In Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” and is often translated by “vortex”. According to yogic scriptures, these energy centers regulate the vital energy or prana that flows in the subtle (aka psychic) body – psychological, emotional & mental. There are 7 main chakras, each with its own distinctive features, located along the sushumna, the energy channel which flows through the center of the spinal cord, starting at the perineum and ending at the top of the head. The chakras are symbolized with lotus flowers, each having a particular number of petals and color, representing the different manifestations of psychic energy associated to it. As everything else in the universe, they vibrate at a specific frequency, and resonate with and are affected by sound vibration.
The Sacral Chakra, or Svadhisthana in Sanskrit, is located in the center of the pelvis, just below the navel, approximately two finger-widths above Muladhara chakra. It is connected to the water element and associated to the sense of taste and the reproductive system (genitals).
Svadhisthana chakra is symbolized by an orange lotus with six petals, with at its center a white crescent moon. Literally, it is the seat of the self (“where the self is established”), the center of the unconscious, individual and collective, and emotion.
The second chakra represents fluidity, creativity and fertility. It is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, relationships and sexuality. When the energy flows freely in Svadhisthana chakra, one feels creative, positive, self-confident, enthusiast and versatile. However, when this chakra is blocked by fear, one can experience a mix of unbalanced emotions like anger, jealousy, greed, excessive desire, frustration, guilt and insecurity and a lack of energy.
To strengthen or regulate this chakra, traditional yoga recommends to practice hip opening postures like Deviasana (goddess posture) or Baddha Konasana and the Yoni mudra.
- Element : Water
- Colour : Orange
- Seed sound (or bija mantra) : Vam
- Deity : Brahma
- Animal : Crocodile
Here is a playlist I created to help explore and balance this chakra: “Second Chakra Musings” is an irresistible invitation to move your hips and explore the true qualities of Svadhisthana: safety, curiosity, self-nurturing. Enjoy!
InnerFlow 