The Chakra Bible: The Definitive Guide to Working with Chakras

by Patricia Mercier

Chakras are the centers of energy in our body that profoundly affect our well-being. Through this exquisitely designed volume, newcomers to this alternative form of spirituality can understand every aspect of chakra power. In addition to an illuminating introduction, a detailed guide covers each chakra, with their associated colors, Indian deity, healing stone, and emotional and physical actions. One by one, go through the base, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, brow, and crown chakras, as well as some newly discovered ones and chakras from different traditions. There’s also invaluable information on connecting chakras with aura reading and healing, and yoga exercises and meditations to strengthen each chakra.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help, New Age, Witchcraft, Metaphysics

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of information in this book. But I can't help but take away 2 stars for the pictures. I'm distracted from the information with pictures that a) obviously come from photo stock somewhere on the internet. The photos seem ingenuine like they're from a magazine trying to sell me something. But more importantly, b) all the photos are Eurocentric. There are two pictures in the entire 385 page book that aren't of people who are white and those two pictures are illustrating a dance done by that specific culture of people.

This is a book about a system developed in Hindu culture yet there are no pictures of the Hindu culture. They make sure to include a picture of Jesus Christ (to show his halo) and of Carl Jung (as he apparently studied kundalini energy). Not that there wouldn't be more influential names than a white man's. Or Hindu deities (not Christian) that is more closely linked to chakras.

I give it three stars because the information deserves that. Though keeping it Eurocentric bothers me greatly as this is the definition of cultural appropriation. The book does not give credit to where the chakra system came from by white washing the whole thing.

Thinking about it further, I may end up giving it less stars.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Más un 3.5. Una buena guía con los principios de los chakras y sus especificaciones. bastante contenido respecto a las piedras vinculantes y terapias asociadas.

[Amalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this gem back in 2013 or 2014 in the library. Sadly, I had to return it too soon and I never completed reading the whole book. I've completely forgotten the name till today when I accidentally came across the author's name. This book has everything: crystals, yoga, aromatherapy,meditation and knowledge to understand and cleanse the energies.

I feel like, I want to buy this to complete the reading!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It lives on my desk and I use it constantly for reference in my personal life and my professional life. This is a great quick reference in regards to chakras - which chakra does what, what yoga positions are beneficial for which chakra issues, stones, affirmations, gods, colors, scents, and so much more. I absolutely love it and I'm pretty sure it's the only chakra book inclusive of other new age modalities that you will need. Highly recommended!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book contains A LOT of information. It is a very good starting point for anyone wanting to get a feel for chakras (energies). The book has many different methods of getting in touch (clearing, awakening) your chakras. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone wanting to get information about the chakras.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides a very high level overview of a LOT of information. Great introduction to the world of chakras and a number of related topics like yoga, crystals and philosophies.

[Claire Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be a great fit for someone who has a fairly strong base understanding of chakras. I think for me it didn't provide me w/ the info I need to feel convinced but is part of my journey there. Some of what was presented seemed woo woo, perhaps there is validity. Lacking in racial diversity via images. The info about what an out of balance chakra looks like and the the yoga information was perhaps the most helpful.



How I rate books:
5 Stars= I absolutely loved it, felt very moved. Extraordinary. I rarely give this rating.
4 Stars= Well done
3 Stars= I enjoyed it but wasn't wowed. My most common rating
2 Stars=Meh
1 Stars= The kind of book that I feel shouldn't have been published bc it might discourage some from becoming readers.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chakra Bible was FULL of information about chakras, some of which I knew, some of which helped clarify what I knew, and a good bit of connecting information I didn't know. I've been a practicing Reiki for nine plus years, and still took eighteen pages of notes. The notes about yoga poses, aromatherapy, and crystals that support energy work provided good information. I wish it would have clarified for new readers the difference between overactive and underactive energy centers and how to tell. It also would have been useful to include information about how foods impact the various chakras if this is to be a definitive guide to working with them. Finally, I agree with the reader who pointed to the Eurocentric images and wish the publisher had been intentional about including photos representing more diversity. Overall, I found the book to be a worthwhile purchase and an easy read.

[Lilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro está muy completo. Es perfecto para los que no teníamos ni idea del tema. Explica claramente cada chacra, y te sugiere cuarzos, posiciones de yoga, y aromaterapia, entre otras recomendaciones para equilibrarlos. además la hoja es de muy buena calidad, y las imágenes son a color y son muy ilustrativas.

This book is very complete. It is perfect for those of us who had no idea of the subject. It clearly explains each chakra, and suggests quartz, yoga positions, and aromatherapy, among other recommendations to balance them. also the sheet is of very good quality, and the images are in color and are very illustrative.

[Closeacademy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good information especially if you are interested in the historical and ties to Hindi.
It's not an intro book because it could be overwhelming to someone just starting to explore Chakras and balancing. But it has so much information that it is worth having on the shelf for when you are ready to explore all that it has to offer.

I liked that there were yoga poses, crystals, color theory, other important chakra points, color therapy, aroma therapy, reiki and just so much more. It's an amazing amount of information in a small book.

