Third Eye Awakening
Did you know that you can develop intuition and improve your health at the same time?
Well, you can, through the pineal gland. You may be asking, well, what is the pineal gland? The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body, is a small pine cone shaped gland that lies deep inside the centre of the brain in the epithalamus. It is a part of the endocrine system and helps to regulate melatonin, which is a chemical produced in the brain that helps the body sleep at night. The pineal gland function lies in governing the production of hormones as well as the maintenance of the circadian rhythm, which is essentially our sleep/wake cycle.
Almost all animals have a pineal gland and its role remained a mystery for a long time. The role of this tiny gland was one of the last to be discovered and has only recently begun to be understood. In fact, scientists are still studying it today and as of yet, it’s complete role and function has not been defined by researchers. It has long been associated with the idea of the “third eye”, which is a spiritual symbol of all-knowing according to yoga philosophy and often perceived as a gateway for the soul’s liberation.
In his book Kundalini Tantra, Swami Satyananda Saraswati says, “It has also been called ‘the eye of intuition‘, and it is the doorway through which the individual enters the astral and psychic dimension of consciousness. Perhaps the most common name for this chakra is “the third eye”, and the mystical traditions of every age and culture make abundant references to it. It is portrayed as a psychic eye located midway between the two physical eyes and it looks inward instead of outward.”
The idea of the third eye has also floated around science circles previously, as some believe the pineal gland is what has been leftover in the human brain of an actual, physical third eye which we eventually evolved out of. The gland itself is very small, about 1/3 of an inch long and is located in the centre of the brain. It is a reddish-gray color and is primarily made up of pineal cells and neuroglia cells.
Calcification of the pineal gland often occurs as a result of excess fluoride and other mineral deposits. This may, in turn, affect the body’s ability to regulate melatonin and its circadian rhythm. The pineal gland is photosensitive and secretes less melatonin during the day and more at night; hence, why most people are awake during the day and feel tired for sleep at night time.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati says: “The pineal gland acts as a lock on the pituitary. As long as the pineal gland is healthy, the functions of the pituitary are controlled. However, in most of us, the pineal gland started to degenerate when we reached the age of eight, nine or ten. Then the pituitary began to function and to secrete various hormones which instigated our sexual consciousness, our sensuality and worldly personality. At this time, we began to lose touch with our spiritual heritage. However, through various yogic techniques, such as trataka and shambhavi mudra (third eye gazing), it is possible to regenerate or maintain the health of the pineal gland.”
The pituitary gland is a gland that acts as a master gland, controlling many of the hormonal functions in the body. It is located in the hypothalamus in the brain, which also contributes to our sleep/wake patterns This means the pituitary and pineal gland work together for proper function. Imbalances in the pineal gland (and pituitary) can lead to sleep disturbances and problems with your sleep/wake cycle. Therefore, this tiny, little gland plays a bigger role in our lives than previously thought!
Spirituality and the Third Eye
In addition to the physiological role the pineal gland plays in the body, it is also commonly associated with spiritual thought and mystical experiences. Ancient sages and mystics believed this area of the body to be the space for ascension and enlightenment through the brain/body. It is perceived as a bridge between our inner and outer worlds, as well as to a connection to something beyond what we know to exist, to a higher state of consciousness.
It was called the “seat of the soul” by French philosopher Descartes, although science has mostly discarded his sentiments. However, now that it has been proven that melatonin is in part regulated by the pineal gland, it does lend credibility to the fact that increased melatonin production can produce transcendent or mystical experiences during a waking state such as meditation through its function as a psychotropic chemical.
Outside the realm of science, the pineal gland is associated with the sixth chakra, called ajna or the “third eye” centre located between your eyebrows (essentially deep back in your brain). The ancient yogis who wrote The Vedas in India between 1500-500 B.C. outlined a long time ago these physiological and psychic energy pathways that run through the body as a map we can still use today to better understand ourselves. When you strengthen and activate the third eye, you awaken intuition and inner wisdom on the path to Self-Realisation.
It is the second to last step before reaching total enlightenment (according to yoga philosophy, which actually occurs through the crown of the head). Psychic energy is said to accumulate in this area of the brain and body.However, in the grand scheme of the world, when this centre is active and open, you can better understand your role in life and the various signs and synchronicities that occur and point you in the right direction.
