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Root Chakra Symbol Meaning
The root chakra symbol is depicted as a lotus flower with four petals. Each of these petals represent a specific mental state associated with the root chakra. In addition, the root chakra symbol includes a square, a triangle, a crescent moon, and a circle. This article will unpack the inner meaning of each of these powerful geometric forms within the root chakra symbol.
Understanding the Root Chakra Symbol
Every aspect of the root chakra symbol reveals another facet of this fundamental chakra in the human body. Understanding the root chakra symbol assists in mastering the energy of this chakra as the foundation of a personal spiritual path. The ancient root chakra symbol is a map of the journey towards freedom and liberation.
Root Chakra Symbol Topics
The topics in this comprehensive root chakra symbol guide will help you to support, purify, and unlock the energy of your root chakra! These topics include the details of the root chakra symbol and practical tools for healing and balancing the root chakra. Take a deep dive into the psychology and spirituality of this critical energy center and the beautiful root chakra symbol.
Role of the Root Chakra
The root chakra symbol can be explored on many levels. The root chakra establishes the foundation for the other major chakras. The root chakra is our connection to the physical plane. The focus of the root chakra is survival: food, shelter, safety, comfort, and belonging. Activating this chakra is a careful process described in ancient texts and based on the body’s powerful energetic system.
The Root Chakra in the Body
The name for the root or base chakra in Sanskrit is Muladhara. “Mula” means “root.” “Adhara” means “base or support.” Each of the seven major chakras have Sanskrit names that reveal their function. Learn more in the article Chakra Names and Sanskrit Meanings.
Grounding through the Root Chakra
The root chakra helps you to ground in your environment. This is also the place where ancestral memories reside. One of the challenges in activating the root chakra is clearing traumatic memories or records stored in this chakra. This can be done through spoken affirmations, the use of mantras, various forms of prayer, meditation, and service to others.
Associated Organs in the Body
The root chakra governs the lower part of the body. This includes the feet, legs, knees, hips, pelvis, lower back, and lower spine. These areas of the body establish balance and stability. Other organs related to the root chakra are the organs of elimination: the bladder and the colon.
Root Chakra and Reproduction
The root chakra also connects to the reproductive system. This is a shared function with the sacral chakra. The root chakra is the place where we process and transform energy, thoughts, and experiences related to security and safety. Learn more in Chakras and Organs of the Body.
Root Chakra Symbol: Four Lotus Petals
The four lotus petals of the root chakra symbol represent four different mental states. However, interpretations of these mental states vary widely. Most often, the four petals of the base chakra are viewed as mind, intellect, consciousness and ego.
Sanskrit Lotus Petal Names
In Sanskrit, these petals are called Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta (consciousness), and Ahamkara (ego). Taken together, these four aspects of the root chakra symbol are called the Antahkarana or the “inner instrument.”
Meanings of the Four Lotus Petals
Some of the variations in the meanings of the four root chakra petals may be due to translations from Sanskrit. Sanskrit is a language that assigns many meanings to a single word. Thus, determining the exact meaning of a word in a particular context can be difficult. The following is a simple definition of each of these mental states:
- Manas (1st petal, mind)- seat of instincts and desire
- Buddhi (2nd petal, intellect)- intuition and higher mind
- Chitta (3rd petal, consciousness)- memory and life experiences
- Ahamkara (4th petal, ego)- the body and senses
Four Types of Longing
In some translations, the four petals of the root chakra symbol represent four forms of longing. This is connected to the Hindu concept of Purusarthas. Purusarthas frames these longings as four goals related to human life:
- Dharma (psychological longing)
- Artha (soul longing)
- Kama (physical longing)
- Moksha (longing for spiritual liberation)
Four Aspects of Higher Consciousness
In addition to the four forms of longing noted above, the four petals depicted in root chakra symbols are also symbolic of four specific aspects of higher consciousness. These aspects can be outlined as:
- Great joy
- Natural pleasure
- Delight in controlling passion
- Blissfulness in concentration
Root Chakra Symbol & the Five Elements
In the Vedic tradition, the five elements of nature are earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The four petals of the root chakra symbol relate to the first four elements. These are the four physical elements. Ether is not depicted because it is in the spiritual realm, and therefore invisible.
Using the Five Element System
Every aspect of life can be categorized according to one or more of the five elements. For example, mantras can accelerate the energy of one of the five elements. The five element system is a powerful way to view the world and the process of transformation. Many traditional cultures categorize various aspects of life according to a system of natural elements.
Natural Element Compatibility
Natural element systems describe the relationship between different energies and phenomena in the world around us. Finding your natural element compatibility can help you to choose the mantras that are the most supportive and healing for you. Learn more in the article Five Element Mantras.
