7, 9 or 12 Chakras - Which System Should You Follow?
There is no single correct number of chakras, because different traditions count them differently. Follow the seven chakra system first, since it is the classical one, and move to nine or twelve only when your teacher or your practice gives you a reason.
Key takeaways
- Seven is the classical system and the one almost every class and bowl set is built on.
- Nine adds two chakras outside the body, the Earth Star and the Soul Star.
- Twelve is a later expansion that is taught in more than one way.
- Your set should match the system you follow: 7, 9 or 12 bowls.
Why do some people say 7 chakras and others 9 or 12?
Because the chakras come from several traditions, not one book. The classical sources describe seven major chakras, and four in Buddhism.
Later teachers added more centres, above the head, below the feet or between the seven. So 7, 9 and 12 are three maps of the same body, drawn with different amounts of detail.
Singing bowl sets follow the same maps. That is why our chakra singing bowl sets come in more than one size, and why you can build your own set for the larger systems.
How do the 7, 9 and 12 chakra systems compare?
| 7 chakras | 9 chakras | 12 chakras | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it contains | Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown | The seven plus the Earth Star and the Soul Star | The seven plus five more |
| Where the extras sit | No extras | Below the feet and above the head | Outside the body, or between the seven as the five sharp notes |
| Where it comes from | The classical system | A later expansion | A later expansion, taught in two ways |
| Best for | Everyone, and every beginner | People who want grounding and a point above the crown in a session | Experienced practitioners and long sessions |
| Matching bowl set | Set of 7 | Set of 9 | Set of 12 |
What is the 7 chakra system?
It is seven centres in a line, from the Root at the base of the spine to the Crown at the top of the head. This is the system most people mean when they say "the chakras".
Our free course covers it in the seven chakras overview lesson. Learn this one first, because the other two are built on it.
What does the 9 chakra system add?
It adds two chakras outside the body: the Earth Star below the feet and the Soul Star above the head. The seven in between do not change.
In a session, the Earth Star gives a place to begin and to finish. Our 9 chakra system guide explains both extra chakras in full.
What does the 12 chakra system add?
It adds five more to the seven, and here teachers disagree. The popular version places them outside the body, from the Earth Star up to higher chakras above the head.
In singing bowl work the twelve are the twelve notes from C to B, with five sharps between the seven. Both versions are set out in the 12 chakra system explained.
Looking for a chakra set?
See our sets of 3, 5 and 7 bowls in one place. Each set is put together by selection after your order arrives.
Which system should you follow?
- New to chakras: follow seven, because every later system assumes you know it.
- Taught by a teacher: follow the system your teacher uses, so your practice and your lessons match.
- Want grounding: move to nine when you want a clear start below the feet and an end above the crown.
- Working with clients: consider twelve when you run long sessions and want a note for every step.
Whichever you choose, stay with one system inside a single session. Mixing maps half way through is the quickest way to lose your place.
Which singing bowl set matches each system?
Our chakra singing bowl sets come in 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 bowls. The number of bowls follows the map you use.
| Set | What it follows | Sets to look at |
|---|---|---|
| Set of 3 | A short version of the seven | Handmade singing bowl set of 3 |
| Set of 5 | The five elements or five centres | Hand-beaten singing bowl set of 5 |
| Set of 7 | The seven chakra system | 7 chakra hand-beaten set, 7 chakra colour set, natural finish set of 7, full moon set of 7 |
| Set of 9 | The nine chakra system | Made to order with the set builder |
| Set of 12 | The twelve chakra system | Made to order with the set builder |
A hand-hammered bowl's note is discovered, not made, so every set is put together by selection. The Root bowl is not always the largest bowl in a set.
How do you order a set of 9 or 12, or your own mix?
Use our custom singing bowl set builder. It takes five short steps, and it is the way to ask for any set that is not on the shelf.
- Choose the tradition, Vedic or Tibetan, because it decides which note sits on which chakra.
- Choose the number of bowls and the notes, or let us match the notes to your system.
- Choose the size, finish and extras, such as cushions, mallets and engraving.
- Send the request, which is free and carries no obligation to buy.
Sunita reads every request herself. If you already own some bowls, tell us their notes and the new bowls are chosen to sit with them. For the nine, see which nine bowls are in a 9 chakra set.
What are the common mistakes when comparing chakra systems?
- Looking for the true number: asking which count is right, when each one belongs to a different tradition.
- Thinking more is better: assuming twelve is more advanced or stronger than seven, when it is only more detailed.
- Skipping the seven: starting with nine or twelve before the seven feel familiar.
- Mixing maps: using two systems in one session and losing track of the order.
- Buying the wrong set: ordering twelve bowls for a seven chakra practice, or seven for a nine.
What should you do next?
Pick your system, then pick the set that matches it. If the set you want is not listed, ask for it in the set builder.
To learn the systems in order, take the free singing bowl healing course. It teaches the seven first and the twelve last, which is the order we suggest.
Frequently asked questions
How many chakras are there?
It depends on the tradition. The classical system has seven major chakras, Buddhist traditions count fewer, and modern teachers have added systems of nine and twelve.
Are there 9 chakras?
Yes, in the nine chakra system. It keeps the seven and adds the Earth Star below the feet and the Soul Star above the head.
Are there 12 chakras?
Yes, in the twelve chakra system, which is taught in two ways. Some teachers add five chakras outside the body, and in singing bowl work the twelve are the twelve notes from C to B.
Which chakra system is the original?
The seven chakra system is the classical one. The nine and twelve chakra systems are later expansions built on top of it.
Which chakra system should a beginner follow?
Follow the seven chakra system first. Almost every book, class and singing bowl set is built on it, and the larger systems are easier once you know the seven.
Which singing bowl set matches each chakra system?
A set of 7 matches the seven chakras, a set of 9 matches the nine chakra system and a set of 12 matches the twelve. Sets of 3 and 5 are shorter versions for a first set or daily practice.
Can I start with 7 bowls and add more later?
Yes. You can start with a set of 7 and add bowls later to reach 9 or 12, and the new bowls are chosen to sit with the ones you already own.
Want a set matched to your system?
Tell us your tradition, the number of bowls and the notes. The request is free, and Sunita reads every one herself.