Totally worth picking up from your local metaphysics shop.

[Mordred Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed, easy to read and well laid out introduction to chakras. A good place to start for those who want to learn the basics of chakras or need to brush up on their knowledge.
The book is well constructed so that (preferably after having read all the other chapters) it is easy to locate the chapters on each chakra for quick revision.

A little more information regarding the signs of various imbalance and techniques for realignment might be nice but otherwise no complaints. What was provided is a good starting point.

Content warnings: there are a few mentions of sex (in a brief, non fiction, educational/diagnostic context) so bare that in mind.

[Kalyan Tirunahari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the western interpretation of Sri Shankaracharya's Soundarya Lahari and Ananda Lahari commentary of Chakras(Energy centers) in our body, and how to activate for higher consciousness and eventual Moksha(liberation).

I have been following Yoga/Pranayama for 21 years and this book has definitely helped me get better understanding of each Yoga Asana and how it aligns the Chakra. The Yoga Asanas, the discipline, Crystals, Aroma therapy and healing are covered in detail

[Nicole Handy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by my Kalari teacher. I’m only slightly embarrassed to put it in my Goodreads’ feed. I did enjoy learning about the ancient understanding of the body. Good information. Clear and easy to read.

[Christann Chanell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite addition to individuals who desire to learn of their inner workings and energy centers. It's very concise and simple to read. The offerings of yoga poses and crystals to enhance and balance ones energy centers (chakras) are within. A great addition to any home library.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy to follow loved the way it is presented and all of the visuals

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but I wished it also spoke about reiki along with this more and yoga less.

[Samantha Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough, but written primarily from a Hindu perspective. There is a chapter at the end about other religions' teachings.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to concepts and where they have been seen in different religions.

[Shavani Naidoo]

Can't read

[A.K. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully constructed book with attention to aesthetic detail. Great for anyone interested in all things chakra related. A lovely reference book for your personal library.

[Evan Messer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book for anyone wanting to learn the basics of what and how important chakra is.

[Ryan Du Bois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book... Very useful guide book for working with gemstones and chakras from an everyday practical point view.

[Claudio Yáñez Valenzuela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un trabajo que tiende a olvidar la tradición yóguica y centrar su atención en la mirada New Age.

[vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recomendable
Tiene una buena cantidad de informacion para cualquier tipo de duda, ideal para personas cuya aficion sea las ciencias ocultas.

[Alanna L.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good intro to New Age chakra theory and healing practices.

[Khrina Faerchilde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some inaccurate parts. However it is good to help others into the study of the Chakra's.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le livre est bien dans son ensemble pour quelqu'un qui veut en savoir plus sur les chakras. J'en ai appris un peu plus de ce que je savais déjà à savoir la compréhension symbolique de chaque chakra, leurs fonctions sur le corps physique (donc pas seulement spirituel) et l'importance de ces énergies sur différents points de vue dans le monde.

J'ai trouvé intéressant l'aspect aromathérapie et lithothérapie mais ces chapitres ne sont pas assez développé à mon avis. J'aurais aimé plus d'informations (surtout pour l'aspect lithothérapie où je trouve que la sélection des pierres ne convient pas à tout le monde coté monétaire !). De plus, l'idée d'intégrer différentes méthodes de guérison est excellente et permet à tous de trouver sa propre façon mais le yoga occupe trop dans le livre à mon avis.

Malgré tout, c'est un livre que je recommande pour quiconque veut s'initier aux chakras et de comprendre leurs importances sur le plan mental, physique, émotionnel et spirituel.

[Annotaré · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chakra Bible: The Definitive Guide to Working with Chakras (Paperback)

I use this book for summary reports following a tuning session: particularly the Main Characteristics At A Glance tables for each of the seven main chakra's.

Information in the book is written in easily understandable language for the novice in energy healing, such as I am. Charts are convenient for quick reference. Illustrations very good.

Introducing the subject, Mercier includes historic and explanatory information; good to know for background knowledge and further study. Nice Glossary and Index for quick finds.

Generally, I just like the way this book feels in my hands. I would still like to have an e-Book, which is not currently available.

RECOMMENDED.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really very interesting. The book was very comprehensive and an easily read. The information was laid out really well. I especially enjoyed that not only were the main Chakras included, but also some of the lesser known, or newly discovered Chakra's.I do not own this book, but found it at the library, as such I read it in a different manner While I read this in one go, I think this would be much more useful as a reference book or guide. It is a book that you want to read slowly so that you can absorb the information. It is one that I would purchase. If you are into alternative practices, natural living then check out adding this book to your collection.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

not read in full bc i don't think you can ever finish reading reference books.....some people have shelved this under medical, but for me it's more spiritual and by that i mean as a yogi i believe in 'something bigger', an 'energy' or 'life force' that is greater than us but i don't believe in any form of organised religion. Chakras are the energy within us, our own magnetic field if you like. This little book covers more or less everything, which means what ever your views on chakras (yogic, pagan, hindu etc etc you will find info pertinent to you....