When open, the third eye chakra can bring wisdom and insight and deepen your spiritual connection. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this, many traditions place importance on the third eye chakra.
Have you ever wished you had a sixth sense? Some say you should look no further than between your eyes.
The chakras are considered wheel-shaped energy centers distributed throughout the body, which influence well-being and perception. The Third Eye Chakra, also known as Ajna, is considered the sixth chakra in the body.
This chakra would be located in the center of the head, parallel to the middle of the eyebrows. It is believed to be related to perception, consciousness and spiritual communication.
Let's take a closer look at what the third eye is, what it can do and how to open it.
What is the third eye chakra?
The third eye chakra is believed to be linked to:
- clarity
- concentration
- the imagination
- intuition
- spiritual perception
- universal connection
This chakra is linked to the pineal gland, according to Candice Covington, author of "Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice: Working with Chakras, Divine Archetypes and the Five Great Elements".
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"The pineal gland is a pea-sized, pinecone-shaped gland located in the vertebrate brain, near the hypothalamus and pituitary gland," explains Candice Covington . "It is a tool revered by seers and mystics and is considered the organ of supreme universal connection.
Covington notes that the pineal gland plays an important role in most cultures around the world.
"For example, in Ayurvedic philosophy, the third eye is represented by the Ajna chakra "In ancient Egypt, the symbol of the Eye of Horus reflects the location of the pineal gland in the profile of the human head.
According to Covington, the pineal gland is the biological parent of the energetic third eye chakra.
This small gland located at the base of the skull produces melatonin, which affects circadian rhythms and reproductive hormones.
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Studies show a link between the pineal gland and N,N-dimethyltriptamine, also known as DMT, according to a 2019 research review.
This chemical is sometimes called "the molecule of the spirit" or "the seat of the soul" because of its supposed relationship with consciousness.
However, the connection between the pineal gland and spiritual experience has not been scientifically proven.
What can the third eye chakra do?
Although there is no scientific proof, Ms. Covington believes that the third eye is a window to the spiritual world.
"Developing the third eye is the gateway to everything what is psychic,” she says. “The illusion of separation between self and spirit dissolves when the connection to the third eye is cultivated.
Additionally, Covington explains that you may experience problems if your third eye chakra is blocked. These issues may include:
- confusion
- uncertainty
- cynicism
- lack of purpose
- pessimism
"While the physical eyes perceive the physical world, the third eye sees the real world - a unified whole with an unyielding connection to spirit," explains Covington.
According to her, openness of the third eye can have beneficial effects:
- mental clarity
- improved concentration
- clear self-expression
- reinforced intuition
- a feeling of happiness
- decisiveness
- insight
The third eye and mental health
Although more research is needed on how the third eye can affect us spiritually and emotionally, a 2016 study suggests that lower pineal gland volume may be linked to mood disorders such than schizophrenia.
Some people have hypothesized a connection between the chakras and mental health, but this hypothesis is not accepted by mainstream science.
The The role of the third eye has also been discussed in the context of parapsychology, that is to say the study of inexplicable mental phenomena. Some believe that, when open, the third eye acts as a door to spiritual communication.
These may include
- telepathy
- clairvoyance
- lucid dream
- astral projection
- aura perception
How to open your third eye
Some traditions emphasize the need to open and harmonize all the other chakras before opening the third eye.
This is said to establish the grounding and capacity necessary to manage the knowledge of higher consciousness. Otherwise, some believe opening the third eye could be unsettling.
If you feel ready to open the third eye chakra, Covington suggests the following methods:
- Activate your third eye.
- Supplement your diet.
- Apply essential oils.
- Try looking at the sun.
- Practice meditation and chanting.
- Use crystals.
Activate your third eye chakra
According to Ms. Covington, when you open your third eye, it is best to start with an activation practice.
"Start by sending gratitude to your third eye for your innate intuitive abilities and your connection to nature thanks to circadian rhythms governed by the pineal gland", she explains.
