Ajna - Third Eye Chakra Details and Tips

To fully appreciate this post, a basic understanding of chakras is essential. If you are new to the topic, please read the blog post on The 7 Chakras first.

Name: Third Eye

Sanskrit: Ajna

Element: Super ether

Energy type: Mental energy

Sound: The mantra is OM, musical note LA or A

Symbolic animal: Owl

Metal: Platinum

Colour: Indigo

Complementary colour: Violet

Endocrine gland: Pituitary gland

Phrases and keywords: "I see". Mental power, intellectual faculties. Knowledge. Inspiration. Vision, forecast, intuition. Clairvoyance, telepathy, and other sensitive faculties; altered states of consciousness. Maturity. Completeness. Social organization. Together with the third chakra, it represents the seat of the will, but the sixth vortex also exerts a command action on the other chakras. It is often called the "third eye"; and corresponds to the optic chiasmus. It is connected to the second chakra

Linked physical organs: Eyes, especially the left eye. Head. Part of the ears (some ear disorders respond to the fifth chakra, others to the sixth). Nose, upper airways. Front. The base of the brain.

Physical correlations: Poor eyesight. Headache, frontal headache, facial muscle disorders. Ear disorders. Labyrinthitis. Upper airway disorders (also consider the fifth chakra). Sinusitis. Epilepsy. Imbalances of the hypophysis.

Psycho-emotional correlation: Mental confusion, difficulty putting ideas into practice. Intellectual retardation. Insecurity, a lack of confidence in one's intuitions. Poor willpower (also to consider the third chakra). Use of drugs and hallucinogens. Problems with changing heart rhythms (for example, sleeping during the day and working at night). Disorders caused by the change of time zone (jet lag).

Body positioning: Front chakra: between the eyebrows, higher or lower according to the people. Posterior chakra: the back of the head, roughly on the suture between the occipital bone and the parietal bone.

Front aspect: It is the chakra associated with the understanding of mental concepts, and the ability to see the world and situations from a more or less broad perspective. Through the strength of this centre, we perceive reality in a balanced, clear, correct way; or if the chakra is problematic, we will have a narrow, wrong or confused view of existence, situations, and relationships with others and with ourselves. If the vortex turns counterclockwise, the images of reality that the subject creates will be negative: projecting them outside, these images will end up producing a whole series of really hostile situations. The characteristic of conceiving particularly negative ideas, which are then transferred into actual attitudes, is related to the disharmonious and particularly wide rotation of this chakra. From a physical point of view, heavy alterations in the regular clockwise motion of the sixth anterior vortex often correspond to eye and vision disorders. If the chakra metabolizes a small amount of energy and therefore responds to the pendulum with slight oscillations (albeit clockwise), it can be deduced that this person suffers from a lack of ideas and has not developed intellectual faculties at best. On the other hand, harmonic functioning signals that the subject is able to manage intuition and mental power - or in some cases, the sensitive qualities - in the appropriate way, directing them to their own ends.

Posterior aspect: When it has been exposed for the anterior aspect it also concerns the posterior aspect, but with the difference that the chakra located on the back of the head reflects the potential of the individual regarding ideas, mental faculties and intuitive qualities. The ideas that have yet to materialize or that have not reached consciousness fall within the sphere of the posterior sixth chakra: all the fantasies not well framed and all the unexpressed visualizations have their seat here. Self-distrust, as well as doubts about one's mental and intuitive abilities, can be indicated by the disharmonious motion of this vortex. Since the posterior aspect of the sixth chakra is very Yin, the weakness of this centre reveals a lack of clarity in perceptions, mental chaos, confusion about future possibilities, lack of precise ideas about the world, lack of imagination, and pessimism about one's path.

The dynamics of the anterior aspect and of the posterior aspect allow us to understand what the intellectual and intuitive condition of the examined subject is: if the anterior vortex is harmonious and the rear disharmonic, it will have a positive vision of itself and of reality, but it will be difficult to change one's mental patterns; if the inverse circumstance occurs, the subject will be characterized by potential mental abilities that he will not be able to put into practice easily. Problematic is the case in which the movement of both vortices is irregular: such an individual, in addition to not realizing what he can really do mentally, will not correctly evaluate himself or the reality that surrounds him.

Crystals: Fire agate, polychrome fluorite, hyaline quartz with black tourmaline, hawk's eye quartz, rhodonite, sodalite, black tourmaline, lapis lazuli, dumortierite, lepidolite.

Essential Oils: Tea tree, anise, lemon, peppermint, nard, rosemary, red thyme.

