Journey Through the Chakras: Go With the Flow
The second chakra is Svadhisthana and is symbolic of water. It is associated with taking pleasure and is located in the sacrum, genitals, hips, knees and low back.
Svadhisthana represents ‘the right to feel’. If we cannot interpret how we feel then it is very difficult to know what we want.
The first chakra is about everything solid. This solidity creates foundation, which gives us the base of support to rise up from. The second chakra Svadhisthana is about water and the ability to go with the flow. The form transforms into formlessness. The principles of water are fluid, feminine, and rhythmic.
Qualities of Svadhisthana Chakra
Pleasure:
Pleasure allows us to move more deeply into the temple of the body. Pleasure allows us to expand while pain creates contraction. Our sensations are so important to the experience of pleasure. When we taste good food, or take a deep breath in the outdoors, we are opening the pleasure centers and creating an extension of the spiritual dimension. Some may argue that we need to shut off our senses in order to tune into the subtler body. However the senses are the building blocks to our emotions and feelings. Without them we become lifeless and disconnected.
Unfortunately we are often taught to beware of pleasure. We don’t easily allow our self to do what we want and instead do what we should. Eventually this can lead to resentment and frustration. Svadhisthana invites us to turn on our pleasure centers and delve into the deep recesses of the feeling body.
Emotions:
The second chakra is where the emotional center of the body lies. In a balanced state we feel emotions, but do not get overridden with them. If this second chakra is turned on too much we are overly emotional meaning our emotions begin to cloud our rational judgment. When this chakra is repressed we are shut off from our emotions and we feel very little. Repressed emotion creates tension and tension creates lethargy. We need to find the way to send the emotion out (in an appropriate way). The absence of tension creates a harmonic flow between the mind and the body. This creates an even deeper pleasure within the body, allowing deeper connection with others.
Sexuality:
Sexuality is the ultimate expression of Svadhisthana yet it can also be the reason why we have many issues with movement, sensations, pleasure, desire and emotions. In our western culture sexuality has been gravely misunderstood and mismanaged. This affects the natural flow of excitation throughout the body. Guilt is the demon of the second chakra. It halts our pleasures and self-esteem. To reclaim the second chakra is to reclaim our right to feel and our right to healthy sexuality.
Balanced Svadhisthana: Healthy boundaries, having passion in life and feeling alive, the ability to go with the flow and movements are graceful, nurturing of the self.
Excessive Svadhisthana: Change is necessary in order for the mind to stay active and alive. An excessive second chakra scatters the liberating energies too soon so it does not flow through to higher chakras. Therefore it is important to be honest with your self when exploring how much change is too much.
Depleted Svadhisthana: Fear of change, energy gets trapped in the structure of the first chakra and resists fluidity, becoming hard and stiff. Little passion and too much self-control. If we experience chronic tension in the hips, low back, and glutes try and tap into the current and flow of life.
Rituals to restore Balance: Connect with water. Take hot baths, drink more water, sit by the river or ocean. Add a flow and pulse to your regular yoga poses such as swaying and rocking the body. Change a routine (running route, clothing color, meeting place). Start with nurturing yourself and then begin to apply the principles to your relationships.
Y oga poses to restore balance:
- Sufi Grind: This deep rhythmic movement of circulating the hips, glutes and low back is wonderful to connect with Svadhisthana’s water element.
- Lunge Pose/ Anjaneyasana: Gently pressing in and out with the hip in sync with the breath.
- Pigeon Pose/ Eka Pada Rajakapotasana: Imagine the breath can reach right into the tension within the body and as you exhale carry that tension up and out.
The second chakra is the prime mover of energy. As the energy moves upwards, the soul is carried on the currents of emotions and desires toward growth. Through the solid base of our first chakra we are able to surrender to the prana and follow its natural course without losing our center.
Image Credit: Leslie Prentice
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Spiritual Cleansing Bath Rituals for Healing Your Aura
A spiritual cleansing bath is a gentle ritual bath that helps you release negative energies, reconnect with your inner self, and restore a sense of purification and wellness. When you blend warm bathwater with sea salt, fresh herbs, essential oils, or a simple white candle, the experience becomes a form of self-care that clears blockages and brings in positive energy. You can prepare your spiritual bath during a full moon, after a challenging week, or anytime you feel called to let go and reset your vibes. A monthly saltwater bath is an easy and relaxing way to cleanse your aura of negative energy.
Why Spiritual Baths Support Healing
Your aura interacts with many environments and people each day. You absorb different vibrational influences, and some are uplifting while others can be draining or heavy. Even though your energy body naturally tries to rebalance itself, negative energies can linger and collect within your field.
