A shamsa (from the Persian word for "sun") is a radiant, starburst-lke medallion or rosette used in Persian and Islamic art. Typically painted with vibrant colors and intricate gold leaf, these geometric or floral designs usually symbolize divine light, cosmic order, and the unity of the Divine.
Mooladhara (Root Support) – Smell
The Mother Earth expresses Herself in the fragrance of flowers growing from the earth element. Studies have shown that mothers and their babies can recognise one another through the sense of smell. The Mooladhara is associated with fragrance, innocence and the simple purity of childhood. Smell is our most primal sense, linked to memory, instinct and survival, reflecting the grounding and protective qualities of this centre.
Swadisthana (Sacral) – Taste
The Swadisthana is governed by the goddess Shri Saraswati, the Goddess of eloquence and creativity, who also rules the tongue, the organ of taste. She bestows art, music and aesthetic refinement, and we often speak of aesthetic "taste". Taste involves discernment and enjoyment, transforming nourishment into experience, just as this chakra transforms inspiration into creative expression.
Nabhi (Manipura) – Sight
The Nabhi is the abode of the goddess Shri Lakshmi, celebrated during Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Light is required for seeing. Sight allows us to perceive form, direction and possibility, qualities that resonate with the Nabhi's associations with purpose, balance and sustaining wellbeing. Fire, the traditional element of this centre in many systems, illuminates and reveals. The element for the Nabhi, and he Void (Ocean of Illusion) surrounding it, is water; however, it is orbited by the Swadisthana chakra, which is the fire element.
Anahata (Heart) – Touch
Something is described as "touching" when it opens the heart to feeling and compassion. Physical touch conveys affection, comfort and reassurance. The element of the heart centre is air: the breeze felt upon the skin, gentle yet impossible to grasp. Touch reminds us of our interconnectedness and our capacity for empathy, love and human closeness.
Vishuddhi (Throat) – Hearing
The Vishuddhi governs communication, and speech is inseparable from hearing. This centre is associated with ether or space, the subtle element through which sound travels. Shri Krishna, the aspect of the Divine ruling the Vishuddhi, is sometimes depicted blowing a conch, whose call carries across great distances. Hearing requires receptivity: before we speak truthfully, we must learn to listen deeply.
Agnya (Brow) – Insight
Beyond the five physical senses lies the faculty of inner vision: imagination, intuition and insight. The Agnya chakra is associated with witnessing, perception and the ability to discern what lies beneath appearances. Through this inner seeing, we recognise patterns, meanings and possibilities that cannot be apprehended by the ordinary senses alone.
Sahasrara (Crown) – The Sense of Truth
The opening of the Sahasrara chakra brings awareness of the Divine and of the Self as absolute truth. From this centre arises a subtle sense of truth that may be felt through all the senses and beyond them. The Goddess, abiding at the Sahasrara, unites and enlightens them all. Here, the diversity of perception resolves into a direct experience of unity, wisdom and pure consciousness.
