For anyone who is looking into understanding the chakra system, it can be a daunting task. But ultimately, understanding your chakras is very rewarding, and together, the journey is much easier. I’ve found that the most useful text in understanding the chakra system is Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System by Andoea Judith, PhD.
This is a very in-depth text on understanding the chakra system. My goal is to simplify it and interpret it through the Spirit Guides in an attempt to deliver a condensed version to make the beginning of your journey easier. We will take this journey through your chakras on my podcast. This week is the root chakra.
The Sanskrit name for the root chakra is Muladhara, which means root support. The location of this chakra is at the base of the spine and the perineum. The element that represents this chakra is earth. Its function is survival and grounding. The attachment of this chakra is pride, and the grace is trust. A phrase that can help you to connect to the root chakra is, “I have the right to exist.” The legs and feet are part of this chakra. One of the main health challenges I see in the root chakra is sciatica. The color that represents the root chakra is red. The human sense connected to the root chakra is touch or tactile sensation. The mantra sound is “lam” (rhymes with “calm”).
This chakra is also connected to the pentacle suit in the tarot and the corresponding planet is Saturn. Food that nourishes the root chakra are meats, specifically buffalo, turkey, and salmon. Ruby is one of the stones connected to this chakra. Bull is the animal. Ganesh is the Hindu deity connected to this chakra. The pantheon of earth-based entities that we think of as the elementals—for example, fairies—are connected to the root chakra.
Perhaps most importantly, the root chakra’s consciousness is oriented toward the survival instinct and toward our basic needs of water, food, and shelter. Needless to say, when we don’t have these in place, we don’t feel safe. We can only live for three to four days without water and up to three weeks without food. Obviously we can live without shelter, but it creates exposure to the elements.
That is why the root chakra is connected to the elemental world. When it is in balance, then we are in balance with the elemental world. There was a time, as humans, when we were much more connected to mother earth and father sky. We were in alignment with the seasons, much like the animal kingdom. This was integral to our survival. Survival used to be a full-time concern; now, we rely on grocery stores for food, many options for water, and most of us have a roof over our head. As you ruminate on the root chakra, take some time to think about your own access to safety, especially as it compares to that of others. How are you being responsible for your survival, including your basic needs and beyond? Can you help others survive during these times? Can you help provide for your community? All of these things will help you strengthen your connection to the root chakra.
For a more in-depth discussion of each chakra, and for a guided meditation through each of the chakras, check out my podcast wherever you like to listen.
