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.
