City of Jewels is a visual meditation on willpower, resilience, and the self, exploring the solar plexus chakra as a vehicle for action, intuition, and nourishment. It is part of a seven-piece series that explores various aspects of human existence through the chakras and other mythological symbols. The legs and hands belong to my sister, who is a person of action and the main inspiration for this painting.
Solar Plexus Chakra Meaning
In yogic traditions, the third chakra, or energy center located at the solar plexus above the navel is called manipura, which means 'city of jewels'. It is associated with self-confidence, willpower, action, passion, courage, energy, digestion, the color yellow, individuality, and the sun. The element associated with this chakra is fire with all its purifying and transformational aspects. Fire, like personal power, has creative and destructive features that can be refined as the sense of self is refined. The amethyst held out like an offering in the center of the dandelion represents the intuitive 'gut feelings' located in this energy center.
Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol: Dandelions
Dandelions symbolize resilience, strength, and the ability to thrive in adverse circumstances. They're also associated with healing and have been used in herbal medicine for their many health benefits. As a symbol of resilience and the unknown, the desert's vast and mysterious expanses remind us that life and beauty is formed by even the harshest conditions and there is strength to be found by traveling the uncharted wilderness inside us.
Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol: Animals
The owl is known for its wisdom and is associated with the unknown and spirits of the dead. As masters of metamorphosis, moths are significant symbols of transformation and rebirth. With a very short lifespan, they remind us of the fleeting nature of life and how we can act to transform ourselves and our surroundings in what little time we have. Golden beetles are also associated with transformation as well as abundance, protection, and strength.
Purchase a print of ‘City of Jewels’ at The Copper Wolf Art Gallery
