The 6th chakra, also known as the third eye chakra or ajna chakra, is the energy center located between the eyebrows. It is associated with intuition, imagination, wisdom, and the ability to see beyond the physical world. When balanced, the 6th chakra allows us to have clarity of insight and connect to our inner guidance. Understanding the meaning and function of the 6th chakra can help unlock our full spiritual potential.
What does the 6th chakra represent?
The 6th chakra represents:
- Intuition
- Imagination
- Wisdom
- Ability to see beyond the physical world
As the center of intuitive sight, it allows us to perceive the subtle energies and higher spiritual realities. It governs the lower mind, intellect, concentration, and self-reflection. When open and balanced, it brings understanding, wisdom, and deep insight.
6th Chakra Symbolism
The 6th chakra is symbolized by:
- A lotus with two petals
- The color indigo or deep blue
- The Hindu god Shiva
- A crescent moon
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lotus with two petals | The two petals represent the dual nature of higher sight – both physical and spiritual vision |
| Indigo or deep blue | Indigo represents intuition, vision, and connection to the Divine. Blue relates to wisdom and truth. |
| Shiva | Shiva is the Hindu god known as the ‘Destroyer of Ignorance’ who awakens spiritual insight. |
| Crescent moon | The crescent moon symbolizes intuition, insight, and the cyclic nature of time and life. |
These symbols reflect the 6th chakra’s connection to inner wisdom, insight, and visionary abilities. Understanding the deeper meaning behind the symbols provides a richer picture of the ajna chakra.
6th Chakra Location
The 6th chakra is located at the brow, in between and just slightly above the eyes. More specifically it can be found:
- In the area of the forehead right between the eyebrows
- In the region of the pituitary gland
- Slightly above the nose
When closed, it is located approximately an inch behind this point, closer to the center of the head. As we open the 6th chakra through spiritual practices, its energy moves forward to the midpoint between the brows.
6th Chakra Function
The main functions of the ajna chakra include:
- Center of intuition and wisdom
- Ability to visualize and ‘see’ beyond the physical
- Imagination and visualization
- Self-reflection and consciousness
- Focus, concentration, and mental clarity
- Perceiving subtle energies and higher realities
It governs both the lower and higher mind and is key for tapping into our inner spiritual guidance and intuition. When open and balanced, the 6th chakra brings understanding, insight, focus, and connection to our higher Self.
6th Chakra Governs
The ajna chakra specifically governs:
- Lower and higher mind
- Intellect and intelligence
- Self-reflection and consciousness
- Intuition and instinct
- Reason and analysis
- Abstract thinking and philosophy
- Insight and wisdom
- Concentration and mental clarity
- Imagination and visualization
- Psychic abilities like clairvoyance
It brings together the dualities of intellect and intuition, mind and spirit, conscious and subconscious. When balanced, it allows us to access our inner truth and guidance.
Common 6th Chakra Imbalances
Some common imbalances related to the 6th chakra include:
| Overactive | Underactive |
|---|---|
| Overthinking, obsession | Poor concentration and focus |
| Nightmares, hallucinations | Poor intuition and inner vision |
| Delusions, mania | Lack of imagination |
| Mental overload | Ignorance, closed-mindedness |
When the 6th chakra is balanced, we experience wisdom, clarity, self-awareness, and trust in our inner guidance.
6th Chakra Healing
Some ways to heal and open the sixth chakra include:
- Meditation – especially third eye meditations
- Using indigo colored crystals like lapis lazuli or sodalite
- Chanting mantras like “Om Sham Shanaischaraye Namaha”
- Yoga poses like child’s pose or downward facing dog
- Essential oils like sandalwood, lavender or frankincense
- Improving focus through activities like reading or puzzles
Actively visualizing the third eye opening allows energy to flow and helps unblock the chakra. Overall, activities that stimulate the mind-body connection aid 6th chakra healing.