Symbolically, the third eye represents union on the path to cosmic consciousness, divine wisdom, inner knowing, and intuition. This is the place where the ego is left behind and the concept of duality begins to unwind in order to embrace unity or the concept of oneness.
“When we begin to see each other through what the metaphysician calls, the third eye, we begin to know each other on a level that is beyond what our physical eyes can see.”
~ Marianne Williamson
Using this powerful centre can teach you to trust in divine while managing your ability to focus your life to the best of your ability and play your part in the world. When this occurs, your actions, words, and choices reflect this state of being and a more peaceful existence is possible. So how can you learn to amplify your pineal gland to live a better life? Who doesn’t want a little more wisdom knowing they’re on the right path…
Here are 5 steps you can take to begin amplifying your pineal gland today:
1) Meditate Regularly
Meditation is one of the most popular ways to learn how to awaken your third eye and stimulate your pineal gland. Meditation stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to relax the body and mind so that mundane thoughts of everyday life do not impede your ability to live a happy and healthy life. There is research to support the fact that people who meditate have higher concentrations of melatonin than those who do not meditate. Closing the eyes during meditation stimulates the perception of darkness by the brain, which may be a reason for this occurring. Mindfulness Meditation is a practical way to begin a meditation practice.
Find a quiet spot to sit comfortably, close your eyes and follow your breath.
Allow your focus to be completely absorbed in your breath. If your mind wanders, bring it back so that you become a witness to your breath.
Over time, you can choose what your focus is – perhaps it’s a body part, or a sound, or anything you can imagine.
2) Practice Gazing Meditation
According to ancient yogic philosophy, specific gazing techniques such as Trataka meditation can increase third eye activation. The most common way to practice Trataka is by candle gazing, or gazing at the flame of a candle without blinking for 1-3 minutes. Then, close your eyes and focus on the afterimage for several minutes until it disappears. You can repeat this several times in one session.
Another way of practicing this is to focus your eyes on a specific point in space, called dristhi in yoga. A common third eye meditation involves gazing at a spot in line with your nose, then gazing at the tip of your nose, and finally, directing your gaze upward to your brow or third eye area (called Shambhavi Mudra). You can practice each gazing point for up to 10 minutes each.
3) Try Colour Visualisation
Visualisation is another way to amplify the power of your pineal gland and third eye centre. In chakra theory from yoga philosophy, the Ajna chakra or third eye is the colour indigo, which is a deep blue-purple colour.
You can envision this colour in your mind’s eye at the space between your brows or even deep back into the brain where the pineal gland resides. The Sanskrit word Ajna means “command”, so by visualising this colour here, you further activate your “command centre” in order to live your life to its fullest potential by piercing obstacles in your path through your own willpower.
4) Eat Cleansing Foods
In order for the pineal gland to function at its optimum potential, a balanced and healthy diet is essential. Fluoride, which is frequently found in water supplies and toothpaste, calcifies the pineal gland, which lowers its function. Therefore, a cleansing diet rich in super-greens like spirulina and chlorophyll will be very beneficial for keeping the pineal gland active through the detoxification process and nutrients they provide.
5) Experiment with a Sensory Deprivation Tank
Because the pineal gland is photosensitive, exposing yourself to full sunlight as well as immersing yourself in total darkness at night will help to maintain a healthy pineal gland. If total darkness is not regularly possible, try a sensory deprivation tank. Also called “float tanks”, these containers allow you to be immersed in a closed tub of water where you feel like you can float, completely cut off from all of your senses.
“The sixth doorway is the Doorway of Vision. This relates to seeing with the eyes of love and corresponds to the energy centre located in the third eye area of our forehead. When this doorway is open, we’re more able to see life through love instead of differences.”
~ Marci Shimoff
The more that you practice these techniques, the more you will begin to ‘see’ a change in your life. Gradually, you will begin to notice a shift in your thinking, acting, and way of being. There are some telltale signs that your pineal gland is healthy as you activate your third eye centre.
Signs You are Amplifying Your Third Eye
You find deeper meaning in the events that occur in your life
You understand that physical reality is a manifestation of duality, and your soul seeks to be liberated from this duality
You never feel alone, but instead feel connected to all things, animate and inanimate
You feel the vibration and rhythm of everything around you
Your senses are heightened (touch, taste, smell, hearing, sight)
You begin to see and feel your own energy body and others as well
You identify less with your ego sense
Negative emotions such as anger, greed, envy, and lust begin to disappear
Remember to enjoy the process and be patient with yourself as you try to incorporate these techniques to amplify the power of your pineal gland. This tiny little gland does a lot more than we give it credit for, so when we start to nurture this aspect of our mind, body and soul connection through regular healthy practices, big changes can happen.
