1st Chakra: The Root Chakra – Foundation for Security and Vitality

The root chakra, also known as Muladhara, is the first of the seven main chakras and forms the basis of our energy system. It represents stability, grounding, and survival. Just as the roots of a tree are invisible but essential for life, the root chakra provides us with the strength to stand firm in life.

General meaning

• Name: Muladhara (Sanskrit for “root support”)

• Position: At the bottom of the spine, in the coccyx area

• Color: Red

• Element: Earth

• Symbol: Four-petaled lotus

• Mantra: “LAM”

The root chakra connects us to the earth and gives us a feeling of security, basic trust, and stability. It is closely linked to our basic needs—food, shelter, health, and a safe home.

In balance

A harmonious root chakra manifests itself through:

• inner peace and stability

• confidence in life

• vitality and assertiveness

• a healthy relationship with money, work, and material security

• the feeling of being welcome and grounded

Signs of blockage or overactivity:

Blocked root chakra:

• Anxiety, insecurity, mistrust

• Financial worries or excessive existential fear

• Physical symptoms such as back pain, digestive problems, fatigue

Overactive root chakra:

• Materialism and possessiveness

• Aggression, control issues

• Rigidity and inflexibility

Healing and strengthening the root chakra

There are many ways to harmonize and activate the root chakra:

1. Bodywork & grounding

• Walking barefoot in nature

• Yoga positions such as tree (Vrksasana), mountain pose (Tadasana), or warrior (Virabhadrasana)

• Conscious breathing into the abdomen

2. Nutrition

• Red foods: beetroot, apples, strawberries, tomatoes

• Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, ginger

• Protein-rich foods for physical strength

3. Meditation & mantras

• Repetition of the mantra LAM

• Visualization of a red ball of light at the bottom of the spine

• Grounding meditation with a focus on the connection to the earth

4. Crystals & aromatherapy

• Gemstones: red jasper, garnet, hematite, black tourmaline

• Scents: patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood

5. Everyday tips

• Create structure and routines

• Organize finances and ensure security

• Practice gratitude for the simple things in life

Gemstone beads for the root chakra:

Red stones (strength & vitality)

• Red jasper – provides grounding, courage, and steadfastness

• Garnet – activates life energy, passion, and assertiveness

• Red agate – stabilizes and promotes inner peace

Dark & black stones (protection & grounding)

• Black tourmaline (schorl) – protects against negative energy, very strong grounding

• Onyx – strengthens self-confidence and inner strength

• Obsidian – releases blockages and brings clarity

Earthy & metallic stones (stability & balance)

• Hematite – brings balance, grounding and promotes blood circulation

• Smoky quartz – transforms fears and brings serenity

• Baryte (barite) – strengthens feelings of security and rootedness

The root chakra is the foundation of our entire energy system – without stable roots, we cannot develop freely. By nurturing and strengthening it, we gain security, vitality, and confidence in life.

Those who take care of their Muladhara build a stable foundation on which all other chakras can flourish – like a tree that stretches its crown toward the sky, deeply rooted in the earth.