The root chakra is associated with the color red and its Sanskrit name is Muladhara. Its symbol is represented by a lotus of 4 petals. When we enter this physical life, we enter into a family. Even if one is an orphan, the individual enters some type of group structure. Groups are our earliest influences and include family, religion, school, ethnicity, politics and geographic location. Any time you feel pride at hearing your national anthem, or watching your country receive a gold medal at the Olympics, you are feeling the energy of your root chakra.
Likewise, when you feel like you don’t fit in within your “tribe” or group that is also a first chakra issue. We inherit beliefs from groups in the form of indoctrination. Thus, even the cultural climate that surrounds us affects our first chakra. If we are “plugged in” to a particular group, their beliefs, assumptions, and superstitions will affect us. That is why it’s important to examine the ingrained beliefs that were picked up from family, school, church, and "tribe" and whether or not we will examine, challenge, and ultimately shed those beliefs (if they no longer serve us and are limiting us.) This chakra governs the flow of power between us and groups.
Location Perineum; coccyx; base of spine
Body parts Legs, feet, bones, large intestine
Glands Adrenal
Malfunction Obesity, anorexia, sciatica, constipation
Lesson Related to the material world. Includes tribal identity and beliefs. (Group identity, beliefs, power, and geography)
Mental and Emotional Issues Physical family and group safety/security; ability to provide for life's necessities; ability to stand up for self; feeling at home; social and familial law and order.
Orientation to Self Self-preservation
Sacred Truth All is One
Primary Fears Physical survival, abandonment by the group, loss of physical order.
Primary Strengths Tribal/family identity, bonding, and tribal honor code; support and loyalty that gives a sense of connection and safety to the physical world.
Gemstones Ruby, garnet, hematite, red jasper, jet, obsidian
Incense Cedar
Element Earth
Planets Earth, Saturn
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This content was written by Janet Boyer. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission.
