Essential Oils and Chakras Part Two; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; The Root Chakra

If you missed part one, see it here; Essential Oils and Chakras Part One; Introduction to Using Essential Oils for Balancing the Chakras , it will help you understand the basis of this series of articles on balancing the chakras with essential oils.

I have been studying essential oils for over 20 years now, and have always been interested in the spiritual side of how nature can help elevate our minds, bodies, and spirits. True, they have many physical properties that aid us in bettering our lives, beauty, and health, (for instance; How to Cure Frizzy Hair with Essential Oils , or Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils , and How to Use Essential Oils for Healthy Hair,) as well as properties that can help us mentally (such as; Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator , or List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions ), but nature's gifts can also help us spiritually to balance, heighten, and elevate our spiritual sides as well. Sometimes, just the scent alone of certain plants or flowers can take me away to a magical and spiritual place where I am connected to all things, to all people - the whole universe as "ONE" life conglomeration of light and love. I am always in awe of the magic that surrounds us on a daily basis.

Our chakras, or energy centers, hold a mystical and magical form of light, and when in balance with these energies we can become even more than we are; what we are truly meant to be. I love how Anita Slotte describes the chakras, her words ring true and have a musical quality to them. Here is a snippet of her description of what chakras are,
"The chakras are the ancient depositories of all the divine energy given to humanity at the beginning of time. They are "The seven Spirits" guiding us on our path of transformation, our initiation into the mysteries of life. The knowledge and use of chakras as a means to spiritual awakening has been recognised through the ages in all the great religions in one form or another." See the rest of her " Tools for Transformation " on her webpage.

Chakra balancing can be achieved by using many different methods, all equally effective. It really is a matter of choice which you prefer. Methods such as meditation, energy work, light work, or Reiki are also helpful when used in conjunction with essential oils, crystals, gemstones, and sound healing techniques such as tuning forks, toning, and humming which may be incorporated into your chakra healing sessions. See AC's own Crystal Kennedy 's article on using sound healing techniques to balance the chakras , it's a great article.
This series of articles will deal with how to add essential oils to your chakra balancing technique, which oils to use, and how to use them, as well as a few notes on how to incorporate them with specific crystals, gemstones and the corresponding notes (sounds).

The Root or Base Chakra-Also known as the 1st Chakra, or MOOLADHARA -
As every system has a beginning, so too does our energy centers or chakras. Our first chakra is the foundation of all the others, its principles center on our physical body's connection to the Earth; a grounding of sorts, which when in balance brings feelings of security, courage and passion for life.
The root chakra is located in the lowest pelvic region of the spine, at the coccyx and continues through the lumbar region. It is considered the most important chakra when beginning in the healing work of our auras, energy centers, or auric energies.
The first chakra is described in Hindu (Sanskrit) teachings as "a four petalled deep-red lotus flower". The corresponding color of the root chakra is red, (like passion and emotional love), and its number is four. In numerology, four is the number of manifestation, of matter; four is (according to numerology) "initial manifestation of matter, primitive, imperfect, but stable material form, impulse towards further development" so the energy of the material world is the matter at hand in the root chakra, ergo it only makes sense that its element is earth.
In most philosophies and beliefs the root chakra is associated with representing the essential, idealistic and confident passion for life along with courage, and is the seat of our sexuality- our connection to the world. The parts of the physical body it corresponds to are all solid such as; the bones, teeth, nails, etc. as well as the lower genitalia.
The root or base chakra is also associated with the quantity of physical energy or "will to live". It has to do with basic survival, such as money, shelter, and material needs. If a person feels fearful about money or becomes overly obsessed with their career or possessions, this chakra will become unbalanced. When this chakra is distorted or out of balance, there may be a lot of general fear or even paranoia, or an overall fear of basic survival and of the unknown, as well as the inability to connect to life in general, and the lack of courage to take life by the horns and live it true to your innermost self. As Anita also mentions, when we are unbalanced in our root chakra, "we are almost entirely self centred and concerned with issues of survival in the material world and the energy manifests in its negative aspects in anger, greed, revenge, collective hatred, lust for power and control. All passions of our lower nature. The need for material security and control is the dominant energy. "
When the root chakra is in balance, there's a strong will of courage to take on all life has to offer with a feeling of safety, security, and willingness to connect to life, while embracing all of life and the experiences it gives us. It connects us with the feeling of true "interconnectedness"- of the knowing that we are all ONE.

Angels to aid in Chakra Balancing: Root Chakra
Archangel Sandalphon: Earth Healing, Carrying Prayers to God, Root Chakra
Archangel of the Earth, Archangel Sandalphon is in charge, by God's grace, of aiding earth healing and planetary group work. By holding the Divine presence on planet earth, he teaches us to have a grounded reality and balanced spirituality. He carries our prayers to God so they may be answered. A bridge uniting heaven and earth. He is Guardian of the Earth Star Chakra and assists with our Earth connection.

Balancing the Root Chakra; Which Essential Oils to Use:
Essential oils of: Angelica, Balsam de Peru , Benzoin, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Atlas Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Elemi, Fennel, Frankincense, Garlic, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Thyme, and Vetiver.

