Chakra of the Month - January - Root Chakra - Muladhara

Your root chakra, also referred to as the muladhara chakra or the first chakra, is located at the base of your spine and the coccyx. The root chakra is connected with the color red, and associated with security, survival, grounding and everything that is solid in your life - your home, your body, the ground you walk on, etc. It is connected to your family, your ancestors and even your cultural beliefs.

Crystals
Hematite is the ultimate grounding stone because it vibrates with the root chakra and evokes deep thought. It's powerful grounding and protective properties make it a favorable root chakra crystal for healing bracelets and necklaces. Their stabilizing healing affects help to ground the root chakra, which gives you the mental clarity and focus you need to live life at the highest vibrations. It also magnifies and enhances the energy of all the crystals around it.

Red Jasper carries a strong connection with the Earth to fill your body with grounding, emotional balance and stability. When worn as jewelry or placed near the root chakra, this fiery and earthy stone helps to reawaken your inner passion and zest for life. 

Smoky Quartz helps to clear away negativity and thoughts that no longer serve you, helping you to let go of what is no longer needed. Letting go is essential for root chakra healing. Smoky Quartz also helps to boost the energy of other stones, making it a must-have for including in an all-over chakra healing layout. 

Black Onyx stabilizes, heals and strengthens the root chakra to help you feel more grounded and protected. The unique white bands that sometimes appear in black onyx represent the beauty of contrast and give it a beautiful marbled effect. 

Red Garnet is greatly energizing for all of the chakras, but it focuses on balancing and removing negative energy from the root chakra. Its dark red hue is associated with passion, which makes this stone an ideal specimen for balancing emotions. Wear it as jewelry for constant access to its strong and steady vibrations. 

Foods
Rooted foods are organically grounding: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, onions and garlic, dandelion root tea, mushrooms, beets, and any other rooted vegetables. Spices include chives, paprika, pepper, and rosemary. High in protein foods such as tofu, eggs, beans, and meats help to balance the root chakra.

Essential Oils
Ylang-ylang, patchouli, sandalwood, and myrrh can be used for aromatherapy to support this chakra.

Meditation
Introspection and clarity are keys to keeping the root chakra balanced, along with staying connected to the Earth. When meditating, visualize a grounding cord made of burgundy red light, uniting you and your root chakra to the center of the earth. The mantra for the muladhara chakra is LAM, continuously repeated.

Physical Practice
The spine, legs, hips, kidneys, and bladder are all associated with the root chakra. Grounding movement mostly involves the hips, legs and feet, so therefore, taking a walk, going for a run, or meditating in a seated and/or supine position all help to keep the root chakra balanced. Practicing rooted yoga poses such as the warriors, tree pose, or baddha konasana help to build a stronger connection between you and the Earth.