Music and the Chakras
By Annette Keys

Music touches the heart and soul of mankind like no other form of artistic expression. A beloved song can flood our consciousness with memory and emotion. A sour mood can be instantly sweetened by an unexpected feel-good favorite on the radio, and the song Ave Maria has been known to move even the most stoic listener to tears. Music truly is a magical medium, and metaphysics helps us understand why it can have such a profound effect on our thoughts, feelings and even our physical bodies.

Metaphysics (meaning “beyond the physical”) teaches that every aspect of life has a spiritual connection and carries its own Divine Force, or vibrational energy. The metaphysics of music begins with the notes themselves. Every symphony, song and ditty ever written was created from seven basic notes: C, D, E, F, G, A and B. According to esoteric thought, each of these seven notes (along with the seven colors of the rainbow) corresponds to one of the seven chakras.

The ancient concept of the chakra system was handed down from Hindu practices, and may be familiar to anyone who has studied yoga, meditation or the healing arts. “Chakra” is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “vortex.” These seven spinning wheels of energy are centers that process our thoughts, emotions, experiences and wellbeing, and function as the body's connection to the Divine Spirit. The chakras are not physical but exist in our “etheric body,” which extends approximately two to six inches around our physical body. Because the chakras vibrate at a much higher rate than our dense, physical form, the average person cannot see them; though sensitives who read auras can observe these subtle bodies. The chakras interact with the physical body via the nervous system and are associated with particular mental and emotional states; so chanting or intoning the note associated with that chakra can actually affect healing in the areas of the body under the chakra's control.

The first, or root, chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the sacral plexus, lower gastrointestinal tract and the lymph and elimination systems. This chakra processes all thoughts and feelings concerning issues of safety, security and trust (i.e. job, home, relationships and finances). The color of the root chakra is red and its key note is C. Fear and insecurity blocked in this center can create an imbalance, resulting in physical symptoms or “dis-ease” in the organs connected to the nerves of the sacral plexus. Visualizing the color red at the base of the spine while chanting “Om” (considered the universal name of God) or a personal mantra in the key of C can help restore balance in the lower body. If you tap a tuning fork in the key of "C" then position it at the base of the spine, the vibration can literally "tune up" the chakra as well.

The second chakra, located in the lower abdomen, is our sexual and emotional center. It is associated with the lumbar plexus, reproductive system, sexual organs, kidney and liver. This chakra processes our emotions, sexual experiences and relationships with food. Envisioning its color (orange) and chanting its key note (D) can start to clear years of toxic thought and negative emotions.

The third chakra, or power center (solar plexus), deals with our self esteem and personality. This chakra is located at the level of the diaphragm and is connected with the solar plexus, muscular system, upper gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Its color is bright yellow, and its key note is E. Working with this chakra can affect our personal power and strength of will.

The fourth, or heart, chakra is located at the center of the chest and is associated with the cardiac plexus, lungs and immune system. This chakra is also concerned with how we give and receive love. Intoning its keynote (F), while also visualizing a brilliant emerald green pouring into the chest, can begin to heal all matters of the heart.

The fifth chakra is located at the base of the throat and deals with communication, creativity and intuition. It is connected with the cervical plexus, the throat and ears and is the first level of communication with spirit. Its color is royal blue, and its note is G.

The sixth chakra, located at the center of the brow, is commonly called the “Third Eye.” It is associated with the carotid plexus, the endocrine system, and the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It is the seat of psychic awareness and extra sensory perception (ESP). Its color is purple and its keynote is A.

The seventh, or crown, chakra hovers just above the top of the head. This chakra is our “God center,” where spirit enters the body. Its color is white, and its keynote is B. Mystics believe that halos, used by Renaissance masters to depict holy figures, were actually depictions of the crown chakra.

The instruments that bring music to life also have their own inherent power. Drums are extremely physical and, therefore, have an effect on the lower three chakras. Anyone who has attended a drumming circle can attest to the visceral energy produced by the rhythm of beating drums. The piano is also associated with the third chakra. Stringed instruments heal the heart chakra and attract angelic forces. The harp emits at a higher vibration which corresponds to the throat chakra, and the flute has a purity of sound that resonates with the highest chakras, the third eye and crown.

Listening to music can be an enchanting experience, often transporting us to another time and place. While metaphysics teaches us about the spiritual nature of music, we do not need philosophy to experience music's magic. It is the great transmitter of emotion, a healing force unto itself and a conduit to the Divine.

Annette Keys is Cleveland's own “Minister of Metaphysics.” For the last 20 years, she has been a devoted student, practitioner and teacher of metaphysical spirituality. Annette recently founded Pathways Mystery School, which offers esoteric education to all seekers of spiritual and personal advancement. For more information, call (216) 403-5756.