The solar plexus is the area at the pit of your stomach, just below the breastbone. In Indian tradition, it's also home to the third chakra, Manipura, the center of willpower and self-confidence. This article is about that chakra and what it means symbolically. Here's what you need to know about this solar center: its color, its element and the crystals that go with it.
Manipura, the Third Chakra
In the chakra system, the solar plexus is the third of the seven energy centers. It sits three finger-widths above the navel, where your willpower and drive are said to live. It's the point where intention turns into action, and where self-esteem and self-assertion take root.
In Sanskrit, Manipura is often translated as "the lustrous gem" or "the city of jewels." The image says it all: a bright, warm space that holds your personal power. That's also why it's nicknamed the solar center or the fire center.
Manipura in a Nutshell
Manipura is the chakra most often linked to confidence, self-esteem, personal growth and the ability to get moving. It's described as a center that responds to the emotions of your day. It likes balance, routine and the small habits that make you feel steady.
Solar Plexus Chakra at a Glance 
| Sanskrit name | Manipura, "the lustrous gem" |
| Position | 3rd chakra, three finger-widths above the navel |
| Color | Yellow |
| Element | Fire |
| Symbol | A ten-petaled lotus around a downward-pointing triangle |
| Planet | The Sun, source of warmth and light |
| Meaning | Willpower, drive and self-assertion |
| Crystals | Citrine, amber, sunstone, tiger's eye, pyrite |
The Meaning of Yellow and the Fire Element
The solar plexus shines first through its color. Yellow is the color of the midday sun, ripe wheat fields and warm light. In color meaning, it stands for a clear mind, optimism and the urge to move forward. It's a bright, lively color, full of movement and good spirits, just like this third chakra.
Its element, fire, takes the image further. Fire transforms, lights the way and gets things going. Picture the solar plexus as an inner ember: tend it and it stays bright; neglect it and it just needs a little air to catch again. This idea of an inner warmth you keep alive is what ties together the color yellow, the fire element and a sense of confidence. To learn more about what each color means, read our article on the colors of the 7 chakras.
What the Solar Plexus Chakra Stands For
The solar plexus chakra is linked to the fire element and the color yellow. It's the chakra of self-confidence, closely tied to self-esteem. You'll find the crystals that go with this intention in our guide to crystals for self-confidence. Taking time to explore this chakra is a chance to understand yourself better and set clear intentions.
It's also about facing your emotions instead of running from them, and about more positive thoughts that build a sense of personal power. When the solar plexus is in harmony, you feel a quiet self-assurance: you want to dare, to decide, to feel you belong. In this symbolic reading, that inner fire is your bond with yourself, your intentions and your path.
On the flip side, there are times when this center can feel out of balance: low confidence, a sense of powerlessness, emotions that feel a bit overwhelming or, the other way around, a will that runs away with you. None of this is set in stone. It's simply about balance and small, regular practices. To see where this chakra fits in the whole system, read our guide to the 7 chakras.
In Indian tradition, Manipura, the solar plexus chakra, is the hearth of the will: the point where intention turns into action and where self-confidence takes root.
Simple Practices for the Solar Plexus Chakra
A few simple practices work well together to support your solar plexus and your sense of confidence. The goal isn't performance. It's a warm routine you follow at your own pace.
1. Yoga and Sun Poses
For the solar plexus, sun salutations are the classic choice: flowing sequences that build warmth and bring the energy of fire to mind. A few poses are especially well suited to this practice.
- Boat pose (Navasana)
Sit on your mat with your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your chest, then lean back to find your balance on your sitting bones. Breathe out and bend your knees to about 45°. If you're comfortable, slowly straighten your legs while keeping them at the same height. Hold the pose for a few breaths.
- Bow pose (Dhanurasana)
Lie on your stomach. Bend your knees and grab the outside of your ankles. As you breathe in, gently lift your upper body. Keep your gaze forward and hold the pose for five calm breaths. Don't force it.
