“The body is the vehicle, consciousness the driver. Yoga is the path, and the chakras are the map.”
– Anodea Judith
Mystical, magical, brilliant and bright… A spinning disk of orange light… Creativity, self-expression and desires are key attributes of the second energy center – Svadhishthana Chakra.
Let’s flow into the Sacral Chakra and unpack:
- History of the Chakras
- Energy Channel Basics
- Associations, Origins, Color
- Sacral Chakra Location
- Sacral Chakra Symbol
- Indications of a balanced or blocked Sacral Chakra
- Sacral Chakra healing, meditation, affirmations, stones
History Of The Chakras
“The Seven Gods have seven spears and seven lights. They hold seven glories.”
– Rig Veda 8.28.5 – Translated by David Frawley
Described in the Vedas, a large body of religious texts from ancient India which are thought to have been compiled between 1500 and 500 BC, and derived from the Sanskrit root cakra – chakra means “wheel” or “disk”.
Chakras are concentrated energy centers of the body, often visualized and depicted as spinning wheels of light.
Rooted in the ancient philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, chakras hold a prominent place in the science of yoga.
The chakra system says that the human body consists not only of bones, tissues and organs, but also of energy fields layered around the physical being. These layers form the subtle body, or the energy body.
Energy Channels
According to Eastern medicine, we have over 72,000 invisible channels called nadis circulating through our bodies.
They carry life force energy, referred to as Prana in Indian systems and Chi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Prana is omnipresent and omnipotent, and continuously flows through three major nadis – which connect with the thousands of minor nadis to distribute prana throughout the whole body and beyond – along the spinal column.
The three main channels start at the base of the spine and ascend through the head.
- Sushumna Nadi – The central energy channel runs from the base of the spine to crown of the head.
- Ida Nadi – The lunar energy channel represents Yin, which is symbolic of the moon, the left side of body, the feminine.
- Pingala Nadi – The solar energy channel delineates Yang, noted as the sun, the right side, the masculine qualities.
Ida and Pingala Nadis crisscross each other as they spiral upwards and connect to opposite nostrils. Where Ida and Pingala intersect with each other and Sushumna, are the seven main chakras.
The Chakras
The chakras define cross sections of the physical human body, in the form of nerve plexuses, which house organ systems.
And understanding where the gross anatomy fits into this seemingly esoteric chaos tends to open (third) eyes to the perfect organization, deeper magic and higher connections available when we unite with these inner sources that correspond to the elements out in the Universe.Chakras are responsible for lovingly taking in, incorporating and emanating energy to keep us functioning at optimal levels. When a major or minor chakra in our energetic body is blocked or not functioning properly, illness is more prone to occur – physically, psychologically and spiritually.
Wellbeing on all levels can affect and is affected by the chakras.
Not taking in enough energy, through proper nourishment of the mind, body and soul, may lead to or be caused by depression. By bypassing feelings such as anger, or not speaking our truth, we may be unconsciously impeding healthy energy flow.
Physically, each chakra governs specific organs of the body which come along with hormones and emotions…
When chakras are constricted, blocked or too open, organs don’t operate effectively which contributes to disease, fluctuating energy levels, emotional imbalances, negative thought patterns and general lack of wellbeing.
Working with the chakra system is tapping into external and internal forces so that we may feel and function our best, in harmony with the world around and within us. The ancient yogis understood that to change our life, we have to effect change from within. One way to alter our inner reality is working with the chakras.
What is the sacral chakra?
Svadhishthana – the Sanskrit name for the Sacral Chakra – translates to:
Sva – “Self”
Shthana – “Place”
Or… “The dwelling place, or abode, of the Self.”
The Sacral Chakra is all about expression. Located in the pelvic floor, Svadhishthana is associated with the color orange and the Water element. The second energy center in the body is our source of creativity.
Beliefs are formed within Svadhishthana, and our desires, passions and imagination are expressed through this center. Desires, pleasures, reproduction and joie de vivre are governed here.
The Sacral Chakra Symbol
Each chakra symbol has a color associated with it, and other geometric elements inside and outside of the sacred circle. In some artwork, the Sanskrit bija mantra of the chakra is depicted in the center. A unique number of lotus petals always encases the entire symbol.
