Manipura the solar plexus chakra belongs to what is referred to as the lower chakras along with Muladhara the root chakra, and Svadhisthana the sacral chakra. The lower chakras relate to our terrestrial nature whereas the upper chakras are connected to our spiritual nature. This doesn’t mean that the lower chakras are any less important. It’s imperative to have the lower chakras well balanced so that we can move up to our spiritual centres with clarity about our earthly nature, and a deep understanding of our basic motivations.
Manipura relates to the fire element that lives in the solar plexus. When this chakra is well balanced this person will have good self-esteem and plenty of energy to get things done. They are likely to be upbeat and will be supportive of other people’s endeavours. Well-balanced energy at Manipura cultivates warmth and support, without jealousy or competition. These people have enough self-esteem to accept themselves as they are without the need for comparisons. As such they are free to use their energy on useful work which is not only beneficial to themselves, but also to their community.
Individuals with excessive Manipura are mainly driven and motivated by power. We often see this in politicians and administrators. These people mainly want to control everything and everyone around them as they have too much ego and self-interest.
On the other end of the scale, an individual with deficient Manipura will have low self-esteem and may find it difficult to find the motivation to manifest their desires. They may find themselves victimised and over-powered by others, and have poor boundaries.
You will know if there’s an imbalance in Manipura if you repeatedly find yourself in power struggles in your close relationships. This manifests itself as constantly having to be right, always needing to have the upper hand, and the last word. It can develop into aggressive behaviour and bullying. Your relationships may feel like a constant a struggle as opposed to being caring, supportive and nurturing.