Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals who once lived on land, entering the water approximately fifty million years ago. Most researchers agree that dolphins are social beings that depend on collaborative community groups called pods for hunting and defense. These groups can range in size, having anywhere from just a few individuals to several hundred members. They often ride the leading wave of boats and will help swimmers in trouble. Because dolphins don’t have olfactory lobes or nerves, they probably can’t smell.
Key Attributes
Harmony and balance, peace, grace and gentleness, playfulness, joy, intelligence, protection, and a reminder to keep a sense of humor.
Chakra Interpretations
Root
As mentioned above, dolphins live in social groups, and those social relationships tend to be long-lasting, even if the dolphins don’t stay with the same group. Like in many mammal friendships, dolphins will remember each other even if it has been years since they last saw each other. Male dolphin buddies may stay together for many decades and might join other pods together. Females group together because they get help raising their young from other female relatives. You are a people person but may find yourself changing social groups every few years. There is nothing wrong with this pattern; for you, the joy is in exploring new waters and meeting new people. At the same time, while you are in each of these new groups, there is probably one or two people whom you remain in contact with or at least catch up with every few years, and when you do, it is as if no time has passed. You just pick up your conversation where you left off.
Sacral
The dolphin has a lot of joyous energy. You probably love to entertain and are the life of the party wherever you go. Your creative juices are probably constantly flowing. A not-so-flattering aspect of dolphin life is that while dolphins seem carefree and playful, they are also extremely sexual. Female dolphins are often the victim of groups of males forcing themselves on her. Given the male dolphins’ violent behavior, the female can’t say no or change her mind. If the dolphin has shown up in this chakra and the first interpretation doesn’t fit, you may need to ask yourself if your passions are controlling you, even to the point of causing harm to another person. It is also possible that you are letting another person harm you. If that is the case, I urge you to seek help.
Solar Plexus
When most people think of dolphins, they think of them as being peaceful, but as with all intelligent mammals, this is not always the case. Some researchers call dolphins “the gangsters of the sea” because they have been observed patrolling in gang-like groups. Each gang includes subgroups that protect the group’s females, recruit other members, or act as liaisons to communicate with rival pods. Where are you within the hierarchy in your life? Are you the leader, or are you more comfortable being the peaceful negotiator? Wherever you feel your placement is, be comfortable swimming in your truth.
Heart
In certain legends and old sea tales, there are claims of dolphins helping drowning sailors, rescuing people from sharks, and making themselves useful as guides through dangerous waters. Dolphins will help injured family members and newborn babies by swimming under them and nudging them up to the surface so they can breathe. There have been some reports of them doing the same for humans in trouble. This says that you will go above and beyond to help others. You would do well as a healer, working in emergency services, or as a first responder, saving people.
Throat
Dolphins are master communicators, and each has a whistle that is unique to the individual. Some researchers believe that dolphins name each other and also name things. Similar to how canine species have a distinct voice that is recognized by family members, a dolphin can recognize the voice of a friend or family member. As mentioned for the root chakra, you may go many years without seeing a friend, but you recognize their voice instantly. In addition to vocal abilities, the dolphin’s auditory nerve is about three times the size of the human’s, allowing them to hear frequencies far beyond human hearing. The combination of these abilities says you communicate your thoughts and intentions clearly but also listen and understand on multiple levels. Your voice can put a smile on the face of someone who needs it.
Third Eye
Dolphins have excellent eyesight that is particularly adapted for seeing underwater. From a practical perspective, it is very possible that you have and will maintain 20/20 eyesight or better throughout most of your life. Similar to bats, dolphins use echolocation to navigate and hunt. This translates to them being very sensitive to subtle vibrations. Dolphin energy shows that you are highly empathetic and receptive. When you are open to these impressions, you typically find that what you “see” turns out to be entirely accurate.
Crown
Like whales and seals, dolphins only allow half their brain to go to sleep, while the other half remains awake so that they can continue to breathe. Your brain may stay active even when you sleep, giving you very vivid dreams, which you recall effortlessly. If it isn’t already part of your practice, you should try intentional dreaming. In some spiritual disciplines, the dolphin represents the breath of life, life force, and resurrection. Work with dolphin energy if you are going through a spiritual rebirth or if you just need to remember to relax and breathe.