What is Muladhara Chakra?
mula = root
adhara = base, foundation
The Muladhara Chakra is situated at the base of the coccyx, it is the first of the human Chakras. Its corresponding Mantra is LAM. The Muladhara Chakra forms the border between animal and human consciousness. It is linked to the unconscious mind, where our actions and experience from past lives are stored. Therefore according to Karmic Law, this Chakra contains the course of our future destiny. This Chakra is also the foundation for the development of our personality.
The positive attributes of the Muladhara Chakra are vitality, vigour and growth. The negative qualities are laziness, inertia, self-centredness and domination by one’s physical desires.
The Divinity of this Chakra is Lord Shiva in his manifestation as “Master of the Animals” – Pashupati Mahadeva – meaning that the lower qualities have been overcome.
In the symbolic picture of the Muladhara Chakra there is a Lotus with four petals. These represent the four functions of the psyche: mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), consciousness (Chitta) and ego (Ahamkara) – all of which originate in this Chakra.
Life is consciousness and consciousness strives for evolution. The symbols of the Muladhara Chakra are characteristic of both energy and upward movement. The Chakra’s colour is red, the colour of Shakti. Shakti means energy, movement, awakening and development. Red symbolises awakening of the sleeping consciousness to active, alert consciousness. Another symbol of the Muladhara Chakra is the inverted triangle, which has two meanings. One meaning suggests that the Cosmic energy is pulled in and guided downwards, as if into a funnel. The other meaning indicates an upward expansion of consciousness. The downward-pointing tip of the triangle is the starting point, the seed, and the upward-moving sides of the triangle indicate the unfolding of consciousness towards human consciousness.
The animal designated to represent the Muladhara Chakra is an Elephant with seven trunks. The Elephant is a symbol of wisdom. The seven trunks symbolise the seven treasures of the earth (Saptdhatu). The element of the Muladhara Chakra is Earth, our base and “mother”, which provides us with energy and food.
The natural element of the root chakra: earth
The first chakra, called muladhara, is located at the base of the spine. “Muladhara” means root, and is associated with the earth element, linked to your ability to dig in and feel firmly rooted in your life. Its associated color is red, hence its links to the earth.
This wheel of energy is associated with your sense of security, familial relationships and your feeling of home, says Stephanie Snyder, a yoga teacher based in San Francisco. When energy is flowing through the first chakra, you feel firmly grounded in yourself and the world around you.
Signs of blocked muladhara energy
Physical signs
When your first chakra is out of alignment, you may experience pain in your intestines and lower body. This misalignment can manifest in the physical body in a number of ways, including:
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain
- Incontinence
Mental signs
When working with the root chakra, think about your relationship with yourself and the world around you. Where do you feel grounded? When do you feel calm and stable? When your root chakra is blocked, you might experience some of the following:
- Increased distractibility
- Rushing from one task to another
- Feeling exhausted or lethargic
- Increased feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression
- Feeling stuck
- Inability to take action
Reasons to align your root chakra
When your first chakra is aligned, you’ll be able to tap into its ability to support calm and steady energy throughout your body. You’ll feel grounded and comfortably situated in your body and the world around you. Stress about your sense of place and belonging will dissipate. When you can be assured that your basic needs are met, you’ll be able to focus on your relationships and personal goals.
The benefits of balancing the root chakra
As you work to align the root chakra, you will allow energy to flow freely through your body, establishing your connection to the earth and your surroundings. You may feel an increased attachment to yourself and your home as you ground yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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