The Second Chakra: The Sacral Chakra

The second chakra is the sacral chakra.

Its Sanskrit name is Swadhisthana (which can be quite a mouthful for us westerners). The word means "vital force".

This 2nd chakra is located in our lower abdomen, between the waist and the pubic bone, approximately two inches below the navel.

As we have mentioned before, each chakra is represented by a color and a symbol.

The symbol for the sacral chakra is a lotus flower with six petals. You can see that represented in the 6 orange petals in the image above. The number 6 represents responsibility and the nurturing of family and of the community.

Chakra colors are important indicators of the emotions and parts of the body represented by each energy body. The orange color of the second chakra represents our emotions.

The element that governs this energy center is water, which is also often associated with emotions. The verb that is associated with this sacral chakra is "to feel", so you can see that the 2nd chakra is all about emotions.

The glands that are connected with this chakra are the gonads, the testes and ovaries. The chakra itself is located near the genitals.

Not surprisingly then, the areas of our physical body that are governed by the sacral or sacrum chakra include the genitals and reproductive organs. The sacral vertebrae in the spine, the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and upper intestines are all also impacted by the balance of energy in the second chakra.

The emotional areas of our lives embodied by the sacral chakra include our sensuality and sexual energy, intimacy, self-acceptance, personal relationships and our emotionality.

Chakra balancing is an important part of both our physical and emotional health.

If the second chakra is in balance, that is, not too much energy in that area of the energy body and not too little, you should feel an emotional connection to others and a sense of creativity in your life. A person whose second chakra is in balance takes pleasure in life.

Feeling compassionate, friendly, satisfied, sexual, intuitive and overall vital are also associated with a balanced orange chakra. You feel comfortable relating to others in an open manner and feel a sense of belonging in your world.

You can often tell which of the 7 chakras may be out of balance by paying attention to how you feel, both physically and emotionally.

If you experience any of the following physical problems or emotional issues in your life, your sacral chakra may need a bit of fine tuning:

Physical problem may include a decrease in sexual desire, menstrual problems and/or hormonal imbalances, lower back pain, sciatica, excessive tiredness, pain in the pelvic area, urinary problems, issues around poor digestion and decreased resistance to infections.

On an emotional level, imbalances in the second chakra can manifest as irritability, a need for power and control, guilt, blame, shyness, or not taking responsibility for our own emotions.

Chakra 2 is the seat of creativity, so not being able to express your creative side is another indication of an imbalance in this energy center.

Gemstones that may help to balance the energies of this second chakra include carnelian, aventurine and citrine. A small piece of any of these gem stones worn close to the body may help in chakra balancing for the 2nd chakra.

Essential oils that may aid in bringing this energy center into balance include sandalwood and ylang ylang.

You can see that the sacral chakra is focused on our emotional nature and creativity. The goal or life lesson for the sacral chakra is to feel a bond with others (family, friends and community) that allows us to express who we are openly and freely without losing our own identity and to feel free to express our creative energy.

Read about Chakra 3, the Solar Plexus Chakra   

Sources:

Anodea Judith, Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self

Sue Lilly, Simone Lilly, Stella Martin, Josepine de Winter, Gill Hall, Magic Of Crystals, Colour & Chakra - Book Of Healing, Harmony & Wisdom For Body, Spirit & Home..., (One of my favorite books)

Dr. Brenda Davies, The 7 Healing Chakras: Unlocking Your Body's Energy Centers