Bach flowers: Chestnut Bud, Chicory, Clematis, Gentian, Honeysuckle, Hornbeam, Rock water, Vine, Wild Oat.

To find the third eye chakra, locate your brow ridge, which is the area of your forehead around your eyebrows. Then, move slightly upward until you find a small indentation at the bottom centre of your forehead. This indentation aligns with where the third eye chakra is typically located. The third eye chakra is connected to the indigo colour and the element of super ether.
 

The third eye chakra is closely linked to clairvoyance. It’s important to note that it can be overly simplistic to assign specific parts of the body to specific chakras or channels, as the body doesn't function in such a linear manner. Different chakras often work together to govern various areas of the body. This complexity is particularly evident with the third eye chakra, which interacts with the crown chakra to govern the pineal gland, much like a king and queen would jointly govern a kingdom.

The pineal gland plays a crucial role in our ability to perceive beyond the physical realm, deserves its own detailed discussion. Although we may want to attribute specific chakras to distinct body parts, the third eye chakra significantly affects the pituitary gland in conjunction with the throat chakra. It also influences the hypothalamus, eyes, frontal sinuses, various parts of the brain (particularly the outer sections), skull, ears, nose, endocrine system, and parasympathetic nervous system.

The third eye chakra is the sixth chakra in the primary energy system. We may explore other chakras outside of the primary system later. Have you ever wondered where the concept of the sixth sense comes from? It originates from this sixth chakra, your third eye, which is all about intuition. When this chakra is open, we not only perceive but also understand our inner and outer worlds. Aligned with the theme of clairvoyance, this chakra is responsible for clarity, intuition, self-realisation, observation, astral travel, lucid dreaming, concentration, witnessing, and imagination. It also represents the seat of conscience, meaning it governs not only awareness of what is happening but also what it signifies.

The most significant aspect of this chakra is its ability to transcend duality and polarity, acting as a unifying force much like the heart chakra. We often find ourselves trapped in a state of self-absorption, limited by our individual perceptions. The third eye chakra helps us break free from this, expanding our awareness to embrace completely different viewpoints. This expansion resolves conflicts between opposing perspectives and unifies them.

Furthermore, as a unifier of awareness, the third eye chakra harmonises the right and left hemispheres of the brain, eliminating disjointed thinking. The consciousness associated with the third eye can be compared to a light beam that cuts through illusion, dismantling limiting beliefs. This explains why the third eye chakra has long been linked to psychic abilities, as it extends our awareness beyond our physical constraints and the physical dimension.

When considering the third eye chakra, we find it connected to the concept of "everythingness" and associated with the element of light. Ancient philosophers believed that light symbolises everythingness, a combination of all other elements such as water, fire, earth, and air.

Some of the most common issues you might observe include seizures, dementia, headaches, migraines, hallucinations, dissociation, confusion, eye problems, hormone imbalances, various sleep disturbances, black-and-white thinking, lack of direction, prejudices, strokes, brain tumours, sinusitis, paranoia, delusions, anxiety, depression, cynicism, closed-mindedness, denial, scalp and hair problems, ear issues, learning disabilities, a loss of conscience or apathy, rigid perspectives, lack of ethics, mental illnesses, and disruptions in appetite and temperature regulation.

Many people who teach about chakras emphasise the importance of balance and suggest that a chakra can be too open or too closed. However, this perspective is somewhat limiting. The truth is that if all chakras were perfectly open, an inherent equilibrium would naturally be established within the energy system. Instead of detracting from or limiting any particular chakra, our goal should be to open each chakra to its fullest potential, creating a state of homeostasis across the entire system.

Commit to the path of integration.

We might consider duality and polarity as the adversaries of this chakra; however, as we become more aware, these enemies diminish. To overcome polarity and duality, we must step outside of our own personal viewpoints. It's essential to stop identifying with a single, fragmented perspective and embrace a broader understanding.

We must commit to the path of self-awareness above all.

This happens because our own projections, fears, and limiting thoughts shape our ability to receive information from other parts of the universe. We interpret and distort the messages we receive since they pass through our own perceptual filters. The more aware we become of our own perceptual reality and the more we step outside of it, the better we can channel these energies. It’s essential to broaden your perspective, even if it feels uncomfortable. By doing so, you reduce the risk of misinterpretation and false perceptions.

Increases your awareness.

Any practice that heightens your awareness or broadens your perspective will benefit your third eye chakra. It's not practical for me to recommend a single "best" practice because there are many methods, and different people need to stretch their perspectives in various ways. For instance, meditation, learning new things, chanting, visualisation, intuition-enhancing exercises, self-questioning, divination, lucid dreaming, dream work, channelling, yoga, focus exercises, mindfulness techniques, art, or breath work can all help.

