🎙️Show Notes
Summary
What happens as we move from the heart towards the higher chakras?
In this episode of Rooted in the Seasons, we continue our journey through the chakra system with Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara — exploring the movement from communication and expression towards discernment, inner awareness and consciousness.
We begin with Vishuddha, the throat chakra, and look beyond the familiar idea of simply “finding your voice.” Vishuddha is also a centre of purification. Its traditional qualities include compassion, truthfulness and knowledge alongside pride, vanity, poison and nectar.
We explore the connection with Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, speech, music and the creative arts, and the symbolism of Haṃsa, the swan. We also look at Shiva as Neelakantha, the blue-throated one, and what this story can teach us about processing and transforming difficult experiences.
From there, we move to Ajna, the third eye chakra, and one of its most important qualities: discernment.
How do we distinguish between an immediate reaction and something we understand at a deeper level?
We explore the relationship between gaze and attention, why Nadi Shodhana is particularly relevant to Ajna, and how practices such as drishti, Trataka and meditation gradually turn our attention inwards.
We also look at the sounds HAM and KSHAM, why I was taught to chant them together, and what this tells us about working with the chakras as an interconnected system.
Finally, we reach Sahasrara, the crown chakra, and consider the chakra system as a journey through the evolution of human awareness — from our basic needs and desires towards compassion, expression, discernment and a greater awareness of ourselves, others and the life we are here to live.
Throughout the episode, I also explain why traditional chakra practices develop gradually, and why preparing the body, mind and nervous system is an important part of the practice.
In this episode, you'll explore:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Higher Chakras
03:12 Vishuddha: Expression and Purification
07:07 Saraswati and the Symbolism of the Swan
11:03 Purification and Transformation in Vishuddha
15:56 Ajna: The Third Eye and Discernment
19:40 Practices for Developing Ajna Awareness
26:21 Sahasrara: The Crown of Consciousness
27:33 Working With the Chakras Gradually
34:29 From the Root to the Crown: Bringing It Together
Resources mentioned in this episode
Read the accompanying article:
The Higher Chakras: From Expression to Inner Awareness
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/vishuddha-ajna-chakras
Explore meditation in more depth:
Why Meditation Matters More Than Ever
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/why-meditation-matters-more-than-ever
Catch up with the chakra series:
Mooladhara — Root Chakra Guide
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/root-chakra-guide
Swadhisthana — Sacral Chakra
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/swadhisthana-chakra-healing
Manipura — Solar Plexus Chakra
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/manipura-chakra-inner-fire
Anahata — Heart Chakra
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/anahata-chakra-heart-healing
Join the Back to Rhythm Interest List:
https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythm
Download my free guide:
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
https://pages.zestforyoga.com/5-ayurvedic-shifts
If something in this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. You can connect with me on Substack or send me an email — I always read them.
And if you enjoyed the episode, follow or subscribe to Rooted in the Seasons so the next episode lands automatically for you.
Until next time, stay rooted in the seasons.
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
