Muladhara

This is the first chakra, which is located at the base of the spine. The word mula means 'root', and the paths of energy in this chakra extend downward through the legs and feet to contact the solid earth below. It is depicted with a four petalled lotus. The Muladhara chakra is the foundation for the whole chakra system. Its function is to respond to any issues concerning survival: eating, sleeping, exercising, recovering from illnesses, making a living or simply feeling safe and secure. Psychologically, it is associated with the manifestation of one's sexual desires, guilt, agony, jealousy, anger and many other complexes. Muladhara is the seat of Kundalini the primordial life force that is depicted as a coiled, sleeping serpent. In its dormant state, it represents our instinctive nature, but when it is awakened it represents our spiritual potential.