Situated at the centre of the chest, the heart chakra (Anahata) is the centre of love, compassion, and beauty, connecting earthly and spiritual aspirations. The fourth chakra is represented by a rich shade of green. Its symbol is two intersecting triangles forming a six-pointed star, surrounded by a 12 petaled lotus.
Found at the chest, but not directly at the heart, this chakra is about love and empathy – for ourselves and those around us. It helps us to open ourselves and connect on a deeper level. It helps us love with no judgement and find peace. It helps to connect with our higher selves, allowing us to be truly open and connected to our inner selves.
What does the heart chakra represent and how do we know when this chakra is not in balance?
A Guide to the Heart Chakra
While the crown chakra is all about higher consciousness, the third eye chakra about intuition, and the throat chakra about communication, the heart chakra is about unconditional love and acceptance. Along with the chakras above this chakra, it allows us to live our best selves and go into the world from a place of lightness.
Signs of a blocked chakra may include any or all of the following symptoms:
- Battling to connect to those around you
- Being scared of being alone
- Struggling to move on from past relationships
- Holding grudges and anger
- Feeling angry at the world
- Trying to please everyone without feeling worthy
- Jealousy, competitiveness, and judgement
- Being needy or distant in relationships
There are a few ways to balance this chakra. As with any chakra imbalance, meditation is a fantastic tool to open the heart. Journaling and self love practices will also help to clear any blockages. Affirmations for this chakra include:
I am open to giving and receiving love.
I forgive myself and those around me.
I deeply nurture the child inside me.
I accept things just as they are.
I am worthy of love.
Essential oils for this chakra include rose, ylang ylang, and jasmine. Try making a roller ball or use these oils in a diffuser during a heart-opening meditation. Crystals include rose quartz, green aventurine, clear quartz, and green peridot. This yoga sequence for the heart can also help you open up your centre for love.
Next in the chakra series, we will be moving downwards to the third chakra – the solar plexus chakra. If you have any questions relating to the heart chakra, feel free to leave me a comment below.