Let’s start amplifying the power of your pineal gland right now with this meditation. Tap into an infinite sea of wisdom as you receive the sound of the theta waves. This meditation has a tremendous activation effect on the pineal gland which often dries up from exposure to a range of chemicals found in our environment and due to psycho-emotional traumas. It’s a great way to calm your nervous system.
Creating a Crystal Grid
The ancient Lemurians encoded cosmic wisdom in crystals and used them as powerful activators to enhance psychic ability, telepathy and healing gifts, to manifest and even to create portals to other worlds. Grids are intentional arrangements of stones designed to raise energy for a specific purpose. Think of them as a way to amplify and supercharge the power of the crystals within them.
There are many ways to create a crystal grid, being guided by your intuition to create a mandala of great beauty, radiating out in the shapes of sacred geometry – think of the flowers of a petal. But, for a basic grid, take 4 of each stone you want to work with, 8 small quartz shards, 1 central ‘power stone’ and 16 tiny tumbled chips. I like to work in multiples of four so that the stones point in multiples of the 4 cardinal directions.
Gridding in any sacred geometric shape is powerful. Use your intuition to place stones according to size, shape, colour or texture and remember to have fun! Whisper mantra or invocation as you place your stones, burn essential oils and even add flowers and leaves to your grid for amplification and beauty.
Remember that you’re magnifying the energetic properties of the crystals and getting them to work together in a synergistic way. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to placing your first crystal grid:
Step 1: Set your intention
The first thing to do is determine the intention behind making a grid. Possible purposes could include manifesting abundance, attracting love, amplifying your intuitive powers, activating lucid dreaming or balancing a specific chakra. As an example, I’m going to create a grid with the following intention in mind: “Activating my throat chakra, so that my heart can experience it’s fullest expression and my higher chakras can transmit their knowledge freely to my heart. Calling on the courage to speak my truth at a time when we’re all being asked to be more courageous in the world and not shrink.”
The throat chakra (Vishuddha), and it’s vital role as a conduit between the heart and higher chakras, is something I’ve been thinking of a lot lately. The signs of an unbalanced throat chakra include fear of speaking, social anxiety, shyness, and the inability to express your thoughts.
Step 2: Pick a grid shape
Grids can be tiny or massive, but a nice basic grid can begin as a circle, with a large central ‘power’ stone, 4 medium-sized rough or tumbled stones and 8 small clear quartz shards radiating out from the centre. You can then create a ring around the entire grid of 16 tiny stones or flower petals – just have fun with it! Different geometric shapes work with different energies - triangles tap into simplicity and structure, squares help with boundaries, while spirals are about reaching out and expanding. The circle represents belonging, oneness, and protection. I like to place grids in my bedroom, so that their effects will work overnight while I’m dreaming, near plants and by a window to receive solar and lunar energies.
Step 3: Choose your stones
You’ll want to choose crystals that have the properties that coincide with your intention. I’m choosing a grid to help me tap into my voice and overcome the fear of speaking up, so I will choose stones that help me reach that place. These include stones like blue lace agate (which I will place at the centre), lapis lazuli and chrysocolla to help with communication, heart chakra stones like amazonite and malachite for universal love, self-compassion and self-acceptance, clear quartz shards to call in my spirit guides and the council of light, and some rainbow moonstone chips around the edge to bring balance, harmony and hope while enhancing creativity, compassion and inner confidence.
If you can’t find everything you need, use what you have, even including elements of nature like flower petals, leaves and seashells. You can also place other trinkets in the grid, whose energy coincides with your intention. These can stand in for the stones and add even deeper meaning to your grid because of their personal connection to you.
Step 4: Use your voice to activate your grid
Once you have your grid in place, activate it with your intention. This means speaking the intention aloud so that the universe knows you’re serious. For example “Star guides, star ancestors, Council of Light, with this crystal grid I activate my throat chakra and inspire courage in me. Through these stones, I ask that you help me lift my voice and shine my light, even when I have the urge to shrink.”
