Exploring the 7 Chakras Part One: Root

Why learn about the Chakras
Welcome to our new blog series titled, “Exploring the 7 Chakras.” Each week we will examine one of the seven Chakras individually from the Root on up to the Crown. Each Chakra controls different aspects of our physical and emotional body. Learning the individual characteristics of the Chakras will help us gain insight into areas within ourselves that need our attention and healing.
The Root Chakra
The Root Chakra is also known as Muladhara. Mula meaning "root" and adhara meaning "support" in Sanskrit. It is our base or root and is where it all begins. The Root Chakra connects us to the Earth and is considered the source of our life energy. Without a strong foundation your house would tumble or crack during a storm. Without deep roots, a tree or a plant cannot thrive and grow. Our Kundalini or Serpent Power resides in our Root Chakra until it is awaken. Imagine a coiled snake starting in your Root and working its way through all seven Chakras until it extends through the Crown Chakra as we become spiritually enlightened. The serpent is merely a symbol of the God given human potential for growth and spiritual advancement we were all born with. It is our driving force that connects our masculine and feminine energy, the material world with the spiritual world and advances our knowledge and personal power to levels beyond what we ever dreamed possible. In order to awaken this creative force and allow the serpent to coil through the Chakras, we have to first activate it with strong roots.

The Root Chakra is symbolized by the four petal lotus with a square as seen in the images above. The image to the right also has the Sanskrit symbol for the Mantra of the Root Chakra: LAM
Qualities, Correspondences and Tools
Read through the Root Chakra Reference Guide below. Determine if your Root Chakra is harmonized by assessing the qualities the Root Chakra dictates and corresponds to If there are imbalances or blockages that need to be addressed utilize the tools we listed to help you harmonize and clear this chakra.
The Root Chakra Reference Guide
Root Chakra Qualities
Central Theme: Will to Live, Security, Trust, Self-Preservation
Sensory Function: Smell
Position on the Body: Between Anus and Sexual Organ
Bodily Function: Pelvis, Bones, Large Intestine, Nails, Teeth
Mental Level: Will to Live
Spiritual Level: Basic Trust
Developmental Stage: Childhood birth to 7
Strengths: Life Energy, Endurance, Rhythm, Connection to Nature
Weaknesses: Egotistic, Lack of Self-Control
Physical Disorders: Constipation, Back Pain, Bone Diseases
Mental Disorders: Basic Fear, Lack of Trust, Disoriented
Root Chakra Correspondence
Color: Red
Vowel: U
Sensory Function: Smell
Phase of the Moon: Full Moon
Planets: Mercury
Element: Earth
Ways to Cleanse/Align
Mantra: LAM
Musical Instrument: Drums
Affirmation: I trust the power of the earth and the feel of my own body
Essential Oil: Clove, Rosemary, Cypress, Cedar and Vanilla
Precious Stones: Ruby, Hematite, Garnet
Metal: Lead
Herb: Valerian, Lime Blossom, Elderberry
Spice: Ginger
Bach Flowers: Clematis, Sweet Chestnut, Rock Rose
The above lists are by no means inclusive of every aspect of the Root Chakra, but provide basic information allowing a great understanding of its function. As you may have noticed, there are many more crystals and stones that correspond with the Root Chakra. Below we have compiled a more comprehensive list of Root Chakra crystals. When you click on a name, you will be directed to that crystal's page on our website for further reading. You will begin to notice how the metaphysical properties of those individual crystals coincide with what we have just learned about the Root Chakra. In addition, at the bottom of many of the pages you will have the ability to shop different designs we offer of that particular crystal or stone. Wearing clothing, decorating with a particular Chakra color and even wearing the Chakra's associated healing crystal jewelry are all tools you can use to help harmonize your energy centers. As we progress through the Chakras and balance and align them to their intended purpose, we get one step further along on our journey of self-discovery.
Ammonite
Apache Tears
Aragonite
Bloodstone
Brecciated Jasper
Bronzite
Dalmatian Stone
Dendritic Agate
Fire Agate
Hematite
Howlite
Kyanite
Leopardskin Jasper
Mahogany Obsidian
Mookaite Nuummite
Obsidian
Onyx
Picture Jasper
Polychrome Jasper
Pyrite
Quartz
Red Coral
Red Tigers Eye
Rhodochrosite
Rutilated Quartz
Septarian
Shiva Lingham
Smoky Quartz
Snakeskin Agate
Snowflake Obsidian
Spider Web Jasper
Tourmaline
Turritella Agate
We hope you enjoyed reading Part One of our Seven Part Series: Exploring the 7 Chakras. Stay tuned for Part Two: The Sacral Chakra. If you have any questions on the Root Chakra or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to shoot us an email at info@soulsistersdesigns.com. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Until next time!
Namaste,
Nicole & Sandy
Soul Sisters Designs
REFERENCES:
Govinda, K. (2004). A handbook of chakra healing: spiritual practice for health, harmony, and inner peace. Old Saybrook, CT: Konecky & Konecky.