Journey Through the Chakras- “Ajna” 3 rd Eye Chakra

The 3 rd Eye Chakra “ Ajna”

Welcome to week 6 of our journal through the chakras. This week we’ll be focused on the third eye
chakra, or Ajna chakra in Sanskrit, which is known as “the seat of intuition.” Translations of the Sanskrit
name include, “perceive,” “beyond wisdom,” and “command.” Located in the center of the forehead, it
acts as the individual’s center of wisdom, conscience, and higher consciousness.
The third eye allows for clear thought, spiritual contemplation, and self-reflection. It is the highest
chakra in the physical body, allowing it to provide a visionary perspective. The third eye also helps to
determine one’s reality and beliefs based on what one chooses to see in the world. The phrase “ we see
what we want to see” really aligns with our 3 rd eye chakra.
The third eye chakra primarily has to do with clairvoyance; as a result, the concept of the “sixth sense,”
or strong intuition, came from this sixth chakra. As the most perceptive part of the human body and
spirit, it governs self-awareness, higher wisdom, visualization, clarity, discernment, imagination, and
creative dreaming. When balanced and in alignment, the third eye chakra trades typical black-and-white
or “me versus them” thinking for wider perspectives and interconnectedness.
It is symbolized by the color indigo and an upside-down triangle and lotus flower, and it is physically
located at the point between our eyebrows. Elementally, it is associated with light, although some argue
that the third eye is associated not with any specific element, but with everythingness. It is believed to
be associated with the pineal gland, a tiny bean sized gland at the base of your skull that produces both
melatonin that regulates sleep and awakening ( yes… awakening in both physical and spiritual senses)
and the DMT molecule which is believed to be released as we transition out of this life.
When the energy of the third eye chakra is out of alignment or not flowing freely, a variety of
physiological, mental, emotional, and spiritual ailments can pop up. For one thing, one might notice
physical signs like tension in the brow area, headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, sinus issues, hearing
problems, or dizziness. Cognitive indicators of an unbalanced third eye chakra may include dissociation,
issues concentrating, nightmares, sleep disturbances, mental fog, and confusion. Meanwhile, common
emotional cues are self-doubt, worry, overthinking, close-mindedness, feeling lost, or relying on others
for validation and permission. Lastly, some spiritual ailments which point back to the third eye include a
lack of confidence in one’s path or purpose, feeling an “absence” of intuition, being too rooted in the
physical world to heed higher guidance and wisdom, or being too rooted in daydreams to focus on the
present reality.

So, what can we do to bring it back into balance?
As we move towards the upper chakras, visualization and meditation will be key.   One visualization to
try is to imagine light flowing in and out of the center of the forehead, cleansing the third eye of any
stuck or negative energy. Additionally, consider a sound meditation: by slowly verbalizing the seed
syllable, “aum,” the vibrational energy targets the third eye region to open energy flow there.

Meditation in general is perhaps the most powerful tool for bringing the third eye chakra into alignment.
This can be as simple as choosing to sit in silence and stillness in order to grow in touch with the self and
feelings. (This can lead to awareness and clarity, as well as teach us how to listen to inner guidance and
intuition.) Or, follow a guided meditation designed specifically for the third eye chakra.
Some affirmations for the third eye chakra could be:
 I see
 I honor and trust my intuition.
 I learn from my experiences.
 I have clarity and peace of mind.
 I look both inward and outward for wisdom.
Using essential oils like frankincense, rosemary, sandalwood, patchouli, and myrrh, can help realign the
third eye. The same can be done by introducing deep blue and purple foods into the diet, like
blueberries and eggplant. Lastly, writing or journaling to find clarity, especially through a dream journal,
can be helpful in gaining wisdom and opening the third eye chakra!
Once balanced, you will feel a stronger personal sense of open-mindedness that is possible by actively
stretching one’s perspective through day-to-day activities: whether it is trying a new cuisine, reading
literature by authors of different backgrounds, or listening to a new genre of music.
By first seeking personal wisdom, clarity, self-awareness, and open-mindedness, we’re better able to
grow confident in our paths and purposes, making us even more powerful in bringing about that which
we wish to see in the world. So this week’s homework is to try one new thing and journal about it. Open
yourself up to a new experience you’d normally say no to, and see how it goes. Taking baby steps each
day to expand our horizons will have us flexing our open-minded muscles in no time!
Until next week- see you on your mats,

Jessica