CHAKRAS AND THE TREE OF LIFE
Part 6 -
THE ROOT CHAKRA
At this point, let's look at each chakra individually. Each has several symbols and things (colors, notes, gems, etc.) with which they are associated, and we'll look at a partial list of these. We'll see which health concerns correspond to which chakras, what physical conditions are associated with a state of balance or of blockage in a particular chakra. We'll discuss the life issues, the aspects of the human condition that reside at each chakra. Most individuals, as they move toward enlightenment, resolve these issues a step at a time, moving from lower chakra lessons up to the higher chakra lessons. In other words, each chakra tends to 'open' or 'become balanced', starting at the bottom with its concern for physical survival, and ending at the crown, with concerns based in 'cosmic awareness' and knowledge. (Although it is less common, some individuals open from the top down.)
It should be noted that the information below is merely scratching the surface. It is meant to assist with a general understanding of the chakra system and a recognition of its usefulness in the healing process. Many of the ideas here represent a simplified overview.
FIRST: BASE/ROOT CHAKRA (Sanskrit name - MULADHARA)
Meaning
- root/support
Location
- base of spine, from coccyx to pubic bone, perineum,
Systems Involved
- circulatory, muscular
Gland
- adrenal (survival-fight/flight)
Musical Keynote
- C, Gemstone - ruby, Element - earth
Sense
- smell, Seed Sound - Lam, Verb - I have/I am, Color - red
Main Function
- Embodiment, survival, grounding
The entire chakra system is often compared to the lotus plant. The first chakra is like the root of the plant, anchored in the mud at the bottom of the pond. The middle chakras correspond to the stem and the upper chakras to the flower. The root brings nourishment from the earth and sends it upward to the rest of the plant. The flower absorbs nourishment from the sun and carries it down to the rest of the plant. The root chakra connects the individual to the Earth. One whose consciousness resides primarily at this root level is concerned with issues of survival, of belonging to family and community.
- Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Aspects/Issues: When we are in balance in this chakra, we are able to feel safe and secure within our family, group, society, universe, etc. We feel connected, we feel a sense of belonging, we feel 'at home' in our bodies and the world at large. We feel secure in our ability to provide for our survival needs, for food, shelter, warmth, etc. Our concern with security and connection also expresses itself in our need for logic, structure, and law and order. We express our bond to our family/tribe through the qualities of honor, loyalty and justice. In this chakra, our spirit needs to be anchored to our body and our bodies to the earth. Our ideas and intentions also need to be grounded or given physical expression.
An imbalance in this chakra manifests in fear of physical survival, (possibly resulting in theft, greed, aggression), fear of abandonment and non-acceptance. It can result in 'money issues', fear of non-abundance. Emotional and psychological problems like depression, mental illness and obsessive-compulsive behaviors can manifest from these fears. Interestingly, psychological studies have shown that tension held in the anal sphincter has a direct correlation with depression. A tool in fighting depression is to learn to relax the anus, or to deal with the issues that cause the anus to tighten.
- Physical Functions of the Root Chakra: It is connected to the functioning of the muscular and skeletal systems, base of spine, feet, legs, bones, rectum/colon and the immune system. It also affects body heat and the quality of blood produced.
- Physical Malfunctioning: Energy blockages at this level manifest as spinal ailments, especially lower back problems, blood ailments, bone and rectal cancer, allergies, growth problems, low vitality and slow healing of wounds and broken bones.
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