What is the third eye chakra?
The third eye chakra is called Ajna in Sanskrit, which means “command.” It sits at the forehead, between the eyebrows and is linked with intuition, insight and imagination. When it's balanced, you trust your inner voice, think clearly and can picture where you're going.
| Third eye chakra | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Ajna (“command”) |
| Location | The forehead, between the eyebrows |
| Color | Indigo |
| Element | Light |
| Seed sound (bija) | OM |
| Petals | 2 |
| Frequency | 852 Hz |
| Linked with | Intuition, insight and imagination |
Third eye chakra color and symbol
The third eye chakra color is indigo. The rainbow colors used today are a modern addition: they were first added in 1927, and the old Sanskrit texts describe the chakras differently.
The traditional third eye chakra symbol is a two-petaled lotus with the syllable OM at its center.
Third eye chakra frequency
Most modern chakra charts pair the third eye chakra with 852 Hz, one of the solfeggio frequencies. This pairing is modern: the solfeggio tones as we know them date from the 1970s, and pairings vary from chart to chart. Many people still find a steady tone a helpful focus for a few minutes of chakra meditation.
Signs of a blocked third eye chakra
In energy-healing traditions, a blocked or underactive third eye chakra is described as:
- Feeling disconnected from your intuition
- Overthinking or mental fog
- Trouble imagining or visualizing
- Second-guessing yourself
How to heal and balance the third eye chakra
- Play 852 Hz for five minutes at a low volume, using the session above.
- Chant the seed sound OM slowly on each out-breath, and feel it at the forehead, between the eyebrows.
- Try third eye chakra yoga poses: Child's pose (Balasana), Standing forward fold (Uttanasana), Dolphin pose, Seated meditation with eyes closed.
- Practice: Sit quietly and rest your attention on the point between your eyebrows for a few slow breaths.
- Repeat a third eye chakra affirmation from the list below, morning and night.
Third eye chakra affirmations
- I trust my intuition.
- I see clearly.
- My inner voice guides me.
- I am open to insight.
- I imagine my future with clarity.
- I trust what I know.
- My mind is calm and clear.
- I see the bigger picture.
Third eye chakra crystals and stones
Stones commonly paired with the third eye chakra are amethyst, lapis lazuli, sodalite and labradorite, mostly because of their indigo tones. Many people hold one during meditation as a reminder of their intention; there's no evidence the stones themselves have healing effects.
