Chakra 4 of 7
The heart chakra (Anahata)
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, Green aventurine, Rhodonite, Jade and 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 lists traditional meanings.
Stones for the heart chakra
Questions answered
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.
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