Each time you pass your grid, you can hold your hand to your heart, take a deep breath and remind yourself of its purpose. Crystals are from the earth. They’re healing. They’re supportive. They’re there for you. We’re walking on them all the time. They’re with us in our own brains and they’re as old as stardust itself. And so are you! Enjoy x
Photos: Maha Rose & Unearthed Crystals
Are you a Starseed?
Do you feel like Earth is not your true home? Are you fascinated with extraterrestrials and space? Have you always felt different from those around you? Then you are very likely a Starseed. Being a Starseed on Earth today is pretty exciting. We are in times of ascension, a very crucial point in Earth’s history, where we are going from the 3rd dimension to the 4th and 5th dimensions of existence together. Starseeds play an important role in helping humanity through this exciting but chaotic transition.
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them in their cores and exploded these enriched ingredients across our galaxy, billions of years ago. For this reason, we are biologically connected to every other living thing in the world. We are chemically connected to all molecules on Earth. And we are atomically connected to all atoms in the universe. We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
What is a Starseed?
Starseeds are advanced souls living in human form on Earth today whose spirits have, at some point in history, originated from other planets, dimensions or galaxies. A call for help was sent out into the Universe to help Earth conquer the negative forces that long have been in control here, and help humanity transition into the golden age/fifth dimension. If you are a Starseed, it means you said yes to the call and came here as a galactic volunteer. However, most Starseeds are not aware of their unique gifts and have forgotten their cosmic origins and mission on Earth. Just like any soul who incarnates on a third-dimensional planet like Earth, they had to go through a veil of forgetfulness, ultimately forgetting they are spiritual beings living a temporary human experience.
Most Starseeds are old souls and have lived several lifetimes on Earth to prepare for the time of Ascension that we are in now. You may have heard of me speak of ‘end times incarnators’ – these are souls that choose particularly cataclysmic timelines in order to be of service to humanity in times of need. However, Starseeds will not know their soul’s mission until they have had their awakening. This awakening can be instant or gradual, but it always includes a ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ where they temporarily go through a dark or chaotic period if their life, before they rise from the ashes and awaken. Most Starseeds on Earth are from the Pleiades, Sirius, Orion, Arcturus or Andromeda.
50 signs that you may be a Starseed
You are highly sensitive. You easily feel overwhelmed and drained when you are in a place with many people and with intense stimuli – like shopping malls, clubs, and networking events. You might also be sensitive to stimulants like coffee, alcohol and even dark chocolate. You are sensitive to scary and violent movies and video games and make a point to avoid them.
You have always felt like you don’t belong. You find it difficult to fit into groups of people and you often felt lonely in school and at work. You probably have a few close friends you vibe with and can be yourself with, but you are not one of those people with hundreds of friendships. Many people are drawn to your light, but you are very picky with who you spend your time with.
You find society hostile. You feel sad about how we are damaging the planet, poverty, the debt-based economy, greedy leaders, fear-based media, etc.
You are intelligent. Starseeds are usually smarter than the average, however, this doesn’t always translate into good grades in school. In fact, many starseeds did not enjoy school and are not fans of Earth’s school system.
You are going through or have gone through a spiritual awakening.
You are into holistic health. You don’t trust Big Pharma and only resort to Western medicine when you have to. You prefer to use herbs, sound healing, reiki, acupuncture and other natural options, that don’t have the nasty side effects and go deeper than just hiding the symptoms.
You are peace-loving and don’t believe wars are the way to solve problems. You don’t understand why people would sign up to the army.
You are highly intuitive and you usually make decisions based on your intuition rather than logic or common sense.
You are good at reading between the lines. You can easily spot when people are lying and see behind the mask people hide behind. Genuineness is therefore something you value highly.
You have a fascination with flying. Perhaps you enjoy flying in your dreams or are into paragliding or skydiving.
You are into conspiracy theories. You probably love the movie The Matrix, and if you were in the movie you would pick the red pill any day. Ignorance is NOT bliss according to you.
You are a wise, old soul. You’ve always felt more mature than your age group, and might have older friends because of this. This made you stand out as a kid and you might even have been bullied in school because of it.
You love sci-fi and/or space. You might be a big Star Wars or Star Trek fan, or simply always been fascinated with the moon and the stars.
