The Third Eye

The concept of an inner eye or a spirit eye permeates ancient culture, and a version of the ‘third eye’ of yogic philosophy can be found in traditions the world over.

In Eastern philosophy it tends to be understood in relation to the Ajna Chakra. The chakra system we see today often features 7 chakras, though this number varies from 5 to over 108, depending on which classical text you refer to. The Ajna chakra appears consistently in all and is considered by some to be the most important energy centre. It bridges the physical with the spiritual. The chakras below it correspond with earthly sensations and impulses. It is at the third eye chakra that these energies transmute into something subconscious, something spiritual. It is here that a deeper awareness of your own behaviour can manifest. It is a significant milestone on the path towards spiritual insight and a greater understanding of ourselves and nature. It is the eye that sees what the senses cannot perceive, the seat of the sixth sense...

An activated Ajna chakra is associated with psychic abilities brought about by a heightened sensitivity to energy. It rules dream, imagination, intuition and mental cognition. As such, these faculties may be intensified. Dreams will be vivid, your creative mind will soar, your gut feelings will prove right more often than not, and your mind will be clear.

The Pineal Gland

This chakra somewhat corresponds with the actions of the pineal gland. This is a physical component of our anatomy located in the centre of the brain, directly behind where the third eye is said to sit. Sensitive to light, the pineal gland synthesizes serotonin throughout the day, sometimes termed ‘the happy hormone’, that stabilises mood and cognitive function. In the night, that hormone is transformed into melatonin. This regulates our circadian rhythm, relaxes the body and bolsters our immune system. In a literal sense then, the pineal could be considered a third eye.

Most notably, however, is the glands relationship with DMT, a natural psychedelic substance that is supposedly released during birth, death and dreaming. This chemical can induce shifts in consciousness and intense visual experiences. By cultivating pineal health, it is theorized that trace amounts of DMT may be secreted, bringing about those euphoric, sometimes ego-less states. Similar experiences are the aim of Ajna chakra meditations. The methods we use to stimulate the pineal gland are pretty much identical to the techniques used to activate the Ajna chakra. It’s then reasonable to assume they are one in the same or at least very closely related.

The Eye of Horus

As previously suggested, parallels with the third eye and the pineal gland can be found elsewhere. The Eye of Horus from Egyptian mythology actually resembles the cross section of the brain containing the pineal gland, possibly a coincidence but a very striking one at that. Horus himself is a falcon god of the sky, his eyes the sun and moon. The bird alone is associated with clear inner and outer vision. His famous eye was his left, the one infused with intuitive, lunar energy. The myth surrounding this Eye cements it as a prolific symbol of balance, power and protection. In summary, Horus loses his eye in a fight with his uncle, Set. Set has dismembered Osiris, Horus’ father, to usurp the throne. Horus is victorious in his revenge and gifts his eye to Osiris to sustain life in the underworld. Touched by Horus’ generosity, the God of Wisdom & Magic, Thoth, restored his lost eye.

We can see the third eye’s relationship with spirit mirrored in this story. The Eye of Horus travels to and from the Underworld and grants Horus awareness in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Eyes in Other Cultures

There are numerous artefacts found in the Americas that suggest an ancient understanding of a third or spiritual eye, linking our outer experience with the inner. Masks, statues and paintings have been found with this additional eye decorating their forehead, perhaps implying knowledge of the energy system studied in the East.

Eyes generally are worshipped, revered and emblematized the world over as symbols of consciousness, hidden knowledge and power. The All Seeing Eye is one such image associated with esoteric societies, often literally considered the Eye of God. In both the Middle East and Ancient American symbology, you find a hand with a watchful eye in its centre, both imbued with a protective power and a connection with the underworld or spirit plane.

Expand Your Inner and Outer Vision

It is likely that Ancient peoples from across the globe had ritual practises geared towards accessing the power of the third eye, but it is from Asia that we have the most extensive works on the nature of a spirit eye and the means to work with it. The masses of teachings within the Tantra tradition and its Kundalini subsection are preoccupied with channelling prana, qi or life through the energy pathways to the third eye. They aim to re-establish the connection with our inner self and the universal consciousness that animates all reality. The meditation below is inspired by that tradition.

The Third Eye Meditation

A regular meditation practice is invaluable on your path to opening your third eye and maintaining a healthy Ajna chakra. This exercise in particular is meant to clear stagnant energy from the chakra and invites new energy into the eyes and eyebrow centre. Overtime it may allow you to become more sensitive to shifting energies in yourself, others and your environment. Your memory and concentration may improve. You might notice small details that had alluded you before.

This exercise is really magical before sleep, as it could result in more colourful, more fantastical dreams. The moon also has an energizing impact on this chakra, so practising in the dark, especially on the full or new moon, would maximise it effects.

Tip: It is really helpful to have an alarm that lets you know when to move on to the next stage of the practice. Insight Timer is a free App that allows you to set up a bell or gong chime. It’s a great tool for structuring your practice and calling back a wandering mind.

1. Lay down in a comfortable position. Ensure your spine is straight and each vertebrae is flat against the surface supporting you.

2. Notice the nature of your breath. Relax the mind by making the exhale longer then the inhale. Breath in for 4 counts, out for 6. Increase this number if it’s easy to maintain this rhythm. Do this for 3 minutes.

3. Relax the body by scanning each body part. Start at the feet, feel the energy that resides there, then instruct the feet to relax. Progress upward through each body part and repeat this process of energizing and relaxing. Go as slowly as you can. Stop when you reach the eyes.

4. Now inhale and consciously draw energy from the feet, up the legs, the spine, the neck and into your physical eyes. Exhale, feel the breath pouring out of your eyeballs. Do this for 5-10 minutes.

   
   

   If you start to feel pain in the head or a dizziness that is unpleasant, STOP, lay on your front and repeat the breathing exercise from stage 2 for as long as you need. Do not resume the practice today.  

5. Progress from your physical eyeballs to the third eye. Inhale energy in between the eyebrows and gaze towards that space with your eyes closed. Sense the energy growing there on your inhale, then exhale to project that energy out of the chakra and into the area surrounding you. Do this for 5-10 minutes.

6. When you wish to end the practice, let go of the energetic effort and lay for a few moments. Notice any bodily sensations, your mood and the nature of your thoughts. Offer gratitude to yourself and the energy you've worked with, before sleeping or returning calmly to your day.

   
   

   If you're feeling over-energized, do a little dance or brush the energy off you as if it were dust on your clothes.

May the wisdom of the ancient world inspire you to explore the power you hold within your own energy system, access your inner vision and connect with the consciousness that animates us all.

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