Red · Earth
Root Chakra
Muladhara · Base of the spine
The root chakra, Muladhara, sits at the base of the spine and is the foundation of the whole chakra system. As the first chakra, it governs your sense of safety, stability and belonging — the ground you stand on, literally and emotionally.
What it governs
The root chakra is read as the centre of grounding, safety and survival — your basic needs, your security, and your relationship with the physical world. When it is steady, you feel safe, settled and able to stand your ground; it is the anchor that everything above it is built on.
When it’s balanced
When the root chakra is balanced you feel grounded, secure and present — calm in your body, steady under stress, and confident that your basic needs are met. You trust the ground beneath you and meet life from a stable base.
When it’s blocked
A blocked root chakra is said to show up as anxiety, restlessness, a constant sense of insecurity, or feeling ungrounded and disconnected from your body. Fear about money, safety or survival can dominate when this foundation is shaky.
How to balance the root chakra
Grounding
Walking barefoot on the earth, gardening, or any practice that connects you to the ground.
Root crystals
Carrying grounding stones like black tourmaline or obsidian to feel anchored.
The colour red
Surrounding yourself with red, or visualising a red light at the base of the spine.
Crystals for the root chakra
These crystals are traditionally paired with the root chakra to support its themes of grounding, safety & survival.
The other chakras
Root Chakra FAQ
What is the root chakra?▾
The root chakra (Muladhara) is the first chakra, at the base of the spine. Its colour is red and its element is earth. It governs grounding, safety, stability and survival.
How do you unblock the root chakra?▾
Traditional practices include grounding (barefoot contact with the earth), working with red or root crystals, and meditation focused on the base of the spine. This is a for-fun wellness tradition, not medical advice.