The Third Eye

What is the Third Eye?

The third eye is a mystical eye located in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows. Associated in Indian spiritual traditions with the sixth chakra (ajna), it is also mentioned in a variety of spiritual traditions and cultures worldwide, including Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and various Western and New Age philosophies. An open third eye grants perception and understanding beyond that which can be physically seen, access to higher realms of consciousness, spiritual communication, intuition, and insight. Think of it as a gateway to your innate psychic abilities.

On a more practical level, an open third eye can lead to a sense of decisiveness and purpose, a clear mind, and the ability to focus and concentrate on what matters. In addition to seeing life for what it is, it also helps you see yourself for all you are. Activating your third eye can help you break bad habits and move past creative blocks.

How Can I Use Meditation to Open My Third Eye?

Before attempting to open your third eye, make sure the rest of your life is in order. If chakras factor into your practice, make sure to work on your lower chakras before moving on to the higher ones. It’s also a good idea to become acquainted with grounding techniques, as opening your third eye can sometimes be intense.

Get into a comfortable meditation position, such as cross-legged or on your knees with a straight spine. Close your eyes, and take a moment to get into the right headspace by taking a few deep breaths and really focusing on the air traveling in and out of your body. Turn your focus inwards, to the place on your forehead where the third eye resides. It can help to lift your gaze--with your eyes still closed--to bring more awareness to your third eye. If that feels difficult, then visualizing your third eye can work well.

It could be a good idea to incorporate a mantra. “Om” is the classic mantra for third eye meditation, but you can use your own. Keep it simple, short, and in the present tense; something like “I am aware” or “I trust my intuition”. Try to meditate for 5-10 minutes at a time, going for longer stretches once you get in the habit.

How Can I Use Crystals to Open My Third Eye?

Crystals can be a lovely tool in meditation. It’s often more pleasant to meditate with a focal point, especially if you are new to the practice or are getting back into it after a period of stepping away. You can hold the crystal while you meditate, wear it as a necklace, or craft it into a piece of jewelry that sits on your forehead with the crystal resting between your eyebrows.

If you wish to use multiple crystals, it could be a good idea to lay them out in a crystal grid: an intentional arrangement of crystals based on their metaphysical properties. Crystal grids often follow sacred geometry, so you can draw or print out an image that resonates with you--a mandala, for example--and arrange your crystals upon it. Meditate with the crystal grid in front of you, focusing on your intention to open your third eye.

Which Crystals are Best for Opening My Third Eye?

Blue and purple crystals evoke a dreamy or psychic state and are wonderful for third eye activation. Many of the crystals that can help with opening your third eye have other metaphysical properties; remember, everything in your physical and spiritual body is connected. Experiment with different combinations to see what resonates with you the most.

• Amethyst is associated with both the third eye and crown chakras, and is great for clarity, healing, and protection. The violet shades of amethyst quiet your mind for sleep or meditation, enhance intuition, and connect to your higher consciousness.

• Azurite stimulates psychic abilities, inner strength, and helps with balancing emotions and figuring out which parts of yourself you need to heal. A great choice for all the upper chakras, azurite removes energetic blockages and connects you to your inner vision.

• Fluorite comes in many colors, and is known for its ability to clear your mind and provide you with spiritual energy. Purple fluorite promotes peace, protection, and spiritual communication.

• Labradorite links to creativity and mysticism. Often blue with shimmering striations that catch the light, labradorite activates your imagination and grants you the ability to access different states of consciousness.

• Lapis Lazuli is great for tapping into your inner wisdom and working towards spiritual enlightenment. Beloved by ancient civilizations, this stone can help you become more self-aware and access a sense of clarity and stillness in a hectic world.

• Moonstone encourages comfort and harmony while deepening your psychic abilities. It helps process new beginnings, as well; a good choice for the start of a new chapter in your spiritual journey.

• Sodalite reminds you to trust your instincts and intuition. It also strengthens the connections between the upper chakras and enhances your spiritual perception and understanding.

