Focus On: The Third Eye Chakra

There are many names to attribute to this chakra, but the most common Sanskrit name for it is “Ajna”, which means “command” and “perceiving”. This chakra in fact is related to the “supreme element”, which is the combination of all the elements we know in their pure form.

Location and symbol for Third Eye Chakra

Ajna is the sixth primary chakra in the body according to tradition and it is most commonly represented with the colour purple or bluish purple, indigo. The image of the Third Eye chakra symbol contains two elements frequently associated with wisdom: the upside down triangle and the lotus flower.

Located on the forehead, between the eyebrows just above the nose’s bridge, it is the centre of intuition and foresight. It can also be described as being located behind the eyes in the middle of the head, where the pineal gland can anatomically be found. That is why Ajna is associated to this gland, in charge of regulating biorhythms including sleep and wake time, centre of attention because of its relationship with the perception. The chakra is also positioned close to the optical nerves, and as such, sensitive to visual stimulations and changes in lighting.

The gifts of Ajna in our lives

The energy of this chakra lets us experience clear thoughts as well as gifts of spiritual contemplation and self reflection, allowing us to access our inner guidance that comes from the depths of ourselves. It help us cut through illusion and to access deeper truths, to see beyond the mind, beyond the words. The “way of the Third Eye” is seeing everything from a point of “witness” or “observer”, or from simply being mindful. That means examining self-limiting ideas and developing wisdom that comes from a perspective that transcends the duality of good or bad, black or white. It means seeing and helping others to see the deeper meanings of the situations in their lives.

When this Third Eye chakra is open

Ajna is an instrument to perceive the more subtle qualities of reality. It goes beyond the more physical senses into the realm of subtle energies. Awakening your Third Eye allows you to open up to an intuitive sensibility and inner perception. When this chakra is fully activated, both hemispheres of the brain function in synchrony: the right hemisphere’s creativity and synthetic thinking is integrated and balanced with left hemisphere’s logical and analytical thinking. When your Third Eye is open, you not only see but you also understand.

When this Third Eye chakra is closed

On the other hand, when Ajna is closed or imbalanced it can manifest as: feeling stuck in the daily grind without being able to look beyond your problems, fantasies that appear more real than reality, indulgence in psychic fantasies and illusions, rejection of everything spiritual or beyond the usual, not being able to see the greater picture, lack of clarity.

Physical manifestations of an overactive third eye chakra include headaches, vision problems, seizures, insomnia, nausea, sinus issues.

How to rebalance your Ajna

• Cultivate silence. Foster the silence of the mind, whether it’s through meditation, just sitting calmly in nature, or being absorbed in your favorite art or sport practice. Why? If your mind is busy or noisy, you might miss being able to listen to the messages and information that comes through your Third Eye
• Nourish your intuition. There are many ways to cultivate your intuition. So what about getting acquainted with your dreams and their meanings, perhaps giving a try at lucid dreaming, getting to know how to read a horoscope or tarot cards? You choose.
• Feed your creativity. Let your creativity flow freely by focusing on specific activities or letting your imagination loose. For instance, start learning a new art or craft, don’t try to be perfect, just let your inspiration run through your hands and be ready to be surprised by the results.
• Yoga. Third Eye yoga poses include the child pose and the eagle pose, and many more.
• Wear crystals’ jewellery. The key colour is purple, like amethyst, black obsidian or purple fluorite. You can also purchase larger third eye crystals that will sit in your pocket or in the palm of your hand, allowing you to squeeze them and focus on them when you need to keep your chakra open.
• Meditation. Ajna meditation is just one of many ways to work on opening this chakra. There are plenty of techniques for beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve never tried mindfulness or meditation.

Ajna Meditation

• Light up a candle, symbol of light, purity and clearness in the dark. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Inhale and exhale ten times, slowly and deeply.
• Focus your attention on the location of the Third Eye chakra, imagine a violet sphere of energy in the middle of your forehead. Remember, purple is the third eye chakra’s colour.
• As you continue to breathe slowly and deeply, picture the purple ball of energy getting bigger and warmer. As it does, imagine it purging negativity from your body.
• Think of yourself absorbing the Third Eye chakra’s energy, allow yourself to feel it all over.
• Open your eyes when you feel ready.

Work on these beliefs you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them:

Third Eye Chakra Affirmations

I am in touch with my inner self.
I listen to my deepest wisdom.
I seek to understand and to learn from my life experiences.
I am wise, intuitive, and connected with my inner guide.
I nurture my spirit.
I listen to the wisdom of elders.
I trust my intuition.
I forgive the past and learn what was there for me to learn.
I forgive myself. I love and accept myself.
I am open to inspiration and bliss.
My life moves effortlessly.
I am at peace.
I am the source of my truth and my love.