Quick Correspondences
Chakra systems are a spiritual and symbolic map rather than a description of anatomy or physiology. The correspondences below come from a Western esoteric reading blended with Hindu and Tantric sources; the glands and organs listed are symbolic associations, not claims that the chakra governs those organs, and different lineages use different lists.
Sanskrit Name: Manipura
Meaning: Lustrous Gem
Body Location: Navel to Solar Plexus
Glands: Pancreas, Adrenals
Element: Fire
Function: Will, power, assertion
Seed Sound: Ram
Mantra: I Can
Incense: Dragons blood, Sandalwood
Minerals: Amber, Topaz, Yellow Citrine
Deities: Agni, Ra, Athene, Apollo
Archangel: Michael
Your Solar Center
The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with our inner fire—the flame that the tradition links with power, will, and action. It is described as igniting the strength to move forward with purpose. After building stability through the Root and experiencing change in the Sacral, this center is linked with choice. In this imagery, the earth and water elements flow downward, while the fire of the Solar Plexus is pictured rising; the more it "burns," the further its warmth is said to reach. The hardest part is often the start: once the fire is formed, it burns more easily. To begin, it helps to notice what sparks your energy—what excites, empowers, and inspires you to act.
Self-esteem is an important theme of this chakra. When we are aware of our worth, the tradition says, we feel more confident. Shame is described as dimming that fire. A realistic sense of self helps us feel we are moving toward our vision; knowing our limits and boundaries keeps us from setting goals that are too heavy to carry.
The Lustrous Gem
The Sanskrit name of the Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura, translates as "lustrous gem." The meaning is connected to one of the functions of this center, the will. By knowing ourselves and what we will do, we can understand where to place our energy. In many societies, a will is written near the end of life; this tradition suggests we also attend to our will to live. Ask yourself what you see inside yourself as a "lustrous gem"—what you value so much that it feeds your strength and confidence. If we are not doing what ignites us, we are not living in the action of our will. A positive exercise for this chakra is to write out that will: your desires for your life and your energy, and what truly matters. Once you have a clear image or vision, let it guide your days, and set aside what leaves you feeling powerless or uninspired.
Power
Many traditions associate the feeling of "butterflies" in the stomach with this chakra. The flighty feeling is read as a sign of uncertainty. Grounding into your own sense of power, the tradition says, settles that undirected energy. This center is described as moving between two extremes—being power-hungry and controlling, or fearing power—and the aim is a comfortable middle. Power is seen as coming from within rather than from outside us. Choices are one place it shows: every time we choose, we direct energy, from the clothes we wear to the people we speak to. Try changing your inner dialogue from "I have to do this" to "I choose to do this." In this framework, power is like a muscle that grows with use—through breaking patterns, trying a different action, not letting criticism become invalidation, and loosening attachment to what does not make you feel strong.
Solar Plexus Affirmations
- I can
- I can do everything that I desire
- I honor the power within me
- The fire within me burns through fear
- I release self judgment
- My passions shine like the sun
- I act in accordance with my will
- I honor my achievements
Yoga Postures
Movements are optional and should always feel comfortable. Move slowly, keep breathing, and stop if anything hurts or feels wrong. If you are pregnant or have an injury or a health condition, check with a qualified professional before trying a pose.
Bow Pose
Lie on your stomach with your hands by your sides. Bend your knees and reach your hands back toward your ankles or shins (a strap around the ankles can help if they are hard to reach). On an inhale, gently lift your head and chest, pressing the belly down. Keep the neck long and the breath steady. Come down slowly. Skip this pose if you have a back, knee, or neck injury, and avoid it during pregnancy.
Belly Push
Sit with both feet out straight in front of you and your palms on the ground next to your hips. Press down and lift your pelvis, creating a gentle arch through the front of the body. Keep the movement small and comfortable, and support yourself if you need to. You can keep your pelvis on the floor or skip the movement if pressing through your wrists or shoulders is uncomfortable. Lower slowly.
Supine V-Lift
This is a supine core-strength movement, sometimes described as a boat variation. Lie on your back with your legs extended. On an exhale, lift your legs and your upper torso a little way off the floor, keeping the back long, so the body makes a shallow V; reach your arms alongside or toward your legs. Hold for a few comfortable breaths, then lower before you strain—there is no benefit in holding longer than feels good. Easier options: keep the knees bent and lift only the legs, lift one leg at a time, or rest your feet against a wall. For the seated Boat pose, see Yoga Journal's reference. Skip this movement if you have back or abdominal concerns, and stop if you feel strain in the back or neck.
Related topic: Chakras and aura, Herbs for chakra wellness, Chakra colors, Daily chakra exercises, The heart chakra.