Root Chakra (Muladhara)
From Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers
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The Root Chakra or Muladhara is located at the base of the spine. The word Muladhara means "Root" in Sanskrit, and this Chakra represents stability, grounding, and survival instincts. Considered the first and foundational Chakra in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the Root Chakra supports both the physical and energetic bodies of each individual as an anchor point for spiritual development. The idea of a foundational energy center at the base of the spine, crucial for stability and the flow of vial energy, is a significant concept in both Hindu and some Buddhist Tantric traditions with a similar foundational concept of the stability and rootedness of the planet Saturn expressed in Vedic Astrology as well.
In modern times, the concept of the Chakra system has been embraced by New Age and holistic medical and spiritual traditions. In these teachings, balancing of the seven nodes of Chakra energy is considered essential for matters of emotional healing, physical well-being, financial stability, personal empowerment, and spiritual peace. Meditation, physical touch, body awareness, and the wearing of talisman may be included in the work of Chakra balancing.
The Root Chakra, encompassing the sacrum and perineum area of the body, is thought to be the region where the best healing practices ought to include grounding meditation with the appropriate mudra or hand-gesture, breath-work with a focus on the corresponding area of the body, and mantra work using the seed-sound of the Chakra. The mudra of the Root Chakra is called the Prithvi Mudra. To make this hand gesture, sit with your palms facing down, touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb, and take deep, calming breaths. The ring finger represents the earth element, which influences the Root Chakra. The Prithvi Mudra supports vital energy, removes fatigue and weakness, and enhances generosity, which in turn positively influences the Root Chakra. As you make the mudra, breathe with a focus towards the pelvic floor, and intone the seed-sound of this Chakra, which is "Lam."
Nature-based practices may be recommended to strengthen or balance the Root Chakra. These include walking barefoot or gardening to connect with the Earth, or surrounding oneself with the cut flowers, leaves, or berries of a Root Chakra plant or, if medically appropriate, drinking an herbal tea made from these plants. You may also include the use of grounding crystals, such as Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Garnet, or Hematite, which can be placed before you, held in the hands for contemplation, worn as talismanic jewelry, or applied to the specified area of body by a practitioner, while the client lays prone on the floor or a massage table. Healing methods such as Reiki have also been said to help with matters of the Root Chakra.
Root Chakra Keywords to Remember
- Anatomic Location: Base of spine (Tailbone, Perineum).
- Associated Anatomy: Adrenal glands, Large Intestine, Legs, Feet.
- Concepts: Survival, Grounding, Foundation, Instinct.
- Lucky Colour: Red, Scarlet.
- Element: Earth.
- Seed Sound: Lam.
- Mudra: The Prithvi Mudra.
- Symbol: Red Lotus with four petals and a central square.
- Hindu Deities: Ganesha, Brahma, Indra, Kundalini, and Dakini.
- Animal Symbol: Elephant symbolizing strength and groundedness.
- Lucky Jewels: Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Garnet, Hematite.
- Lucky Star: Saturn.
- Lucky Flowers: Oriental Poppy, Gladiolus, Red Rose, Holly.
- Lucky Numbers: 4.
- Kindred Sign: Scorpio.
Credits
This page is brought to you by the AIRR Tech Team:
- Author: Papa Newt
- Contributors: catherine yronwode, Lukianos, nagasiva yronwode
- Images: Adrenalina; photo-sourced and edited by catherine yronwode and nagasiva yronwode