Balancing the Root Chakra; Which Crystals or Gemstones to Use :
Obsidian, Red Tiger Eye, Hematite, Black Tourmaline, and/or Onyx. Also Apache Tears (naturally formed obsidian nuggets or volcanic glass) allows for comfort in times of grief,and promotes a forgiving attitude, release of grievances, helps to remove self-limiting barriers. Black Obsidian is also a volcanic glass that helps dispels negative energy, keeps a room "clear", can be used for gazing, and promotes sincerity in action, insight into future, also good for shamanic ceremonies to remove disorder from body, also promotes creativity.

Balancing the Root Chakra; Which sounds or notes to use :
Note used is a "C" note, and toning sound is "uh" as in love. See Crystal Kennedy 's article on using sound healing techniques to balance the chakras for more specifics on sound techniques.

How to Use Essential Oils to Balance the Root Chakra;
The methods described here are the same for each chakra, not just the root chakra. So you can apply these techniques with each chakra that needs balancing. First, choose a blend that speaks only to you. Peruse the oils listed for the chakra and notice which oils you are drawn to.
When you have chosen your oils, mix about 15-25 drops total essential oils to 1 ounce of carrier oil, (or 4 ounces of purified water for a spray) also choose something that speaks to you to blend it with- maybe sweet almond oil, jojoba, coconut, or grapeseed oils-whichever feels right to you.
Then, find a quiet location and focus your energies on a healing intent. Picture God's love and light in a clear bright red color (as red is the color of the base or root chakra) washing away any "dirty" energies and clear away all stagnant or blocked energies from the area, both front and back with a spray or anointing of your blend around the area.
I like to make a spray for ease of use when balancing the root chakra. While meditating on cleansing and balancing the chakra, place a corresponding gemstone on the area and use the toning sounds to have additional help in clearing the chakra.
All these techniques used in tandem can speed the process. Essential oils can stimulate and assist in the process of awakening, healing, opening the chakras, as well as strengthening the aura. You may also choose to use 6-10 drops of the root chakra blend in a cup of warm purified water and soak a towel or washcloth in the scented water, squeeze out the excess, and cover the area (as in a compress). Place the scented warm washcloth over the chakra while focusing a clear and radiant "red" color to clear and balance the chakra with healing intent until the towel has cooled completely. You could also add a corresponding gemstone or mineral to your spray or anointing oil to imbibe its properties into the blend, or even just place the gemstone/s on the area of the chakra while focusing your healing intent. This process can be used for all the chakras with their corresponding (colors) and essential oil blends that speak to you.

I sincerely hope you try these methods for chakra balancing, and discover the magical properties of essential oils for yourself. Stay tuned for the rest of the chakras and how to balance them using nature's gifts from God.

Resources & More Reading:
Essential Oils and Chakras Part One; Introduction to Using Essential Oils for Balancing the Chakras .
Essential Oil Recipe Blends & Dilutions for Energy Work; Clearing & Balancing the Chakras
Numerology, #four
Anita Slotte's " Tools for Transformation "
Aromatherapy information; http://www.bhia.org/aromatherapy.htm
Chakra information; http://health.indianetzone.com/aromatherapy/1/essential_oils_chakras.htm
Wonderful website on chakras; Suzanne Bovenizer's website

MORE READING ON CHAKRAS AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE :
Chakra Test ; Find out if your chakras are open or are blocked by taking this questionnaire.
More On Chakras and Balancing them ; http://www.chakraenergy.com/seven.html
More on Essential oils and Chakras; http://health.indianetzone.com/aromatherapy/1/essential_oils_chakras.htm
More on Balancing the Chakras with essential oils ;

MORE OF MY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ARTICLES:
Essential Oil Recipe Blends & Dilutions for Energy Work; Clearing & Balancing the Chakras
Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils
List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions
Sonopuncture: What is It? How Does it Work? What is it Used For?
Feel Great, Lose Weight and Boost Metabolism
Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator
Natural Holistic Remedies for Anxiety Stress & Depression; Natural Alternatives To Prozac,
Valium & Ritalin
Natural Holistic Remedies for Shingles
Kanna the "happy plant" Natural Alternative for weight loss, anxiety, depression and addictions to alcohol & smoking
How to quickly remedy stings naturally with papaya enzyme (mosquito, bee, wasp or jellyfish)
Alternative Therapies; Life Changing Rewards for happier and healthier living- a personal account

Books on the AROMATHERAPY AND CHAKRAS from Amazon:
Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils
Subtle Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils
Avalonia's Book of Chakras: A Practical Manual for Working with Your Charkas; Using
Aromatherapy, Colours, Crystals, Incense, Mantra & Meditation to Work With...Your Body's Natural Energy Centers
Vibrational Healing Through the Chakras: With Light, Color, Sound, Crystals, and Aromatherapy
Ultimate Balance Infusing the Vibrational Energy of Essential Oils into Chakras, Meridians and Organs
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing