The most commonly known system for dealing with the energy centres of the body is the Eastern Charka system. However there is also another, rooted in Hermeticism. I use both a Qabalistic system in dealing with the energy centres of the body and an Eastern Charka system. The Kabbalistic way is also amazing interesting and utilised for its own reasons. Although it has many ideas and concepts that are within the Charka system there are also some fundamental differences. In this article I will be explaining the Occult Charkas, or Psychic Jewels and there similarities to the Charkas and introducing the system as a whole.
The Hermetic Caduceus is the starting point, by observing it, when placed over the body, it clearly shows the snake like forms of the primary Nadis and the Pingala of the Ida that twine around the Sushumna. Continuing by placing the tree of life over the physical body we have in small and simplified way, the completed system of the Occult Jewels. This is not a new concept, the 17th century Hermetic Philosopher Johann Gitchel produced a fascinating drawing showing the traditional planets in line with the Chakra Positions; incidentally it is suggested that Yoga itself was first created in the schools of Pythagoras and was then imported into the East by Alexander the Great, several hundred years before Patanjali complied the Yoga Sutras. So one could say that the Charka system originally originated in the West. When the full charka system is explained, there are 88000 charkas in the body, and within the Qabalistic system there is a difference, when all the charkas are fully explained there are 880 in Qabalistic thought. However there are major energy centres that we focus on, in The Charka system there are 7 major energy centres, whereas in the Occult Jewels there are 10.
The Jewels are the centres for the energetic currents that course through the universe and draw in the universal spiritual energy. They both draw in that energy and push out that energy, creating a perfect balance of energies within the human body. Just as in Charka Philosophy, the jewels can become murky which is exactly the same, in many ways as a charka been blocked. The Jewels are the centres of our spiritual consciousness and regulate our energetic bodies which are nessacery for us to live. The jewels posses facets and these facets are energetic overflows that help maintain the energetic flow, similar to the petals of the blooming lotuses within the Charka system. These energy systems can be controlled through sacred breathing techniques, energy work, ritual work or a combination of all three. Each of the energy centres is connected to the others and through one been murky the others will not function properly. Each Jewel is its own dimension and each appears within our bodies relating to a world of the Tree Of Life.
Within the context of the Mystical Qabalah, Kether is the source of the divine light, it could be said that Kether sends its light down through the “Aperture of Brahman” which is the depression that everyone has at the base of their skull. It is located eight fingers above the hair line, called within anatomy the Lambda which is the occipital rounded angle that corresponds with the point of meeting of the sagittal and the lambdoid suture in the skull. It is stated within spiritual communities that this is that point that the soul leaves the body. Above this natural gateway sits Kether in Atziluth, which could easily be compared to the thousand petaled lotus of the Sahasraram. In the centre of the skull vault sits Binah, understanding, which we can easily associate with left brained thinking, the right brain would be associated with Chockmah, wisdom. Binah is also symbolic of the great mother and Chockmah the great father. It could be considered that Da’ath, the unknown Spheriot sits in the centre of the skull vault. At this point the worlds seperate and we descend in the world of Yetzirah. Anja, the third eye Charka is then associated with the Spheriot of Chesed, this is the Spheriot of Mercy, as it is through our third eye that we can really have a mercy for all of life. Vishudda the throat is Geburah, Strength, it is through our throat and our voice that we can show our strength, after all the pen is mightier that the sword. Anahata, the heart is linked with Tiphareth, this is the strongest of the links between the two systems, Tiphareth, beauty and the heart charka have much in common, and it is through this strong link of heart, love and beauty that we can see the two systems overlaid with each other.
Manipura just above the navel, the solar plexus, is linked with Netsach, Victory, this is the centre of power in the material world. It can be viewed in some ways as your will power, your direct energy. It is said in certain Indian texts that meditation on the Manipura would allow one to create or destroy the world. Hod, splendour is associated with Svadlstana, just below the navel, this centre encompassed the desire in all to create a world of splendour around us, where our true unconscious desires can manifest themselves into action. Yesod, the Foundation sits in our genitalia it encompasses the force in which we create our foundation in this world. This combines with the final spheroid of Malkuth, the kingdom where all of these energy centres manifest here on this plane.
Below is a more detailed explanation of the Occult Jewels, with there associations and mediative images. You will notice a few things, the images themselves encompass more of a sacred geometry aspect to them and are more intensely linked with the planets.
Kether
Number: 1
Common Name: The Crown
Governing Archangel: Metatron
God-Name:Eh-Heh-Yah
Related Charka: Sahassara
Incense: Ambergris
Stone: Diamond
Color: Brillant (White)
Plant Associations: Almond, Lotus, Rose
Medical Conditions: Death
Governing Area Of The Body: Cranium
Ruling Planet: Neptune
Elemental Association: Air
Hertz: 211.44
Note: G#
BPM: 99.1
When Harmonious: Deep Contentment, A feeling of Love for all things and the ability to communicate clearly and lovingly. It also is a feeling of deep Peace infused with an intense joy.
When Disharmonious: A sense of self satisfaction. A need for others to look upon you as holy or more obtained.
Chokmah
Number: 2
Common Name: Wisdom
Governing Archangel: Ratziel
God-Name: Yah
Related Charka: Anja
Incense: Musk
Stone: Star Ruby; Turquoise
Colour: Grey
Plant Associations: Hashish, Amaranth
Medical Conditions: Insanity
Governing Area Of The Body: Left Face
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Elemental Association: Fire
Hertz: 207.36
Note: G#
BPM: 97.2
When Harmonious: The correct knowledge of what is right and wrong, Instinct is on well. You will be receive flashes of inspiration, that will be correct when followed.
When It is Disharmonious: Inspiration is impossible, Feelings of been “Spaced Out”, impulses to harm yourself or others, been contradictory for the sake of it.
