When opened, the third eye chakra can bring wisdom and insight and deepen your spiritual connection. Although there is no scientific evidence to support it, many traditions place importance on the third eye chakra.
Have you ever wished for a sixth sense? Some say there's no need to look further than between your two eyes.
Chakras are considered as wheel-shaped energy centers distributed throughout the body, influencing well-being and perception. The third eye chakra, also known as Ajna, is considered the sixth chakra of the body.
This chakra is believed to be located in the center of the head, parallel to the middle of the eyebrows. It is thought to be connected to perception, consciousness, and spiritual communication.
Let's delve deeper into 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 related to:
- Clarity
- Concentration
- Imagination
- Intuition
- Spiritual perception
- Universal connection
This chakra is said to be linked to the pineal gland, according to Candice Covington, author of "Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice: Working with the Chakras, Divine Archetypes, and the Five Great Elements".
"The pineal gland is a pea-sized gland, shaped like a pine cone, located in the brains of vertebrates, near the hypothalamus and pituitary gland," explains Candice Covington. "It's a venerated tool 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 worldwide.
"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.
Studies show a connection between the pineal gland and N, N-dimethyltryptamine, also known as DMT, according to a 2019 research review.
This chemical is sometimes called "the spirit molecule" or "the seat of the soul" because of its purported relationship with consciousness.
However, the link between the pineal gland and spiritual experience has not been scientifically proven.
What can the third eye chakra do?
While there is no scientific evidence, Ms. Covington believes the third eye to be a window to the spiritual world.
"Developing the third eye is the gateway to all things 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 encounter issues if your third eye chakra is blocked. These issues may include:
- Confusion
- Uncertainty
- Cynicism
- Lack of purpose
- Pessimism
"While physical eyes perceive the physical world, the third eye sees the true world - a unified whole with an unwavering connection to spirit," explains Covington.
She suggests that opening the third eye can have beneficial effects, including:
- Mental clarity
- Improved concentration
- Clear self-expression
- Enhanced intuition
- Feelings of happiness
- Decision-making ability
- Insight
The third eye and mental health
While further research is needed on how the third eye may affect us spiritually and emotionally, a 2016 study suggests that a lower volume of the pineal gland could be linked to mood disorders such as schizophrenia.
Some have speculated a connection between chakras and mental health, but this hypothesis is not accepted by mainstream scientific thought.
The role of the third eye has also been discussed within the realm of parapsychology, which is the study of unexplained mental phenomena. Some believe that when opened, the third eye acts as a gateway for spiritual communication.
This would include
- Telepathy
- Clairvoyance
- Lucid dreaming
- Astral projection
- Aura perception
How to open your third eye
Some traditions emphasize the need to open and harmonize all other chakras before opening the third eye.
It is said to establish the grounding and capacity needed to handle the insights of higher consciousness. Otherwise, some believe opening the third eye could be destabilizing.
If you feel ready to open the third eye chakra, Covington suggests the following methods:
- Activate your third eye.
- Enhance your diet.
- Apply essential oils.
- Try sun gazing.
- Practice meditation and chanting.
- Use crystals.
Activate your third eye chakra
According to Ms. Covington, when opening your third eye, it's best to start with an activation practice.
"Begin by sending gratitude to your third eye for your innate intuitive abilities and connection to nature through circadian rhythms governed by the pineal gland," she explains.
Enhance your diet
Ms. Covington believes that 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 cacao
- Goji berries
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Watermelon
- Star anise
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Hemp seeds
- Cilantro
- Ginseng
- Vitamin D3
"These are all ingredients that aid in the purification of the pineal gland," says Covington. It's important to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim.
Apply essential oils
While research suggests that essential oils have beneficial effects on health, the FDA does not regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to use essential oils and ensure the quality of products from a brand. Always perform 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 consciousness," explains Ms. Covington.
She recommends:
- Jasmine
- Lemon
- Sandalwood
Follow these steps to prepare an essential oil blend for the third eye chakra:
- Gather one or more of the above oils, as well as a carrier oil of your choice. Since essential oils are used in very concentrated form for aromatherapy, it's advisable to always blend them 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 every 6 drops of essential oil, use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Apply the blend directly to the third eye chakra.
Chanting "Om" while applying the oil may enhance its effect, says Covington.
Some essential oils, especially citrus oils like lemon, can cause photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure after applying citrus essential oils to your skin.
Try sun gazing
Sun gazing is a form of meditation that involves looking at the sun, typically at sunrise and sunset. It is said to enhance spiritual connection, increase clarity, and boost energy.
Ms. 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 minutes of sunrise and the last minutes of sunset to stimulate your pineal gland.
If you decide to gaze at the sun, be sure to follow appropriate safety measures, or 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 incorporate chanting into your meditation.
"Chanting resonates the tetrahedral bone of the nose, which stimulates the pineal gland," says Ms. Covington.
According to her, chanting mantras can help cultivate a sense of appreciation and gratitude.
Use crystals
Some believe that crystals possess healing energies. Ms. Covington thinks they can also be beneficial when it comes to opening the third eye.
"Crystals are influential allies in the quest for third eye awakening," she says. "Use crystals and gemstones from the purple, indigo, and violet color palette. This color palette assists in awakening, balancing, aligning, and nurturing the third eye."
Covington recommends the following crystals for third eye activation:
- Amethyst
- Purple sapphire
- Violet tourmaline
- Rhodonite
- Sodalite
You can place the crystal or gemstone between your eyebrows and slightly above them during meditation, or use a crystal grid.
How long does it take to open the third eye?
There is no precise rule on how long it takes to open the third eye. Some people believe it can happen within 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 you need to dedicate time to every day.
"Try to devote 10 minutes a day to consciously activating your third eye through meditation, chanting, prayer, dance, yoga, using essential oils and flower essences," she says.
However, it's important not to rush or try to force anything. Focus on the enjoyment of the practice and what feels right to you, rather than trying to adhere to any specific timeline.
How do you know if your third eye chakra is open?
According to Ms. Covington, the answer is simple.
"Once you've started working with your third eye, you'll begin to receive guidance messages and visions," she says. "Strive to have the courage to follow what your intuition proposes, and the strength of your third eye will only grow."
Final thoughts on the third eye chakra
The third eye chakra is sometimes considered our sixth sense, and some believe it is related to the pineal gland. However, there is no scientific evidence for the existence of the third eye.
An open third eye is thought to lead to increased perceptual, intuitive, and spiritual abilities.
Practices such as meditation, sun gazing, and crystal healing are believed to help unlock the third eye, but no research supports these claims.
