Ultimately, the objective of an open 4th Chakra is unconditional love. A love so pure that it is not quantified by any restrictions imposed on it, such as your ideals or the way you think others should act or respond to you. So, in addition to your family and friends, the 4th Chakra also makes it possible for you to "love your neighbor (or fellow man) as yourself."

A person graced with a balanced 4th Chakra has a loving presence that is accepting, warm, friendly, gracious, compassionate, and charismatic. Healthy, loving relationships based on a balanced give-and-take dynamic are the benchmark of this Chakra. As such, an ability to gratefully "receive" as well as to give is readily apparent. Self-love is also a tenant of an open 4th Chakra.

Deficiencies in this area surface as feelings of isolation, withdrawal, paranoia, fear of commitment, lack of self-esteem, and/or depression. Heart defenses may manifest as a tendency to "give everything away," to be totally focused on others while depriving oneself, or as addictions (such as to drugs or alcohol), which are used to suppress or deaden feelings from the heart.

A closed or shielded Heart Chakra can stop the ascension to the higher level Chakras right here, so it is easy to see how important it is to open your heart. Unconditional love is the reward and forgiveness is the key.

© 2009-2010 Mary Jo Shaffer
Excerpt from the book, Rainbow Eyes: CHAKRAMID Reflections. In this tale of one woman's journey to chakra energy awakening, you will learn about your Chakras in an entertaining, informative fantasy format. In contrast to Alice going down a rabbit hole, our tale follows Jessica as she journeys up the CHAKRAMID…in an elevator! Read more...