Or if it's functioning inharmoniously?

  

   If your Root Chakra is insufficiently developed or not functioning properly, all your thoughts and actions will be focused on material security and possession, or on sensual pleasure and stimulation, for example: good food, alcoholic drinks, sex, etc.

   Whatever you desire, you want to get hold of it and take pleasure in it immediately, with no thought for the consequences that might ensue. At the same time, you probably find it hard to give and receive freely. You tend to take every possible measure to maintain your security and protect yourself. On a physical level, a lack of confidence and an unwillingness to "let go of things" often manifests itself in the form of constipation and of excess weight which may eventually develop into obesity. You are afraid of life, you feel you are in danger. This impression may well be a bit vague, but you can tell if it's lurking deep inside you, or not.

   Your behaviour is focused mainly on satisfying your own needs. Unconsciously, you are blind to the needs of others, and even those of your own body, in particular its demand for a sensible and healthy diet, sufficient rest and a balanced and harmonious life-style.

   In extreme cases, people whose Root Chakra is malfunctioning, become obsessed with certain ideas and certain desires that they can't drop. And whenever this fixation is challenged by circumstances or other people, they react with mild tension or annoyance, or even aggression and anger. A wish to impose personal ideas and desires at all costs is a clear sign that the Root Chakra is "out of balance".

   Basically, anger, annoyance and violence are defence mechanisms linked to a deficit in fundamental confidence. And this deficit always hides a fear of losing something or being unable to obtain the elements of security and well-being.

   The earth is a place which needs to be managed and used in a fair and appropriate way to guarantee the survival of humanity. So the excessive exploitation that is now threatening the earth's vital resources (soil impoverishment, industrial pollution, oil slicks, massive deforestation, etc.), and the destruction of its natural balance, are a sign that most people today have an unbalanced Root Chakra.

   People whose Root Chakra is "blocked" or "closed" have a relatively feeble constitution; they have little physical or mental strength. A multitude of things make them feel anxious and vaguely insecure, and they sometimes have the impression that they are "losing their footing" or "not quite there". They find it rather hard to cope with the demands of life, and often lack the stability or courage needed to assert themselves. To them, life on earth seems to be more of a burden than a joy, and they are nearly always hankering for a life that is easier, pleasanter and less demanding.

   The first chakra relates to the ability to master the purely material aspects of day-to-day existence. It therefore provides the energy we need to get up every morning and go out to work. It roots us in daily life. When it is "blocked", we can only focus on lowly mundane tasks, because we become incapable of opening ourselves to everyday pleasures and desires. This leads us to work relentlessly, and sometimes even fanatically. Personal creative energy is blocked, and typical anxieties can be seen, like the fear of becoming poor.

   As soon as this chakra has been cleared, you will start to feel much better in your working life; to happily regard your work as a "challenge" and to attract material success. You'll be able to capture the divine forces that form a barrier to all kinds of negative waves and malign influences. 

To be continued...