5

Third Eye Chakra

Last Updated: March 8, 2024

Featured Image

Table of Contents

Discover the profound benefits and practical techniques to awaken your third eye. Get insights into enhancing intuition, expanding consciousness, and achieving a deeper connection with your inner self. Elevate your spiritual journey with practical tips and guidance.

Third Eye Chakra Explained

The sixth chakra, third eye, sits below the seventh chakra. Its energy governs spiritual communication, awareness, and perception.

Outline of the Third Eye Chakra

  • Location: Forehead, brow, Third Eye, brain

  • Third Eye Chakra Symbol: Two-petaled lotus surrounding an inverted triangle.

  • Associated color: Violet or Indigo Chakra

  • Element: Light

  • Bija Mantra(seed syllable): OM (sounds like a-u-m)

  • Affirmations: Third Eye chakra Affirmations

  • Sanskrit Name (meaning): Ajna (to perceive and command)

  • Purpose: Spiritual communication, awareness, and perception

  • Nerve Plexus: Prefrontal Cortex

  • Endocrine gland: Pituitary (the master gland) or Pineal

  • Associated crystals: Third Eye Chakra crystals such as Clear Quartz, Labradorite, Hematite

Origins of the Third Eye Chakra

what are chakras, the 7 chakras explained

The Third Eye Chakra also called the Brow Chakra, is the sixth of the seven main chakras, located in the center of the forehead. It has feminine energy and governs spiritual communication, awareness, and perception.

Two elements are associated with the wisdom of the Third Eye Chakra, including the lotus flower and the upside-down triangle.

In Sanskrit, the Third Eye Chakra is called the Ajna Chakra, which translates beyond wisdom, perception or command.

The Third Eye Chakra comes after the lower chakras, including the Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Heart Chakra, and Throat Chakra, with the Crown Chakra following. Altogether, this creates the body’s chakra energy system.

Chakra is a spinning wheel of energy that runs up the spine to the top of the head. Concepts of the seven chakras came to the Western world in the 1880s from tantric yoga traditions and are increasingly studied and practiced due to their extensive benefits.

The Chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BCE. The Vedas is the first text to introduce the seven chakras.

Functions of the Third Eye Chakra

The sixth chakra plays an essential role in the chakra system. It is located between, above, and behind the two physical eyes, expanding through the brain when opened.

The Third Eye Chakra is linked to the pituitary gland, called the “master gland,” as it regulates the body’s hormones.

This inner eye can deepen their spiritual connection when open, providing people with wisdom, knowledge, and insight. Buddhists regard the Third Eye Chakra as the “eye of consciousness.”

It is a highly spiritual chakra that relates to one's psychic abilities. Third Eye Activation gives individuals a “sixth sense” or strong intuition.

These psychic powers or inner guidance can support experiences in the real world by allowing people to trust their instincts and inner voices. This ability helps people experience the physical world around them with inner wisdom and light.

Life-force energy lies dormant at the base of the spine until it activates through wellness practices, including meditation, asanas, and prayer.

Individuals often experience heightened mental clarity, spiritual awareness, and higher consciousness. Healing practices support enlightenment and spiritual power.

A blocked Ajna can negatively impact health in the physical body and mental state. Some of the potential symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

  • Headaches

  • Vision problems

  • Neurological disorders

  • Eye problems

  • Brain disorders

Mental Symptoms

  • Self-limiting beliefs

  • Lack of purpose

  • Anxiety

  • Mood disorders

Those experiencing these symptoms may benefit from practicing some of our recommended Third Eye chakra healing exercises so life-force energy can flow freely through the human body.

How to Open the Third Eye Chakra

third eye chakra symbol, Ajna, Third Eye Chakra crystal

Many practices help open and balance the Ajna chakra, supporting well-being in the body, mind, and soul.

