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— The Third Chakra

The Third Chakra is among the five lower energy centers (Earth Chakras) which, like the roots of a tree, keep us grounded to Mother Earth. It is also one of the three chakras (solar plexus, heart, and throat chakras) that are nurtured by the finer energies of love, compassion, and empathy.

Its properties are:

Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Body Aspects: Stomach, abdomen, liver, pancreas, storing and releasing energy, spleen
Instinct: Power
Psychological Aspects: Courage, power, expression in the world
Gland: Pancreas
Seeds: Autonomy, individuation, selfless service, fulfillment of dreams, longevity
Negative Expression: Gastrointestinal disorders, anorexia, sorrow, pride, ego inflation, neurotic symptoms, low energy, victim mentality, temper tantrums, shame

Located at the solar plexus, the third chakra is associated with the pancreas — the body’s energy banker, whose currency is glucose. When the third chakra is functioning properly, the body has plentiful energy for all its activities. Since the brain is the largest fuel consumer in the body, a balanced third chakra is essential for clear thinking.

It also influences the liver, which is the body’s fuel storehouse. Individuals with third-chakra disorders often suffer from low energy. Problems with sustenance may appear on the psychological and spiritual levels. When the third chakra is not functioning properly, a person may fail at his endeavors. Even though he has all the resources for success at hand, he lacks the stamina to get to the finish line.

The third chakra is the power center in the luminous energy system. Used constructively, its power can manifest our aspirations in the world. If used destructively, it can repress our primary nature or libido, and manifest as neurotic symptoms of shame or guilt. This chakra corresponds chronologically to the ages of 14 to 21, the years that precede adulthood.

The feminine power of the first chakra and the primordial sexual energy of the second chakra are transformed into a fine fuel that the third chakra employs for the fulfillment of our dreams. This chakra replenishes the reserves in the Luminous Energy Field. When we awaken the power of this chakra, we experience fearlessness and a resolve that cannot be deterred by adversity. Obstacles in our path crumble.

The downside is that this can result in the inflation of our ego. Those seduced by the power of the third chakra often seek to control others through intimidation. We begin to think that we are the sole authors of our destiny and can subject the world to our will. We feel capable of creating or destroying the world and become dictatorial and manipulative, striving for personal power and fame at whatever cost.

When this chakra is cleared, our family and interpersonal relationships become stable. We become effective communicators and discover the power of the spoken and written word. This center makes us true to our own nature. Our life purpose becomes clear, and we can align ourselves to it.

The function of the third chakra is to translate vision into reality. Its name in Sanskrit is manipura, which means “the palace of jewels,” referring to its ability to transform dreams into living treasures. The shaman understands that we dream the world into being. This center is the alembic on which our dreams are alchemically turned into gold.

When you want to improve the world around you, bring balance to your third chakra. The tool of this center is visualization. The fire element that rules the third chakra provides the fuel to manifest dreams. Be careful that you do not exercise this power for personal gain, but rather for the common good. The key word for this chakra is service.

In a future blog, we’ll discuss the fourth chakra — also known as the heart chakra.

 

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