# The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana)

> The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) in yoga tradition: where it sits, its colour (orange), its themes, and the crystals traditionally linked with it.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/sacral
Updated: 2026-10-30

Svadhisthana, meaning 'one's own seat' in Sanskrit, is the second of the seven main chakras in modern yoga tradition. It is placed at the lower belly, below the navel, shown as orange, and linked with creativity, pleasure, play and emotions.

## At a glance

|  | Sacral chakra |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit name | Svadhisthana ('one's own seat') |
| Position | The lower belly, below the navel |
| Colour | Orange |
| Element | Water |
| Seed sound (bija) | VAM |
| Themes | Creativity, pleasure, play and emotions |

## Where the idea comes from

Chakras ('wheels') come from Hindu and Buddhist tantric texts, where the number and details vary. The familiar seven chakras with rainbow colours come largely from Sir John Woodroffe's 1919 book The Serpent Power and later Western writers. We share the system as tradition and a tool for reflection, not as anatomy or medicine.

## Crystals for the sacral chakra

Stones usually matched with Svadhisthana share its colour: [Carnelian](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/carnelian), [Sunstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/sunstone), [Calcite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/calcite), [Amber](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amber) and [Tiger's eye](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/tiger-eye). Many people place one on the body during a lying-down meditation, or keep it on a desk as a reminder.

## A simple practice

Dance, paint or cook something new. Keep an orange stone on a creative desk.

Some people chant the seed sound VAM softly for a few breaths. Ten quiet minutes is plenty.

## Colour around the home

Using orange in candles, cloths or flowers is a gentle way to bring the sacral chakra's themes into a room. Our [candle colour guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/candle-colour-meanings) lists traditional meanings.

## Questions

**What colour is the sacral chakra?**

Orange.

**Where is the sacral chakra?**

At the lower belly, below the navel, in modern yoga tradition.

**Which crystals go with the sacral chakra?**

Carnelian, Sunstone, Calcite, Amber and Tiger's eye.

**What element is the sacral chakra?**

The sacral chakra is linked with water in modern chakra tradition. Each of the seven main chakras is given an element, rising from earth at the root to more subtle elements higher up. People sometimes use this in meditation, picturing the element while focusing on the chakra's position.

**What is the seed mantra for the sacral chakra?**

The seed (bija) mantra for the sacral chakra is VAM. In yoga tradition it is chanted slowly on the out-breath, feeling the sound resonate, often for a few minutes. A [singing bowl](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/how-to-use/singing-bowls) can be used alongside it to set a calm pace.

**What incense is used for the sacral chakra?**

Modern practice pairs the sacral chakra with warm, sweet scents such as sandalwood, jasmine and orange. These pairings are modern tradition, chosen by mood and colour. Burn incense in a ventilated room on a heatproof holder. Browse our [incense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/collections/incense) and [incense guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/incense-types-explained).

**What is an affirmation for the sacral chakra?**

A traditional-style affirmation for the sacral chakra is "I welcome joy and creativity." Say it slowly a few times, perhaps holding a orange stone or sitting quietly. Affirmations are a reflective practice, not a treatment. See [crystals for the sacral chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/sacral).

## Related

- [Root chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/root)
- [Solar plexus chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/solar-plexus)
- [Heart chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/heart)
- [Throat chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/throat)
- [Third eye chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/third-eye)
- [Crown chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/crown)
- [All seven chakras](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras)

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