following affirmations can be said aloud, sung or read daily to reinforce positive thoughts.
Crown Chakra Affirmations for Divine Direction
I am shown exactly what to do and say under all circumstances and in all places. I know what I need to know when I need to know it. I am always expressing wisdom and understanding. I make right decisions quickly.
My intuitive knowing leads me to greater good at all times. Long life, riches, honor, pleasantness, peace of mind, health and happiness are mine.
Crown Chakra Affirmations for an Enlightened Mind
God has blessed my mind with light, love and intuitive understanding. Through my mind, he blesses my family, my friends and my world. God is blessing my mind with the ability to think straight, clear and true.
The door of my mind is closed to the negative willfulness of others and open to the perfect will of God for my life. I let go of all opposition, contention, conflict or stiffness in my thoughts, actions and reactions to my fellowman.
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.
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.
CROWN CHAKRA ARTICLE SUMMARY
The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, the seat of enlightenment, known in Sanskrit as the Sahasrara chakra. Sahasrara means “thousand-petaled.” This chakra is associated with the head and hair. This article includes information about the crown chakra symbol, healing stones, essential oils, Hindu deities and other fascinating beliefs associated with crown chakra meaning.