The third eye chakra, also known as the sixth chakra or the ajna chakra is located on the center of the forehead between the brows. In Sanskrit the word ajna means command or perception and, in many spiritual belief systems, including Hinduism, Buddhism, New Age and others, the third eye chakra is recognized as the chakra that helps you have a stronger connection with your inner awareness and perception. Often depicted as a deep indigo lotus flower with two petals (the two petals represent duality, or the ego self and the spirit self) the third eye chakra is a sensitive receptor and it can assist you in discerning wisdom and truth. It can also help you to be more creative and to be disciplined in both your every day tasks and your spiritual life. Because the third eye chakra is closely related to the attributes of intuition and visualization, it is no wonder that many people feel that it is a sensitive receptor to psychic signals and clairvoyant vision.
When the energy of the third eye chakra is out of balance there are many things that can happen. Therefore, it's good to be aware of these imbalances so that the proper remedies can be applied. These are the symptoms of imbalances in the third eye chakra:
Over-active Third Eye Chakra
Excessive pride, excessive patterns of denial, spiritual arrogance, rigid or unforgiving
Under-active Third Eye Chakra
Lack of discipline, fear of success, oversensitive nature, fear of using intuitive abilities, poor concentration
There are many different ways in which to open and bring better balance to your third eye chakra and become a more intuitive and perceptive person. The most common methods are meditation and visualization. This can typically involve visualizing an indigo flame or pearl while in a relaxed, meditative state. You can also use certain crystals or gemstones during meditation to assist you in opening and balancing your third eye chakra. These crystals and gemstones include lapis lazuli, indigo sapphire, azurite and amethyst. It can be especially helpful to do your meditation in a reclined position with the crystal or gemstone of your choice placed directly on your forehead.
The use of essential oils is another way to help you balance and open your third eye chakra. The oils used to stimulate this chakra include peppermint, clary sage, rosemary, ylang ylang and lavender. The essential oil of your choice can either be massaged lightly onto the area of your third eye chakra (just be sure to dilute it first with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or it can cause skin irritation) or you can work with the aroma by using an essential oil diffuser. Many people find that the aroma of one of these essential oils during meditation can activate and bring balance to their third eye chakra.
As mentioned earlier, the third eye chakra is often represented as a two-petaled lotus flower, symbolic of duality. For this reason the sound of Om (the o is long) can be used as a mantra chant during meditation in order to bring better balance to this chakra. The O in Om represents the third eye, or the sun and the M represents the medulla oblongata or the moon. Together, this tone breaks down and dissolves duality, creating a union between the ego and the Spirit Self.
Some other simple ways of bringing balance to your third eye chakra include:
- Wearing jewelry that is made of silver, lapis lazuli, azurite or amethyst to increase the receptiveness of this chakra
- The expansion of your mind through the study of philosophy, ancient cultures and art history
- The use of tarot or other types of oracle cards
- Creative projects such as painting or drawing
- Observation of the nighttime sky
It's important to note that the third eye chakra is open to the wisdom of all the other chakras of the body. So balancing and nurturing the other chakras is a good and important way to keep your third eye chakra open, healthy and balanced.
Further Reading and sources:
In the Shadow of the Shaman - by Amber Wolfe
