There is more to us than our human body, including our psychic body known as the aura. This is an energy body composed of spiritual or etheric matter that extends several inches beyond our physical body, and contains within it psychic centres or chakras. There are seven major chakras in the body, and hundreds of minor chakras: wheel-like energy centers distributed throughout your body that affect your overall well-being and perception.
The third eye chakra, also known as Ajna, is considered to be the sixth chakra in the body. It is often referred to as our sixth sense. This chakra is located in the centre of your head, parallel to the middle of your eyebrows, and it is linked to perception, awareness, and spiritual communication. When open, the third eye chakra can provide wisdom and insight, as well as deepen your spiritual connection.
The third eye chakra is related to clarity, concentration, imagination, intuition, spiritual perception and Universal connection. Linked to the pineal gland, it plays a significant role in most cultures throughout the world. A pea-sized gland shaped like a pine cone, the pineal gland is located in the vertebrate brain near the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It is a revered tool of seers and mystics, and is considered to be the organ of supreme Universal connection.
This tiny gland produces melatonin, which influences your circadian rhythms and reproductive hormones. Studies show a link between the pineal gland and N, N-dimethyltriptamine, also known as DMT - sometimes called “the spirit molecule” or “the seat of the soul” because of its relationship to consciousness.
Before you begin opening your third eye, you need to open and balance all your other chakras. This grounds you and provides you with the capacity necessary to handle the insights of higher consciousness.
Food
Diet can play a key role in opening your third eye chakra so make sure that you include the following foods in your diet to support and detoxify the chakra, including:
- raw cacao
- goji berries
- garlic
- lemon
- watermelon
- star anise
- honey
- coconut oil
- hemp seeds
- cilantro
- ginseng
- vitamin D3
Essential Oils
Essential oils are dynamic tools for healing and opening the pineal gland, and they facilitate states of spiritual awareness. Make an essential oil blend using Jasmine, Lemon or Sandalwood with a carrier oil of your choice. Because essential oils come in very strong concentrations for use in aromatherapy, always combine them with a carrier oil rather than using them directly on your skin. For every 6 drops of essential oil, use 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil. Apply the mixture directly to your third eye chakra. Chanting “Om” as you apply the oil can enhance the effect.
Sun Gazing
Sun gazing is a form of meditation that involves gazing at the sun, typically at sunrise and sunset. It’s said to improve spiritual connection, increase clarity, and boost energy, and help to open the third eye.
Meditation
Meditation activates the pineal gland through vibration and intention. You may also add chanting to your meditation. Chanting causes the tetrahedron bone in the nose to resonate, which causes stimulation of the pineal gland.
Crystals
Use purple, indigo, and violet crystals to awaken, balance, align, and nurture your third eye (such as Amethyst or Sodalite). Place the crystal between and slightly above your brow during meditation, or use a crystal grid.
There’s no specific rule when it comes to how long it’ll take to open your third eye. Some people believe it can take a few days, a week, a month, or much longer. Others say it can take years or even a lifetime of practice. Try spending 10 minutes each day consciously activating your third eye through meditation, chanting, prayer, dance, yoga, essential oils, and crystals. It’s important not to rush or try to force anything. Focus on enjoying the practice and doing what feels right for you, rather than trying to keep to any sort of time line.
Once you begin working with your third eye, you’ll begin to receive guidance, messages and visions. Follow through on what your intuition offers and your third eye strength will grow.