Heart Chakra – Anahata

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The Anahata or Heart Chakra is the 4th chakra in the chakra system. It is the seat of our deepest and darkest feelings. The 12 petals or Vrittis meaning “waves” or “ripples” of disturbance are: lustfulness, fraudulence, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetency, discrimination and defiance. The heart chakra is at the center of the chakra system and connects the three upper chakras with the three lower chakras. This chakra is where the struggles and hardships of life are stored. This is where your true strength is, the stronger and more developed a persons heart chakra is the more that person can handle. The heart chakra allows a person to see beauty in the subtleties of nature and in people. The heart chakra is the birth place of our consciousness, where we feel sympathy and empathy for others and what they’re going through and also have the desire to want to do something about it. The heart chakra is the most important chakra and it’s harmony is vital as it is the center of the chakra system it has a major effect on the other chakras. It is most connected to the third eye chakra because the third eye chakra deals with our perception. When you have love for the subtleties of life your overall perception and view on life and the ability to see the big picture is more precise and fine tuned.

Closed/Blocked Heart Chakra

As the Great Andre 3000 one half of the legendary group Outkast said “Whats cooler than being cold… ICE COLD!!” A person with a closed or blocked heart chakra lacks the ability to give their love to others. They hold back and repress their true feelings to distance themselves from situations that require sympathy and empathy due to their fear of rejection. To protect themselves from being hurt again they close their heart chakra. Someone with a closed or blocked heart chakra may come off as cold or heartless but that is only a defensive mechanism to avoid being hurt again. Due to the lack of emotional connection to others they are prone to depression which may manifest as “hatred” or an unsympathetic heart towards themselves and others.

Unbalanced Heart Chakra

Someone with an unbalanced heart chakra tends to wear their heart on their sleeve so they give their love away too easily. They have a difficult time saying no which often leads them to being in unhealthy co-dependant relationships with people who do not return the same efforts and energy. This results in them being in a cycle of love/hate relationships, chasing the feeling of love they are missing within themselves. Because they don’t know what it means to be loved, someone with an unbalanced heart chakra can give love to others but rejects love when its given to them. Displays of affection, tenderness and compliments are embarrassing to them and make them feel akward. An unbalanced heart chakra may cause a person to develop strong attachments to people, everyone they meet is an instant best friend. They have a hard time letting things go and will hold onto grief, distress, unresolved issues, and grudges for a long period of time. Easily offended, they take a lot of things to heart and will often play the victim in situations that require they stand up for themselves. They have a hard time relaxing and feel like its a crime to treat themselves and have fun. They do not take any kind of loss well and will sulk over it for a long time.

Balanced Heart Chakra

A person with a balanced heart chakra is full of love and affection, they radiate beauty and compassion from their entire being. Because they are able to create a loving, peaceful and healing environment for themselves and others, people are naturally drawn to them and become easily attached to them. They have a strong desire to help others and will do things for others without expecting anything in return. Someone with a balanced heart chakra posses a core that is strong and centered, they are often able to bear more hardships than most people. They also have a huge amount of love and appreciation for the small things in life like nature, animals and children.

If you are feeling like your heart chakra may be blocked or out of balance, affirmations, meditation, wearing the color green, getting out in nature, and working with crystals are all excellent tools to get you back in balance.

Heart Chakra Healing Crystals

Peridot – Promotes responsibility and forgiveness, instilling confidence and reestablishing a sense of self-worth. Regulates our interaction with the external world and assists in understand our own needs and emotions clearly. 

Green Aventurine – Releases old patterns, habits and disappointments so new growth can take place. Ideal for soothing quick-tempers. A comforter and heart healer, used to clear and activate the Heart Chakra for general well-being and emotional calm.

Emerald – Combines intelligence with discernment and brings to the conscious mind what is unconsciously known. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Promotes friendship and balance between partners. Assists in practicing compassion and respectful understanding of others and to be open to receive love from others.