Footnotes
*1. A highly stylized interpretation of a chakra can be seen during the opening credits of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine TV show (available on YouTube), in which a normally invisible wormhole opens out in a circular movement to allow traffic—i.e., energy—to pass through in both directions.
*2. There are differing opinions regarding the element governing the energy of the third chakra. Some authors describe the element as fire, while others say it is air. In my many years of teaching energy work wherein I allow students to discover the elements of the chakras through their own direct experience, no student has ever used the word fire to describe the energy of the third chakra, whereas air, wind, and bubbles are commonly mentioned. This experience supports my philosophy in teaching energy work to students, in which I allow students to discover the element of each chakra for themselves, without providing any information as to how it is described in books or by other teachers.
*3. In addressing this subject I am referencing the system of energy meridians as defined by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).