COLOR: INDIGO/PURPLE | LOCATION: THIRD EYE | ELEMENT: LIGHT | ENERGY: FEMININE | MANTRA: SHAM

FUNCTION: SEEING & INTUITION | BODY PARTS: EYES | GLAND: PINEAL | PLANET: JUPITER + NEPTUNE

The third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows, is our center of intuition and intellect. It governs our perception and insight and is associated with our thoughts, dreams and higher knowing. In Sanskrit, the word Ajna means 'perceiving'. This energy center houses our ability to perceive the realm of subtle energies beyond our physical senses. When we quieten the mind and draw our focus inwards and away from distraction, we are able to gain further insight into our reality, while developing a deeper connection with ourselves, the universe and our surroundings. The sixth energy center is associated with the element of light. It is most often characterized by an indigo or deep purple colour, representing the realms of spirituality and universal connection.

Connected to the pituitary gland, the third eye chakra is recognized as the center of psychic power, spirit energies and your higher being. This is where values and beliefs are constructed and where thoughts and ideas are developed. When this chakra is open, we have a clearer perspective on the world around us. Our intuition is heightened, and we are able to better understand the complex layers of our reality. Many individuals with psychic abilities have an open third eye chakra, enabling them to experience these subtle energies and receive messages from other realms. By strengthening this energy center, you can learn to develop your insight, enabling you to uncover new ways of seeing.

When the third eye chakra becomes overactive, it produces excess energy so that the mind becomes overly stimulated. This can make it difficult to concentrate and process knowledge and information. It is important to keep this chakra balanced in order to maintain mental clarity and feel present in the moment.

The third eye chakra relates to the subconscious and is the place from which we evaluate our beliefs and attitudes. If you find yourself replaying unhealthy thought patterns or feeling stuck in your daily routine, it may indicate that your sixth chakra needs strengthening. This energy center teaches us to recognize our pain and fear while bravely moving forward into a new state of awareness. When the third eye chakra is closed, we have an unwillingness to address our worries and we struggle to acknowledge our true emotional state. This can lead to feelings of depression, bitterness or resentment, which can negatively affect our healing if we don't learn to process emotion in a healthy way. By working on this energy center, we begin to strengthen our ability to embrace change, release old patterns and deconstruct limiting belief systems that no longer serve our highest good.

Anja asks that we step back from duality until we can accept the greater unity of the cosmos. Through Anja, we are allowed to see things as sacred, and holy. This chakra teaches us to control our subtle mind, our desires, and compulsions. 

The mantra is OM, which connects the beginnings and endings of all things. Mentally, the Anja relates to our cognitive and sensory faculties. It is here that we move beyond concrete and mundane information to formulate abstractions and higher thoughts. Therefore, one of the primary roles of this chakra is to bridge the subtle realms. The main focus here is perception and self realization. With Anja, we can discover the true self and set out on a journey that creates a desirable future. 

FOOD & HERBS: Blue Lotus, Eyebright, Jasmine, Mugwort, Passionflower, Rosemary, Star Anise, Acacia, Saffron

ESSENTIAL OILS: Rosemary, Lime, Sage, Nag Champa, Cedarwood

CRYSTALS: Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Star Sapphire, Blue Kyanite, Labradorite, Sodalite

I speak my truth freely, and openly

I express myself clearly

I am safe to express myself fully

My intent is clear

I am the pure, eternal consciousness and bliss

My voice is clear and powerful

I am compassionate towards others

I am pure awareness

I have access to my higher self for guidance and support

I am peaceful

I speak my thoughts clearly, with grace and integrity

I am aligned with my highest truth and communicate this with love and honor

I acknowledge the power of my words to create my own reality

I express who I am clearly

Try this ritual to bring about a calmer, wiser version of yourself. It is ideal if you want to achieve a new state of mindful awareness.

YOU WILL NEED

• Sage and dish to catch ashes

• Pen and paper

• One or more crystals corresponding to the third eye chakra

• Heatproof bowl

• Matches or lighter

METHOD

1. Find a quiet, comfortable place where you can meditate with no distractions. Cleanse the space.

2. Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to focus your energy and help you bring more intention and mindfulness into your life; this could include eliminating negative habits that block your intuition or committing to spending more time in nature, connecting to plants and animals.

3. Write down what you would like to change in order to be in a place of greater connection. Add an affirmation. Use the above for inspiration.

4. Spend a couple of minutes meditating on your intentions while holding your crystal.

5. Focus on your third eye chakra and visualize a glowing indigo light expanding with each inhale. As you exhale, release any unhelpful beliefs relating to your consciousness and spiritual transformation. This will help you develop a deeper connection to your higher self.

6. To complete the process, place the piece of paper in the heatproof bowl and burn it, along with all you intend to release. Ensure the flames are fully extinguished when you are finished.