Search

The Root Chakra: Meaning, correspondences, & a guided Grounding Meditation

Updated: Apr 10

This post is part of a series discussing the correspondences and energy of each chakra so that we may be more self-aware of our bodies and the subtle energies that surround us. I've curated some our self-care rituals and paired them to each chakra to help us all embrace the themes present.

THE ROOT CHAKRA / MŪLĀDHĀRA

The root chakra is related to our basic need for survival. It is our link to the earth. It represents our connection to the physical world and our sense of belonging. It is the base of our life force, development, and stability.


Symbols & Correspondences:

  • Element: Earth

  • Energy: Masculine

  • Color: Deep vibrant Red

  • Location: Base of spine, between anus & genitals

  • Operating Force: Gravity

  • Function: Survival, physical needs, grounding

  • Glands: Adrenals

  • Body Parts: Legs, feet, bones/skeletal structure, large intestine, teeth

  • Dysfunctions: Weight problems, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, degenerative arthritis, knee troubles

  • Emotional Dysfunctions: Mental lethargy, “spaciness”, unfocused mind, incapable of stillness, difficulty achieving goals

  • Sense: Smell

  • Goals: Physical health & fitness, grounding, stability, security

  • Life Lesson: Standing up for oneself

  • Planets: Saturn, Earth

  • Metal: Lead

  • Tarot Suit: Pentacles

  • Foods: Proteins (beans, nuts, tofu, dairy products, eggs, meats)

  • Herbs: Ashwagandha, haritaki, lotus root, shatavan, cedar (many trees), patchouli, myrrh, lavender, juniper, vetiver, sandalwood, burdock, red root, devils club, rhubarb

  • Crystals: Agate, bloodstone, lodestone, tiger’s eye, garnet, ruby, garnet, obsidian, black tourmaline, hematite, onyx, smoky quartz


Affirmations:

“I am connected to Mother Earth."

"I live in the moment."

"I am grounded in reality.”


Characteristics:

  • Functional Archetype: Earth Mother (associated with nourishment, caring, unconditional love; mothering oneself)

  • Dysfunctional Archetype: Victim (associated with letting oneself become vulnerable, needy, ungrounded; feel as though they cannot exert influence, effect change, or take control of situations)

  • Excessive Chakra Energy: Bullying, overly materialistic, self-centered, engages in (physical) reckless behavior

  • Deficient Chakra Energy: Emotionally needy, low self-esteem, self-destructive behavior, fearful

  • Balanced Chakra Energy: High physical energy, grounded, healthy, self-mastery


Simple Grounding Exercises:

  • Jump up and down

  • Stomp your feet

  • Lying on your back and kicking (with bent knees and then straight legs)

  • Jogging

  • Foot massage

  • Eating (with moderation)

  • Sleeping

  • Relaxing or resting

  • Yoga postures: Apanasana (knee to chest), Setu Bhandasana (bridge pose), Shalabhasana (half locust & full locust), Janus Sirsasana (head-to-knee pose)


Grounding Meditation

Doing a grounding mediation can be beneficial, but the real benefits are felt when done frequently. It’s an ability that needs to be developed and practiced. You can do this meditation in under 10 mins. whenever you are feeling stressed, anxious, or vulnerable and for all the reasons (listed under characteristics) that I've already mentioned above. But, please don't miss out on doing this meditation on a good day while you sit under a friendly tree in a park or your own backyard surrounded by nature.


I'm sharing my grounding meditation with you to listen to as many times as you like. But, I would like to encourage you to take from it what you like so that you may make it your own. Making it your own will allow you to follow the words and actions intuitively to a point where they will truly resound with your soul.


More self care for the root chakra: EARTH Elemental Bath Soak, seasonal WOODLAND soap, CEREMONY Body Elixer


I hope you enjoyed this introduction to the root chakra and the accompanying meditation! If you would like to book a Reiki session with me to aid you on your healing journey you can do that here.


I'd love to hear about your favorite ways of connecting with the energy of the Root Chakra and balancing it, so please comment below.


Light + magick,


Disclaimer:

The information and meditations provided are for educational purposes only and are not intended to substitute the professional help of a physician or other health care professional(s).


Bibliography


Diemer, Deedre. Terapía con los Chakras. York Beach. EDAF, S.A. 2003


Judith, Anodea, Ph.D.. Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System. Woodbury.

Llewellyn Publications. 2009


Kynes, Sandra. Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Aromatic Alchemy for Personal Blends.

Woodbury. Llewellyn Publications. 2015


Simpson, Liz. The Book of Chakra Healing. New York. Sterling Ethos. 2013.