Binah
Number: 3
Common Name: Understanding
Governing Archangel: Tzaphkiel
God-Name: YHVH Elohim
Related Charka: Visuddhi
Incense: Myrrh
Stone: Pearl, Sapphire, Onyx
Colour: Black
Plant Associations: Belladonna, Cypress, Opium Poppy
Medical Conditions: Dementia
Governing Area Of The Body: Right Face
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Elemental Association: Water
Hertz: 147.85
Note: DBPM: 69.3 / 138.6
When Harmonious: Been like a wise grandparent, knowing what will work and what won’t, Perseverance and strength
When It is Disharmonious: Saying No to everything, implying that everything is too difficult, complicated. Fear of New Things, disinterest in anything that is not within your experience.
Chesed
Number: 4
Common Name: Mercy
Governing Archangel: Tzadkiel
God-Name: EL
Related Charka: Anahata
Plant Associations: Cedar
Stone: Amethyst
Colour: Purple
Plant Associations: Olive, Shamrocks
Medical Conditions: Dropsy
Governing Area Of The Body: Left Arm
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Elemental Associations: Water
Hertz: 183.58
Note: F#
BPM: 86.05 / 172.1
When Harmonious: Been excited and passionate about life. You will be invigorating and joyful. Experiences of unconditional Love. An understanding that everything is beautiful and perfect. The ability to say yes to different experiences.
When It is Disharmonious: Been overactive, a feeling of constantly been under pressure, having “to many” things to do. Resentment that is matched with a fear that stopping would make the world fall apart. Frantic.
Geburah
Number: 5
Common Name: Strength
Governing Archangel: Khamael
God-Name: Elohim Gibor
Related Charka: Anahata
Incense: Tobacco
Stone: Ruby
Colour: Scarlet
Plant Associations: Nettle, Oak
Medical Conditions: Fever
Governing Area Of The Body: Right Arm
Ruling Planet: Mars
Elemental Associations: Fire
Hertz: 144.72
Note: DBPM: 67.8 / 135.6
When Harmonious: Sound decisions, while taking everyones emotional state into consideration. Impartial, sensible, a feeling of “Clear” within you mind. Infinite patience with the ability to correct instantaneously.
When It is Disharmonious: Mean, cruel, Judgemental. Passive aggression, refusing to act even though one should, Not caring about the hurt you inflict upon others.
Tiphareth
Number: 6
Common Name: Beauty
Governing Archangel: Raphael
God-Name: YHVH ELoah Va-Dah-ath
Related Charka: Anahata
Incense: Olibanum
Stone: Topaz
Colour: Rich Salmon
Plant Associations: Datura, Foxgloves, Damiana, Acacia, Bay, Laurel
Medical Conditions: Heart lesions
Governing Area Of The Body: Torso
Ruling Planet: The Sun
Elemental Associations: Earth
Hertz: 126.22
Note: B
BPM: 118.3
When Harmonious: Kindness, the ability to see through illusions, seeing how everything makes sense. Been strong in body and mind.
When It is Disharmonious: Counterproductive Pride, Using what you can see to control others, Using your inner strength to dominate others.
Netsach
Number: 7
Common Name: Victory
Governing Archangel: Haniel
God-Name: YHVH Tz’vah-oht
Related Charka: Manipura
Incense: Benzoin
Stone: Emerald
Colour: Bright Yellow Green
Medical Conditions: Skin Problems
Governing Area Of The Body: Lions, Hips
Ruling Planet: Venus
Elemental Associations: Fire
Hertz: 221.23
Note: A
BPM: 103.7
When Harmonious: Goal driven, the ability to see how you have “won” in life and the feeling of exhilaration that comes with that.
When It is Disharmonious: Addictions, The feeling of never been satisfied, Withdrawal feelings from people, places and things.
Hod
Number: 8
Common Name: Splendour
Governing Archangel: Michael
God-Name: Elohim Tz’vah-oht
Related Charka: Svadistthama
Incense: Storax
Stone: Opal
Colour: Red Russet
Medical Conditions: Nerve Troubles
Governing Area Of The Body: Lions Legs
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Elemental Association: Water
Hertz: 141.27
Note: C#
BPM: 66.2 / 132.4
When Harmonious: Wit and intellect, the ability to enthralled people with your presence, the ability to enjoy life, teaching with clarity, Funny
When It is Disharmonious: Insomnia, worry, recycling of negative emotions, Depression, FOMO, Cruel with words and intellect.
Yesod
Number: 9
Common Name: Foundation
Governing Archangel: Gabriel
God-Name: Shadi-El Chai
Related Charka: Muladhara
Incense: Jasmine
Stone: Quartz
Colour: Dark Purple
Plant Association: Orchid Roots, Mandrake
Medical Conditions: Impotence
Governing Area Of The Body: Genitals
Ruling Planet: Moon
Elemental Association: AirHetz: 210.42
Note: G#
BPM: 98.6
When Harmonious: Comfortable and the ability to experience that, knowing that things are on the right track
When It is Disharmonious: Dislike of Change, family problems, Misuse of opportunities.
Malkuth
Number: 10
Common Name: Kingdom
Governing Archangel: Sandalphon
God-Name: Adonai- Mel-ech
Related Charka: Muladhara
Incense: Galbanum
Stone: Salt Crystals
Colour: Black with Olive and Golden Rays
Plant Associations: Corn, Willow, Ivy, Lily
Medical Conditions: Sterility
Governing Area Of The Body: Feet
Elemental Association: Earth
Ruling Planet: Earth
Hetz: 136.1
Note: C#
BPM: 63.8 / 127.6
When Harmonious: Been Grounded, Been aware of all things around you
When It is Disharmonious: Laziness, inabilities of faith.