Kundalini Energy

What is Kundalini Energy?

Kundalini energy is a form of divine feminine power (Shakti). Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word “kundal”, meaning “circular” or “coiled”, referring to the shape of this energy, which can be pictured as a coiled snake residing in the root chakra at the base of the spine, slumbering until it is roused upwards. It is a potent, latent power that everyone has, but it usually takes certain steps and training to access and experience. Kundalini energy was first mentioned in the Upanishads--sacred Hindu texts--in the 9th-7th centuries BCE. Initially, the meditations and practices associated with Kundalini were private, but reached mainstream knowledge in the 20th century.

What is a Kundalini Awakening?

A Kundalini awakening is a form of spiritual awakening, associated with spiritual liberation and the bliss that follows. During such an awakening, the Kundalini energy is roused to rise upwards, passing through all the chakras, as if turning them on or making them bloom and building upon different levels of spiritual experience. It has been described by those who have experienced it as something akin to an electric current running along their spine. When this energy reaches the crown chakra at the top of the head, an intense transformation and expansion of consciousness takes place, including the realization and understanding of one’s own soul, the understanding of the nature of reality, feelings of freedom, a clear mind that is unbothered by old problems but ready to tackle new ones, surging creativity, and compassion for all.

Additional physical manifestations of a Kundalini awakening can include strong feelings of energy or vibrations moving throughout the body, sometimes causing involuntary movements; involuntary vocalizations; feelings of sensory overload; intense changes in body temperature; panic; issues with sleep; insights or visions; and sensations of bodily pleasure. The physical sensations are part of the telltale signs of a Kundalini awakening versus other kinds of spiritual awakening, which are often more emotional rather than physical.

This may sound overwhelming, but Kundalini energy is not inherently dangerous. It is, however, a very potent force, and causes experiences that can be perceived as pleasant or unpleasant. Kundalini awakening is different for everyone, and the energy is only able to flow freely and find its way upwards if one’s chakras are clear and balanced.

How to Awaken Kundalini Energy?

There are several methods that can be used to induce a Kundalini awakening. The active approach involves specific yoga sequences, hand movements (mudras), meditation, concentration, visualization and pranayama breathing techniques--preferably guided by an experienced teacher or guru. The passive approach involves spiritual transmission from guru to student, as those who have experienced a Kundalini awakening can induce it in others.

How to Handle a Kundalini Awakening?

In order to be able to handle and integrate this fundamentally transformative rush of spiritual energy, one should preemptively undergo a period of purification and strengthen one’s body and nervous system through yoga and meditation.

It’s possible to experience a Kundalini awakening without being ready for it; in this case, it’s important to stay grounded afterwards by resting (including taking a break from intense spiritual practice), exercising, spending time in nature or in bodies of water, and reaching out to family and friends. Be mindful and focus on positive physical experiences and a sense of safety.

Introduction to Chakras

What are Chakras?

Chakras are swirling centers of positive spiritual power located throughout the human body. The seven main chakras run along the spine, starting from its base, then moving upwards through the neck and head to the top of the skull. The word “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “disk”, referring to their shape, and this system of energy points was first mentioned in the Vedas--sacred Hindu texts dating back to 1500 BCE.

Each of the seven chakras corresponds with parts of the nervous system, body parts, and organs, as well as areas of emotional and spiritual well-being. Chakras can be activated and balanced with certain crystals and yoga poses. Because your chakras are all connected to each other, it’s possible to have multiple blocked at the same time. Aligning all your chakras allows prana--pure life energy--to flow freely throughout your body.

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is responsible for our sense of security and grounding. When balanced, it is a solid, stable foundation for the rest of your body, creating feelings of security, energy, and resilience. The root chakra relates to physical needs like food, water and shelter, as well as to emotional needs like a sense of safety, independence, and ambition. An unbalanced root chakra leads to feelings of instability, fear, frustration, and lack of purpose.

