A holiday in Scotland is a chance to get away from it all. It’s your opportunity to reawaken your senses in nature, get caught up in fascinating history and connect to the spirit of Scotland!
With pure escapism in mind, we present Scotland like you’ve never seen it before – through the lens of the 7 chakras. Good energy guaranteed!
What is a chakra?
Good question. Chakra is a term you might be familiar with if you like yoga and meditation. Chakras are energy points on the body and there are seven major ones that run down your spine. They can be thought of as portals through which energy is transferred between the physical body and the universe. The word chakra translates as ‘wheel’ and when your chakras are balanced and ‘spinning’ that means you’re in a place of healing and growth.
So how do you balance those chakras? Spiritual and physical chakra healing has been used for centuries by many different cultures. It all rests on the balance of energy we create which is intertwined with our chakras. You definitely don’t want your chakras to be blocked. Common symptoms of a chakra blockage include sluggishness and sleepless nights.
At its heart, the idea of chakras is all about wellness. And we believe that a great holiday in Scotland can easily be an antidote to the stresses and strains of everyday life. What’s more, perhaps certain chakras respond well to certain types of holiday?
So here is a guide to seven holiday experiences you can have in Scotland that should balance your chakras. That’s the theory anyway – definitely worth trying – enjoy!
Crown Chakra – Stargazing Experiences
Your Crown chakra is located at the top of your head and when it’s in balance you should feel connected to the universe. It’s often called the ‘bridge to the cosmos’ and is connected to enlightenment and wisdom. So what better way to activate this chakra than to go stargazing in Scotland?
It’s easy to forget the wonders of the night sky. Did you know that on a clear night in Scotland you can see galaxies millions of light years away with the naked eye? Even in a densely populated Scottish city you can see more than you might imagine.
But to really appreciate the night sky, take a visit to Galloway Forest Park, a designated Dark Sky Park in Dumfries & Galloway. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, Galloway Forest Park is the perfect place to see shooting stars, planets, comets, the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights. Check out these 16 dark sky escapes in south Scotland.
Elsewhere in Scotland you could visit The Cairngorms Dark Sky Park in the Highlands, as well as the town of Moffat, a Dark Sky Town, or set sail to the Isle of Coll, Scotland’s Dark Sky Island.
If this sounds like your kind of holiday you’ll love our Scotland at Night video.
Third Eye Chakra – Supernatural Adventures
The Third Eye chakra is located in the middle of your head between the eyebrows, and is said to be linked to perception, awareness and spiritual communication. The third eye is often associated with religious visions, clairvoyance and out-of-body experiences. There are many opportunities in Scotland to open your third eye and add a bit of the supernatural into your holiday!
Visitors to Edinburgh love to go on ghost tours in the city, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Europe. Underneath the city streets you’ll find The Real Mary Kings Close, a series of chambers and hidden lanes where people lived for centuries – take a tour of this spooky place and see for yourself.
Those with a passion for history will enjoy a trip to the city of Perth, where there are many stories of ghosts and ghouls. Take a walking tour of the city and discover the tales behind some famous hauntings in an ancient Scottish place.
Scotland’s castles and stately homes are fascinating to explore and these beautiful buildings are bristling with eerie stories that will send a shiver down your spine. For example you could visit Hermitage Castle (pictured above) said to be inhabited by many restless spirits, including Mary Queen of Scots. Find out more by reading about these 13 haunted places in Scotland that will give you the creeps.
Throat Chakra – Cultural Attractions
The Throat Chakra, as the name suggests, is bound up with communication, expression and inspiration. We love to express ourselves in Scotland through our language, music and culture and there are a host of places, events and festivals in Scotland that will resonate with this chakra.
If you are interested in language, a visit to the west coast means a chance to stop at the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre. Just off the mainland on the island of Lismore, the centre is a lively hub hosting an annual festival, talks, historical walks, musical events and exhibitions. A true hidden gem. Language enthusiasts will also love these braw Scottish words!
Those with a passion for music are spoilt for choice in Scotland. You could book a trip to Glasgow – a UNESCO City of Music – where you’ll find everything from classical to contemporary offerings all across the city. Each January the city hosts the Celtic Connections music festival which is a must for lovers of traditional Scottish music as well as other genres.
One of the cultural highlights of a trip to Scotland could be listening to the sounds of traditional fiddle and bagpipe tunes for the first time, or even dancing the night away at a Scottish ceilidh. Find out more about the Scottish music scene with some Scottish traditional music to listen to.
