Sacral Chakra: Meaning, Signs of a Block and Crystals

Chakra tradition links the sacral chakra with creativity, self-expression, intuition and sensual connection. This guide explains what the sacral chakra is, how Hindu and Buddhist teaching describes it, and which orange and yellow stones people associate with it, from amber to carnelian. It is a symbolic framework for reflection, not a diagnosis.

What Is the Sacral Chakra?

Every person has an energy system called the chakras, according to Hinduism and Buddhism. The most popular chakra model followed by the West is the 7-chakra model by the Buddhist tradition.

Imagine each chakra as wheels of energy that spin in a clockwise direction. In this tradition, the chakras stand for themes such as intellect, self-expression and how we see the world.

The 7 chakras run from the base of the spine to the top or crown of the head. From the bottom next to the root chakra is the sacral chakra.

Also called Swadhisthana in Sanskrit, the sacral chakra is believed to be found 2 inches below the belly button. It is associated with a person's:

• Creativity
• Self-expression
• Intuition
• Emotional expression
• Sensuality and intimacy

The sacral chakra is also linked to the water element due to the fluidity of a person's creativity, sexual desires, and self-expression. The colour of this chakra is orange which represents vitality and the fiery energies it carries.

A lotus flower with 6 petals is the symbol of the sacral chakra.

In the Hindu tradition, this chakra is said to be commanded by Parvati, the goddess of fertility and fidelity.

What Does the Sacral Chakra Do?

There's no scientific evidence that supports the metaphysical properties of chakras. Most claims about the functions and benefits of chakras are founded on religious texts, ancient traditions, and anecdotes.

While the existence of these energy centres has not been shown, chakra work is a long-standing spiritual practice, and many people use it as a framework for reflection.

Candice Covington, an energy worker and author, associates the sacral chakra with numerous characteristics.

These include:

• Sexual intimacy
• Sensuality
• Giving and receiving pleasure
• Creativity and self-expression
• Healthy emotions
• One's inner child
• Feminine energies
• Synchronicity

How Do I Know My Sacral Chakra Is Balanced? Unbalanced?

An unbalanced or blocked chakra can be overactive (spinning super fast) or underactive (spinning too slow or not spinning at all). In chakra teaching, an unbalanced chakra is described as showing up in mood, behaviour and energy.

In chakra teaching, an overactive sacral chakra is described as too much energy, with emotions felt more deeply. Traits it is linked with include:

• Constant mood swings
• Overwhelming emotions
• A feeling of dissatisfaction

An underactive sacral chakra is described as:

Mood and mindset

• Loss of imagination
• Curbed needs and goals
• Resistance to change
• Fixed mindset
• Suppressed creativity
• Low emotional IQ (lack of awareness of people's feelings)
• Resistance to intimacy
• Fear of judgment, getting into trouble, or being vulnerable

There are many ways to work with and balance your sacral chakra. Using crystals is one of the most popular, along with yoga and meditation.

How Do I Activate My Sacral Chakra?

In chakra teaching, an unbalanced sacral chakra affects how you relate to yourself and others. These are the stones traditionally linked with creativity, connection and sensuality.

These 7 yellow and orange crystals are the ones most often linked with the sacral chakra. Browse all chakra stones:

1. Carnelian - This light to brownish orange chalcedony is the most popular stone for activating the sacral chakra. Carnelian is associated with passion, creative endeavors (art, theater, and music), confidence and motivation. Wear it as a bracelet or necklace or keep it in your pocket at all times.

2. Amber - A hardened tree resin, amber is an organic gem associated with intuition, decision-making and creativity. Keep an amber in your pocket so it's near your sacral chakra.

3. Sunstone - Struggling to keep your confidence and enthusiasm up? The warm and vibrant energies of sunstone can activate your sacral chakra, empowering you to become the proactive leader you're meant to be. Sunstone is also associated with courage and free self-expression, and with empathy and creativity in relationships. Wear it as jewellery, keep it in your pocket, or meditate with it to tap into its energies.

4. Tiger's Eye - With its brown base and golden yellow stripes, this stone possesses the Earth's grounding energy. As a grounding stone, tiger's eye is associated with steadiness and with letting go of fears that hold you back from your goals. Put a tiger's eye tumbled stone in your pocket or wear it as a bracelet to carry its energies wherever you go.

