The third eye chakra, also known as the ajna or brow chakra, is the sixth primary chakra located between the eyebrows. It is associated with the color indigo and carries energies related to intuition, wisdom, insight and the ability to see with vision beyond the physical eyes.
What is the Third Eye Chakra?
In Sanskrit, ajna means “command” or “perceive,” indicating the function of this chakra as a center for higher perception. It is considered a gateway through which we access our inner wisdom and guidance. When balanced, the third eye allows us to cut through illusions to reach wisdom we already possess deep within. It allows us to tap into our intuition and inner knowledge.
The third eye chakra is associated with the pineal gland, which in Hindu philosophy is believed to be the seat of soul. The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates sleep, and also secretes the hormone DMT, which is thought to induce dreams and other mystical states. There is a long history of practices aimed at activating the third eye, from meditative visualizations to consuming psychedelics.
In yoga, the third eye is associated with detachment from the material world and gaining insight into the true nature of reality. It is linked to wisdom, intuition, imagination, concentration, and subtle perception. When we begin to awaken this chakra, we may have vivid dreams, increased insight, and more awareness of signs, omens, and synchronicities in our lives.
The Color Indigo
Each chakra is associated with a color from the rainbow. The color indigo is linked to the third eye chakra. Indigo is the color of deep midnight blue with some purple hues. It sits between blue and violet on the color spectrum.
In various spiritual and mystical traditions, the color indigo is associated with:
- Intuition
- Inner vision
- Seeing beyond the physical
- Communication with spiritual guides
- Psychic abilities
- Imagination
- Wisdom
- Deep calm
Indigo light has a high frequency vibration that is believed to stimulate the third eye and activate extrasensory perception. Many believe those who are skilled at tapping into intuition and visions naturally resonate at the indigo frequency.
Third Eye Chakra Symbolism
Some key symbolism and imagery associated with the third eye chakra includes:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The color indigo | Intuition, inner vision, imagination |
| The Ajna two petaled lotus flower | Represents duality and the integration of opposites such as intuition and reason |
| The mantra “Om” | Seed sound representing universal consciousness |
| Yantras and mandalas | Sacred geometry that aids meditation and focus |
| Third eye/ajna mudra | Hand position that stimulates third eye |
| Deities | Hindu deities associated with ajna include Shiva, Maat, Cybele |
These symbols reflect third eye themes of spiritual vision, focus, concentration, and divine wisdom.
Third Eye Chakra Activation
There are many practices and techniques aimed at activating, opening, and balancing the third eye chakra. Some examples include:
- Meditation: Visualization exercises, concentrating on the third eye, reciting mantras
- Yoga poses: Child’s pose, downward facing dog, siddhasana
- Breathwork: Alternate nostril breathing, kapalbhati breathing
- Sound: Listening to music at 432Hz, chanting seed mantras
- Gems and minerals: Wearing amethyst or lapis lazuli jewelry over third eye
- Essential oils: Applying sandalwood, lavender, or mugwort oil to third eye
A balanced third eye generally leads to greater spiritual connection, vivid dreams, creativity, imagination, wisdom, and ability to trust one’s inner guidance. However, overactive third eyes can sometimes lead to headaches, hallucinations, and difficulty grounding in everyday reality.
Signs of an Imbalanced Third Eye Chakra
Here are some signs that your third eye chakra may be blocked or imbalanced:
- Lack of imagination or inner vision
- Poor dream recall
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Not trusting your intuition
- Feeling disconnected from your inner wisdom or spiritual guidance
- Inability to visualize solutions or think symbolically
- Believing only in the literal, physical world
- Limited perspective or rigid thinking
- Headaches, nightmares, hallucinations
Practices like meditation, yoga, breathwork, and exposing yourself to indigo light can help open, balance, and stimulate a blocked or stagnant third eye chakra.
Signs of an Overactive Third Eye Chakra
Here are some signs that your third eye chakra may be too open and overstimulated:
- Constant headaches or migraines, often centered around third eye
- Blurry vision
- Daytime drowsiness or sleep disturbances
- Vivid or disturbing dreams and nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Inability to concentrate or focus; distractibility
- Anxiety, fear, and paranoia
- Feeling ungrounded
- Difficulty distinguishing reality vs fantasy
If your third eye feels overactive, grounding practices like mindful walking, gardening, cooking, and massage can help calm and rebalance the chakra. Avoiding overstimulating activities like psychedelics can also help if you feel your third eye is too open.
