From Root to Crown: Tracing Consciousness Through Life

7 days ago
3 min read

Inspired by the developmental framework outlined by Anodea Judith, this model follows the development of consciousness, beginning with instinctual survival and expanding toward higher awareness. Each chakra builds upon the previous one, forming foundational patterns that shape emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and our adult perspective on reality.

A woman underwater, hair floating, chakras aligned on spine. Warm light filters down, illuminating particles in serene, mystical scene.

Root Consciousness (0 – 2 Years)

At this stage, survival is everything—security, nourishment, and the ability to trust the environment. Babies and toddlers rely entirely on their caretakers, embedding deep subconscious programs about stability, safety, and whether the world feels predictable or chaotic.

In adulthood, those with a solid root foundation feel grounded and self-sufficient. Those with root insecurity may develop hypervigilance, scarcity fears, or struggle with feeling truly “safe” anywhere. The drive to secure material wealth, control outcomes, or seek external validation often reflects an attempt to stabilize an uncertain foundation.

Sacral Consciousness (2 – 4 Years)

The world becomes a playground—sensory, emotional, and relational. At this stage, toddlers explore joy, creativity, and attachment, forming their relationship with pleasure, flow, and emotional expression. If nurtured, they develop confidence in feeling and expressing emotions; if suppressed, they learn to reject joy, shut down vulnerability, or seek external validation for pleasure.

In adulthood, unresolved sacral wounds may appear as difficulty accessing joy, emotional repression, or an inability to create without self-judgment. Conversely, excess energy here may manifest as overindulgence, impulsivity, or reliance on external stimulation to feel alive.

A serene woman with closed eyes, adorned in orange, to represent the sacral chakra, with floral headdress and ornate patterns. She radiates calm in a mystical backdrop.

Solar Plexus Consciousness (3 – 6 Years)

The sense of self emerges. Young children begin asserting boundaries, experiencing autonomy, and navigating personal power. Encouragement strengthens inner confidence; excessive control fosters self-doubt and hesitation.

In adulthood, those with strong solar plexus energy embrace leadership, decisiveness, and self-trust. Those with unresolved patterns may hesitate to stand in their power, become passive in decision-making, or overcompensate by seeking control in external situations.

Heart Consciousness (6 – 10 Years)

Relational awareness deepens—children begin forming emotional bonds, understanding reciprocity, and experiencing love beyond their immediate needs. If they experience healthy emotional connection, they grow into compassionate adults. If emotional wounds occur, they may close off, reject vulnerability, or create relational barriers for self-protection.

In adulthood, heart wounds manifest as hesitation in intimacy, difficulty receiving love, or becoming overly protective of emotional space. A healed heart centre fosters openness, generosity, and ease in connection.

Silhouettes of seven females in different chakra progression stages against a swirling rainbow background, symbolizing growth and change. — From Root to Crown

Throat Consciousness (10 – 13 Years)

Communication and self-expression take center stage. Children begin testing their voice, exploring personal truths, and refining how they interact with the world. If dismissed or silenced, they learn that authentic expression isn’t safe, leading to suppressed creativity and difficulty expressing needs.

In adulthood, unresolved throat chakra wounds may lead to difficulty setting boundaries, fear of judgment, or insecurity in speaking up. Those with strong throat energy express clarity, truth, and alignment with their inner voice.

Third Eye Consciousness (13 – 17 Years)

Adolescents begin expanding their perception—questioning norms, refining discernment, and deepening intuitive awareness. If encouraged, they trust their inner knowing; if conditioned against it, they doubt their intuition and rely on external validation for decisions.

In adulthood, blocked third eye energy manifests as hesitation to trust intuition, reliance on rigid logic, or difficulty seeing beyond conditioned beliefs. Strong third eye consciousness fosters deep insight, clarity, and expanded perception.

Crown Consciousness (17+ Years & Beyond)

Consciousness moves beyond individual identity into universal connection, integration, and spiritual awareness. Some adults awaken naturally, others revisit earlier chakra wounds before reaching this level of expansion.

Those deeply connected to crown consciousness experience trust in life, surrender, and fluid alignment with their higher self. If blocked, individuals may struggle with spiritual disconnection, existential doubt, or difficulty finding meaning beyond the material world.

How This Reflection Supports Growth Instead of viewing chakras as isolated energies, this model shows how childhood patterns persist into adulthood, shaping our unconscious behaviours. Healing is not about bypassing these wounds but understanding where they originated and reintegrating lost aspects of self.