The Root Chakra: The Traditional Basic Attributes
As with all of the Chakras, the Root Chakra has alternative names and numerous associations and attributes. The deeper you delve into the realm of energy, the more information you uncover. Here I outline some of the most common attributes you will come across;
- Alternative names; The Base Chakra, The 1st Chakra, Muladhara.
The word Muladhara means 'root place' - it is easier to think of perhaps as 'foundation'.
- Significant Color; Red
Red is often associated with things of a vital or dynamic nature - such as blood, danger, love, sex and passion.
- Symbol;
4 crimson red lotus petals with a yellow square at the center.
The yellow square indicates Earth, with the 4 petals said to signify the 4 compass directions.
The 4 lotus petals are also said to have direct implications to our experience of life in human form. It is hard to explain without getting too complicated but very briefly it is about;
How secure we feel about our foundation and stability in the world.
How we feel and experience our purpose in life.
How we deal with our desires and needs.
How effective we are at aligning with our true authentic self - how we deal with the ego and 'skin' we can often lose ourselves in.
- Mantra; The mantra for the Root Chakra is Lam.
- The animal associated with the 1st Chakra is an elephant - with seven trunks. Again the implication is of solidness, stability.
- ยทLocation; The Root Chakra sits at the base of the spine. It is often shown as an energy spiral pointing downwards to the earth.
- Physical Associations; The Base Chakra is connected to the external sexual organs, often with the adrenal glands - specifically our fight or flight responses. Also it is linked to our legs and feet, the spine and hips. I usually take it further and find it has implications for our entire skeletal frame as I believe it is about how we stand in this world - not just physically but on many levels. I'll take this further in future posts though!
