The First Chakra

Chakra literally means “wheel” or “circle of light.”

The first chakra, or Muladhara, is located in the coccygeal region at the base of the spine where we sit. It is symbolized by a four petaled red lotus flower.

The animal totem of the first chakra is the elephant. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is C. It is considered the root chakra.

The color of the root chakra is red. It rules the feet, legs, anus, hips, bowels and bladder.

Foods to stimulate the first chakra include beets, strawberries, raspberries, cherries.

Corresponding gland: Adrenal glands.

To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul ~ Simone Weil

Physically, Muladhara governs sexuality; mentally it governs stability; emotionally it governs sensuality; and spiritually it governs a sense of security.

This is a very primal energy. It represents “fight or flight” and physical survival. If someone were to chase you or attack you, this is the energy or chakra you would want to draw from.

A first chakra out of alignment can create physical problems with the corresponding body parts ruled by this chakra. This also includes poor circulation and low energy. Emotionally it creates a feeling of anxiety, fear and not feeling safe, or not being connected to the body or the earth.

When this chakra is well aligned it makes one feel grounded in the body, attached to the mother earth. It makes one want to exercise, eat healthy and dance!

There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it ~ Elizabeth A. Behnke

Meditation for the first chakra:

Do the crow pose standing on your feet. Dip your bottom almost touching the ground. Place the hands in prayer, pressed firmly against the heart chakra. Perform long, deep breathing through the nose with eyes closed and rolled up to the brow point.

This is an eight part series on the chakras:

The Second Chakra

The Third Chakra

The Fourth Chakra

The Fifth Chakra

The Sixth Chakra