The Root or Base Chakra - an article by Toria Rainbow of Today's Witch


- spiritual gifts - holistic lifestyles - complementary health - personal and spiritual development -

the root or base chakra (muladhara)

contributed by Toria Rainbow - a Today's Witch article

Colour: Red

Physical Body: Lower abdomen, large intestine, bladder and
reproductive organs.

Symbol: Yellow square symbolizing earth, and four red petals representing North, South, East and West

Supportive crystals: Hematite, jet, black tourmaline, garnet and smokey quartz.

Muladhara in Sanskrit means ‘root’ and this chakra is the foundation for the whole of the chakra system and is responsible for nourishing and energizing it. Therefore it has a very significant role. Its whole ethos is the survival of the physical body and is therefore activated during times of stress, fear, or when there is a build up of emotions. Whenever we feel ‘out of control’ and we are fearful of change then our natural survival instincts kick in and our base chakra activates. Anger and aggression rise from our base chakra.

If this chakra is unbalanced we can become selfish with a lack of concern for others, or we can withdraw emotionally. Concentration can be affected and we can struggle to differentiate between view points or belief systems. Psychic or clairvoyant messages can be received with little or no control, resulting in varying degrees of emotional upheaval. This is seen as not being grounded, which can be disastrous for the base chakra responsible for foundation. What foundation isn’t strongly and firmly attached to the ground?

The base chakra is also responsible for more positive aspects and key words linked to this chakra are; act, move and do. Normally responsible for the initial creation of projects, inventions or ideas, it very important and is the beginning of all things. Dealing with practicalities and the physical world are synonymous with this chakra.

To energise this chakra
Bring the colour red into your every day life, clothing or ornaments within your home. Try to start dealing with practical matters (day by day initially), start with gentle movement, leading to more physical exercise when energy levels increase (particularly if emotional withdrawal is prevalent), try walking and running to get your heart pumping and your blood moving, or even simple housework or gardening. Take warm baths to improve circulation, try massage or reflexology. Also incorporate aromatherapy where possible as this chakra responds to the sense of smell and touch. Eat high protein foods especially those containing zinc. If concentration is poor or you feel out of control try grounding meditations such as the one detailed below.

Grounding meditation
Ideal for stressful times, to aid concentration and great before exams. Recommended before and after any form of meditation or spiritual endeavours.

Sit in a chair where both feet can be placed flat on the floor, slightly apart and preferably without shoes. Place your hands palm down on your knees. Close your eyes and slow your breathing. Imagine you are a tree in a lush green field. The breeze is blowing around your head. Feel the sap in your body flowing from your head down into your body and down your legs. Your feet become roots, stretching down into the earth. Picture this for a couple of minutes. Then let the sap rise back up your body, slowly, and open your eyes.

Read about the sacral chakra here....
To read more of Toria's articles on a wide range of topics, order your copy of Today's Witch

You can find more information at www.eclecticenergies.com - there's an online test to take to find out the current state of your chakras, and some straightforward and useful exercises.