The Root Chakra

Since the chakra system that Red Jasper resonates most with is the Root, I thought I might provide some information on exactly what the Root chakra is, its function, and how to identify any issues that you may have with it.

Color: Fiery Red

Element: Earth

Sense: Smell

Fundamental Principle: Physical will of being as opposed to spiritual will of being (that of the 7th chakra)

Body Association: Spinal column, bones, teeth, nails, anus, rectum, colon, prostate gland, blood, and the building of cells

Glands: Suprarenal glands (which produce adrenalin and influence the temperature balance of the body)


PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
The 1st chakra (Root Chakra) is located between the anus and the genitals. It is connected with the coccyx and opens downward. It connects us to the physical world and lets the earthly energy enter our system. When it is open, we fully accept life on earth and enjoy the physical existence it provides. We act in harmony with the earthly forces and we learn from them. It also provides us with the necessary energy for creative self-expression and lends us the power to achieve. Our sexuality as a physical function and a means of begetting children also reign in the Root Chakra.

The Root Chakra is the source of the life force and forms the vital foundation for all the higher chakras. Here, the inexhaustible supply of kundalini energy is awakened. The sushumna, ida and pingala (the three main energy channels of the human body) begin in this chakra.

The Root Chakra is the true seat of the collective unconscious. Through this chakra, the stored knowledge of the collective unconscious becomes accessible. This chakra should always function in harmony with the seventh chakra in order to maintain our inner balance.


HARMONIOUS FUNCTIONING
If your Root Chakra is open and functioning harmoniously, you will experience a deep, personal relationship with Earth and earthly life forms (Nature). You are rooted in life and your life is filled with satisfaction, stability and inner strength. Your actions are guided by the desire to be creatively active in shaping life on planet Earth. You perceive the earth as a shelter and secure place. It provides you with all your physical, psychological and emotional needs. You are truly grateful for life on earth.


DISHARMONIOUS FUNCTIONING
If your Root Chakra is unbalanced or malfunctioning, your thoughts and actions primarily revolve around material possessions and security, as well as your over indulgence in sensual pleasures such as, good (exotic) foods, alcohol, sex, etc. You want your desires to manifest without consideration of the consequences. Your inability to let go of these tendencies often manifest themselves in the form of constipation and gaining weight, as in overweight.

Your actions revolve around satisfying your personal needs and you unconsciously overlook or ignore the needs of others as well as your own (ie. good health, sufficient rest and a balanced and harmonious life.) In the extreme, if you are challenged by people or situations, you become easily irritated, upset, aggressive, and you may have a tendency to violently enforce your will upon others. These feelings of rage, anger and violence are actually a defense mechanism which indicate a lack of trust -- it's a fear of losing that which provides you with security and a feeling of well-being, or your inability to gain it in the first place.

If your Root Chakra is blocked or closed, you will lack physical and emotional stamina. A lot of things in life worry you. You are filled with feelings of uncertainty. You lack the power to achieve. Often, you see life on earth as a burden. For you, life on earth is NOT a pleasure. Most of the time you long for an easier, more pleasant and less strenuous way of life.

If you have developed your higher chakras and neglected your lower ones, you may feel that you don't belong on the earth. If your Sacral (2nd) Chakra and your Solar Plexus (3rd) Chakra are also blocked, anorexia may result.

http://www.rickrichards.com/chakras/Chakras2.html