Third Eye Chakra Exercises
Here are some exercises that can help open, heal, and bring your third eye chakra into balance:
1. Third Eye Meditation
Sit comfortably with eyes closed. Bring attention to your third eye between the eyebrows. Visualize indigo or deep blue light flooding the area. Repeat the mantra “om” while continuing to breathe deeply into the third eye. Visualize this region opening, spinning, or flowering.
2. Alternate Nostril Breathing
Place the right thumb over the right nostril and inhale through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with ring finger, release the right and exhale through right. Inhale right, close right nostril, open left, exhale left. This channels prana and stimulates third eye.
3. Yantra Gazing
Choose a third eye yantra image and gaze softly at center point for 5+ minutes. Allow peripheral vision to relax. Yantras balance energy centers in the body.
4. Wear Indigo Crystals
Wearing gems like amethyst, lapis lazuli, azurite over the third eye integrates the indigo vibration. You can also place crystals on the third eye during meditation.
5. Third Eye Chakra Yoga Poses
Poses like child’s pose, siddhasana, balasana and downward dog stimulate third eye through inversion and Blood flow. Can combine with third eye meditation.
Foods for the Third Eye Chakra
Some foods that may help support and heal the third eye include:
- Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard
- Purple fruits like grapes, plums, berries
- Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Herbs like mugwort, lavender, peppermint
- Spices like turmeric, black pepper
- Dark chocolate
- Green and black tea
- Dark red wine
- Vegetable oils like olive and coconut oil
- Beans, lentils
- Whole grains
These foods nourish the pineal gland linked to the third eye. They also contain nutrients that promote brain health, calmness, and focus.
Essential Oils for the Third Eye
Some essential oils that may help open, activate, and heal the third eye chakra include:
| Essential Oil | Effects |
|---|---|
| Sandalwood | Relaxing, promotes inner wisdom |
| Lavender | Relaxing, calming, mildly sedative |
| Frankincense | Spiritual, meditative, calming |
| Clary sage | Euphoric, promotes lucid dreaming |
| Peppermint | Mental stimulant, improves focus |
| Mugwort | Dream enhancement, psychic visions |
Diffusing these oils, applying diluted oil over third eye, or using in massage can stimulate and activate this chakra.
Healing Stones for the Third Eye
Some crystals and gemstones that may aid the third eye include:
- Amethyst – Primary stone, aids intuition and psychic ability
- Lapis lazuli – Wisdom, intuition, psychic vision
- Sodalite – Stimulates third eye, intuitive thoughts
- Azurite – Inner vision, taps into subconscious wisdom
- Purple fluorite – Deepens intuition, enhances dreams
- Labradorite – Imagination, daydreaming, fantasy states
- Herkimer diamond – Clarity, concentration, removes blockages
Wearing or meditating with these stones over the third eye can help activate and heal this energy center.
Opening the Third Eye Safely
While awakening your third eye can be powerful, it is important to open it gradually and safely. Here are some tips:
- Work with an experienced spiritual teacher or guide when starting out
- Balance third eye activation with grounding practices
- Avoid using psychedelics to force an opening
- Be aware of any disturbing visions or sensations
- Keep a dream journal to integrate understandings
- Get plenty of rest between meditation sessions
- Cleanse aura and chakras with sound, visualization, or crystals
- Avoid activities requiring heavy focus after intense activation
Always listen to your body and intuition if the third eye feels like it is becoming overactive or ungrounded. Slow down and refocus on grounding and integration practices.
Conclusion
The third eye chakra, or ajna, is linked to our intuition, imagination, wisdom, and inner spiritual guidance. Accessing this chakra allows us to tap into our subconscious mind and inner realms. The color indigo is associated with the third eye, and practices like guided meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, crystals, and essential oils can help open and stimulate this energy center safely when done gradually.
A balanced third eye gives us greater access to our inner truth while keeping us grounded in the physical world. As we awaken this chakra, we must be patient with ourselves, listen to inner guidance, and allow time for integration so we may harness the full potential of our spiritual vision.
