Bear's Blog

Just as there is an “American chakra”, most cultures have a chakra that is predominant - its characteristics define that culture’s worldview. That defining chakra is over-energized, which means that another chakra is usually under-energized. Therefore it defines the strengths, and weaknesses, of that energetic pattern as it manifests in a culture. As I write in “The American Chakra”, the predominance of 3rd chakra energy results in the 2nd chakra being less activated, which has specific consequences.

With all generalizations and models, there is room for variation and interpretation. Models can provide a lens to work with realities on the ground. The goal is always more balance in the chakra system, but we will never have – nor do we want! - perfect balance, which would neutralize our unique characteristics and gifts.  This pertains to cultures as well as individuals.

It’s important to know the particular qualities of each chakra to understand the cultural impact, so included is a quick primer (a partial description for the purposes of this article) and an example of a culture that predominately operates from that perspective. 

The 1st Chakra – will to live, survival and physical vitality. This is exemplified by African culture, which is earthy, in tune with nature, rhythmic, and grounded.

The 2nd Chakra – sensuality, emotions, and creativity. Cultures that have “romance” languages such as Spain, France, Italy and South America are dominant in this effusive way of expressing and relating.

The 3rd Chakra – rational, scientific linear thinking, egocentric and individualistic. The “Western” world amplifies this focus, with America being an extreme example of this emphasis. 

The 4th Chakra – love and faith! No one culture has the market cornered on these qualities. The heart chakra is a place of transformation between the lower 3 chakras - associated with the material world - and the upper 3 chakras, associated with energy and spirit. 

The 5th Chakra – giving and receiving, both nourishment and information. Digesting food and love (the lips!)  to support the whole person, and assimilating information to be expressed and voiced in a big picture context. Native and indigenous cultures, with a more holistic worldview, exemplify this chakra’s focus.

The 6th Chakra – intuitive wisdom, alignment with the divine. Asian cultures embody this religious/spiritual orientation through practices that are a part of daily life.

The 7th Chakra – connection with the infinite compassion and intelligence of – a higher power. Again, no one culture can claim to operate mainly from this basis and perspective! Let’s hope the day comes when our global cultural orientation is coming from heart and spirit (4th and 7th chakras). At the moment we are still mostly working through those lower chakras… 

We also have a personal baseline of chakra activity, with some that are more active and others that are undercharged.  Taking our individual chakra baseline into consideration, we can see how our cultural chakra bias may be affecting us (to start understanding your chakra baseline, read the chakra sections in “Your Energy Signature”).

Hope you enjoyed this exploration of chakra dynamics!

Bear McKay

Every spring I teach my 4-day energy healing class, which includes working with the chakra system. If you’re interested in developing yourself and your healing skills, I invite you to an informal consultation with me - click here to schedule yours now. Looking forward to meeting with you!