The root chakra, located in the area at the base of the spine, is associated with some of our most basic needs and feelings that are linked with security and survival. At times, the root chakra, or any of the body's chakras, may become blocked or out of balance. When this happens you may experience a variety of feelings or find yourself falling into unhealthy patterns.
The best way to know if a chakra is blocked or out of balance is to first look at what is associated with the particular chakra. The root chakra is most often associated with self-control, ambition and basic survival needs. For men it is associated with physical sexual energy and for women, who experience physical sexual energy in the area of the second chakra, it is associated with emotional sexual energy. So you would look at these areas and see how they apply to your own life, then ask yourself questions such as:
Do I struggle to stay motivated?
Is it difficult for me to maintain self-discipline?
Do I often feel ungrounded and anxious?
Am I experiencing a persistently low libido? (For men)
Do I feel ashamed of my sexuality?
Am I struggling with survival needs such as financial stability or job related issues? Does this seem to be a regular pattern for me?
Do I feel cut off from my higher self?
Once you answer these questions to yourself in an honest, non-judgmental way you can then work on ways you may then want to bring the root chakra back into balance.
Crystals, Minerals and Gemstones for the Root Chakra
The energy and healing properties of crystals, minerals and gemstones make them valuable tools in helping the chakras to be balanced and healthy. Each of the body's seven major chakras has particular crystals, minerals and gemstones associated with them and for the root chakra most of them are either black or red in color.
- Jasper- Grounding, stabilizing
- Black Obsidian- Grounding, calming, protective
- Rubies- Stimulates basic survival instinct
- Garnet- Comforting and protective
- Black Tourmaline- Encourages vitality, protective
- Red Zincite- Stimulates passion, increases life force energy
- Bloodstone (Also known as Heliotrope)- Awakening, instills courage
- Red Coral- Calming, brings balance
- Hematite- Grounding, stabilizing, encourages self-confidence
You can tap into the energy of a crystal, mineral or gemstone by wearing it in the form of jewelry, carrying it with you, meditating with it or keeping it somewhere near you, such as on a desk or bedside table. Another way is to place them in bathwater during a healing bath ritual.
Before you do this though, be sure to cleanse or clear the stone in order to remove any negativity and to intensify the healing energy within it. Then you should program and dedicate the stone in order to focus its abilities on your particular need, which in this case would be bringing balance and healing to the root chakra.
To do this, simply hold the crystal or stone in your hand and take a few moments to connect with and feel its energy. Once you sense the energy, think of what you want to use the stone for and focus on that intent. Then dedicate it to a higher energy level in order to prevent negative energy from becoming attached to it during your healing work. You can simply make a statement such as "Only positive energy may work through this" while holding the crystal or gem, or you can dedicate it to a healing energy or deity that is part of your spiritual path.
Keeping the root chakra balanced and healthy through the use of crystals, minerals and gemstones can be an enriching part of your spiritual path.
Disclaimer- Any information within this article is not meant to replace the care of a qualified medical practitioner. If you experience the symptoms stated within this article, be sure to seek the advice and guidance of your family doctor.
Further Reading:
The Root Chakra- Keeping it Balanced and Healthy
Keep the Second Chakra Balanced and Vital
Balance and Open the Third Eye Chakra
Open and Heal your Heart Chakra
