Swadhisthana - The Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is orange, and balances the red of the physical energy with the yellow of the mental energy. It is known as Swadhisthana in Sanskrit, the chakra of procreation. It is situated in between the genitals, about two inches below the navel. This chakra is related to the element of water and is related to the sense organ of the tongue.  

This chakra is the most feminine of the seven chakras.  It is profoundly connected with fertility and is ruled by the moon, which pulls not only the seas and oceans, but also the waters within our own bodies.  

 The sacral chakra is the seat of creativity and is linked to taste in the broadest sense – our likes and dislikes.  It is also the seat of our emotions and is closely linked to pleasure, attraction and, in particular, sexuality.

When this chakra is out of balance nothing and no one is ever enough.  Life has no constancy.  We feel fragmented and volatile.  Our desires dominate and oblige us to seek satisfaction through the senses – sex, food, material possessions, status.  An out-of-balance sacral chakra brings about guilt, self-pity, manipulative behaviour and envy. 

If the chakra is too open, we may forget our own needs and occupy so much with the needs of others that we end up feeling like a martyr.  Lack of balance can also give rise to sexual/fertility problems, jealousy and obsession.

Physical imbalances may include sexual and reproductive issues, urinary problems including kidney dysfunctions, hip, pelvic and lower back pain. Emotional imbalances include an inability to commit to relationships, failure to express emotions, fears of impotence and betrayal and addictions. 

A balanced sacral chakra is characterised by physical fluidity and grace. People with a balanced sacral chakra tend to be friendly, open and trusting, in touch with their feelings and able to express them, willing to see the positive rather than the negative, and able to turn problems into challenges.

People with a balanced sacral chakra also feel able to take risks, they are in touch with their creativity, have no fear of commitment, are passionate about life, sexually confident and outgoing. 

In essence, it is sexual expression – the most powerful and fundamental of our creative energies - that characterises the sacral chakra.  It guides our sexual identity, our ability to bond with a partner and to take pleasure in our sexuality.  

When in balance it gives us profound sexual and emotional happiness.  It is worth reflecting that the word ‘sacral’ comes from the same root as ‘sacred’.  Sex is not meant to be a casual, meaningless event, but nor is it meant to induce guilt.  Rather with openness and empathy, it is something that brings great joy and pleasure – the lover meets the beloved on the physical plane. 

If we are not using this energy internally then we need to be expressing our sacral energy externally through writing, drawing, painting, singing, anything that encourages our creativity and encourages the energy to flow strongly and smoothly.  

 This chakra is situated in the bowl of the pelvis, directly over the ovaries and testes.  It governs the spleen, reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder and all the bodily fluids.  In order to find lightness and balance in this chakra we must seek to balance the pelvis. 

 There are a few practical things we can do to help to energise/balance this area including:

·       Wearing orange;

·       Movement, this area of the body loves movement, so get moving!;

·       Yoni yoga is a blessing for this chakra, getting in touch with your inner goddess;

·       Connecting with the moon and noticing how her cycles affect how you feel;

·       Connecting with your menstrual cycle if you are menstruating, or your cycles post-menopausal (‘Code Red’ by Lisa Lister is a helpful read, also anything by Alexandra Pope, Dr Christiane Northrup and Uma Dinsmore-Tuli);

·       Ayurveda, especially if you are experiencing menstrual, fertility issues or menopausal issues; 

·       Reiki;

·       Journaling as a way of expressing your feelings and emotions;

·       Water, bathing in water, with some essential oils, particularly ylang ylang and neroli;

·       Massaging this area of the body, using oils, coconut oil or another carrier oil, perhaps using essential oils (patch test first);

·       Sage, burn sage to cleanse your energy;

·       Holding, wearing or putting carnelian in your pocket can also help. 

·       Dipping in the White Spring at Glastonbury and visiting any ancient sites of the Goddess;

·       Prioritising time to do what you enjoy doing – those things you feel passionate about;

·       Honouring your body and this area of the body especially – seeing the sacred in it, not giving it away.

·       Taking steps to address any sexual abuse or trauma.

Colour: Orange

Element: Water

Sense organ: Tongue

Yantra: A white crescent moon at its centre and six petals

Bija seed mantra: Vam

Related plexus and organs: Upper hypogastric plexus and ovaries and adrenal glands.

Balanced attributes: Creative, adaptable, flexible, delight in pleasure and life’s gifts.

Examples of possible chakra deficiency or excess: Feeling of separation, creative blocks, compulsive behaviour, arrogance.