Heart Chakra – Romantic Breaks
The Heart chakra is the individual’s centre of compassion, forgiveness, empathy and love. If this chakra is blocked, it is said you may find it hard to develop healthy and lasting relationships. When this chakra is in good alignment you will feel love, joy and compassion – all things associated with a romantic holiday in Scotland!
Romantic breaks are a chance to unwind and soak up the good vibes with the one you love. For some people this might involve staying in a luxury Scottish hotel and enjoying a spa break, for others it might mean wild camping and getting back to nature.
Of course, you could simply organise a romantic day trip to a special attraction. Scottish castles are memorable and romantic destinations. Huntingtower Castle in Perthshire, Tantallon Castle in East Lothian and Kilchurn Castle in Argyll are all lovely choices to spend the day exploring.
In the south of Scotland, Sweetheart Abbey has a sweet story attached to it for hopeless romantics. In 1268, when her husband sadly died, Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket which she carried everywhere with her. On her death, she was laid to rest with her husband’s heart and local monks named the abbey in memory of her. How’s that for enduring love?
Solar Plexus Chakra – Foodie Experiences
Located at the upper part of the stomach, the Solar Plexus chakra is said to govern digestion. It is said when this chakra is aligned you will exude confidence. We are confident that you can find balance in Scotland with good food and good company. Whether you go for fish and chips by the sea or a Michelin star dining experience, we know you’ll enjoy Scottish cuisine.
Scottish seafood is world renowned and the best way to experience it is by the coast. Check out our blog on the best seafood shacks in Scotland and plan a visit. On the way to the Outer Hebrides – one of the country’s most popular destinations – you could stop off at Oban, known as Scotland’s seafood capital. The perfect place to go for a bite to eat on your way to these magical isles!
Try a foodie holiday with a difference by taking a cooking course in Scotland. There are opportunities to do this all over the country including in Perth at Kumar’s Indian Cook School. You can explore more cookery courses at these top cooking schools in Scotland.
If you’re a newcomer to Scotland, there’s one thing you’ll really want to try: haggis! And if you’re not a meat-eater, why not take a look at these vegan foodie experiences in Scotland?
Sacral Chakra – Museums & Galleries
The Sacral chakra is our centre of creativity and fantasy. Closely linked with the senses, opening your Sacral chakra allows you to feel the world in and around you. What better way to get in touch with your creative side than a visit a Scottish art gallery or museum? We have some fascinating collections across the country. You could even bring a sketchbook and do some drawing.
The city of Dundee on Scotland’s east coast is home to the V&A Design Museum. Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, V&A Dundee stands at the centre of a 1 billion transformation of Dundee’s waterfront. Permanent displays and changing exhibitions showcase the very best of design from around the world.
In Aberdeen, another exciting Scottish city, you can discover one of the finest art collections in the country at Aberdeen Art Gallery, now re-opened following a multi-million-pound redevelopment. The collection here spans over 700 years of art!
Find out more about the artworks you can see in Scotland with these 9 top galleries to find must-see artworks in Scotland.
Root Chakra – Walking in Scotland
Stability, security, feeling grounded – all things associated with our final chakra, the Root chakra. Taking time to get out in Scotland’s green and wild spaces should be just the tonic if you are feeling out of balance. Whether you want to organise a dedicated walking holiday in Scotland or simply incorporate a good walk into your trip, there is nothing better than getting out in the fresh Scottish air. If we could bottle it we would!
From the Fife Coastal Path to the John Muir Way, Scotland has a number of iconic long distance walking routes, suitable for beginners and seasoned walkers alike. If you’re looking for inspiration check out these slow walking routes.
Walking is all about the things you’ll see on the way – and with these waterfall walks you’re sure to come back to your accommodation feeling inspired. If you fancy a bit of refreshment at the end of your walk you could take a look at these coastal pub walks!
Of course, there is always the chance to climb a hill or mountain in Scotland – we have quite a few. You could attempt the highest peak in the land Ben Nevis, but there’s plenty to see around the country at these 9 alternative must-climb hills to Ben Nevis. Wherever you go, remember to stay safe and wear the appropriate gear.
Look out for your wellbeing on a holiday to Scotland and try something new. Balance your chakras, align your energy and connect to the universe – but most of all enjoy yourself!
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