Shadow Work.

Nothing clears the third eye chakra more effectively than shadow work. This is because the third eye chakra is focused on awareness, while the shadow represents the collective or individual unconscious—two opposing forces. As I previously mentioned, duality and polarity are adversaries of the third eye chakra, but there is another foe: illusion. Until your awareness or perceptual reality is broad enough to incorporate illusion as part of itself, you may face challenges.

Enhances your intuition and imagination.

Any practice that boosts your intuition and imagination will significantly benefit your sixth chakra. In my view, the most important initial step towards developing intuition is connecting with your emotions and learning to truly feel. We are currently living in an emotional dark age where many people are so disconnected from their bodies that they struggle to perceive bodily sensations. When you receive energy or information from other parts of the universe, it is still interpreted through your body. Perceiving things beyond the physical dimension is experienced as bodily sensations. If you cannot feel these sensations due to disconnection or desensitisation, the messages will be faint or you may miss them altogether.

Creating.

Creating can take many forms, such as producing art. When you engage in the creative process, you allow yourself to be uninhibited and your channels are fully open, requiring you to tap into your imagination. As we grow and experience life, people often discourage our imagination. Children naturally possess vivid imaginations, but as we teach them to differentiate between what's real and what's imagined, they start to suppress their creative minds and limit their ability to create.

Most of the information that you will receive, especially in your mind's eye, will challenge your imagination. It may feel as though you are merely imagining it, but if your imagination is limited, you won't be able to expand enough to fully receive the messages coming from beyond our time-space reality. Your mind will be so constrained that it can't grasp these images beyond normal sight. It's akin to trying to fit an ocean through a straw.

Get away from or limit your exposure to electric fields and magnetic fields.

Unless you are using them intentionally, devices such as your mobile phone, computer, and electrical wires can negatively impact your sixth chakra. The frequencies and radiation emitted from these sources affect all chakras, but they have a particularly strong effect on the third eye chakra.

Get sleep.

I know it can be challenging for many of us, but good sleep is crucial for the health of the third eye chakra. Much of our awareness in life is a result of our sleep patterns. So, it's important to prioritise getting enough sleep and aligning your sleep schedule with your natural circadian rhythms. When your circadian rhythms are healthy, they will naturally sync with the cycles of the earth, the stars, and the day and night.

Star gazing.

For some, stargazing may evolve into sun gazing. This is because the sun is a star. Stargazing acts as a cleansing agent for your third eye chakra, much like a bottle cleaner does for a bottle. It helps clear out blockages in the energy flow that naturally comes through the chakra, aligning it with frequencies that transcend human perceptual limits.

Silence.

Silence is particularly beneficial for your crown and third eye chakras. For the third eye chakra, silence serves a similar purpose as fasting: it clears the space and information overwhelming the chakra system and senses, allowing us to simply exist in a state of mindful awareness. This practice boosts our awareness and brings clarity.

Many ancient sages embraced periods of silence for this reason. It fosters a deeper sense of internal peace and encourages deep, inner listening, which in turn heightens awareness.

Expose yourself to sunlight on a daily basis.

For the skin, it's beneficial to expose it to direct sunlight for a certain period of time. I'm not suggesting you overdo it, but rather, allow yourself to absorb the energy from your primary star, the sun. Regarding the eyes, some people might try sun gazing, but indirect sunlight is sufficient. The key is to avoid wearing sunglasses. Letting sunlight penetrate through your pupils can have a remarkable impact on your sixth chakra. This practice not only benefits the chakra itself but also positively influences the glands connected to it.

Sound stimulation.

When it comes to toning, the most effective sounds for the third eye chakra are "shammm," "ohmmm," and "thooow." Experiment with different pitches by varying your voice up and down to find the frequency that resonates with this area of your body. Once you identify a suitable sound, hold the tone.

You can also use binaural beats or harmonics specifically tailored for this chakra, available online. Crystal singing bowls designed for the third eye chakra can also be helpful.

The third eye chakra, much like the heart chakra, is highly responsive to music. Listening to different types of music can stimulate this area significantly. Each time you hear a new tone or lyric, you gain a new perspective and deepen your awareness.

Colours.

The third eye chakra can be stimulated by the colour indigo, so surrounding yourself with this colour and wearing it can be beneficial. Interestingly, this chakra is also particularly stimulated by a wide range of colours. It thrives on the concept of the rainbow, enjoying a mix of everything simultaneously.

This means immersing yourself in environments with a variety of vibrant colours, eating meals that incorporate all the colours of the spectrum, and decorating your space with a colourful array rather than a monotone scheme can all help invigorate this chakra.