Lotus Petals as Energy Channels
The four lotus petals also represent the connection between the energy channels in the body called “nadis” and the root chakra. The nadis carry prana or life force. The word “nadi” means “flow” or “current.” These energies run through the body on multiple levels: physical, subtle and causal. The nadis each have associated Sanskrit syllables: वं (vaṃ), शं (śaṃ), षं (ṣaṃ), and सं (saṃ).
Circle Meaning in the Root Chakra Symbol
The circle is the most fundamental of all forms, symbolizing infinite space and expansiveness. The circle is present in all physical matter from the atom to planetary bodies.
The Circle and Spirituality
The circle symbolizes the central quest of spirituality: to realize oneness with all of creation. In terms of the root chakra symbol, the circle holds the four lotus petals together and encompasses the other inner symbols.
Metaphor of the Circle
A circle represents totality and wholeness. The circle is a metaphor for the family, social unit, or the sphere in which an individual dwells. Children begin to draw full circles around the age of three. Even earlier than that, they draw a circle with legs attached to represent people: mother, father, teacher, siblings, relatives and others. Learn more about circles in the article on Sacred Geometry.
Circles and Chakra Symbols
Likewise, the circle represents the sphere in which we all dwell as adults. The circle is a central aspect of the root chakra symbol as well as the other six chakra symbols. The circle creates an enclosed space. Identifying issues with the flow of energy in the root chakra is generally thought to be an appropriate first step towards spiritual acceleration.
Root Chakra Symbol: Crescent Moon Meaning
In the upper area of the root chakra symbol is a white crescent moon. This represents water energy and the emotions. The unconscious, connected to all the three of the lower chakras, is also sometimes symbolized as the ocean. Oceans represent the source of life and abundance.
Ocean Symbolism in the Root Chakra Symbol
In addition, oceans are constantly changing. This symbolizes limitless opportunities and possibilities. The ocean also represents our emotional world. Evolutionists believe that all of life originated in the sea. As Walt Whitman wrote in his work Leaves of Grass, the ocean is “the cradle endlessly rocking,” or the birthplace of all life. Learn more about ocean symbolism in Nature Symbols & Spiritual Meaning.
Moon Symbolism in the Root Chakra Symbol
In Hinduism, the moon is seen as a source of light protecting individuals in the darkness of the night. All forms of light are welcomed, including the secondary light of the moon. The moon is associated with the god known as Chandra. The name Chandra means “bright and shining” in Sanskrit. The moon in Vedic astrology represents the mind, including thoughts, feelings, and psychology.
Symbolic Meaning of the Sun and Moon
The light of the sun is steady and bright. On the other hand, the light of the moon is unstable, waxing, and waning through the month. Thus, the moon symbolizes the cycles of life while the sun symbolizes the fundamental energy of life.
Moon Symbolism and Human Emotions
The moon is closely associated with human emotions and the water element. For example, dreams of the moon are typically related to intuition or that which is hidden. This can be a positive association such as hidden talents.
Light of the Moon as Wealth
The light of the moon is also associated with abundance. Moonlight is softer than the light of the sun, more like splendor than brilliance. When the moon shines brightly, all is peaceful. The light of the moon can be a guide in the darkest of nights.
Power of Rebirth in the Root Chakra Symbol
The moon can also represent anything which has a strong pull, reflected in the way that the moon affect ocean tides. Ultimately, the moon represents the power of rebirth. More about the symbolism of the moon, the sun and other planetary bodies can be found in the article on Astrological Mantras.
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Bindu (Dot) in the Root Chakra Symbol
The dot above the crescent moon is the bindu, a term which simply means “point” or “dot.” Similarly, the dot often applied to the center of the forehead between the eyebrows in the East is called the “bindi.” This is the feminine version of the word. The bindu is the point of both creation and unity. The bindi symbolically represents the bindu.
Male and Female in the Bindu Point
The dot in the root chakra symbol references both the bindu and the third eye. This is the place of spiritual vision or insight. Bindu encompasses both the masculine and feminine, Shiva and Shakti respectively. Most yantras and other sacred symbols including all seven of the chakra symbols contain the bindu as part of their sacred design.
Square Base of the Root Chakra Symbol
The central square in the root chakra symbol is a metaphor for stability. The root chakra provides the foundation upon which the other chakras rest. As noted above, the root chakra can also be seen as connected to your personal and ancestral history. The root chakra symbol is the only chakra symbol featuring a prominent square. The numerical equivalent for a square, of course, is four.
