A Life Journey of Colours Svadhisthana – Second Chakra

The second chakra

• Name: Svadhishthana, Adhishthan, Shaddala
• Meaning: Dwelling of the self
• Location: Genital regions
• Colour – Orange
• Element: Water (Purity)
• Physical plane: Sacral spine
• Body Associations: Bladder, genitals, kidney, large bowel, prostate, uterus
• Predominant sense: taste
• Sense organ: tongue
• Ruling Planet: Mercury (lunar, Feminine)
• Day: Wednesday
• Behavioural pattern: Butterfly
• Sound: Bang, Bhang, Mang, Yang, Rand, Lang
• Plane: Astral Plane (space between heaven and earth)

 The Sacral Chakra is the second of the seven chakras. It is located just below the navel, right in the centre of your lower belly and the lumbar spine.

The svadhisthana chakra is the abode of creation and change.  It is connected to the reproductive organs and water. A balanced and healthy pelvis aligns the whole body and keeps the body's structure strong, by supporting the legs, spine, hips, and knees. The function is to create, interact, evolve, and expand. Once the second chakra is activated, the energy begins to flow up and down the spine.  It enables us to connect with the moon cycle, permanently in ebb and flow.

The moon plays a great part in the second chakra.  It is connected with water and the ebb and flow of the moon cycle. The menstrual cycle of women mirrors the monthly cycle of the moon.   When the women’s menstrual cycle is not synchronized with the moon cycle, it can cause emotional fluctuations and fluid retention in the body.  It is also connected with our breathing cycle, ‘The waxing and waning of the moon influence the chemistry in our body and the emotions.  The water element is connected to the moon in our breathing cycle.  Lunar energy is evoked when the water element (dominant for 16 minutes in each nasal breath cycle of one hour) is accompanied by breathing dominated by the left nostril. The left nostril activates the Ida Nadi, which is lunar in nature (cooling).  When the Ida Nadi is activated, it stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain, which is related to emotional behaviour. Therefore, in this chakra, we see the relationships between water, the moon, emotions and the psyche.

Mudra Meditation for the Second Chakra:

In Vedic tradition, Varuna is the guardian of the waters and king of aquatic animals. He is said to have hollowed out the channels through which rivers flow, perhaps an allusion to the nadi system through which prana flows.

Varuna Mudra purifies and nourishes your body's fluid elements, particularly blood and lymph. It has a rehydrating effect, eliminating dryness from the body while restoring homeostasis. It can also alleviate skin problems and make your skin feel smoother.

As this is a cooling mudra, practise in the summer or when there is too much 'fire in the body, for example, menopausal symptoms, rashes, fever or allergic reactions.

You might avoid it in winter, as it decreases body heat. If you suffer from physical stiffness or mental rigidity, try meditating with this mudra for 10-30 minutes daily.

Caution: Avoid if you suffer from water retention or oedema.

HOW TO PRACTISE

Come into a sitting position. Join the tips of your little fingers and thumbs on each hand. Keep the three other fingers extended, but relaxed. Rest your palms facing up on your thighs. Hold for as long as feels comfortable; repeat as required.

HOW IT WORKS

Bringing the tip of the thumb (fire element) to meet the tip of your little finger (water) intensifies the water element, restoring moisture to the body. This also symbolizes the joining of opposites, countering rigid structures.

EXPERIENCE: 'VARUNA MUDRA CONNECTED ME TO MY EMOTIONS; IT STIMULATED THEM IN A POSITIVE WAY. I ENJOYED WORKING WITH THIS MUDRA AND EXPERIENCED A FEELING OF SUBTLE LIGHTNESS. HOW TO PRACTISE

Mantra for Svadhistana chakra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6Kv0dYDCC

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