Chakra Yoga Series: Part 7, Crown Chakra

As we arrived at the final week of our journey through the chakras, we reached the Crown Chakra, Sahasrara. And yet, in many ways, this is not an ending at all, but a beginning.

Going deeper into stillness

This week we continued in the same direction as our exploration of the Third Eye Chakra, moving further into stillness. We softened mental chatter, created space, and allowed ourselves time to reconnect, not only to our intuition, but to a wider sense of awareness and connection to all living things.

To support this journey, we began back at the Root Chakra. In many ways, the Crown Chakra invites us to reflect on the entire chakra system. When the chakras are balanced, we begin to feel both an inner steadiness and an outer connection to something greater than ourselves.

Root to rise

“Root to rise” is a familiar phrase in yoga, but this week it truly came alive in our practice.

We began with grounding, pelvis-focused movements, building awareness from the base upwards. As the weeks have unfolded, I’ve found myself offering fewer verbal cues, one of the joys of working with the same students over time. With less instruction, there is more space for students to feel, explore, and trust their own experience.

Our connection to the earth felt strong and steady. We moved through:

• Bridge Pose

• Flowing Cat–Cow

• Mountain Pose

• Dolphin Pose

• Warrior II

• Extended Side Angle

• Eagle Pose

As with our Third Eye practice, we returned again and again to our Drishti, our focused gaze. The energy in each class felt calm and grounded, yet quietly powerful—soft, steady, and deeply present. The stillness of mind was something you could almost feel in the room.

Essential oils

We began the practice with Elemi essential oil, a resin-based middle note known for its grounding and regulating effect on the nervous system. It helps to ease stress, clear the mind, and support clarity and focus. It was exactly what was needed as we settled into practice.

We closed with Frankincense essential oil, an oil long associated with spiritual connection, tranquility, and contemplation. Its deeply calming effect on both body and mind made it the perfect companion for our final meditation and savasana.

Mudra and mantra

This week we explored Atmanjali Mudra, often described as a gesture of greeting the self. It carries a quiet sense of reverence and inner acknowledgement.

We paired this with the mantra:

“Tranquillity and inner wisdom characterise my life.”

Throughout the practice, we also worked with the awareness:

“I am the observer of my thoughts and do not let them bring me down.”

And in meditation:

“In the silence, I am open to receive without asking and without expectation. In the silence, I will see and hear the truth.”

Where next?

As I reflect on this journey through the chakras, I feel a strong pull to continue exploring this work more deeply with my students. Rather than keeping each chakra separate, it feels like the right time to begin weaving them together, as they are naturally intended to be.

So next week, we’ll begin a new chapter: a journey through all seven chakras as one integrated practice. It feels exciting, expansive, and full of possibility.

Exploring each chakra individually has been a fascinating experience, both for me as a teacher and for my students. Many have shared how much they’ve enjoyed the process: taking their practice to a deeper level, exploring something new, and stepping beyond their comfort zones with curiosity and openness.

I hope this journey has inspired you to explore the chakras for yourself. And if you’re a yoga teacher, perhaps it might encourage you to create your own Chakra Yoga series. If you do, I would truly love to hear about your experience.

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you back here again soon.

If you’ve enjoyed following this Chakra Yoga journey and feel called to explore it more deeply, you’re so welcome to join me.

I offer regular yoga classes, workshops, retreats and CPD training for yoga teachers who want to integrate essential oils into their teaching in a safe and meaningful way.

👉 Get in touch, I’d love to hear from you heather@deavilleyoga.com

Sources and Inspiration

The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and practice. My experience as a professional aromatherapist and inspiration from:

• Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books

• Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press

• Mudras for Body, Mind & Spirit by Gertrud Hirschi, published by Tarotdeck

• The Power of the Chakra’s, Fiona Toy, published by Hinkler

These sources often inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate movement, breath, subtle energy and essential oils.

The Chakra Yoga series:

You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:

• Week One: The Root Chakra

• Week Two: The Sacral Chakra

• Week Three: The Solar Plexus Chakra

• Week Four: The Heart Chakra

• Week Five: The Throat Chakra

• Week Six: The Third Eye Chakra

• Week Seven: You’re here

Essential Oil Safety for Yoga Teachers: A Practical Guide

Essential oils can beautifully enhance your yoga classes, workshops, and personal practice. They can support us in so many ways, from energising our practice, to grounding it. But they are also highly concentrated plant extracts, and with that potency in mind, I suggest, if you’re weaving essential oils into your yoga teaching following the safety guidelines below.

