Characteristics of Chakras
Our energy centres or Chakras vibrate at different frequencies as they transmit energy. Each of the seven main chakras is associated with its own unique set of characteristics including a vibrational frequency, a colour, an element, spiritual qualities, a seed-syllable or bīja mantra, a sense organ, and an endocrine gland. You will find here the key characteristics of the seven chakras to help you better understand your energy centres.
Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra
The third chakra, Manipura, which in Sanskrit means ‘lustrous gem’ is our sun centre and is located around the navel. Called the Solar Plexus it is a fiery, solar chakra, that shines bright like the radiant sun, bringing us power, warmth and energy. It strengthens our action, will and vitality. All the major nadis originate from the navel making it the hub of our Prana or life-giving energy, which sustains all the tissues, from gross to subtle, throughout the entire body.
It is yellow in colour, has Fire as its element and the beej mantra RAM.
The Solar Plexus gives us the power to initiate and action plans and the motivation to inspire self and others. It controls the Adrenal Glands and the Pancreas and is responsible for the functioning of the stomach, liver, pancreas and spleen. It rules over metabolism, and is responsible for the regulation and distribution of metabolic energy throughout the body.
Characteristics of Manipura:
When in balance:
- When the Manipura Chakra is balanced, you feel confident, lively, capable and empowered.
- You become responsible, generous, satisfied, friendly and adore your loved ones.
- It induces a feeling of being in control, you are motivated and like to take action and make things happen.
- The feeling of power, makes you an amicable leader with lots of ideas about where to go next.
- Your creative expression flourishes and you achieve success in your planned projects.
- You are healthy and active physically with good zest and vitality for life. Your digestive system effectively converts food into the energy you need to live well.
When in excess:
- An excess of energy in the Manipura Chakra can give you an inflated ego and make you intolerant, argumentative and controlling.
- You become extravagant, stubborn and aggressive.
- You do not care for others and your ambition could lead to workaholism. You may deceive or manipulate others to attain your goals.
- Your metabolism rate increases and you have too much energy making it difficult to harness your mind or allow your body to relax.
- Your creativity then scatters in many directions.
When in lack:
- A weak Manipura Chakra can make you feel powerless and confused.
- You will lack confidence, stamina, motivation and a sense of direction. With your projects you may feel overwhelmed and start procrastinating your work.
- Your self-esteem is affected and you start suffering from a victim mentality.
- You may no longer trust yourself and hence you are unable to take responsibility and you are easily stuck in old patterns.
- Digestive and intestinal disorders surface and you may feel easily tired.
- Physically, you get inactive and diseases like hypoglycemia and diabetes could follow.