Diet.

Let's discuss diet because it is crucial for your overall health, and particularly vital for your third eye chakra. It's one of the main reasons why those who identify as highly spiritual or seers often maintain strict dietary regimens. To enhance your third eye chakra, you should follow a vegan diet. Avoid processed foods, pesticides, refined sugar, and alcohol, which the body treats similarly to sugar. Do not consume calcium supplements or foods containing calcium carbonate. Instead, get your calcium from sources like sesame seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, kale, and broccoli.

Limit your fluoride intake by avoiding fluoride toothpaste, water, and foods containing fluoride. Similarly, avoid chlorine and bromide. Dense, grounding foods can have a polarising effect on this chakra, which is why individuals seeking to increase their third eye awareness often restrict their diets. They focus on light foods that do not ground them, enabling them to elevate their awareness.

This is why fasting is so beneficial for the third eye chakra. Other items to include in your diet to keep the third eye chakra open and balanced are apple cider vinegar and foods rich in iodine such as seaweed, goji berries, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, cranberries, green beans, spirulina, chlorella, and prunes. Opt for foods naturally high in magnesium, not magnesium phosphate, and consume tamarind fruit, raw cacao, coconut oil, lavender, blueberries, eyebright tea, calendula tea, elderberry, rosemary, and parsley.

The more natural and whole the products you consume, the better it will be for your sixth chakra, facilitating the flow of energy in and out of this centre of your body. It’s also essential to avoid eating or drinking from plastics and never use a microwave.

Fasting.

Fasting can have a profound impact on your third eye chakra. Here's why: during fasting, you are not filling your body with substances that anchor you to the physical realm. This makes it easier for you to tap into awareness beyond the physical dimension. However, it's crucial to approach fasting in a healthy way. Many people, especially those who consider themselves spiritual, use fasting as a means of escape rather than a purposeful way to gain insights.

People who are spiritual often resist the physical world, but fasting should not be used as a method to disconnect from your body or lower chakras, which can be tempting. Despite this, fasting is a common practice across cultures to achieve higher spiritual awareness.

Essential oils.

To bring your third eye chakra into alignment and stimulate it, you can use essential oils such as elderberry seed oil, almond blossom, pine, jasmine, juniper, monkshood (use with caution), lupine, hyacinths, palo santo, manuka, nutmeg, china aster, rosewood, frankincense, myrrh, fruit essential oils, vanilla, galbanum, carrot seeds, sandalwood, angelica, clary sage, and bay laurel.

Alternative Medicine.

The use of shamanic medicines is ultimately a personal choice, and you must be mindful of the legalities based on your location. Shamanic medicines are specifically designed to open the third eye chakra, although they affect all energy systems. For thousands of years, these substances have been used to increase awareness, perspective, and intuition. This includes ayahuasca, Iboga, psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote, among others.

These medicines can break through blockages that may be preventing your third eye from opening, but some people may struggle with this. Although these medicines are powerful and have been used effectively for millennia, not everyone is ready for the heightened awareness they bring. They can force the third eye chakra open, which can be overwhelming for those whose individual perspectives are not yet ready to stretch and integrate these new experiences.

In some cases, this can lead to psychosis. When the third eye chakra is forced open, especially if your root chakra is not well-developed, you may experience side effects such as hallucinations, paranoia, and even suicidal thoughts. This is why it is crucial to understand that, while these medicines can be potent tools for breaking through barriers, they also carry potential risks. Be cautious and make an informed decision before engaging with these substances.

Bring certain mineral spirits into your life.

6These minerals can stimulate and enhance your chakras: moonstone, tanzanite, opalite, iolite, indigo, kyanite, danburite, diamond, blue and purple fluorite, alexandrite, labradorite, moldavite, petalite, azurite, sapphire, and specific sodalite stones. When choosing minerals to incorporate into your life, it's important to let your intuition guide you. We often fall into the habit of thinking certain stones are tied to specific chakras, but this can be unexpectedly flexible. A stone not typically associated with a particular chakra might actually stimulate that chakra for reasons beyond our understanding. Therefore, trust your intuition more than preconceived ideas about which stones affect which chakras.

By purposefully engaging in activities that help open and align your third eye chakra, you will embark on a journey of awareness and awakening. This journey will allow you to expand your perspectives significantly, helping you overcome the polarity that has caused so much suffering on Earth for thousands of years.

Your life will become guided by intuition and creativity, placing you on the path of your purpose—a path of boundless possibilities and creation. As a result, every aspect of your life will benefit.

Light and Love

Reiki Master Stefano