Complete Guide to the Third Eye Chakra
Complete guide
Meaning
Yoga
Chakra crystals
Color
Unblocking
The third eye chakra is said to connect you with the ability to see what is invisible.
This is where you can revisit some of your childhood dreams, imagine new possibilities, dream big, and ultimately discover your life's purpose. There is a spiritual fountain of wisdom waiting to be discovered at your 6th chakra.
In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about the mysterious third eye chakra, its function and its importance for your spiritual awakening.
I will then show you how to determine if your third eye center is blocked and give you some of the best awakening methods for your sixth chakra.
Some of the healing methods included in this post have helped me increase my intuition levels, improve my visualization skills, and allowed me to pay more attention to my dreams.
Healing and opening the third eye chakra is a beautiful process, as it allows you to finally take full control of your reality and clarify your inner vision.
Eventually, you will be able to manifest anything you desire in your life easily and effortlessly by using the power of your own mind and becoming a visionary.
Let’s dive in!
Article content
1. What is the third eye chakra?
2. What is the function of the third eye chakra?
3. Third Eye Chakra Symbol Meaning – What does the Third Eye Chakra Symbol represent?
4. Third Eye Chakra Color Meaning
5. Blocking the Third Eye Chakra
6. Awakening and healing of the third eye
- Third eye chakra meditation
- Open your third eye with breathing
- Third Eye Chakra Affirmations
- Yoga poses for the third eye chakras
- Open the third eye through lucid dreams
- Stones and crystals for the third eye chakra
- Heal the Third Eye Chakra with food
- Heal the Third Eye Chakra with Essential Oils
7. Symptoms of opening the third eye chakra
8. References
What is the third eye chakra?
The third eye chakra, also known as the "eyebrow chakra", is the 6th energy center from the bottom, located in the middle of your head, between the eyebrows. A healthy third eye chakra vibrates the color of indigo or royal blue, with light as the dominant element.
The Sanskrit name for the third eye chakra is "Ajna", which means "to perceive" or "to command", because its activation will allow you to finally take control of your life and fully access your internal guidance system.
Working with your third eye chakra by cultivating a strong, independent mind will allow you to discover the reality that lies beyond the physical world and the realm of your five senses.
Healing and awakening your third eye chakra offers many exciting gifts, such as the ability to manifest material things through thought alone or the opportunity to recapture the magic of childhood.
What is the function of the third eye chakra?
The third eye chakra controls your ability to perceive, think creatively, and use your intuition. It also governs your self-awareness, self-actualization, imagination, and ability to envision all your dreams.
People with a highly developed third eye center establish a close connection with their astral body, and they have a better ability for astral projection and lucid dreaming.
When you open your third eye chakra, you will finally be able to transcend duality and polarity. The third eye chakra is the seat of the sixth sense because it allows you to see the world through the eye of intuition, and it helps you clarify your inner vision.
The process of visualizing your reality by imagining possibilities is an essential part of a fulfilling life, which is why the "brow chakra" is also considered your primary center of manifestation.
How does the third eye chakra help us see reality?
It is important to realize that we do not see reality through our eyes, but through our minds. People who have opened and activated their third eye chakras can use the power of the mind to transform their lives.
When both hemispheres of your brain work in perfect harmony, you begin to awaken your intuitive abilities, such as clairvoyance and clairaudience, to see patterns and develop a clear vision of how to consciously create a meaningful life.
Third Eye Chakra Symbol Meaning
The symbol for the third eye chakra is an indigo blue lotus with 2 petals. At the center of the lotus, there is a downward facing triangle that represents enlightenment and your connection to the divine with an OM ॐ syllable, known as the third eye chakra bija mantra (or seed mantra).
OM is considered the fundamental sound of the world, which includes all other sounds. It is also a sacred spiritual symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, where it is considered the supreme sound of the Universe and a representation of the Creator.
Why does the third eye chakra symbol only have two petals?
The two petals of the Ajna chakra are believed to represent Ida and Pingala, the two most important subtle energy channels (called "nadis" in Sanskrit), which flow up from the root chakra to the head and join the Sushumna nadi.
Sushumna is a central nadi that connects all of your chakras along the spine and guides your kundalini energy to your crown chakra.
Sometimes the left petal of the third eye chakra symbol is adorned with a syllable HAM हं, which represents Shiva (symbol of the masculine principle), and the right petal is adorned with the syllable KSHAM क्षं, which is associated with Shakti (principle feminine).
The two petals of the Ajna chakra symbol can also be interpreted as the physical eyes, manifest and unmanifest spirit, or the pineal and pituitary glands.
