Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
From Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers
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The Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura is the third major energy center in the body and is located in the upper abdomen, just above the navel and below the rib cage. It is the third vital Chakra energy center along the central energetic channel, following the Root Chakra (Muladhara) and the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana). The Sanskrit word Manipura means "lustrous gem" or "city of jewels" in Sanskrit, and this Chakra represents personal power, self-esteem, confidence, and willpower. As the third foundational Chakra in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, it builds upon primal stability and emotional fluidity, acting as the body's energy powerhouse for self-assertion, discipline, and transformation. The idea of an energetic center governing personal power and action, crucial for self-identity and the flow of vital energy, is a significant concept in both Hindu and some Buddhist Tantric traditions, with similar frameworks seen in Vedic Astrology, where the Sun and Mars are linked to the drive and direction of personal will.
In modern times, the concept of the Chakra system has been embraced by New Age and holistic medical and spiritual traditions. In these teachings, balancing of the seven nodes of Chakra energy is considered essential for matters of emotional healing, physical well-being, financial stability, personal empowerment, and spiritual peace. Meditation, physical touch, body awareness, and the wearing of talismans may be included in the work of Chakra balancing.
The Solar Plexus Chakra, encompassing the stomach, pancreas, liver, and digestive system, is thought to be the region where the best healing practices ought to include activities that build confidence and assertiveness with the appropriate mudra or hand-gesture, breath-work focusing on the diaphragm and energizing the core, and mantra work using the seed-sound of the Chakra. The mudra of the Solar Plexus Chakra is called the Hakini Mudra. To make this hand gesture, bring your hands to the height of your solar plexus, palms facing each other, and touch the fingertips of both hands together, leaving space between the palms. Your thumbs should point towards your solar plexus, and the rest of the fingers radiate out. This mudra enhances focus and self-confidence, influencing the Solar Plexus chakra. As you make the mudra, breathe with a focus towards the diaphragm, and intone the seed-sound of this Chakra, which is "Ram."
Fire-based or empowering practices may be recommended to strengthen or balance the Solar Plexus Chakra. These include sitting in the sun to connect with its fiery element, engaging in physical movement and core work, or setting and achieving personal goals to build confidence to connect with the element of fire. You may also include the use of stones or crystals for personal power and vitality, such as Sunstone, Citrine, Pyrite, or Rutilated Quartz, which can be placed before you, held in the hands for contemplation, worn as talismanic jewelry, or applied to the specified area of the body by a practitioner, while the client lays prone on the floor or a massage table. Healing methods such as Reiki have also been said to help with matters of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
Solar Plexus Chakra Keywords to Remember
- Anatomic Location: Upper abdomen (between navel and sternum), solar plexus region.
- Associated Anatomy: Stomach, Pancreas, Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Adrenal Glands, Digestive System.
- Concepts: Personal Power, Willpower, Self-Esteem, Confidence, Autonomy, Transformation, Purpose, Motivation.
- Lucky Colour: Yellow, Gold.
- Element: Fire.
- Seed Sound: Ram.
- Mudra: The Hakini Mudra.
- Symbol: Yellow Lotus with ten petals, often an inverted triangle (symbolizing fire).
- Hindu Deities: Vishnu, Lakshmi, Rudra, Lakini.
- Animal Symbol: Ram, symbolizing drive and determination.
- Lucky Jewels: Sunstone, Citrine, Pyrite, Rutilated Quartz.
- Lucky Star: Sun, Mars.
- Lucky Flowers: Sunflower, Marigold, Chamomile, Yellow Rose.
- Lucky Numbers: 10.
- Sign of the Zodiac: Leo, Aries.
Credits
This page is brought to you by the AIRR Tech Team:
- Author: Papa Newt
- Contributors: catherine yronwode, Lukianos, nagasiva yronwode
- Images: Adrenalina; photo-sourced and edited by catherine yronwode and nagasiva yronwode
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