The Third Eye Chakra

The sixth chakra is the third eye, the source of wisdom, intuition, and the subconscious inner eye. It’s sometimes referred to as the brow chakra, located between the eyes in the lower center of the forehead. We know this chakra by its Sanskrit name, Ajna. This chakra is probably the best known to those interested in awakening the 3rd eye. Or those who are looking for meditation for opening the third eye. 

Loosely translated, Ajna is the Sanskrit reference to being “beyond wisdom.” The higher consciousness that Ajna refers to is essential to most Eastern religions and philosophies. So Ajna has many counterparts and names. For example, Tantra practitioners may know this energy center by one of about 20 other terms, including Dwidala. The Vedas and the Puranas also acknowledge this inner eye with several names.

Third Eye Chakra Through the Ages

Early ancient philosophies involving energy wheels, or chakras, included systems with many different numbers of chakras. Some Sanskrit and ancient Asian Scripture scholars advise that the seven-chakra system we currently use is a mistranslation of a 16th-century text. Even with the differing chakra systems, three constants are present: the root, the heart, and the head/intuition. Taoism also includes a form of third-eye practice, as does Buddhism. This Ajna chakra is a tradition dating back over a thousand years. It was practiced, studied, and sought by yogis, religious followers, and mystics for centuries worldwide.

Why is awakening the third eye important for us? This is because the third eye taps into your intuition with a balanced energy flow, transcending ordinary consciousness. Moreover, in the modern interpretation of the third eye, this chakra energy opens the door to greater enlightenment and deeper spirituality. Plus, it is often related to an awareness of auras and the ability to reach out-of-body experiences like astral projection.

It is associated with the color indigo, particularly those with an iridescent quality. Its corresponding aromas include rosemary, mugwort, bay laurel, clary sage, and frankincense. As well as helichrysum, patchouli, and sandalwood. Ajna chakra also relates to all the elements combined and light.

Notably, the physical and emotional manifestations of the Ajna chakra are more ephemeral than the other chakras. Although some researchers are studying the exact physical location of one’s intuition or perception, this sixth sense is a product of the combined experience of your other senses. For example, that tingling at the back of your neck when you sense something’s wrong may result from your other senses picking up on a situation that isn’t visible to you, like an unusual sound or smell. Thus, balancing your third eye chakra can help you recognize and acknowledge these other senses, opening your world to greater perception and enlightenment.

The third eye is also associated with the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland regulating wake and sleep patterns. Its light sensitivity and location at the back vertebrate brain lead some Theosophists to theorize that the gland is a vestigial third eye from early human days.

Imbalanced Third Eye Chakra

A well-balanced third eye chakra leads you to trust your intuition and to guide yourself and your goals with your inner voice. Furthermore, at its most fluid, balanced, and practiced, it is the ultimate super-consciousness, an awareness of all realms, not just your existence. However, even if you aim to achieve a greater awareness of your sixth sense or intuition, there are some tell-tale clues that your third eye is out of balance.

Underactive Third Eye

A blocked or sluggish third eye chakra prevents full Kundalini awakening and a healthy balance of all your energy centers. Here are some indications your Ajna is underactive:

• indecision
• procrastination
• lack of imagination
• inability to concentrate
• forgetfulness
• lack of dreams or inability to remember dreams
• insomnia
• depression
• anxiety
• migraines

Overactive Third Eye

An overstimulated Ajna can also throw your energy system out of balance and affect various emotions and physical conditions. For example, your third eye may be overactive if you:

• are unable to concentrate due to too many thoughts, sensations, and energies pulsing through your mind
• cannot decide because you see and evaluate too many options
• can’t distinguish between what is real and imaginary, particularly as this relates to the potential outcomes of a decision
• experience vision problems
• have frequent headaches
• nausea
• insomnia

To summarize, you can’t open the third eye with an imbalanced third chakra. Therefore if you have already worked on your other chakras and are ready to open the third eye, you first must balance Ajna.

 Tips for Balancing Your Third Eye Chakra

Meditation is the natural way to develop intuition, heighten your senses and clear your mind. But aromatherapy can amplify your meditation experience. So fire up your burner or grab a diffuser and specific essential oils, and fill your meditation space with a perfume designed to heighten your meditation.

Additionally, you can include a few third eye-encouraging poses and pranayama in your next yoga session. For example, poses related to opening your third eye include the child’s pose and the downward-facing dog. In addition, the bee breath is a good pranayama to practice to clear a blocked third eye chakra.

Healing stones and crystals can also improve your Ajna meditation and yoga experience. For instance, Lapis lazuli and amethyst are both commonly used for this purpose.