Third Eye Chakra Color Meaning
The main color of the third eye chakra is indigo, also known as royal blue. The third eye chakra can also be depicted with a deep blue color.
Indigo is a combination of blue and purple. Purple in indigo contributes to consciousness, spirituality, wisdom and connection with the higher self, while blue helps with communication, creativity, purification and authenticity.
Indigo is considered a color of integrity, harmony, deep inner awareness and wisdom.
People who emit a lot of indigo in their auric field tend to have natural psychic gifts, having lucid dreams and feeling things before they happen.
According to psychologists, the color indigo influences you by putting your mind in a state of concentration and focus.
It's perfect if you want to stay focused, meditate, or if you're trying to increase your awareness and insight.
Working with indigo allows you to sharpen your mind and place greater emphasis on spiritual matters.
Third eye chakra blockage
Symptoms of third eye chakra blockage or imbalance can be recognized in over-intellectualizing, over-rationalizing, lack of confidence in your own ideas, and inability to "think outside the box."
The archetype of the person whose third eye chakra is inactive is known as the "intellectual."
The intellectual relies solely on the limited resources of the logical and analytical mind without taking into consideration the emotional and spiritual facets of existence.
The intellectual is usually full of anxiety, tension and worry due to an overstimulated mind. This archetype intellectualizes and theorizes its path in life, without ever trusting its feelings, emotions and inner guidance.
When your third eye chakra is overactive, you may experience symptoms such as loss of contact with reality (normally through hallucinations and imagining things that don't exist), psychological disturbances, and complete lack of mental clarity, sometimes expressed as "brain fog."
So how do you know if your third eye is blocked?
If you think your third eye chakra is out of balance, ask yourself these 2 questions:
- Do you tend to give your dream and fantasy life excessive freedom to roam wherever it pleases?
- Are your decisions made primarily from logic and the rational mind, without giving your imagination and intuition room to express themselves?
If you answered yes to the first question, your third eye chakra is most likely overactive.
If you answered yes to the second question, you are on the side of the "intellectual" archetype, with an underactive third eye chakra.
Third Eye Awakening and Healing
Healing the third eye chakra begins with restoring balance between the left and right sides of the brain.
When your third eye chakra begins to awaken, and you begin to open your third eye, the two hemispheres of your brain come into full coherence.
Let's take a quick look at the differences between the two sides of your brain.
The left side of the brain is responsible for:
- analytical thoughts
- The logic
- Facts
- science and mathematics
- Reasoning
- Language and speech
Normally, left-brained people tend to have an underactive third eye chakra.
The right side of the brain is responsible for:
- Intuition
- Imagination
- Visualization
- Creativity
- Arts and music
- Dreams
These are actually attributes of the third eye chakra, and right-brained people should have less difficulty awakening this center.
However, to fully activate and awaken your third eye center, you must use the power of your entire brain. Your ability to be insightful and creative is as important as your ability to think clearly.
People with highly developed third eye chakras have the gift of inner vision (clairvoyance) and live in a climate of deep trust.
Elders in traditional and tribal communities are the best representation of the healthy third eye chakra archetype, as they have accumulated much wisdom over their lifetime.
How to open the third eye chakra?
One of the first things you can do when working with your third eye chakra is to embark on the path of expanding your consciousness to actualize the higher mind.
Your ultimate goal is to cultivate the functional archetype of “the intuitive (wise).” The Intuitive can be described as a person who has found the connection between intellect and feelings.
So, are you ready to open yourself to new possibilities beyond the limits of your mind?
Here are some key things to keep in mind before diving into specific methods for unblocking your third eye center:
- Your third eye chakra will open as you begin to trust your intuition.
- Aim to live from a place of trust – you will always receive inner guidance, even if your circumstances are difficult at the moment.
- Trust requires patience and faith.
- Use your most valuable gifts to serve others and offer guidance.
- Pay more attention to your dreams.
- Don't be afraid to try new things in life.
- Honor and love yourself always.
Let's take a look at some of the best methods I've personally tried to develop my intuitive abilities and awaken my third eye chakra:
1. Third Eye Chakra Meditation
Meditation is probably one of the best ways to awaken your third eye chakra, as it helps create better coherence between the two hemispheres of your brain. Meditation, when practiced correctly, gives your thinking mind a break and shifts your brain waves from the beta state to the alpha state.
As a result, you will begin to think for yourself, trust your intuition with more certainty, and look within yourself for the answers to your problems. When you commit to practicing the meditation of your choice regularly, you will be more connected to your inner guidance system and discover your deepest wisdom.
There are many meditation techniques that I have personally tried. However, in this article, I will give you just one, which is super simple and very powerful for opening your third eye. This method is known as concentration mediation, and it is described in Osho's book "The Secret of The Golden Flower".
