Solar Plexus - Manipura

Manipura means “jewel” or “gem,” and is the third chakra. Associated with energy, vitality, and life, this chakra is dynamic and powerful. Considered the center of our health, this chakra is strongly connected to our physical body. 

Location of the Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is located in the abdomen, a few inches above the navel. It’s no surprise, then, that this chakra is associated with digestion. Compared to other bodily systems, the digestive process requires significant amounts of energy and generates a lot of heat.

Have you ever experienced the “gut punch” of bad news? Or had a feeling so strong you felt it in your “gut?” The solar plexus chakra is often where we receive and absorb energy from the universe, meaning that we feel that energy in our belly.

Symbols of the Solar Plexus Chakra

Solar means “of the sun,” and like the sun, the solar plexus is bright yellow. This symbolic color represents the heat and dynamism of this chakra, connecting it to the atmospheric energies of our planet and solar system. Fire is the element associated with this chakra, further emphasizing it as a source of energy and heat.

The solar plexus chakra is also represented by an upside down red triangle inside a lotus flower with ten petals. The upside down red triangle can help you visualize where this chakra is by picturing an upside down triangle with its point at the base of your spine, where your root chakra is. The upper line of the triangle should cross the center of your abdomen, around where your diaphragm is. That’s your solar plexus chakra!

Working with the Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra helps connect you to your body and its physical health and sensations. Breathing deeply into your belly and paying attention to your abdomen’s posture is important for opening or awakening this chakra. Eating healthy foods, taking hot baths or visiting a sauna, or spending time outside in the sun are also good for your solar plexus chakra.

Certain meditations and contemplations can help you connect to your solar plexus chakra. Consider meditating on one of the following mantras:

Visualizations often help in chakra work. When meditating with, or working to awaken, your solar plexus chakra, try imagining a burst of energy, like sunlight, radiating from within your belly, filling your body with life and vitality.

Crystals for the Solar Plexus Chakra

Since the solar plexus chakra is associated with the color yellow, healing crystals in this sunny color are perfect for working with this chakra. Pyrite, with its golden color, is perhaps the best stone for solar plexus chakra work. Agate, Citrine, and Amberare also excellent.