The center just below the navel, the Sacral Chakra, associated with the element of water, is linked not only to creativity but expressing it – in any form. The symbol illustrates the characteristic flow and flexible energy of Svadhishthana.
- The circle represents the water element, as well as the cyclical nature of birth, death and rebirth.
- Intersecting circles create a crescent moon shape, often depicted as silver – a reminder of the connection between creativity and the lunar phases, and the relationship between the moon’s phases and the fluctuations in the water of emotions. The symbolism of the moon’s cycle also points to the feminine menstrual cycle which takes the same number of days to complete and links to the sexual organs located within the cross section of the sacral chakra.
- The six petals of the lotus are associated with anger, jealousy, cruelty, hatred, pride and desire – the qualities that must be overcome to purify the sacral chakra.
- The sacral chakra is most usually represented by the color orange. In homage to water, it could also be perceived as pale blue or white.
Balanced or blocked
Balanced Sacral Chakra
When the Sacral Chakra is balanced we’re able to trust our intuition and experience a healthy sense of separateness from others.
A balanced Sacral Chakra empowers our spirit of Self, allows us to recognize and freely express desires, and we feel a strong sense of connection with ourself and others, easy access to joy and flowing creativity.
- Passionate – in everything we do
- Optimistic – about life overall
- Creative – artistically, emotionally, every way
- Generous – with ourselves and others
- Confident – in all ways, including in sexuality
Someone with a balanced Svadhishthana feels sympathetic, free, flexible and forgiving. Their body is likely healthy and their relationships with others are strong. They take things lightly, experience pleasure and joy, and life seems easier and enjoyable. They are likely to come across as sensual, joyful and able to ‘go with the flow.’
Blocked Sacral Chakra
Interestingly, many people who are relatively balanced in the higher chakras are off-kilter in the lower ones. This can stem from beliefs deeply engrained during upbringing through an array of potential first chakra quakes throughout childhood and into adulthood.
The Chakras spin and attract energy that is on the same frequency, and in turn sends it back out – like attracts like.
The more positive energy a chakra consumes, the more positive energy it releases and the more positivity it magnetizes back. However, the same goes for negativity.
Presence and awareness are crucial when it comes to unblocking, attracting, and manifesting.
Symptoms of Sacral Chakra blockage can include:
- Attachments
- Cravings
- Addictions
- Sexual frustration
- Lacking motivation and joy
- Feelings of guilt or rejection
As with the other energy centers, the two main reasons your Sacral Chakra may not function properly are due to an overactive or under-active flow of energy (prana) which may cause the following indications of imbalance:
- Mental – anxiety, indecisiveness, detachment, isolation, detrimental daydreaming, lacking creativity
- Emotional – extreme dependence on others, excessive bossiness and desire for control, loss of confidence, low libido, fear of being intimate, unable to enjoy pleasure
- Physical – addiction, over or under eating, lower back pain, genital issues, digestive problems
Sacral Chakra Healing
Healing Stones
Everything in the universe has a vibrational frequency, including crystals and gemstones.
Crystals carry healing properties that connect to each chakra – and the elements within that resonate with that outside of us – uniquely. Stones hold vibrational energy that resonate with our energy centers to heal the body, mind, and soul.
Gemstones are believed to have a host of physical health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, blood pressure, chronic pain, and a lowering chances of disease. Emotional trauma, negative thoughts and energies are also thought to be released by working with stones.
So, let’s figure out which stone to use and how to use it!
Sacral Chakra Crystals
Carnelian, Peach Moonstone, Orange Aventurine, Orange Calcite, Bloodstone.
Some believe that your stone will speak to you – notice if you feel a different vibration when holding a specific stone in your hand or near your Chakra. Or choose one from this list that you find beautiful!
How to use healing stones for the Second Chakra:
- Meditate – Hold the stone in your hand, or place it on or near the body part associated with this Chakra. Repeat a mantra or the seed sound (see below) to amplify balancing energies.
- Decorate – Place the stones around your home to fill your personal space with balancing energy.
- Wear – Keep stones in your pocket or bag, or wrap a stone in wire or string to wear as a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings.
Essential Oils for the Second Chakra
It is said that essential oils can restore balance to the Chakras – oils too have a vibration and hold frequency. Apply them to pulse points, anoint the Chakra location, put a few drops in the bath or a diffuser. Here are some to consider:
- Lavender – Nourishes all the chakras and is especially calming during times of anxiety. Ylang Ylang, Rose, Sweet Orange and Tangerine are also excellent for sweetening up the Sacral Chakra.