Practice yoga to heal the Third Eye Chakra. Kundalini yoga is effective in opening the Third Eye chakra. Specific yoga poses also correspond with the Third Eye chakra. Here are three great yoga asanas that will assist in healthy alignment and Third Eye Chakra opening:

  • Plow Pose (Halasana): Lie face up on your mat, bring your knees toward your chest, and straighten your legs toward the sky, shifting your hips stacked over your shoulder and neck area. Place your palms on your lower back to support your weight. Slowly lower your legs back over your head, keeping them straight. With your feet flexed, rest your toes on the floor. Release your hands from your back and place them flat on the ground. Hold for five breaths.

  • Child's Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor with your toes touching and your knees hip-width apart. As you exhale, lower your torso down, in between your legs. Your arms should extend straight in front of you with your palms facing down. Relax your body and melt into the pose.

  • Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Savasana): Begin in a tabletop position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your fingers spread. Press your hands into the mat and tuck your toes under your feet. Lift your knees off the mat and straighten your legs as much as possible. Hold for several breaths.

Third Eye Chakra Affirmations and Crystals

Practicing daily affirmations aloud, mentally, or in writing can cleanse negative energy and old patterns to create positive thought patterns, improving mental health. Here are some affirmations that support the health of one's Third Eye Chakra:

  • I am open to the truths of the universal consciousness.

  • I am open to new perspectives and experiences.

  • I am connected to the spiritual world.

  • I see meaningful connections, signs and messages.

  • I see the world with clarity and understanding.

  • I see my life's purpose clearly.

  • I hear my inner voice.

Chakra Stones and crystals: Healing crystals can effectively balance chakras. Use them by placing crystals over the chakra during meditation, distributing them around the home, wearing them as jewelry, or carrying them when having self-doubt or requiring strong intuition.

Some Third Eye Chakra crystals that help one connect with their higher consciousness include:

  • Lapis Lazuli: Supports balance of psychic intuition and reason to awaken the higher self.

  • Purple or violet tourmaline: Supports spiritual growth and problem-solving.

  • Sodalite: Reduces anxiety and calms the mind, supporting self-acceptance.

Other Third Eye Chakra healing practices include incorporating the color indigo or purple into your life, eating purple foods, and participating in spiritual practice.

Another method includes immersing oneself in a light-filled environment, gazing at a candle flame, or sun gazing. Meditation that brings awareness and focus to the point between the eyes in the center of the head is also effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Third Eye Chakra essential oils?

Certain essential oils are proven effective for opening the Third Eye Chakra. These can be put in a diffuser, diluted and put on the skin of the chakra location or used in other creative ways.

Some of the oils proven effective when the Third Eye Chakra is blocked include Lemon (Citrus Lemon) and Sandalwood (Santalum Album).

What does the Third Eye Chakra represent?

The Third Eye Chakra represents our perception, spiritual communication, and self awareness.

What causes Third Eye Chakra blockage?

Many things can cause blockage in the Third Eye Chakra. Some of these causes include a diet of highly processed foods, overwhelming feelings of sadness, self-doubt, and being disconnected from nature.

Additionally, calcification from fluoride and exposure to heavy metals can negatively affect the pineal gland, which is crucial in aligning the Third Eye Chakra.

How to Open Your Third Eye Chakra for Spiritual Awakening

To achieve third eye opening for spiritual awakening, practice meditation focusing on the area between your eyebrows. Incorporate breathing exercises, use essential oils like lavender and sandalwood, and engage in yoga poses that stimulate the forehead area. Cultivating mindfulness and trusting your intuition also help in unlocking the third eye chakra.

References

A Complete Guide to the Chakras and Their Effects on the Mind, Body and Spirit

The Geometry of Emotions: Using Chakra Acupuncture and 5-Phase Theory to Describe Personality Archetypes for Clinical Use

Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation

Chakra - Wikipedia

https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/ajna-chakra-your-third-eye-chakra-awakening/

Disclaimer

The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related changes or if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Anahana is not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may occur from using the information provided.