
Fourth Chakra – Heart Chakra - Anahata
posted by Jackie Gaston
This post is part of an ongoing series about the chakra system. If you would prefer to read all of the information in one place, please go to my goodies page and download my free ebook, Chakras 101.
Symbol: Twelve-petaled lotus, circle containing two intersecting triangles
Location: Heart
Color: green
Stones: emerald, jade, green tourmaline, rose quartz
Musical Note: F#
Scents: rose, geranium, palmarosa , lavender
Body Parts: heart, shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, thymus gland, breasts
Sense: Touch
Foods: leafy green vegetables
Asanas: camel, cobra, fish
Planet: Venus
Astrological sign: Libra
Element: Air
The fourth chakra's location in the middle of the body makes it the bridge between the lower and higher chakras. The first three chakras are concerned with the individual self in terms of survival, creation and power. The heart chakra balances these elements with the last three chakras which are more concerned with the connection to the higher realms. It's energy is mostly feminine with nurturing qualities.
The fourth chakra relates to the planet Venus which is named for the goddess of love. It is notable that the Goddess Venus was said to live between the heavens and the earth which seems appropriate for the chakra which connects the lower and upper chakras.
Libra with its scale relates to the heart chakras tendency to seek balance between the higher (head) chakras and the lower (body centered) chakras. Libra is also a sign that is associated with relationships which are ruled by the hears.
An out of balance fourth chakra is sometimes expressed as jealously, neediness, low energy, over sensitivity or putting the needs of others ahead of ones own. In physical terms it can be associated with breast or lung cancer, heart disease or a tendency to injure the hands, arms or shoulders.
A person with a balanced and healthy heart chakra is loving and giving but is very self aware when it comes to taking care of his/her own needs. This person is accepting of him or herself which allows him/her to be more accepting of others. He/she tends to attract people who don't have agendas.