1. Keep Essential Oils Out of Reach of Children and Babies

Essential oils are not harmless fragrances. They are powerful substances that should always be stored safely and kept well out of reach of children and babies.

Even small amounts can cause irritation or harm if misused. Treat them with the same care you would give medicine.

2. Always Have a Vegetable Oil on Hand (Never Use Water)

This is one of the most important safety principles.

If an essential oil causes discomfort on the skin, or accidentally gets into the eye, do not use water. Water can drive the oil further into the tissue and increase irritation.

Instead:

• Use a vegetable-based carrier oil (such as rapeseed, jojoba, or almond oil).

• Apply generously to dilute and gently wipe away the essential oil.

Keep a carrier oil nearby whenever you’re working with essential oils in class and if your at home any cooking oil will do.

3. Keep Oils Away from the Eyes

Essential oils and eyes do not mix.

If you’re adding oils to an eye pillow or eye mask during savasana:

• Ensure there is a layer of fabric between the oil and the skin

• Never apply oils directly where they could transfer into the eyes

• I personally prefer to scent my eye masks well before using them.

A simple barrier makes all the difference.

4. Store Oils Properly

To preserve their therapeutic properties:

• Store in a cool place

• Keep away from direct sunlight

• Ensure lids are tightly closed

• Use dark-coloured bottles (amber or cobalt blue are ideal) Or a bottle which comes in it’s own container.

Sunlight and heat can degrade essential oils over time, reducing their effectiveness and altering their chemical composition.

5. Keep Away from Open Flames

Some essential oils are flammable. Avoid using them near candles, incense burners, or open flames.

This is especially important in yoga spaces where candles are commonly used.

6. Never Use Essential Oils Neat (Undiluted)

Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

Using oils neat can:

• Cause contact dermatitis

• Lead to skin sensitisation (which may be lifelong)

• Increase risk of irritation

Diluting with a carrier oil not only improves safety — it also provides additional skin-nourishing benefits you wouldn’t want to miss.

7. Understand Phototoxic Oils

Some essential oils are phototoxic. This means they can cause skin reactions, rashes, or dark pigmentation if the skin is exposed to sunlight within 3–4 days after application.

Most citrus oils fall into this category, along with some others.

If you plan to be in the sun:

• Apply phototoxic oils only to areas that will remain covered (and always dilute them)

• Or use them aromatically instead (diffuser, inhalation, on a cotton pad)

This is particularly important if you’re running outdoor yoga sessions.

8. Pregnancy and Health Conditions

Not all essential oils are suitable during pregnancy or for certain health conditions.

Before using essential oils:

• Research oils that should be avoided during pregnancy

• Check contraindications for specific health conditions

• Encourage your students to disclose relevant health information

If you (or a student) have a medical condition, always research thoroughly before use.

9. Treat Essential Oils Like Medicine

Essential oils are natural — but “natural” does not mean harmless.

Treat them with the same respect you would give medicine or herbal supplements. Continue learning about:

• Oil properties

• Contraindications

• Safe dilution rates

• Proper usage methods

Responsible use is part of being an ethical yoga teacher.

Want to Go Deeper? Train With Me

If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to confidently and safely integrate essential oils into your classes, workshops, or retreats, my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD was created with you in mind.

Inside the training, we go far beyond the basics and explore:

• How to use essential oils safely and professionally in yoga classes, workshops, and retreats

• How specific oils can influence mood and energy, and deepen connection to the breath, body, mind, and soul

• Themed workshop ideas — plus exactly how and when to use oils within a class setting

• Contraindications, safety considerations, and pregnancy guidance

• Thoughtful ways to expand your offerings (and income) with integrity

This training is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and professional foundation to work with essential oils both responsibly and intuitively — so you can enhance your teaching in a way that feels aligned, ethical, and impactful.

You can learn more about the training here:
👉 Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always

These are safety guidelines — and they matter.

But alongside them, use your common sense. If something doesn’t feel appropriate for your setting, your students, or the environment, trust that instinct.

When used safely and thoughtfully, essential oils can become a beautiful, supportive extension of your yoga teaching. Respect their potency and they’ll serve you and your students well.