# The heart chakra (Anahata)

> The heart chakra (Anahata) in yoga tradition: where it sits, its colour (green (and pink in modern practice)), its themes, and the crystals traditionally link

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/heart
Updated: 2026-10-30

Anahata, meaning 'unstruck' in Sanskrit, is the fourth of the seven main chakras in modern yoga tradition. It is placed at the centre of the chest, shown as green (and pink in modern practice), and linked with love, kindness, forgiveness and connection.

## At a glance

|  | Heart chakra |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit name | Anahata ('unstruck') |
| Position | The centre of the chest |
| Colour | Green (and pink in modern practice) |
| Element | Air |
| Seed sound (bija) | YAM |
| Themes | Love, kindness, forgiveness and connection |

## Where the idea comes from

Chakras ('wheels') come from Hindu and Buddhist tantric texts, where the number and details vary. The familiar seven chakras with rainbow colours come largely from Sir John Woodroffe's 1919 book The Serpent Power and later Western writers. We share the system as tradition and a tool for reflection, not as anatomy or medicine.

## Crystals for the heart chakra

Stones usually matched with Anahata share its colour: [Rose quartz](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/rose-quartz), [Green aventurine](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/aventurine), [Rhodonite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/rhodonite), [Jade](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/jade) and [Malachite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/malachite). Many people place one on the body during a lying-down meditation, or keep it on a desk as a reminder.

## A simple practice

Write to someone you have lost touch with, or rest a rose quartz on your chest while lying down.

Some people chant the seed sound YAM softly for a few breaths. Ten quiet minutes is plenty.

## Colour around the home

Using green in candles, cloths or flowers is a gentle way to bring the heart chakra's themes into a room. Our [candle colour guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/candle-colour-meanings) lists traditional meanings.

## Questions

**What colour is the heart chakra?**

Green (and pink in modern practice).

**Where is the heart chakra?**

At the centre of the chest, in modern yoga tradition.

**Which crystals go with the heart chakra?**

Rose quartz, Green aventurine, Rhodonite, Jade and Malachite.

**What element is the heart chakra?**

The heart chakra is linked with air in modern chakra tradition. Each of the seven main chakras is given an element, rising from earth at the root to more subtle elements higher up. People sometimes use this in meditation, picturing the element while focusing on the chakra's position.

**What is the seed mantra for the heart chakra?**

The seed (bija) mantra for the heart chakra is YAM. In yoga tradition it is chanted slowly on the out-breath, feeling the sound resonate, often for a few minutes. A [singing bowl](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/how-to-use/singing-bowls) can be used alongside it to set a calm pace.

**What incense is used for the heart chakra?**

Modern practice pairs the heart chakra with rose, lavender and jasmine. These pairings are modern tradition, chosen by mood and colour. Burn incense in a ventilated room on a heatproof holder. Browse our [incense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/collections/incense) and [incense guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/incense-types-explained). Chakras are a belief system from yoga tradition, not anatomy.

**What is an affirmation for the heart chakra?**

A traditional-style affirmation for the heart chakra is "I give and receive love freely." Say it slowly a few times, perhaps holding a green stone or sitting quietly. Affirmations are a reflective practice, not a treatment. See [crystals for the heart chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/heart).

## Related

- [Root chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/root)
- [Sacral chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/sacral)
- [Solar plexus chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/solar-plexus)
- [Throat chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/throat)
- [Third eye chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/third-eye)
- [Crown chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/crown)
- [All seven chakras](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras)

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