Here is how to practice it, according to the teaching of Master Lu-tsu:
Sit (or lie down) quietly in the comfortable position of your choice, and for 15 minutes, focus all of your awareness on the center of your third eye (the area between your eyebrows).
You can do this with your eyes closed or open, whatever works best for you. You can visualize a third eye chakra lotus symbol, a sphere of indigo light, or simply focus on the space itself. To see results from this practice, you must commit to practicing 15 minutes a day.
Why is this simple meditation so powerful for the third eye?
Taoists believe that when your attention is outward, you are constantly expending your energy and, as a result, you become more and more empty inside.
When you focus all of your attention and awareness on your third eye center, all of your awareness flows inward, and you can move energy (light) in a circle.
The light is supposed to flow in both directions at the same time so you don't burn out and turn into a "black hole."
2. Open your third eye by breathing
There are many types of breathing techniques described in more detail on this blog (you can check them out in my article Heart Chakra Healing Guide ).
Certain breathing techniques are beneficial for all the higher chakras because they help move kundalini (life force) energy from the lower chakras to the higher chakras. Here are my top recommendations for the most helpful breathing techniques for healing your third eye:
Alternate nostril breathing (also known as Nadi Shodana).
This cleansing breathing technique works great for your third eye chakra because it directly activates your Ida and Pingala (subtle energy channels that come together in your head). Alternate nostril breathing can be used to release trapped energy from your lower chakras and calm the mind. Nadi shodana will allow you to experience soft and refreshing sensations throughout your body.
Breath of Fire (also known as Kapalabhati Pranayama)
This is a powerful, detoxifying breathing technique, which involves a series of short, powerful nasal inhalations (the exhalation is passive). Breathing fire is very often practiced during kundalini yoga exercises. It helps increase blood flow to the head, detoxify the body and bring more clarity to your mind.
Breathing Techniques Activating DMT
These methods are sometimes practiced during kundalini yoga exercises or prolonged breathing sessions, where you combine hyperventilation techniques with breath retention techniques.
One of the most popular DMT breathing techniques today is the Wim Hof breathing method. It involves a few sets of deep inhalations and exhalations (30 cycles of hyperventilation) with breath retention periods of 30 to 90 seconds (or more).
Some of the DMT breathing techniques involve squeezing the muscles of the perineum during the breath holding phase and pushing energy from the lower chakras up to the third eye center.
If you are interested in learning some of the more advanced DMT breathing techniques, be sure to consult an expert in this field as they can produce altered states of consciousness!
Gamma Breathing
This technique consists of 4 breathing cycles, where you alternate between breathing through your mouth and through your nose. Gamma breathing shifts your brain into the gamma state.
Gamma brain waves are of the highest frequency in our brain (40-200Hz), and they are much more active in experienced meditators. This breathing is very easy and very effective in achieving ultimate brain coherence, which is very beneficial for healing the third eye chakra.
3. Third Eye Chakra Affirmations
The third eye chakra is very sensitive to affirmations because they directly affect your subconscious and allow you to see the power of your own thoughts.
Try some of these powerful third eye chakra affirmations, which can be used throughout the day or during your meditation to strengthen this energy center:
- I am insightful and intuitive.
- I see clearly.
- I think clearly.
- I always honor and follow my intuition.
- I am a conscious creator of my own reality.
- I am connected to my higher self.
- Everything I need is within me.
- I calm my mind with ease to hear the whispers of intuition.
- I am aware of my dreams, and they guide me.
- I am confident in my decisions.
- I am open to the ideas and perspectives of others.
- I nourish my mind.
- I am constantly expanding my consciousness.
- I am introspective and evaluate myself honestly.
4. Yoga Poses for the Third Eye Chakra
Yoga is a great way to work on the third eye chakra, as certain physical postures (asanas) will allow you to improve the flow of energy in your body and put some pressure on the forehead area.
Yoga also improves oxygen flow to your brain, as most yoga exercises involve working with your breathing. Here are some of the best yoga poses for opening the third eye chakra:
- Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Child's pose (Balasana)
- Lying Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
- Pincer pose (Paschimottanasana)
- Abdominal pressure (Apanasana)
- Leg posture in wall pose (Viparita Karani)
- Headstand (Sirsasana)
5. Open the third eye thanks to lucid dreams
You may be wondering what the relationship is between lucid dreaming and the third eye chakra?
The third eye chakra is directly linked to your pineal gland, which regulates your circadian rhythm, melatonin production, and many other important bio-rhythms in your body. This gland also has light photoreceptors, just like your eyes (the primary element of the third eye chakra is light).