Sacred Geometry and the Square
The square represents the four cardinal directions in sacred geometry symbols. A square symbolizes the foundation or base of the material world. Chakra symbols are a type of yantra. Yantras are complex sacred symbols similar to mandalas. Each yantra has multiple components with layers of meaning. Most yantras have a square as their fundamental form. Learn more about Yantra Symbol Meaning.
Square Symbolism: Balance and Strength
The root chakra can either bind you to the earth in a negative sense or give you a strong base and presence in the world in the positive sense. The square connects to the earth element in the five element Vedic tradition (earth, water, fire, space, air). A balanced and strong root chakra affords the ability to stand your ground and feel safe in the world.
Sanskrit Character in the Root Chakra Symbol
The Sanskrit character in the center of root chakra symbols represents the syllable LAM. This is the bija or seed syllable for this chakra. This sound (pronounced LUHM and sometimes LUNG) can activate and balance the root chakra. This seed syllable can be used in mantras and sacred toning. Sacred toning is vocalization on a single syllable, usually composed of varying vowel sounds. Learn more about the bija seed syllables in the article Chakra Sounds.
Letter “L” and the Power of Semi-Vowels
At an even deeper level, every letter in the Sanskrit alphabet carries a specific vibration. For example, in the sound LAM, the initial “L” is a semi-vowel. This means that the “L” sound can be extended to a certain degree, though not as long as a an open vowel (A, E, I, O, U). The longer the sound can be held, the more physical the effect. The absence of sound (silence) remains in the spiritual realm.
Semi-Vowels and Natural Elements
Semi-vowels are connected to the four elements of nature (earth, water, fire and air) because they are halfway between the physical realm and the spiritual realm. From this perspective, LAM is a sound connected to the earth element. The sound “L” is also associated with joy, creativity and femininity. This sound is connected to happiness and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Learn more about Lakshmi in the articles Lakshmi Mantras and Shrim: Seed Syllable for Wealth.
Letter “A” and Vocal Chord Vibrations
The short “A” (pronounced UH) in the middle of the seed syllable LAM is the most primal of all sounds. This is the fundamental or root vibration of the vocal chords, the most basic opening necessary to produce sound. Thus, this sound is an affirmation of life and the exhalation of breath.
Letter “M” and the Divine Mother
The final “M” represents dissolution and transformation. The sound “M” is generally associated with the Divine Mother in Her many forms. The letter “M” also has a nourishing quality. “M” initiates the word for Mother in many languages: Mother, Mama, Mom, Mor, Ma, Madre, Mater, Mata, etc.
Triangle Meaning in the Root Chakra Symbol
The upside-down triangle is an alchemical symbol for water and feminine energy. The triangle in the center of the root chakra symbol is balancing the earth energy of the larger square in which it resides. The triangle is the primary form that can enclose space within straight lines. Thus, the triangle is viewed as the first form to emerge from chaos.
Polarity of the Root Chakra
The fundamental polarity of the root chakra is feminine. The kundalini energy that is coiled in the root is seen as the energy of the Divine Mother or the universal Goddess. This energy is drawn to the masculine energy of spirit in the higher chakras and the crown chakra.
Root Chakra Symbol in Life and Health
If the energy in the root chakra is blocked, several issues may arise. On the emotional level, you may feel depressed or anxious. Since root chakra symbol meaning includes safety issues, you may be concerned about securing or retaining the basics in life. For example, if you are worried about basics like paying the rent, you may not be inspired to strive for higher ideals or aims.
Symptoms of a Blocked Root Chakra
On the physical level, you may have problems with constipation (lack of release) or difficulty with basic functions of the lower body such as walking. You may literally have difficulty moving forward. Problems with the hips and knees may also be related to unbalanced or inadequate energy in the root chakra.
Need for Root Chakra Grounding
If you do not have solid grounding in the root chakra, you may feel paralyzed on multiple levels. For instance, if you are not rooted through this chakra, you may jump from task to task without making progress in any one direction. In addition, when the root chakra energy is not flowing, you may feel chronically tired.
Impact of World Events on the Root Chakra
The root chakra is affected by any events that threaten basic security in life: wars, natural disasters, political upheaval, and so forth. Events that have the potential to literally uproot your life will be felt as a disturbance in root chakra energy. Mastering the root chakra involves learning to find the needed strength and resources within yourself as a key survival skill.
Experiencing Root Chakra Flow
When the root chakra is aligned and the energy is unlocked, your sense of comfort in the world will increase. You’ll feel calm and steady. You’ll be able to establish and work towards personal goals. You will literally feel grounded. Practices that help to heal and balance this chakra include yoga, mantras, affirmations, meditation, visualization, breathing techniques, and release (forgiveness).
