MULADHARA/MOOLADHARA, Chakras contd..

Muladhara/Mooladhara is the first or the base of all the 7 chakras. Mula = root/base/source/origin and adhara = Support/foundation/ground. So muladhara chakra means the root support or the support base of  energy, which sleeps dormant within the yellow square of this four petaled lotus.  It is also represented by a small triangle pointing downwards symbolizing divine energy being drawn down and conciseness expanding upward. It is Red in color, element is earth, deity of muladhara is ganesha/brahma/Indra/dakini. It represents the physical plane. Moola mantra (seed chant) is LAM.

It is situated at the base of the spine, in the coccyx area. In the physical body it governs, the skeletal structure, teeth, large intestine, kidneys and blood. Sensory organ is the nose and sense of smell. Psychologically it looks for survival and self perseverance. Four petals lotus represents the mind, intellect, ego and consciousness of human psyche.

The chakra system is interpreted in different ways by the system one follows. The deities and associations of the chakras also change according to the system. Chakras have been described in Vedas, Upanishads, tantra, yoga, Buddhism and many other world religions like kabbalah. I am trying to get some of the information consolidate in this post.

Muladhara is the place where the true spiritual consciousness is asleep. It is here that it awakens and arises to awaken an individual to enlightenment. In Kunadalini yoga it is called kundalini energy.

When Muladhara is functioning at its optimal balance a person feels firmly rooted and secure at any given point in time or situation is his/her life. They have magnetic personalities and can be great leaders. This chakra's challenge is fear. A person with a balanced Muladhara will be valiant, they accumulate great wealth and put it to right use. Since it represents the Physical plane, it has everything to do with the physical vitality of the body, money, survival, basic instincts, patience, slowing down, letting go and everything that is needed to feel firmly connected with our lives and to this earth. 

An over active Muladhara may make a person obese, greedy/hoarder, inflexible to changes, and lethargic. They can amass wealth but may be unable to utilize it for their needs.

An under-active Muladhara may make a person skinny, insecure, fearful,  angry/irritable, unable to hold on to assets, restless.

Muladhara is the base or the foundation of the entire chakra system, hence it interacts with all the chakras on different levels. It closely interacts with Swadhishtana (sacral) and the Manipura (solar plexus). An imbalance in Muladhara overtime may create imbalance in Swadhishtana and Manipura chakras as well. Which means blockages in creativity, confidence, sexual, physical, mental and emotional vitality. 

To balance Muladhara, one can simply practice a few yogasanas like Tadasana(Mountain Pose),Ardha Uttanasana (Half Forward Bend), Uttanasana (Standing ForwardBend)Trikonasana, Virabhadrasana I (WarriorI), Virabhadrasana II((Warrior II), Prasarita Padottasana(Standing Straddle Forward Bend), Janu Shirshasana(Head-to-Knee Pose), Paschimotanasana(Seated forward bend), Dandasana (Staff pose).  Supta Baddha Konasana (Goddess pose), Salamba, Shavasana (Supported Corpse Pose) and Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose). Yogasanas must never be performed as a mere physical exercise, an honest attempt must be made to be mindful of the practice to reap any benefits. Doctors consent must be availed before starting any yoga practice if one has any health related issues.

Chanting beeja mantra (seed chant) LAM during meditation out loud or in the mind also helps in balancing Muladhara by creating vibrations in the chakra and clearing it of any issues.

If an individual puts in a sincere effort in activating muladhara, it is said that Muladhara bestows the individuals with certain siddhis (achievements) like control over the elements of earth, knowledge of past present and future, being able to leap in air and so forth. The intense practice to awaken chakras should always be practiced under supervision of a capable guru (teacher) who has already attained these siddhis. Going about practicing it without any guidance can result in huge health issues, psychological problems, in some cases serious hospitalization and even death.

Energy healing like Reiki, IET always clear and balance the chakras. To maintain the balance one may have to practice the yogasanas and meditations. 

If you are attuned to any energy healing modules, just intend to balance and clear that particular chakra. Put a power symbol or any other symbol that you are guided to and pass energy to that chakra and let divine clear and balance the chakra for you.

Crystals like black and red tourmaline, hematite, black obsidian, smoky quartz, red jasper and ruby help clear and balance this chakra. Please wear them in a pendant or keep them with you as long as you can during your day to connect to the crystal and benefit from it. Before you use a crystal, make sure you wash it under running water for a minute, then hold it in your hand for a few minutes with an intention to connect to it and then use it. If you feel the need to clear your crystal of energies it has absorbed, just put it under running tap water if it is water safe. Some crystals do not tolerate water, to cleanse them put them in salt over night.

Here is a link to a beautiful meditation on root chakra to clear and balance it.