A spiritual cleansing bath invites you to slow down and reconnect with your own light. Water is soothing to the nervous system and has long been associated with purification. When paired with intention and healing ingredients, the ritual helps you shift negative thoughts and welcome clarity and calm.
What Is a Spiritual Cleansing Bath Ritual
A spiritual cleansing bath is a sacred practice that uses water, intention, and natural elements to purify your energy and support healing. Instead of a typical soak, a ritual bath blends sea salt or Epsom salts with essential oils, fresh herbs, or other meaningful items like a white candle or crystals. These ingredients help transform the bathwater into a supportive space for spiritual renewal.
As you settle into the warm water, you can invite positive energy into your chakras, relax tight emotions, and release old feelings that no longer serve you. Some people like to steep fresh herbs or herbal tea in the bath for an herbal bath experience. Others add baking soda for softness or a bath bomb for fragrance. Whether you keep it simple or more ceremonial, each spiritual cleansing bath gives you a moment to reconnect with yourself.
How to Prepare for Your Ritual Bath
Preparing for your ritual bath helps set the tone for the cleansing that follows. A mindful setup supports the release of negative energies and welcomes a sense of peace and clarity.
Cleanse your space
Start by making the space feel calm and welcoming. Clean the bathtub and then smudge the room with sage, palo santo, or hyssop to clear stagnant energy. Take your time and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Gather your ingredients
Many spiritual bath ingredients can be found at a grocery store. Consider picking up items like:
- Sea salt or Epsom salts
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, lavender, or basil
- Essential oils like peppermint, rose, or eucalyptus
- A white candle for clarity
- A bath bomb or baking soda, if you want extra comfort
- Optional add-ins like crystals or holy water
Set your intention
Take a moment to breathe and focus on what you want this ritual to help you release. It might be stress, negative thoughts, or emotional heaviness. You can also focus on receiving positive energy, grounding, protection, or clarity. Speak it silently or aloud.
How to Take a Spiritual Cleansing Bath
Taking a spiritual cleansing bath is a simple but meaningful process that blends intention with soothing self-care. Each step helps you relax your body and open your energy field to healing.
- Prepare the bathwater: Fill the tub with warm water. Add a handful of sea salt, Epsom salts, or baking soda. If you want an herbal bath, steep fresh herbs or herbal tea in hot water and pour it into the tub.
- Add your chosen elements: Add a few drops of essential oils, light a white candle, place crystals nearby, or use a bath bomb. Holy water can be added if it is part of your personal practice.
- Step into the bath mindfully: Slowly lower yourself into the warm bathwater. Imagine white light surrounding your entire body and dissolving any heavy or stuck energy.
- Soak for 20 to 30 minutes: Relax completely. You can focus on breathing, repeat affirmations, or picture your chakras clearing one by one. Let the ritual bath support your emotional and energetic release.
- Let go intentionally: When you feel ready, reflect on what you are releasing. You can speak to your guides or deities, or simply offer gratitude for the cleansing.
- Air dry when finished: Allow your skin to air dry so the energetic effects remain with you longer. Avoid checking your phone number or notifications so you can stay connected to the peaceful energy you created.
Do Spiritual Baths Really Work
Spiritual baths support healing in several ways. Warm water relaxes the body and helps soften tension. Sea salt, fresh herbs, and essential oils have long been used for purification and cleansing. Intention setting helps shift your mindset, release negative thoughts, and move lingering emotional energy. Even if you view the practice in a symbolic way, the ritual creates space for calm, clarity, and positive energy.
Ingredients for Different Bath Rituals
Different ingredients can shape the energy and purpose of your ritual bath. Choosing the right elements helps you create a cleansing experience that aligns with your intentions.
Basic Purification Bath
A gentle cleansing soak that clears your energy field and restores calm using simple, grounding ingredients.
- Sea salt or Epsom salts
- Essential oils such as lavender or peppermint
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil
- One white candle
Cleansing Bath for Negative Energy
A deeper energetic cleanse designed to dissolve heavy emotions and release negative energies from your aura.
- Sea salt and baking soda
- Hyssop or rosemary infusion
- Smudge before or after the bath
- Visualization of white light moving through your energy field
Full Moon Aura Cleanse
A powerful ritual bath that uses full moon energy to refresh your spirit, amplify intentions, and brighten your aura.
- Sea salt
- Herbal tea blend poured into the bathwater
- White candle
- Optional offerings for deities or guides
