Sahasrara chakra, the seventh chakra, connects us to divine intelligence. Located at the crown of the head, this energy center is associated with thought, consciousness, connection to the spirit, and enlightenment. When we connect to sahasrara chakra, we understand our spiritual sovereignty.

Everything is energy. We are all connected to a cosmic web where our thoughts are the basis of manifestation. Our thoughts and actions send out vibrational currents, and like a magnet, they attract or repel people and events at a similar vibrational level. When you think and act like you are successful, opportunities will present themselves to enhance your success.

The crown chakra is the doorway into this cosmic web. Think of this energy center as a thousand-petaled lotus flower constantly unfolding to reveal magic and mysteries of all life.

Shiva and the supreme consciousness

In the universe, we have matter and consciousness: Shakti and Shiva. Shakti is the feminine energy of the cosmos, and she represents matter. Shiva, the masculine energy, represents pure consciousness and governs the crown chakra.

Thought originates at sahasrara, and with thought, “we can create, destroy, learn, and grow.” Shiva is an all-pervading essence; an ultimate form of consciousness that is both the creator and destroyer. Like our ever-changing thoughts, Shiva comes in many forms. Just as our thoughts are both creative and destructive, Shiva appears in divergent forms such as Mahesvara (the Great Lord), Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), Rudra (the howler), and Bhairava (his fearsome form).

These different forms are single petals on the ever-blooming lotus. They help us to understand our true nature as part of a single consciousness. When we recognize different aspects of ourselves, we unite to our single source of ultimate consciousness.

Imbalances in the seventh chakra

When Shiva’s beloved Sati immolated herself, Shiva in grief turned inward and meditated for thousands of years. Completely absorbed in his head, he did not contribute to the cycle of change. The world was stuck. With no dissolution or end, there was no beginning.

When we are completely caught in our heads, our seventh chakra is excessively open. When we are rooted in materialism, greed, or jealousy, we remain in the lower chakras and our seventh chakra is closed. In either case, sahasrara is imbalanced.

The mind-body-spirit connection

In order to balance the crown chakra, we must balance all of the chakras. There must be a foundational connection to the emotional, physical, and mental state of your being, as well as your spirit. This is the mind-body-spirit connection.

In all his many forms, Shiva works to remove our illusions so we understand ourselves as divine beings. By connecting to sahasrara, we peel away illusion and attachment to find liberation and bliss. The knowledge that we are part of the Absolute is Shiva’s gift.

When all of the chakras become aligned, we rise to the crown of our head and return to our rightful state: samadhi (enlightenment). In this state, we understand that we are born and created from pure consciousness.

Connecting to the crown chakra

1. Mantra to Shiva

Sanskrit: Om Namah Shivaya (ohm nuh-muh shee-vah-yah)
English: I invoke the essence of consciousness.

Chanting this mantra is said to bring clarity to the mind. This mantra is said to be free of all binds—just like Shiva himself—and you can chant it anywhere. Remember this is a chant to your true self. Hold reverence to yourself as you repeat the mantra mindfully.

2. Mudra to Shiva

Shiva linga mudra, or lingam mudra, is said to relieve a person from fatigue and exhaustion, as well as to lift their energy and spirits.

• Sit in a comfortable seat.
• Place your left hand at your belly button with your palm facing up.
• Make a fist with your right hand and extend your thumb upward.
• Place your right fist on your left palm.
• Close your eyes and begin your meditation.

3. Meditation

Meditation is the gateway to sahasrara chakra. If you are new to meditation, do this for one minute. Each week increase your time, until you are able to sit for 30 minutes.

• Sit in a comfortable seat and close your eyes.
• Turn your awareness to your breath.
• Silently chant Om Namah Shivaya or inhale, exhale.

Reference: Judith, Anodea. Wheels of Life: The Classic Guide to the Chakra System. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1987 and 1999. Print.