The Fourth Chakra is located in the region of the heart and upper back and influences not only the circulatory system but the pulmonary system and immune system (through the thymus) as well. Known as the Heart Chakra, this energy center vibrates in the color of green and on the higher octaves, in pink and gold. It is represented by the 12 petalled lotus and is connected to the element of air and the sense of touch. When balanced the heart chakra radiates love, emotional warmth and generosity. It is the energy of Venus, of self-love, self-compassion as well as love and compassion for others. There are two associated compassion points located ¾ of the way to each arm pit from the heart that are sub-chakras that when connected with the heart form a triangle, representing all forms of the trinity in union under the love/compassion frequency. This area is where the 12 petalled lotus opens to generate and send healing love out to the world. It is also where we pull in love from the higher sources to self-nurture and self heal our inner being.

The heart chakra is the center of the chakra system in that it connects the 3 higher chakras to the 3 lower ones. It is the balance point of the higher self to how we manifest here in the mundane world. It is also the pivot point of the expression “As Above, So Below”. In the heart chakra we learn to get in touch deeply with our core being and our core truth. The heart’s voice is one of the voices of our Soul and when we are still, and listen intently, we can hear our true heart’s desire. The fourth chakra gives us skills to intimately love, to reach out and touch others, and to invite Spirit’s love to flow through us. As it is associated with the circulatory system, Spirit’s love feels like a deep river coursing through the veins and pulsating energy out to the world in an expression of compassion and heart felt kindness. We are able to pull the energy in from a higher source and channel it through the heart in a healing capacity to others and ourselves.

When imbalanced or dysfunctional, the heart chakra energy becomes muddied and stagnant. When this happens we can often feel jealous, petulant, indifferent and lonely. Instead of flowing energy out, we become needy, grabbing at others energies, demanding attention and asking others for love instead of looking within for self-love. Fear, despair, hate, longing, dispassion, condemnation, “heartlessness” and envy are all negative expressions of a dysfunctional heart chakra. We become incapable of accepting other’s love, unable to receive, and therefore more unwilling to give. Life becomes guarded and love becomes greedy. We pretend we don’t need other people and that we can cope alone, when actually inside we are desperate to feel wanted and accepted.

The heart chakra teaches us that first we must love ourselves. How can we ever expect anyone else to love us if we have no self-love? The laws of karma suggest that we can only reflect back to us what we feel about ourselves. If we are capable of self-love and appreciation, then we will attract someone who will support us in the kind of love we offer ourselves. If there is no self-love, and we begin to demand others to love us and fill the vacant hole we have created within, then we begin to build karma with that person, and at some point, there will be a pay-off time. When we can love ourselves, love flows out to others. Others who are able to love themselves gravitate to us and in a balanced union, partnership is created karma-free. We each sustain self-love, and as a reflection, are therefore loved by others.

Essential oils that help to balance love of self and others are rose, geranium, palmarosa, neroli, elemi, melissa, hyssop, rosewood, chamomile, ylang ylang, galbanum, angelica and jasmine.

Essential oils that ease heartache and calm the circulatory system when there is tightness or palpitations are angelica, marjoram, hyssop, lavender, neroli, melissa, rose, chamomile, ylang ylang and jasmine.

Often when there are emotional heart issues, we sometimes find difficulty in catching our breath. Stress, heartache, feelings of rejection, jealousy or fear can cause a tightening of the chest, a shortness of breath, and a shallow airy breathing pattern. Essential oils that might help the respiratory system when shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness occurs are eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, rosemary, rose, chamomile, marjoram, sandalwood, frankincense and hyssop.

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in this modern day society, so we have learned to close down the heart chakra and become wary of our fellow man. We are so imprinted with the negative that it is often hard to remain open to the positive. And yet, if we are to have an open heart and a free flowing heart energy center, it is imperative to trust, to open, and to love, irregardless of the possibility of being hurt. Remember, if you can truly learn to love yourself, others will reflect back that love. Then vulnerability is no longer an issue and love pours through, out and returns back to you. It really is a lovely thing.