Chakras of the Earth
The chakras of the earth have similar meanings and functions as the chakras in the human body. Most of the earth’s chakras are on energy lines called ley lines. These are electromagnetic lines that are purported to hold significant power. There are chakras for the entire earth as well as chakras for specific countries. In some cases there is overlap. In other cases these are separate geographic locations.
Root Chakra Geographic Location
The root chakra of the earth is believed to be located in northern California in the United States, focused in Mount Shasta. Mount Shasta is known as a place of mystery, UFO sightings, and reported encounters with advanced beings. In terms of the United States, either San Francisco or Los Angeles are seen as the epicenter of root chakra energy for the country.
Location of Other Earth Chakras
There are differing opinions on the location of the earth’s chakras. One possibility is that the other six earth chakras are located as follows:
- Sacral Chakra-Lake Titicaca, South America
- Solar Plexus Chakra-Uluru & Kata Tjuta, Australia
- Heart Chakra– Glastonbury, England
- Throat Chakra-Giza, Egypt
- Third Eye Chakra-also Glastonbury
- Crown Chakra-Mount Kailash, Tibet
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Practical Tips for the Root Chakra
Practical approaches to strengthening and healing the root chakra include eating a balanced diet, have an active lifestyle (including some form of stretching or yoga), and consciously increasing energy flow in the physical body.
Healthy Foods for the Root Chakra
Foods with high fiber are recommended for the health of the large intestines, one of the primary organs related to the root chakra. Interestingly, this includes root vegetables such as carrots, beets, turnips and parsnips.
Root Chakra Mudra
Mudras are hand positions that help to direct energy through the acupuncture meridians ending in the fingers. The root chakra mudra involves touching the third finger to the thumb. This is called the “Muladhara Mudra.”
Yoga Poses for the Root Chakra
Yoga poses for the root chakra can restore balance and stimulate proper energy flow. Specific yoga poses that are beneficial for the root chakra are Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara), the Corpse Pose (Shavasana), Child’s Pose (Shashankasana), Half Bridge Pose (Ardha Setu Bandhasana), Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), and Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II).
Using the Root Chakra Symbol
To connect with the energy of the root chakra symbol, you may want to consider decorative items featuring the root chakra symbol. You could use artwork or jewelry for this purpose. Meditating on the root chakra symbol is another approach. Here are some ideas for using the root chakra symbol:
- Hang an illustration of the root chakra symbol in an area where you meditate or chant
- Find a painting of a lotus flower featuring four petals prominently
- Choose a necklace or bracelet with the root chakra symbol
- Use a keychain that incorporates the root chakra symbol
- Use housewares such as coffee mugs or pillows with the root chakra symbol
More Chakra Symbol Resources
Sacral Chakra Symbol: The sacral chakra is known in Sanskrit as Svadhishthana, meaning literally “one’s own place.” Sometimes the sacral chakra is called the seat of the soul. Another sacral chakra meaning relates to housing the unconscious.
Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol: The solar plexus chakra is located at the naval, center of intuition (a gut feeling). This chakra is connected to both service and desires. This is the chakra where we get a gut feeling about people, places and events.
Heart Chakra Symbol: The heart chakra is the seat of love and devotion. In a balanced and healthy state, the heart expresses charity, compassion, and kindness. In addition, the heart is a focus for beauty and culture.
Throat Chakra Symbol: The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or the Vishuddha chakra. In Sanskrit, Vishuddha means “especially pure.” The throat chakra is depicted as having sixteen petals. In the center is a triangle pointing downward and a white circle representing akasha or ether.
Third Eye Chakra Symbol: The sixth chakra is the third eye chakra, the seat of spiritual vision. The fundamental meaning of the third eye is intuition and visualization. For this reason, the third eye is associated with heightened perception and insight.
Crown Chakra Symbol: The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, the seat of enlightenment, known in Sanskrit as the Sahasrara chakra, meaning “thousand-petaled.” According to Eastern traditions, the crown chakra is related to god-consciousness (samadhi) and the transforming powers of the divine.
Author Kathleen Karlsen
Kathleen Karlsen is a musician, artist, writer and speaker. She is the author of three books (Flower Symbols, The Color-Music Connection and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Kathleen, her husband Andrew, and their five children live in Bozeman, Montana. More about Kathleen Karlsen.
ROOT CHAKRA SYMBOL ARTICLE SUMMARY
The root chakra symbol is a visual map of the significance of this chakra. The root chakra establishes a connection to the physical body, the earth, and the environment. This is a place of security and safety. This article on the root chakra symbol also includes information about related aspects of sacred geometry, root chakra healing sounds, and more.