2. Positive Affirmations
Repeating upbeat affirmations, on paper, in your head or out loud, is a popular habit for building self-esteem. Here are a few to come back to throughout the day:
- "I stand in my personal power."
- "I am capable and determined."
- "I have the courage to make positive changes in my life."
- "I learn from my past and I move forward."
Say them often and you'll keep that sense of confidence and drive, the heart of the solar plexus, front of mind.
3. Breathing and Quiet Time
A few minutes of breathing are all it takes to make a moment for yourself. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and focus on your breath. As you breathe in, picture a warm, golden light spreading through your solar plexus like a small sun. As you breathe out, let the tension of the day melt away. You can rest one hand flat on your stomach to feel your breath come and go.
4. A Warm Setting
Setting the scene helps you make this moment a habit. Dim lighting, a scented candle, warm notes like sandalwood or ginger: these little sensory cues create a calm space where you can refocus. For more everyday ideas, see our guide to the 7 chakras.
Solar Plexus Chakra Crystals
The solar plexus goes with stones in sunny shades of gold, yellow and amber, which echo its color and its element. Here are the best known.
- Citrine: known as the stone of sunshine, joy and confidence, citrine is the go-to yellow stone for the solar plexus. Good to know: most citrine on the market is amethyst that's been heat-treated in a workshop, which takes nothing away from its golden glow. Read our complete guide to citrine, or browse our citrine jewelry.
- Amber: this fossilized resin with its honey-colored glow is loved for its bright warmth, a perfect match for the solar center.
- Sunstone: with its orange, glittering tones, sunstone is a stone of joy and drive. Shop our sunstone jewelry.
- Tiger's eye: a golden stone with brown stripes, tiger's eye is a mirror stone, a sign of protection and self-assurance for whoever wears it. Explore our tiger's eye jewelry, or read our full article on tiger's eye meaning.
- Pyrite: with its golden, metallic shine, pyrite is a stone of abundance and light. Browse our pyrite jewelry.
These stones are a natural fit for our self-confidence jewelry, which you can wear all day as a little sunny reminder.
How to Wear and Pair Your Crystals
The easiest way to keep a solar plexus stone close is to wear it: a citrine bracelet on your wrist, a tiger's eye pendant on your chest or an eye-catching ring. You can also slip a tumbled stone into your pocket and feel it under your fingers during the day.
For pairings, the solar plexus likes the company of its neighboring chakras. Pair it with grounding stones for a touch of stability, or with heart chakra stones to bring confidence and gentleness together. For the bigger picture, our jewelry by chakra collection brings together pieces designed for overall balance, and our sun collection puts warm, golden shades front and center.
How to Care for Your Stones
Like any stone you wear often, your solar plexus stones benefit from a cleaning now and then. A quick rinse under clear water, a careful dry with a soft cloth and a night in the open air on a towel are enough to keep them shining.
To finish drying them, nothing beats the light that matches them: set your golden stones in the softer morning sunlight for one to two hours. They'll get back all their glow, ready to go with you again. For step-by-step details, see our article on how to cleanse and care for your crystals.
Want to wear the stones of this chakra every day? Citrine, tiger's eye and amber all come together in our self-confidence bracelets.
Frequently asked questions
What color is the solar plexus chakra?
Its color is yellow, like the sun, and its element is fire. That's why it goes with warm, bright shades.
Where is the solar plexus chakra located?
The solar plexus is the area at the pit of your stomach, below the breastbone. The chakra that shares its name sits three finger-widths above the navel, the spot known as the home of willpower and self-assertion.
Which crystals go with the solar plexus chakra?
The main solar plexus crystals are citrine, amber, sunstone, tiger's eye and pyrite, all linked to confidence and drive.
What practices go with the solar plexus chakra?
A few regular practices go hand in hand with it: sun salutations and yoga poses, positive affirmations, quiet breathing time and wearing stones in sunny shades.
What is the symbol of the solar plexus chakra?
Its traditional symbol is a ten-petaled lotus around a downward-pointing triangle, an image of fire. You'll find this motif on some pendants and medallions made for this chakra.
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