6th Chakra Yoga Poses
Good yoga poses to open the ajna chakra include:
- Child’s pose
- Forward fold
- Dolphin pose
- Eagle pose
- Triangle pose
- Downward facing dog
- Tree pose
- Lotus pose
These inverted poses stimulate energy flow to the 6th chakra. Poses that require focus and balance like tree pose also activate the area.
6th Chakra Affirmations
Some positive affirmations for balancing the third eye include:
- “I trust my inner wisdom”
- “I have clarity of insight”
- “I am open to new understanding”
- “I am intuitive, centered and peaceful”
- “My vision guides me positively”
- “My life has meaning and purpose”
By repeating these affirmations during meditation or throughout the day, we can reprogram our mindset and energize the 6th chakra.
6th Chakra Crystals
Some beneficial crystals to balance the 6th chakra include:
| Crystal | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Lapis Lazuli | Wisdom, truth, intuition |
| Sodalite | Logic, rationality, mental clarity |
| Azurite | Insight, creativity, inspiration |
| Amethyst | Psychic abilities, imagery, visualization |
| Labradorite | Imagination, originality, mysticism |
Wearing these indigo colored stones as jewelry can bring their high vibrational energies closer to the 6th chakra. Using them during meditation is also highly beneficial.
6th Chakra Essential Oils
Some essential oils that resonate with the frequencies of the third eye chakra include:
- Sandalwood – insight, mental clarity
- Frankincense – spiritual awareness, consciousness
- Lavender – stress relief, relaxation, inner vision
- Clary sage – intuition, imagination, lucid dreaming
- Juniper – purifying, visionary, calming
Diffusing these oils creates an environment that opens, balances, and stimulates the sixth chakra and its spiritual properties. Applying oils like sandalwood to the forehead also activates the third eye.
6th Chakra Foods
Some beneficial foods for improving 6th chakra function include:
- Blueberries – antioxidants for mind and vision
- Blackberries – phytonutrients and vitamin C
- Chocolate – stimulates serotonin and endorphins
- Watermelon – hydration and lycopene for eye health
- Almonds – protein, magnesium, vitamin E
- Walnuts – omega 3s, zinc, B vitamins
- Whole grains – B vitamins for brain function
These foods nurture physical eye health and optimal brain function. Minimizing stimulants like caffeine also helps maintain balance.
6th Chakra Exercises
Some recommended exercises to nurture 6th chakra energy include:
- Visualization and imagery practices
- Lucid dreaming and dream work
- Puzzles, sudoku and word games
- Reading books or learning new topics
- Focus exercises like candle gazing
- Eye yoga by looking up, down and sideways
These exercises strengthen focus, concentration, imagination, and visual abilities – all functions of the intuitive sixth chakra.
How to Open Your 6th Chakra
To open, balance and activate the full potential of your 6th chakra, try:
- Regular meditation focusing on the third eye
- Wearing indigo colored clothing and gemstones
- Using essential oils liked sandalwood and frankincense
- Practicing yoga poses that stimulate the area
- Eating foods that nourish eye and brain health
- Chanting mantras associated with the chakra
- Engaging in visualizations, dreamwork and imagination exercises
- Spending time in nature and looking at the sky
As you work to open your sixth chakra, be patient with yourself. Awakening your spiritual gifts and inner sight takes time but brings powerful transformation.
6th Chakra Activation Symptoms
You may experience these symptoms when your 6th chakra is opening and activating:
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Heightened imagination and visual abilities
- Increased intuitive insights
- Sensitivity to light
- Psychic experiences like clairvoyance
- Headaches or pressure between the eyebrows
- Difficulty concentrating
While the process can feel disorienting at first, embrace it as positive growth. Keep grounding activities like meditation, yoga, nature walks and healthy eating to allow the changes to integrate.
Conclusion
The 6th chakra represents our intuitive and spiritual gifts. Located at the brow, it governs insight, imagination, wisdom, and perception beyond physical sight. When open and balanced, it allows us to access our inner guidance and understand the deeper meaning in life. Engaging practices that stimulate the third eye can help unlock our full spiritual potential. With an active 6th chakra, we begin to see things from a higher vantage point and make decisions aligned with our highest truth.
