COMPANION NOTES: rethinking the solar plexus and thoughts on divine sweetness
Plus not one but two Greek deities, more on Vitruvian Man, a little on the theme of sacred geometry, and of course a few journaling prompts.
When we take the time to reflect on our anatomy in a somatic way, we not only get information off the page and into a felt-experience, but we also find pathways into our emotions and imagination. Spending time locating and understanding the nature of the pancreas in our movement and stillness is the first step, then we might start to pull on other threads.
SOLAR PLEXUS
We located the head of the pancreas about 3-4 fingers width above the navel, if we go up the same amount again to the area of T12/L1, we are in the area of the celiac plexus. This is the anatomical name of the solar plexus, a term coined by the 18th century German neuro-anatomist and polymath, Samuel Thomas von Sömmerring (1755-1830). The term describes the appearance of this cluster of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that radiates to and from various abdominal organs, including the pancreas. It plays a significant role in the regulation of these organs and their processes so you’ll not be too surprised to hear of its involvement in the body’s autonomic responses. For example, when fight/flight is activated, the solar plexus plays a part in inhibiting digestive function and stimulating the adrenal glands, while in rest/digest mode digestive secretions are increased and peristalsis is enhanced.
RE-IMAGINING THE SOLAR PLEXUS
The word solar comes from the Latin word solaris, which means “pertaining to the sun”. It is derived from the word sol, which means sun. It is not difficult therefore to see why language and imagery associated with the solar plexus leans heavily into themes of heat, power, and the idea of having “fire in the belly”.
Astrological references place the sun as the ruling celestial body for Leo, the zodiacal sign represented by the lion, itself referred to as the “king of the jungle”. Classified as a Fixed sign and of the Fire element, some of the characteristics it is associated with run the gamut of confidence, will, assertiveness, authority, and sovereignty, accompanied by shadow characteristics that include arrogance, pride, aggression, and tyranny.
So far so familiar, but what would happen if we turn down the heat of the solar plexus?