The Sacral Chakra - Svadhisthana

Svadhsthana is often translated into English as “where your being is established.” Remember wondering, as a child, “where did I come from?” This chakra answers that question in its own way. 

Associated with sensuality and sexual connection with oneself and others, this chakra connects us to pleasure, desire, and emotion. It’s also connected to our unconscious, where many of our unspoken or even unacknowledged desires live.

Location of the Sacral Chakra

Located just above the root chakra, the sacral chakra is present in the navel and genital area. Before you were born, you were carried in the sacral chakra of both your mother and father, and the very essence of your being is intertwined with this part of the body.

Symbols of the Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is associated with the color orange - a bright, passionate color present in flowers and sunsets. Romantic and energetic, this chakra’s color connects us to others and to the freedom and excitement of our inner desires. 

The sacral chakra is also symbolized by a six-petaled lotus, associated with the unconscious and the modes of our consciousness and thoughts. This chakra is associated with the element of water, which is fluid and life-giving. 

Working with the Sacral Chakra

Shame and guilt block this chakra, so opening or awakening it requires us to get in touch with the parts of ourselves that we may have denied, and bring a gentle, loving acceptance to them.

You can work with your sacral chakra alone or with someone you trust. Appreciating your body and its pleasures is key to opening this chakra. Try gentle yoga, getting a massage, or listing out ways your body gives you pleasure.

Often associated with taste, this chakra can also be awakened through mindful eating and the contemplative focus on the pleasure of food. And since the sacral chakra’s element is water, things like a shower or bath, or swimming, can also help you connect with this part of yourself!

Meditations and spiritual practices that focus on releasing shame and embracing your body are ideal for sacral chakra work. Consider meditating, on one of the following mantras:

Visualizations often help in chakra work. When meditating with, or working to awaken, your sacral chakra, try imagining a loving, tender orange energy flowing out from your navel area, filled with desire and passion, seeking and finding kindred spirits in your community.  

Crystals for the Sacral Chakra

Since the sacral chakra is associated with the color orange, certain healing crystals that reflect this chakra’s bright and passionate energies are ideal. Carnelian  is especially recommended for sacral chakra work, but you can also try Sunstone, Amber, and Citrine.