As human beings, we are not solid the way our bodies are thought to be solid. We are a cluster of co-existing energy fields, and our seemingly separate existence is actually an illusion, although a rather pervasive one. On a deeper level, we are interconnected with each other and the Universe through a myriad energy channels. Every person also has 7 major chakras, or energy doorways, located along the spine both in the front and in the back of the body. Psychic individuals see chakras as spinning wheels of luminous colors.

Current research in physics says that only 4% of the matter is visible to the human eye; 96% is pretty much a mystery and a seemingly enormous waste of space, much like the so-called "junk DNA". Still understanding ourselves as energy can be challenging since our thinking is predominantly linear. We are used to seeing ourselves as physical bodies, male or female, who feel and think in response to the solid physical reality surrounding us.

Yet beyond this seemingly dense environment lies a reality of Pure Energy in the state of perpetual vibration. At any given moment, it is being transmitted, exchanged or transformed.

As spiritual beings, we receive energy of the life force from the Source that is distributed through the chakra system, and is then used to create desired (or undesired) manifestations in our lives. When the chakras are blocked, the life force becomes depleted and sooner or later this deficit manifests as a spiritual, mental or physical ailments and an inability to create the desired reality.

There are several ways to balance or unblock your chakras: for example, dream work, praying or meditating. You can also use gemstones: these wonderful creatures are very powerful healers.

Communicate with the stone. Ask it for help. You don't need to know all the details, the crystals are very intelligent and very loving.

When working with chakras, use your intuition to pick the right stone. If you're having trouble, a good rule of the thumb is: choose the stones of the color of the chakra you are working with.

After you've selected the stone(s), you can work in several ways: you can carry a stone with you to increase the energy level of the chakra, you can hold it during a meditation to attain more insight, you can place the stone on a particular area for healing or you can create a chakra layout: a stone for each chakra. Don't forget to thank and cleanse the stones when you're finished.

The 1st chakra is located at the base of the spine and serves as the storage for the energy. So technically it cannot be blocked. It can, however, be activated during certain periods in our lives, like puberty or the menopause (which is actually experienced by both men and women), and be deactivated at other times.

Element: Earth
Color: Red/Black
Scent: Rose

Gems That Work with the 1st Chakra: ruby, garnet, bloodstone, red jasper, black tourmaline, obsidian, smoky quartz.

The 2nd chakra is located right above the 1st one, in the lower abdomen area. It's the center of sexuality, vitality, creativity and material success. The signs of blocking include:

• fears about sex, guilt, inhibition
• infrequent and dissatisfying sex
• feeling unloved
• attachment to previous bad relationships
• sexual perversions
• extremes of sexuality: either nymphomania or celibacy
• uncontrolled anger
• jealousy, envy, desire to possess
• ailments related to sex organs or lower abdominal in general

Element: Water
Color: Orange
Scent: Daisy

Gems That Work with the 2nd Chakra: carnelian, coral, gold calcite, amber, citrine, gold topaz, peach aventurine.

Located just above the navel, the 3rd chakra is an important center of emotional stability, will, joy of life and ego-identity. When malfunctioning, the person may experience:

• excessive worry
• anxiety about the future
• oversensitivity what other people say or think
• nervousness
• indecision
• cloudy thinking
• gall bladder and digestive problems

Element:Fire
Color: Yellow
Scent: Mint

Gems That Work with the 3rd Chakra: tiger's eye, amber, yellow topaz, citrine.

It is located in the center of the chest and houses higher creative energies. It is a center of unconditional love, compassion, bravery and unity with all life. It is also a mid-point between "lower" and "higher" chakras. Imbalance can manifest as:

• oversensitivity to other people's pain, desire to "fix" everything for them
• grief over the world's condition that causes one to become depressed
• inability to love or to feel loved
• being insensitive to other people's feelings
• being rude, resentful, hurtful
• extreme egotism
• lung and heart problems

Element: Air
Color: Green/Pink
Scent: Geranium

Gems That Work with the 4th Chakra: kunzite, emerald, green jade, rose quartz, pink tourmaline.

Located at the base of the throat, in the thyroid area. Associated with communication, self-realization, ability to express oneself, the dream state of consciousness and clairaudience. Unbalanced or blocked 5th chakra occurs as a result of suppressing one's true thoughts, feelings and needs. It often first happens early in life, when a child is taught how to talk and act in socially accepted ways. The signs are:

• poor verbal skills
• inability to express oneself clearly
• shyness
• throat problems
• poor hearing
• backaches and headaches
• rheumatism and arthritis
• tension in the neck, the back and the eyes

Element: Ether
Color: Blue
Scent: Tarragon

Gems That Work with the 5th Chakra: aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony, chrysocollia.

Located in the area between the eyebrows, the 6th chakra is responsible for true mystic potential, perception of non-physical reality and spiritual wisdom. As one of the higher chakras, it's not really vulnerable, unless the 5th chakra is blocked. The symptoms may be:

• headaches
• eye problems
• sinus problems
• sleeplessness

Element: Ether
Color: Indigo
Scent: Jasmine

Gems That Work with the 6th Chakra: lapis lazuli, indigo, sapphire, sodalite.

The center of connection with the Source, this chakra is located just above the top of the head. It's the "halo" seen over the heads of saints and great spiritual masters. It can not be blocked, which should bring comfort to those who feel "disconnected" from the Creator. We can never be really disconnected.

Element: Ether
Color: Violet/White
Scent: Lotus

Gems That Work with the 7th Chakra: amethyst, quartz crystal.