Muladhara, (Mooladhara), 1st Chakra Root, or Base Chakra

Location - Kundalini Center, Base of spine (Tailbone, pelvic Floor), cohesion
Color - Red or red orange (secondary color is black)
Element - Earth
Symbol - Square
Energy - Life promoting
Frequency - 523-3 cps
Note-  High C
Sense - Smell
Statement - "I want stuff"
Astrological Sign - Scorpio
Spinal Contact - 4th Sacral Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Gonads
Functions - Gives vitality to the physical body. Life-force, survival, self-preservation, instincts
Glands/Organs - Adrenals, kidneys, spinal column, colon, legs, bones
Gems/Minerals - Ruby, garnet, bloodstone, red jasper, black tourmaline, obsidian, smoky quartz
Foods - Proteins (meant and dairy products no recommended), red fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Matters relating to the material world, success. The physical body, mastery of the body, grounding, individuality, stability, security, stillness, health, courage, patience
Negative Qualities - Self-centered, insecurity, violence, greed, anger, overly concerned with one's physical survival, tension in the spine, constipation

The first chakra is called Mooladhara (Muladhara) the support chakra. It is the root, or base chakra. It is the seat of primal energy, kundalini shakti. In philosophical terms, the concept of mooladhara is understood as moola prakriti, the transcendental basis of physical nature.

The symbol for the first chakra is a square (yantra), symbolizing the Earth, the foundation. Within the square is a downward pointing triangle, the symbol for female sexuality. Within the triangle is a linga, the symbol for male sexuality. A snake, the symbol for kundalini, coils three-and-a-half times around the linga. On the outside are four lotus petals.

The first chakra concerns your connection with the earth, your birthplace, your culture, your foundation. This is the center of physical energy, and vitality. It's grounded in material reality, so this is the center of manifestation. The color red-orange is the color of vital, physical energy. The feelings most associated with the root chakra are: Fear, grief, desire, anger, and attachments.

Meditation practices for this chakra are walking, touching, deep relaxation, and concentrating on the color red, spinning in the area of the root chakra. The objects and forms in this Universe must have some basis from which they evolve, and to which they return after dissolution. And, this basis, the original source of all evolution, is called moola prakriti.

Mooladhara, as the basis of moola prakriti, is therefore responsible for everything that manifests in the world of name, and form. In prana vidya, mooladhara is very important because it is the generating station for prana. The awakening of prana starts from mooladhara, and ascends the spinal cord via pingala nadi. Pingala is merely the channel. The energy comes from mooladhara.

Mooladhara is also the direct switch for awakening ajna chakra. Without the awakening of prana in mooladhara, there can be no corresponding awakening in ajna. Hence, in prana vidya, the relationship between mooladhara, and ajna is very important. Mooladhara is the generator, and ajna is the distributor.

The location of the mooladhara in men is at the perineum, midway between the genital organ, and the anus. In women, it is located at the posterior side of the cervix, midway between the vagina, and the uterus. Here there is a point which in Sanskrit is known as Brahma granthi, the know of Brahma. As long as this knot remains intact, the energy located in this area is blocked. The moment the knot is undone, prana shakti awakens. Infinite energy, and spiritual experience emanate from mooladhara.

Mooladhara is associated with the earth element, and annamaya kosha. In the pranic field it is related to apana vayu, the downward flowing force which is responsible for the excretion of urine, feces, wind, the ejaculation of semen, the force which pushes the baby out of the womb, and so on. In psychological terms, mooladhara is associated with the unconscious mind where the most primitive, and deep-rooted instincts, and fears lie. It is therefore, the gateway to heaven as well as to hell. To the lower, as well as the higher life.

The beeja mantra, or master key to mooladhara is Lam.

We hope you have found, or are considering bringing Hatha Yoga into your life. We look forward to seeing you at one of our yoga classes, or workshops, held regularly when we are home in Largo, Florida from November-May. Or, on our next Yoga Bound Travel Adventure with special Yoga in Bali Retreats and Yoga in Thailand Retreats.