From a holistic spiritual perspective, the body is a multidimensional entity. It is more than flesh and bone—subtler energies from higher dimensions and planes of consciousness are interwoven in every atom.
The chakras are the major points of the subtle body. There are seven energy centers located along the spinal column.
In this series, we’ve explored the chakras from the root to the third eye. Now, we come to the end of this journey by examining the crown chakra, a gateway to spiritual awakening and cosmic connection.
This article will explore the spiritual meaning of this energy vortex, signs of imbalance, and methods to heal and awaken it.
What Is the Crown Chakra?
The crown chakra is the last of the energy centers called chakras. It is located on the top of the head, or according to some traditions, just above it. It is considered the seat of spiritual connection, divine consciousness, enlightenment, and transcendence of ego.
Many authors and spiritual traditions associate this chakra with the color violet or white, and cosmic energy or the universal mind. Its Sanskrit name, Sahasrara, means “thousand-petaled.”
The crown is the most spiritual of all the seven chakras, and linked to the pineal gland—an organ in the brain that some consider to be the link between the body and the soul.
Signs of a Balanced Crown Chakra
The crown chakra is seen as the highest of all chakras and a portal to higher dimensions. When it is balanced and activated, we feel connected to the universe and the divine. Depending on the individual's spiritual beliefs, it does not have to be a specific god, but in any case, it refers to a connection to a higher power or force.
This sense of connection also provides us with a sense of deep inner peace and wisdom—the tranquility of knowing ourselves to be supported by this higher force and trust in divine timing. As a result, we stop trying to fill our emptiness with material things such as money or pleasure, because we feel a sense of purpose beyond the material world—we feel whole.
A balanced crown chakra connects us with the higher spiritual aspect of ourselves, allowing us to begin to detach from ego.
Symptoms of an Imbalanced Crown Chakra
An imbalance in the crown chakra hinders healthy spiritual connection and divine guidance, blocking their ability to express in a balanced way.
Underactive Chakra
When this chakra is underactive, we experience a disconnection from spirituality. We don’t feel our own divine wisdom, and need to rely on others to choose. We may still believe in a higher power, but we can’t feel its presence. As a result, we may become closed-minded and excessively skeptical, and lack inspiration in our daily lives.
Overactive Chakra
When we become overly focused on the mind, we lose our connection with the physical body—the here and the now. We feel detached from the body, and often forget to tune into it because we are living in our minds and thoughts.
The result is a series of unhealthy behaviors, such as spiritual bypassing—the tendency to avoid facing pain and psychological wounds by using spiritual ideas. This may look like suppressing or ignoring these emotional issues to appear spiritually awakened and detached from ego.
Since we feel disconnected from the physical and simple aspects of life, we tend to over-intellectualize everything or compare it with all the spiritual concepts in our heads.
Physical Symptoms
Energetic imbalances can manifest as physical symptoms, including headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, neurological issues, and insomnia.
Crown Chakra Healing and Balancing Practices
Among different spiritual traditions and holistic methods, there are numerous techniques to balance and awaken the crown chakra.
Spiritual Practices
Since the crown chakra is the seat of spirituality in the body, to activate it, we need to engage in spiritual practices. There are no set rules—spiritual practices vary depending on your beliefs.
For instance, consider meditation and mindfulness exercises to activate your intuition and inner wisdom. Strengthen your connection with the divine by practicing prayer, contemplation, or any other technique to connect with the Source or Spirit. Read sacred texts to connect with ancient spiritual wisdom, and listen to high-frequency music to develop inspiration and devotion.
Visualization and Energy Work
Visualization is a bridge between your conscious mind and subtler realms. It holds the power to activate and balance your crown chakra. Try this exercise:
Imagine a radiant violet or white light flowing from above, representing divine guidance and universal medicine. Visualize it spinning around your crown chakra, healing and activating it. Feel how this chakra vibrates.
Crystals and Stones
Use the power of healing crystals and stones to balance and awaken your crown chakra. Consider clear quartz, selenite, and amethyst. Place one of them on top of your head during meditation, feeling how it restores this energy center.
Affirmations and Mantras
Activate the crown chakra with powerful words and sounds. This energy center is associated with the bija mantra “OM,” which you can chant in meditation. Additionally, consider the following positive affirmations:
“I am one with the Universe.”
“I trust in the divine plan for my life.”
“I am open to spiritual wisdom and guidance.”
Final Thoughts
The crown chakra bridges the physical and the spiritual realms, representing the union of the individual self with universal consciousness. For this reason, it is the seat of spiritual awakening, stillness, and divine love in the body.
Spirituality is not always about higher dimensions—it is also about being present in daily life. Balancing the chakra system is a way to ground spirituality to simple actions, such as improving our behavior and living a more conscious life.
When we connect with the divine while tuning into the body, living in the here and now, we bridge the spiritual and the physical. Stay open, humble, and present.
Embrace mystery, surrender to the Universe, and follow the path of your soul. Ask yourself: What does being spiritually connected mean to you?