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The Chakras are energy vortices of the energy body that comprise part of the energy system. When perfectly open and balanced, one is lead to the experience of a harmonious reality, connection to the Oneness in everything, and ultimately to union with the Divine Consciousness.
Svadisthana (The Sacral Chakra)
The Sacral Chakra, or Svadisthana, is also known as the spleen and navel centre, adhishthana, bhima, shatpatra, skaddala padma or wari-chakra. In the Indian Tantric tradition, Svadisthana can be translated as ‘one’s sweetest abode’ or ‘one’s own place’. In the kundalini yoga system of Shaktism, Svadisthana is described as having six lotus petals, shown variously as white, saffron or orange in colour, that symbolise its secret connection with the high Sixth State of Consciousness into which we are evolving. The petals are associated with: affection, pitilessness, a feeling of all-destructiveness, delusion, disdain, and suspicion on the path to the Sixth State.
Svadisthana has a crescent in the centre, the tattwa (truth) of water. This second chakra corresponds to the element of Water and is traditionally associated with sexual energy. It does not correspond with the sex organs (these are the function of Muladhara), but to the original life-sustaining energy behind sexual impulse. The crescent moon is also symbolic of the mysterious powers hiding within the unconscious mind and relates to the pre-rational dream state of consciousness.
The Functions of Svadisthana
Indian teachings place a great deal of emphasis on celibacy, in order to raise and transmute powerful sexual energy, passing it to the brain (or, more correctly, the Upper Tan Tien Centre, to use the Taoist paradigm) and thereby increasing higher consciousness. This is actually the basic principle behind celibacy in all religions (including Catholicism). In practice, though, this noble ideal often flounders, because someone who is not ready to renounce physical sex may become psychologically unbalanced and full of guilt, or turn to paedophilia or other unnatural forms of sex.
When Svadisthana is fully developed, it produces the necessary radiance to unite in a bond of love with another soul and fuels the growth of consciousness to enlightenment. Because this chakra is concerned with assimilation - of sexual expression and food, as well as ideas and creativity - it is often referred to as the centre of self-expression and joy.
Source: The Chakra Bible by Patricia Mercier
Main Characteristics at a Glance
Colour: Orange
Key Issues: Relationships, violence, addictions
Physical Location: Upper part of the sacrum below the navel
Associated Spinal area: First lumbar vertebra
Physiological System: Genitourinary
Endocrine Gland: Adrenals
Nerve Plexus: Sacral
Inner Aspect: Feeling
Physical Action: Reproduction
Mental Action: Creativity
Emotional Action: Joy
Spiritual Action: Enthusiasm