The Stellar Gateway, Soul Star and Earth Star: The Chakras Beyond the Body

The seven main chakras live within the body, from the base of the spine to the crown. Many modern energy teachings describe more centers beyond the body. Below your feet sits the earth star chakra, anchoring you into the planet. Above your head sits the soul star chakra, a doorway to your higher self and soul purpose. Higher still is the stellar gateway, often described as a portal to Source, the cosmic light from which all souls come. Together with the seven, they form a column of light that runs from the heart of the earth to the stars.

If the seven chakras are the rooms of your house, these are the foundation below it and the skylights above it.

Where these teachings come from

The idea of chakras outside the physical body is part of modern energy work. These centers are not in the classical Sanskrit texts that describe the seven chakras. They emerged over the last century through teachers of crystal healing, angelic work and ascension practices, who named eight, twelve or more chakras. Numbers and names vary. We share the most common map as an invitation for your own experience.

The earth star chakra

Where: about 6 to 12 inches below the soles of your feet, within the ground.

Colors often given: deep brown, black, maroon or deep magenta.

Purpose: grounding, belonging on Earth, connection to the planet and to ancestry.

The earth star anchors your whole energy system. Without it, higher energies can feel overwhelming, like a lightning rod without a ground wire. Sensitive and starseed souls often find that working with the earth star makes them feel, for the first time, that they truly belong here.

Signs it needs care: feeling floaty, homesick for "somewhere else," clumsy, unable to finish practical tasks.

The soul star chakra

Where: about 6 inches above the crown of the head.

Colors often given: white, silver, magenta or soft violet.

Purpose: the seat of the higher self, soul purpose, spiritual memory and divine love.

The soul star is often described as the place where your soul's light first enters your personal energy field. Many teachers connect it with the Akashic Records, soul contracts and past life wisdom.

Signs it needs care: feeling disconnected from purpose, spiritually "flat," or unsure who you are beneath roles and labels.

The stellar gateway

Where: about 12 inches above the crown, or higher.

Colors often given: gold, or brilliant clear light.

Purpose: a portal to Source, cosmic consciousness and the unity of all things.

The stellar gateway is often described as the highest point of the personal energy system, a doorway rather than a center. Work with it is usually quiet and brief, and always balanced with the earth star.

Other centers some teachers name

• The causal chakra, just behind the head, linked with stillness. See The Causal Chakra.
• The thymus or "higher heart" chakra, between the heart and throat, linked with compassion.
• The hand and foot chakras, small centers used for healing and grounding. See The Hand and Feet Chakras.

A column of light meditation

1. Stand or sit with your feet flat on the ground.
2. Earth star: Imagine a glowing deep red-brown sphere about a foot below your feet. Feel it as a strong root, holding you.
3. Draw a line of light up from the earth star into your feet, legs and root chakra.
4. Let the light rise through each of your seven chakras, one color at a time.
5. Soul star: As it passes the crown, see a soft white-magenta star about six inches above your head. Feel your higher self there, loving and wise.
6. Stellar gateway: Let the line rise a little higher to a golden doorway. Do not go through it. Simply let a little golden light pour down.
7. Let that golden light flow all the way down the column and back into the earth star.
8. Stand inside your column of light for a few breaths. Say, "I am rooted in the earth and open to the stars."

From the Infused Lights crystal shop

Many crystal workers place a grounding stone like black tourmaline at the feet for the earth star, and a selenite or angel aura piece above the head for the soul star.

Black Tourmaline RawView in the shopSelenite Pencil Point WandsView in the shopAngel Aura Quartz ClusterView in the shop

Browse all Crystals and Stones. Crystals and tools are offered as reminders for reflection and intention, not as medical care.

Balance is everything

The higher you reach, the deeper your roots must go. Always end with the earth star. If you feel spacey after this work, eat something warm, walk barefoot or hold a grounding stone.

For more on the energy body, read What Chakras Actually Are and the light body teaching in Light Inside the Head.

Read next

Companion readings chosen for this same theme.

The Causal Chakra: The Hidden Energy Center Behind the CrownLight Inside the Head: The Illuminated Brain and the Merkaba Light BodyWhat Chakras Actually Are in Plain Language

With love and light,
Infused Lights