- Pink Pepper – This scent can invoke a sense of love for being in your body, eroticism and sexual ecstasy. It also may alleviate shame, vulnerability, body image issues and lock of sexual desire.
- Patchouli – Grounding and calming, this one promotes feelings of peace, joy and self-confidence when one is feeling uncomfortable in their own skin.
Mantra for the Sacral Chakra
Each energy center has a one-syllable Bija, or seed, mantra that activates its vitality and power. Chanting the mantra can alter, purify and harmonize the flow of energy.
Focus your awareness on the physical location of the Chakra as you chant its bija mantra to feel connected, joyful and radiant.
Sacral Chakra bija mantra: Vam
Affirmations for Svadhisthana
Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts, encourage yourself, boost self-esteem, relieve anxiety, increase self-love, and expand upon the tangible as well as the mystical properties of the chakras.
There are affirmations to help access and elevate willpower, endurance, your sense of security, connection with nature and stability with wellness including physical, mental and emotional health, spirituality… Even finances!
How to choose an affirmation
Simply choose an existing affirmation that resonates with you in the moment – reading it feels like a cuddle or elicits an emotional response or inspiration. Or create one for yourself – this may come to you intuitively, or you might be inspired by ours.
The affirmations here are only suggestions. Please feel free to add affirmations that feel empowering, leave behind those that do not, or come up with your own!
Sacral Chakra Affirmations
Sacral Chakra affirmations can help heal and activate the energy center that provides your sensuality, flexibility and adaptability, and amplifies your sense of Self. By powering your intentions through affirmations, this chakra can be balanced and allow more alignment in life – internal and external.
Practice these Sacral Chakra affirmations to elevate your energy, accept others, and improve your creativity, optimism, body image and attitude about sexuality. Self-confidence and openness in relationship can be positively, profoundly affected by working with Sacral Chakra affirmations.
Basic Sacral Chakra Affirmations
- I am creative.
- I am in touch with my feelings.
- I am comfortable in my body.
- It is my right to be joyful and find pleasure.
- It’s safe to express my sexuality.
- I am in flow with life.
- Everyone around me can see the good in me.
- I am aglow with powerful golden orange light healing my sacral chakra.
How to practice Sacral Chakra affirmations
Everyone’s style varies – according to body type, time available, emotional and energetic needs, state of mind – and it’s likely that your choices will evolve through the short and long seasons of life pending how you’re feeling and what you’re seeking.
Here are some loose guidelines and tips to get started. Feel free to experiment and cuddle accordingly to suit your needs!
- To practice Sacral Chakra meditation, find a sweet spot – many prefer a quiet place.
- Get comfortable, like you would for meditation – seated or lying down, with the spine as straight as possible.
- Focus on the space just below the navel – the location of the Sacral Chakra. You might roll a little (seated cat-cows or belly dancer’esque motion in the lower abdomen) to help hone in on Svadhishthana. See if you can find and feel a sense of fluidity.
- Breathe. Consider trying sama vritti – often called equal or coherent breathing – where the length of the exhalation matches the length of the inhalation. No prescribed count, your own pace, rolling circularly from inhale to exhale and back again.
- Read your chosen affirmation over and over, committing it to memory if possible. Perhaps eventually softening your gaze or closing your eyes, if that feels safe, as you continue to say it aloud or silently.
- As you repeat the affirmation, visualize the translucent orange color of the Sacral Chakra and imagine it flowing into your energy centre. This may appear as an expansion of the color from the centre through your body into the space around you, or an increase in vibrancy or saturation, with your inhalation, followed by the color shrinking back to a small point or soft glow with the contraction of your exhalation.
- Truly, deeply engage – immerse in the sensation of the feeling of the words of the Sacral Chakra affirmation.
Final thoughts
When your second energy center is aligned, you’ll be more easily able to access fluid energy, and tap into feeling free and flexible in your body, the world and your place in it. Working with your Sacral Chakra can help you to flow freely in your life set you free to create, express, cultivate relationships and be happy!
If you enjoyed this, check out this brilliant article on the Third Eye and practice to awaken it!
