The Heart Chakra is where our physical bodies and spiritual bodies become one. It’s the bridge between the three lower chakras (Root, Sacral and Solar Plexus) and the three upper chakras (Throat, Third Eye and Crown). The Heart Chakra is located in the center of your chest (sternum) and governs the thymus gland, immune system, respiratory system, lymphatic system and lungs.

The Sanskrit word for the heart chakra is Anahata (Ah-na-hah-tah), which means “unstruck” or unhurt. It is the source of forgiveness, compassion, gratitude, grace and acceptance. When our heart chakra is in balance, we expand our capacity to give and receive love.

The heart chakra is about connection. It is the space where several complex, independent systems work together to support one another.

The thymus gland helps fight infection by making white blood cells, the lymphatic system filters out airborne pathogens to keep our lungs functioning optimally. The lungs are an integral part of the respiratory system that receives clean air in (oxygen produced by Earth matter) and sends waste out (carbon dioxide needed by Earth matter). The health of our immune and cardiovascular systems is dependent upon this symbiotic relationship. Without it, all other systems will quickly shut down and our life force leaves the body.

The heart chakra receives energy from the upper (Spirit) and lower (Matter) chakras and filters out what is not needed to remain the vibration of love. When it is out of balance, negative emotions, such as grief, unforgiveness, unworthiness and envy get stuck here. As much as the heart chakra is tied to partnering and relating, it is also about seeing one’s own value within the greater context of connectedness. Giving, as well as receiving what is needed for the greatest good of the Self and the Other. 

Overactive:

• Jealousy
• Being a pushover
• Over giving
• People pleasing
• Codependency
• Lack of self-worth

Under Active:

• Being critical and judgmental
• Holding grudges
• Vengeance
• Isolation
• Stinginess
• Ungratefulness

Conditions:

• Heartburn
• Slouching/Shoulders rounding forward
• Sunken or puffed out chest
• Stiff or tight upper back
• Arm weakness
• Shoulder pain 

Astrology
Venus governs the heart chakra and represents the balance between what is in the best interest for one (Self) versus what is fair and just for many (Other). Venus is the planet of love and beauty and is concerned with the worth and necessity of what we possess, our connection to people and the relationship we have with ourselves. Too much Venusian energy makes one overindulgent, snobby, materialistic and greedy. Too little Venusian energy makes one self-sacrificial, conflict-avoidant, loathsome and despondent.