5. Orange Calcite - A favourite sacral chakra stone, associated with emotional steadiness. This calcitevariety is also linked with giving and receiving pleasure. In meditation, some people rest it on the lower belly, where the sacral chakra is said to sit.

6. Citrine - This pale yellow crystal is for anyone wanting to experience life again with renewed passion and energy. Citrine is associated with optimism, motivation and self-expression, and with clearing negative energy from your space. Wear it as jewellery, keep it in your pocket, or meditate with it to tap into its energies.

7. Goldstone - Goldstone is synonymous with personal development. Brown goldstone is associated with strength and courage.

Goldstone is a popular pick for a motivation boost, and it pairs well with the other crystals in this list.

(Note: Crystals and chakras are spiritual symbolism and are no substitute for professional advice. If you are unwell physically, mentally or emotionally, please seek professional help.)

More Tips for Your Sacral Chakra

Working with a chakra takes time, intention and an honest look at where you are now and what you want to change.

In addition to using crystals, some lifestyle habits are often suggested for the sacral chakra.

THE FULLEST, a holistic wellness website, shares some ways you can adjust your mindset to help balance the sacral chakra:

1. Be open to change. The sacral chakra feeds off from positive qualities like acceptance, freedom, and softness. It requires us to adapt to situations and to have a flexible mindset.

Try to reflect on any changes in your life you've been resisting, or anything that's been difficult for you to embrace.

This may be a new role at your company, relocating to a new city, kids fleeing the coop, loss of a loved one, etc. Consider getting professional support like spiritual counseling or psychotherapy so you can navigate through these transitions.

2. Create something, anything. Whether it's a craft, your favourite dish, or a blog post, create something out of love. It doesn't have to be a grand, elaborate project. As long as it lets you pour your creativity, passion, time, attention, and energy into it, then it should be worth pursuing.

don't forget to share it with others so they will be blessed by your creation.

3. Feel your feelings (all of it). The sacral chakra gets blocked when we habitually suppress our emotions and judge ourselves for our emotional reactions. If there's one thing this chakra teaches us, it's to feel our feelings without attaching ourselves to the events, objects, or people that caused them.

When you're overcome by a particular emotion rather than dismiss it try to identify and label it. Whether it's anger, sadness, worry, or jealousy, observe your emotion and name the sensations that come with it without judging yourself.

The less aware we are of what we feel, the weaker our sacral chakra becomes.

4. Practice affirmations. - Use positive affirmations when you meditate to counter the negative programming of your chakra. You can write them down, say them out loud, or both. Here are some affirmations for the sacral chakra:

• I deserve pleasure in my life.
• Life is pleasurable.
• I move easily and effortlessly.
• I am passionate.
• I am a creative being.
• I am fulfilled in my passions.
• I have an abundance of creativity.
• I respect my feelings and absorb information from them.
• My sexuality is sacred.
• I embrace and celebrate my sexuality.
• I embrace change as a normal and healthy part of life.

5. Sweat it out. Sitting for long stretches can leave you stiff, so make movement a regular part of your week no matter how busy it gets.

Get up and stretch, do some hip-opening yoga poses, or dance it out. Or simply walk around the neighbourhood to get some air.

Final Word

In chakra teaching, a creative or relationship slump is linked to a blocked or unbalanced sacral chakra. There are many ways to work with it, including crystals, meditation and some lifestyle changes.

No matter which path you take, balancing your chakra takes time, dedication and compassion for yourself. Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself.

Stonebridge Imports is a Canadian crystal wholesaler with no minimum order, shipping from Kitchener, Ontario. Shops can browse bulk crystals in every cut, colour and shape for chakra displays.

READ NEXT:

• Chakras 101: What Does an ‘Imbalanced’ Chakra Mean?
• Demotivated? A Guide to the Root Chakra
• The Solar Plexus Chakra: Personal Power and Self-Acceptance
• The Heart Chakra: Love and Forgiveness
• The Throat Chakra and Communication
• How to Open Your Third Eye and Boost Your Psychic Abilities
• Crown Chakra: The Seat of Higher Consciousness and Spiritual Growth