Chakra Stones and Their Meanings - Part One

Have you ever found a small stone when hiking or walking on the beach and for some reason, put it in your pocket to keep?  This simple act has been part of human history since early on.  The practice of carrying or wearing a small rock that has special meaning is not new.  In indigenous cultures, a stone was often kept in a small pouch or amulet and worn throughout a person's life.  It served to strengthen an individual's personal power while reminding them of their very real ties to the earth.  While each person is uniquely drawn to a different stone, all of us are dependent upon this planet for our existence, and keeping a part of it near our heart seems a very natural thing to do.

What is the Purpose of a Chakra Stone?

     A chakra stone can be a powerful tool in helping you release stored up or blocked emotions.  It is a focal point that puts you in touch with an intention.  Let's begin with the first or root chakra.  The purpose of a root chakra stone is to assist you in feeling grounded, safe and belonging to this living organism we call Earth.  Within this chakra, we hold the will to live and a primal passion for life.  An easy way to think of this chakra is the phrase, Survive and Thrive.  A good example of a root chakra stone is hematite.  It is a dark gray metallic stone with lots of iron, which makes it both dense and heavy for its size.  Sometimes you can see the iron as a red streak across the deep gray background.  Hematite has a natural shine even before it is polished and is often found growing in clusters called rosettes.  These clusters look much like rock flowers.

Healing Properties of Hematite

     The root chakra responds to hematite, feeling its solid strength, heaviness and almost magnetic pull to the earth.  Within the root chakra, we hold our need to feel secure, comfortable and physically safe.  Only after these needs have been met, can one proceed in the spiritual process of enlightenment.  Camping, hiking, watching a sunrise or just sitting quietly under a tree are all first chakra activities.  When we commune with nature, we are tapping into our roots.  Try holding a piece of hematite and allowing yourself to feel calm and secure, knowing you can survive and thrive right where you are.  As a side, note, the root chakra is represented by both red and black.  Other good first chakra stones I recommend are red jasper, black onyx, lava, black jade and red garnet.