sva = Self

shthana = place

The Svadhishthana Chakra is situated at the lower end of the Sacrum. Its Mantra is VAM.

The Svadhishthana Chakra marks the second level of our development. The evolution of consciousness towards pure, human consciousness begins in the Svadhishthana Chakra. It is the seat of the subconscious mind where all life experiences and impressions since the beginning of our existence in the womb are stored. The Muladhara Chakra is the storehouse of our Karmas, however these are activated in Svadhishthana Chakra.

Awakening of the Svadhishthana Chakra brings clarity and development of the personality. But before this can happen we must purify our consciousness of negative qualities. In the symbolic picture of the Svadhishthana Chakra is a Lotus with six petals. These represent our negative qualities which are to be overcome - anger, hatred, jealousy, cruelty, desire and pride. Other base qualities that hinder our development are lethargy, fear, doubt, revenge, envy and greed.

The animal designated to represent the Svadhishthana Chakra is the Crocodile. It symbolises laziness, insensitivity and the danger that slumbers in this Chakra. The element of Svadhishthana is Water, also a symbol of hidden danger. Water is soft and pliable, but also an immense power when out of control. This is just how it is with the Svadhishthana Chakra. When negative emotions arise from the subconscious to the conscious state, we can be completely put off balance.

The Divinity of this Chakra is Brahma the Creator and his daughter Sarasvati, the Goddess of wisdom and fine arts. The colour of Svadhishthana is orange, the colour of the sunrise, which is symbolic of the rising consciousness. Orange is the colour of activity and purity. It indicates the positive qualities that unfold in this Chakra such as joy, faith, self-confidence and energy.

More about Exercises and Meditations for Svadhishthana Chakra read here.