Svadisthana, Swadisthana) 2nd Chakra Abode of the Vital Force

Location - Lower abdomen, 1-2 inches below the navel, contaction
Color - Orange (depending on the school of thought)
Element - Water
Symbol - Triangle
Energy and Frequency - Unknown
Note - D
Sense - Taste
Statement - "I desire" (Anything from money to God, sex, etc.)
Astrological Sign - Libra
Spinal Contact - 1st Lumbar Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Spleen
Functions - Procreation, assimilation of food, physical force and vitality, sexuality
Glands/Organs - Ovaries, testicles, prostate, genitals, spleen, womb, bladder
Gems/Minerals - Carnelian, coral, gold calcite, amber, citrine, gold topaz, peach aventurine
Foods - Liquids, orange fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Giving and receiving, emotions, desire, pleasure, sexual/passionate love, change, movement, assimilation of new ideas, health, family, tolerance, surrender, working harmoniously and creatively with others
Negative Qualities - Over-indulgence in food or sex, sexual difficulties, confusion, purposelessness, jealousy, envy, desire to possess, impotence, uterine and/or bladder problems

Swadhisthana, which means 'one's own dwelling place, or 'abode', is the second chakra. It is located very near to mooladhara, and is also involved in, and responsible for, the awakening of prana shakti. The crescent moon symbolizes receptivity, and the womb. It is the symbol of femininity. On the outside are six lotus petals.

Swadhisthana is considered to be the substrata for individual existence as it is the storehouse of all the latent samskaras, and impressions. Therefore, it initially forms a kind of karmic block which makes it difficult for the awakened prana to pass through this area.

As the vital energy of the root chakra moves up to the spleen chakra, and is expressed at a higher level, it undergoes changes that are reflected in the colors evident in the emotional aura. The spleen also functions as a reserve battery for the body.

This chakra is about friendliness, creativity, sexuality, emotions, and intuition. The second chakra also governs people's sense of self-worth, their confidence in their own creativity, and their ability to relate to others in an open, and friendly way. The color orange is considered a sociable color since it combines the physical red, and the intellectual yellow.

In psychological terms, swadhisthana is associated with the subconscious mind, and therefore, with drowsiness, and sleep. When prana activates swadhisthana it can increase the desire for pleasure, especially in the form of food, and sex. These desires can be an obstacle to the awakening of prana if we become obsessed by them.

We need to develop our willpower in order to pass through this center. Swadhisthana is associated with the pranamaya kosha, and corresponds to the reproductive, and urinary systems in the gross body. It is located at the base of the spine at the level of the coccyx, and pubic bone. It is also related to apana vayu, and the water element.

The beeja mantra for this centre is Vam.

We hope you have found, or are considering bringing Hatha Yoga into your life. We look forward to seeing you at one of our yoga classes, or workshops, held regularly when we are home in Largo, Florida from November-May. Or, on our next Yoga Bound Travel Adventure with special Yoga in Bali Retreats and Yoga in Thailand Retreats.