
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.