The 4th chakra ~ Heart ~ Anahata
The fourth chakra is the heart or anahata, which translates to infinite, unhurt, boundless.
The heart chakra governs the physical heart and lungs. It is essential to our physical supply of energy and vitality as well as the love that nourishes our spiritual existence.
Centering ourselves in love gives our life purpose and meaning. It anchors us in Selfhood, which is love itself.
What this means, on a real level, is that our very nature is loving, kind, and respectful.
Growth and healing open a panorama, where we give love freely and unconditionally and receive it in the same way.
The qualities of the heart chakra are peace, love, unity, brother and sisterhood, and joy. All these aspects of the heart speak of love of life and a penetrating awareness of the sacredness of all things.
The heart thrives on joy and delight; it flourishes on openness, sharing, touch, and connection. It contracts with pain, loss, and trauma.
Feeding the heart with affirmative energy is choosing to see the love in people, and the joy in all things.
The message of the heart chakra is to accept the oneness of all life. Through loving we radiate the joy of being.
An open heart chakra is experienced by others as warm, inviting, and tender. An old Irish saying goes, “Find people who warm you.” This refers to seeking a true heart connection with others.
Location: The heart chakra’s center is located right over your heart and it radiates down to your breastbone and up to your throat.
Age of resonance: 28-35
Shape: Crescent moon
Color: Green for the heart protector, pink or gold for the heart itself.
Musical note: F
Type of music: Choral
Element: Air
Aspect of intelligence: Remembering the good, loving, and caring
Sensory experience: Touch
Essential oils: Rose, carnation, lily of the valley
Astrological associations: Libra and Taurus
Metals: Copper and gold
Earthly location: Spain
Mythological animal: Deer
Plants: Foxglove, rose, carnation, lily
Qualities: Unity, brotherhood/sisterhood, love, peace, purity, and innocence
Life issues: To let love be the center of your life
Physical activities: Yoga, massage, healing touch, walking, dancing
Spiritual activities: Learning to love yourself first, then others, prayer, healing, singing, joyful endeavor
Deep healing comes through the heart chakra. This is where, according to mystics, God lives within each of us.
Our heart song resonates with the pulse of our being.
As we evolve we long for a heart connection in all things. It gives us a sense of unity and belonging; it helps us share the best of ourselves with others.
Once we transcend the lower chakras and come into the realm of the heart, there is only oneness.
Joy comes when we are connected to love, unity, and peace. Removing the impediments to the experience of love takes love itself, especially for oneself.
We all need love as the essential core of our lives, and if painful wounds have closed the heart off from receiving it, it is essential to revive it.
Mending the heart so that it is able to love again is the basis of all healing.
The realization that we are love helps ease the pain of rejection or loss. Developing compassion for those who are not able to love us in the way we desire is the awareness of an awakened heart.
Spiritual enlightenment is the awareness that we are love. What we seek in the external world is a mere reflection of our true nature.
When we know we are love, then love finds its way into our lives. When we release what blocks the heart chakra, we open the channel for love to find us.
Meditation for the Heart Chakra
This meditation is done in two parts. First, we experience the nature of the heart protector, which acts as a shield from harmful energy.
The second part of this meditation focuses on the heart itself, and the love that you are.
Affirmation Meditation for the Heart Chakra
Repeat this affirmation once every morning and once every evening when you wish to access your heart chakra.
Heart Chakra Journal Prompts
These questions are designed to let you explore your heart chakra, and to help you see the love in your life. It is in the now that all love exists. Be gentle with yourself as you explore these questions in your journal.
What makes your heart sing?
Can you allow more joy to be part of your life? What would happen if you invited more joy into your life?
Can you forgive those who hurt you in the past? What might that look like?