Activating your pineal gland is one of the keys to unlocking your creative imagination and being able to enjoy the world of lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming is a practice that allows you to become aware of your dreams.
Many people who have decided to become aware of their dreams believe that dreams can help you find who you really are and what your life's purpose is.
If you are interested in the topic of lucid dreaming, I will give you some valuable tips on how to get started, as I have done extensive research in the past:
- Spend a lot of time each day reading about lucid dreaming. New information will prime your subconscious and prepare it for an exciting new experience.
- Start a “Dream Journal” and put it next to your bed. Work on improving your dream memory by writing down the details of each dream you have had.
- Perform numerous “reality checks” throughout the day by saying the words “Am I dreaming?” and always seek to justify your answer.
- Avoid blue light and bright artificial light one hour before bed.
- Set a firm intention to lucid dream and remember your dreams right before you fall asleep.
- Check out materials (books and videos) from Stephen LaBerge and Michael Raduga on lucid dreaming.
- There are a lot of generic lucid dreaming videos on YouTube, but I found most of them very vague and unclear.
6. Third Eye Chakra Stones and Crystals
Crystals and gemstones are very effective tools for healing your third eye chakra. Some of the best gemstones that will help you awaken your intuition and restore balance to your third eye center are:
Amethyst – this translucent, purple gemstone is excellent for the third eye chakra. Amethyst relaxes your mind and uplifts you. It is a perfect stone for improving your dream memory, lucid dreaming and astral projection. Amethyst is also a powerful stone of protection.
Lapis Lazuli – this is a protection stone that can help you contact your spirit guides and open your third eye. It recognizes psychic blockages and returns energy to its source. It stimulates enlightenment and improves dream work. Lapis lazuli will open your psychic abilities and guide you on your spiritual journey.
Dark Blue Sapphire – this celestial blue gemstone is considered a stone of wisdom and psychic activation. Sapphire will allow you to access deeper levels of consciousness and stay on your spiritual path. It will increase your intuition, your awareness, your mental clarity, and restore energetic balance in your third eye chakra.
You can use any of these powerful stones and crystals for the third eye chakra by holding them in your hands, wearing them as jewelry, or simply having them in your home.
7. Third Eye Chakra Healing Through Food
The third eye chakra gives you the ability to open your awareness and tap into your culinary intuition. Here are some of the most important lessons from your third eye chakra when it comes to food:
- Follow your intuition when you have cravings for certain types of foods. Try asking your body what it really needs.
- Don't overthink your food choices. A balanced third eye chakra will allow you to choose an item from a restaurant menu with ease.
- Recognize your food addictions and their connection to your subconscious.
- Avoid drinking poor quality water.
- Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine (and other stimulants).
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs.
- Eat foods proven to improve your brain performance, such as nuts, Brazil nuts, spices, blueberries, avocado, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, fish, dark chocolate .
Some of the best purple foods that resonate with your third eye chakra are:
Blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, purple cabbage, black currants, figs, plums, purple-fleshed potatoes, and any other purple-colored foods.
8. Third Eye Chakra Healing with Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to work with the air element of your third eye chakra. They stimulate your circulatory system, balance blood pressure and harmonize your circadian rhythm.
Some of the best essential oils for healing the third eye chakra include cypress, frankincense, chamomile, sandalwood, rosemary, and lemon.
What is the best way to use essential oils for blocked chakra?
One of the best ways to get the most out of your essential oil is to use an aroma diffuser or humidifier, which will also create a soothing scent in your room and help with any dry skin issues.
Another good way to use essential oils for the third eye chakra is to apply them directly to your forehead or give yourself a relaxing foot massage.
Symptoms of Opening the Third Eye Chakra
One of the main symptoms of opening your third eye chakra is increased self-awareness. Your intuition will sharpen and you will gradually begin to notice more synchronicities, coincidences and red flags in your life.
When your third eye begins to open, you also sense the moods of others from a distance.
At the same time, you stop judging others because you realize that "we are all One" and that the outside world is your mirror.
Your creative visualization skills begin to improve, so it becomes easier and easier for you to manifest the future you want.
With the opening of your third eye, you will also experience increased sensitivity to light and sound in your waking life and in your dreams. Everything becomes more alive, and you begin to see yourself in a different light.
Opening your third eye is a beautiful process that will allow you to discover limitless possibilities beyond your imagination.
Once your third eye is fully opened, and if used correctly, there will be no limit to what you can achieve with this gift.
Now I would like to hear what you have to say:
- Which healing technique from today's post will you try first?
- Or maybe I didn't mention one of your favorites...
References:
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- Vollmar, K. (1987). Journey through the Chakras, Wellow, Bath: Gateway Books.
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