I went to a chakra workshop last night, run by the lady who does my yoga class. We had a session first, working through the elements in order (two yoga sessions in 48 hours! My body was in shock) and then we all just gathered round and she talked to us. It went on untul 11.15 at night. I think that's the latest I've been out in ages.
We did a questionnaire at the end to see roughly which chakras were balanced, blocked, too open.
My results were like this (the first chakra is the one at the base of your spine, the seventh the one on the crown of your head)
0-7 balanced
7-14 blocked
14-21 too open
The overlap is a little confusing but she said not to get too hung up on the numbers.
Chakra 1 10 blocked
Chakra 2 5 balanced
Chakra 3 12 blocked
Chakra 4 1 balanced
Chakra 5 9 blocked
Chakra 6 12 blocked
Chakra 7 18 too open
Looks like I have work to do. From what I gathered (we only scratched the surface) the second chakra is about creativity and sexuality and I'm fine there, which is good to know :-)
I'm a little sceptical about things like gems helping to balance your chakras but less so about oils. I guess it's because you can smell an oil and that's a concrete thing yet I do get a sense of comfort or exhilaration from some colors.
Hmm. Anyway, it was interesting and thought provoking. I'm so glad I took up yoga last September. It's really been a positive, affirming part of my life these past months.