Left: Hindu symbol of the Svadhishthana Chakra, as depicted by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. [Source: "Theories of the Chakras" by H. Motoyama, p219).

Inside is Makara (a legindary animal resembling an alligator)

The Svādhishthāna Chakra

Description by various yoga texts:

Shat-chakra-nirupana - He who meditates upon this stainless Lotus, which is ' named Svādhishthāna, is freed immediately from all his enemies such as lust, anger, greed, and so forth.  He becomes a Lord among Yogis, and is like the Sun illumining the darkness of ignorance-.  The wealth of his nectar-like words flows in prose and verse in well reasoned discourse. [Verse 18]

Gorakshashtakam description – The second charka is Svādhishthāna, beautiful like a genuine ruby; meditating (on it) with the gaze fixed on the tip of the nose, one is freed from sin. [Verse 79].

Also known as: Sensation Center, Hara, Navel

Location: The center of the abdomen (3-5 centimetres below naval), lower back and sexual organs, the wheel is commonly believed to contains six spokes.

Associated Color: Orange

Symbol & Element: Water; Crescent

Astrology sign: Fire Signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

Physiology influences: Spleen, Reproductive system, sexual organs, feamale reproductive organs, lumbar plexus

Endocrine gland: Gonads

Sense: Sense of taste, appetite

Consciouse Development: This Chakra is believed to be associated with our emotions, sexuality, and self gratification.  It connects us to others through feeling, desire and sensation. Ideally this Chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change.

UMO Perspective: From the above description it is difficult to see how this Chakra contributes to our conscious progression, after all, self-gratification and heightening of emotions are hardily the hallmarks of a higher being.  However, self fulfilment is concerned not with self centeredness but with feeling comfortable with oneself, and recognising our desires are just as valid as anyone else's.  Furthermore, one should appreciate that before one can love another one must first learn to love oneself, and before one can do this one must become comfortable with ones inner-self.  Through this Chakra we may well make a further progression towards becomming a more confident being, able to express ourself without fear of rejection.