Color: Red

Element: Earth

Crystals: Black Tourmaline, Hematite, Bloodstone, Red Jasper, Obsidian

Yoga Poses: Child’s Pose, Mountain Pose, Warrior II

2. Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)

Sitting slightly below the navel, the sacral chakra rules over sexual energy, pleasure, passion, creativity, and how we relate to others. When this chakra is aligned, you will feel creatively and emotionally fulfilled, as well as compassionate and capable of recognizing your true worth. If unbalanced, it can lead to uncomfortable emotional fluctuations, depression, and a lack of creativity.

Color: Orange

Element: Water

Crystals: Tiger’s Eye, Sunstone, Carnelian, Amber, Peach Moonstone

Yoga Poses: Hero Pose, Goddess Pose, Seated Forward Bend

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The solar plexus chakra is located in the upper abdominal area, between the rib cage and navel. Tied to personal power and self-esteem, a balanced solar plexus chakra allows feelings of confidence, the ability to express your true self, and radiant positive energy. Blockages in the solar plexus chakra can manifest physically as issues with eating and digestion or liver problems, and emotionally as apathy, self-doubt, and anger.

Color: Yellow

Element: Fire

Crystals: Citrine, Pyrite, Yellow Topaz, Heliodor, Golden Quartz

Yoga Poses: Boat Pose, Twists, Cobra Pose

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

The heart chakra in the center of the chest marks the halfway point between the lower chakras and upper chakras. As the meeting point of the physical and the spiritual, it influences our ability to give and receive love and compassion. Also associated with trust, forgiveness, and awareness, an open heart chakra allows you to feel more caring, optimistic, and helps you engage positively with the people around you. An unbalanced heart chakra can manifest as heart issues, jealousy, anxiety, and distrust.

Color: Green

Element: Air

Crystals: Rose Quartz, Jade, Malachite, Peridot, Watermelon Tourmaline

Yoga Poses: Camel Pose, Back Bends, Fish Pose

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Located in the throat, this chakra is associated with verbal communication, inspiration, and authentic self-expression. A well-balanced throat chakra enables you to speak your thoughts truthfully and freely, as well as listen to others with compassion. Misalignments can manifest physically as a sore throat or neck and shoulder pain, and emotionally as trouble with focus, fear of judgment, and the inability to express yourself.

Color: Blue

Element: Ether

Crystals: Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Kyanite, Turquoise, Blue Lace Agate

Yoga Poses: Fish Pose, Plow Pose, Shoulder Stand

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Set on the forehead, between the eyebrows, the third eye chakra guides intuition, imagination, intellect, and deeper wisdom. When balanced, your third eye chakra helps you feel spiritually and emotionally connected, able to confidently access and trust your intuition, and capable of seeing the big picture clearly. Blockages can show up as headaches and problems with vision and hearing, or disconnection from your intuition, a judgmental attitude, and lack of assertiveness.

Color: Indigo

Element: Light

Crystals: Amethyst, Azurite, Labradorite, Purple fluorite, Sodalite

Yoga Poses: Child’s Pose, Dolphin Pose, Eagle Pose

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The crown chakra sits at the very top of the skull. It is connected to the brain, nervous system, and to all the other chakras. This chakra represents the ability to be fully spiritually connected to your higher self, the universe, and to others. An open crown chakra enables the course of wisdom, the connection to cosmic consciousness, bliss, and enlightenment. Depending on where you are in your journey, your crown chakra may be underactive or not fully open--this is normal. Blockages can show up as frustration, stubbornness, exhaustion, depression, or a lack of purpose. The crown chakra can be activated through physical movement, meditation, mindfulness, and actively working on the six chakras below it.

Color: Violet and White

Element: Thought

Crystals: Clear Quartz, Selenite, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Ametrine

Yoga Poses: Headstand, Tree Pose, Corpse Pose

Ultimately, it all comes back to the idea of balance, presence, and integration--making sure that you’re taking the best care of yourself that you can and listening to what your body needs in the moment. Well-balanced chakras can be an important aspect of a healthy physical, emotional, and spiritual life.