Supplement your diet
Ms Covington believes diet can play a key role in opening the third eye chakra. She indicates that several foods can support and detoxify the third eye, including:
- raw cocoa
- goji berries
- garlic
- lemon
- watermelon
- star anise
- honey
- coconut oil
- hemp seeds
- cilantro
- ginseng
- vitamin D3
"These are all ingredients that help purify the pineal gland," says Covington. It is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Apply essential oils
Although research suggests that essential oils have health benefits, the FDA does not control or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use essential oils and to ensure the quality of a brand's products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
“Essential oils are dynamic tools for healing and opening the pineal gland, and they facilitate states of spiritual awareness,” says Covington.
She recommends:
- jasmine
- lemon
- sandalwood
Follow the following steps to prepare an essential oil blend for the third eye chakra:
- Gather one or more of the oils above, along with a carrier oil of your choice. Since essential oils are used in very high concentrations for aromatherapy, they should always be combined with a carrier oil rather than using them directly on the skin. (And never ingest essential oils!)
- Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil. For 6 drops of essential oil, use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture directly to the third eye chakra.
Chanting “Om” while applying the oil can enhance its effect, says Covington.
Some essential oils, especially citrus oils like lemon, can cause photosensitivity. Avoid exposure to the sun after applying citrus essential oils to your skin.
Try looking at the sun
Sun gazing is a form of meditation that involves looking at the sun, usually at sunrise and sunset. It is said to enhance spiritual connection, increase clarity and boost energy.
Mr. Covington believes it can also help open the third eye.
"The sun is a great source of energy," she says. "Gently gaze at the sun during the first few minutes of sunrise and the last few minutes of sunset to stimulate your pineal gland.
If you decide to gaze at the sun, be sure to follow proper safety precautions. Otherwise, you risk damaging your eyes.
Meditate and chant
"Meditation activates the pineal gland through vibration and intention," explains Covington. “Consider visualizing the decalcification of the pineal gland, as its sacred nature is illuminated and directly connected to source.
By "source", Covington refers to a higher power or the essential nature of all things.
You can also add chanting to your meditation.
"Singing makes the tetrahedral bone of the nose resonate, which stimulates the pineal gland," says Ms. Covington.
She says chanting mantras can help cultivate a sense of appreciation and gratitude.
Using crystals
Some believe that crystals possess healing energies. Ms. Covington believes they may also be beneficial when it comes to opening the third eye.
"Crystals are influential allies in the quest for awakening of the third eye,” she said. "Use crystals and gemstones from the purple, indigo and violet color palette. This color palette helps awaken, balance, align and nourish the third eye."
Covington recommends the following crystals for third eye activation:
- amethyst
- purple sapphire
- purple tourmaline
- rhodonite
- sodalite
You can place the crystal or gemstone between and slightly above your eyebrows during meditation, or use a crystal grid.
How long does it take to open the third eye?
There is no specific rule for how long it takes to open the third eye. Some people think it could take a few days, a week, a month, or much longer. Others say it can take years or even a lifetime of practice.
According to Covington, opening the third eye is a practice that you need to dedicate time to every day.
< br>"Try to dedicate 10 minutes a day to consciously activating your third eye through meditation, chanting, prayer, dancing, yoga, using essential oils and flower essences", she says.
However, it is important not to rush or try to force anything. Focus on enjoying the practice and doing what feels right, rather than trying to stick to any schedule.
How do you know if your third eye chakra is open?
According to Ms. Covington, the answer is simple.
"Once you begin working with your third eye, you will begin to receive guidance messages and visions," she says. “Strive to have the courage to follow what your intuition tells you and the strength of your third eye will only grow.”
Final words on the third eye chakra
The third eye chakra is sometimes considered our sixth sense and some believe it is linked to the pineal gland. However, there is no scientific evidence for the existence of the third eye.
It is believed that an open third eye can lead to an increase in perceptual, intuitive and spiritual abilities.
Des Practices such as meditation, sun gazing, and crystal healing are said to help unblock the third eye, but there is no research to support these claims.