You have had a near-death experience caused by an accident or out-of-body experiences like astral projection and sleep paralysis.
You feel like you have a big mission in this lifetime. However, you might have no clue what it is. You just feel an urge and responsibility to help the planet and humanity in some way.
You have psychic or paranormal abilities. You might have had dreams that came true, a third eye awakening, experienced astral projection, seen ghosts, had encounters with angels or extraterrestrials when meditating etc.
You love nature. You feel very drawn to nature and feel it’s important to be in nature every day. You love camping or going on forest walks.
You feel drawn to a vegetarian diet. You think it’s important to eat foods that are natural, preferably organic and alive. You can’t help feeling guilty when eating meat and are strongly against factory farming.
You have unexplainable memories, where something makes no sense or doesn’t add up.
You are spiritual. You believe in God and that we are all One, but you don’t adhere to any specific religion. You love talking about the supernatural and paranormal and you keep people close who you can have these types of conversations with.
You love animals, and animals love you. Sometimes you even prefer the company of a pet than humans! It’s an unconditional, non-judgemental kind of love you rarely get from humans. Animal cruelty is one of the biggest frustrations you have with the world.
Sometimes you feel homesick on earth. You feel like it’s not your true home and that you belong in the stars.
You are constantly searching for your life purpose and you have tried tools like astrology, numerology and tarot cards to get closer to finding it.
You have had dreams about aliens and spaceships. You have had paranormal dreams and sometimes they have felt very real.
You believe in extraterrestrials and that most are positive.
You read about Starseeds. The fact that you are reading this is a big indication that you could be a Starseed. You wouldn’t be attracted to this article otherwise.
You have seen UFOs. You’ve seen spaceships in the night sky and maybe you have even had visits physically, during psychedelics or in a dream state.
You are an empath and can easily pick up on others’ emotions. Even if someone says they are fine, you can pick up on what they really are feeling.
You have memories or a feeling you have lived on another planet.
Sometimes you feel disappointed by your body, it’s so dense, heavy and fragile! You wish you could do telekinesis, levitate, fly, etc and you feel like you used to be able to do that. The reason why many Starseed feel this is because their consciousness actually comes from distant star systems, where existence operates on much higher dimensions.
You love reading. You are especially fond of spiritual books like The Power of Now and Conversations with God, and if you are more into fiction books, then you might be a big fan of the Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings sequels.
You are very good at problem-solving, better than the average person.
You have low blood pressure and low body temperature. You easily get cold. Or the other way, you easily get hot and don’t need to dress up as warmly as others in winter.
Sometimes you feel that your biological parents are not your real parents, or that you have another family in the stars.
You had imaginary friends as a child.
You are sensitive to electronics. Your supercharged energy has led to electronic appliances break in your presence, lights flickering, electric shocks often, etc.
You have a feeling you have lived many lives and you believe in reincarnation.
You often experience feelings of deja vu.
You are a dreamer. You daydream a lot. You have big dreams for your future. You might also be into lucid dreaming.
You believe in karma – what goes around comes around. You make sure to not create more karma and follow the golden rule of treating others as you want to be treated.
Touch is one of your primary love languages – you like being touched and hugged.
You are a lone wolf and have no problems being alone for long stretches of time. Most Starseeds I know are introverts, including myself.
You are highly creative and full of ideas. You always have a new passion project you are working on. It doesn’t have to be an art you pursue, but could be an instrument or coming up with business ideas.
You enjoy being nude and barefoot and prefer non-restrictive clothes.
You feel drawn to crystals and own a few (or many). You love going into crystal shops and touching the different crystals and feeling their energy.
You are into healing. You might love to listen to Tibetan bowl sound healing, taken a course in Reiki, taken Ayahuasca to heal traumas etc.
You love to travel more than the average person and value freedom. You might feel tempted to go off-grid or become a nomad.
You have a special fascination for ancient civilisations like Ancient Egypt, Atlantis and the Incas.
You want to meet extraterrestrials and might be very nerdy about the topic.
You have a desire to find people of your kind. You might join (or start) book clubs, Facebook groups, retreats in high energy places etc.
What is a Starseed’s purpose?
The main purpose of Starseeds is to serve humanity at this time of Ascension, with their unique gifts and wisdom. A lot of the work is happening when your body is sleeping but even when you are just going about your day you are anchoring divine light into Mother Earth and affecting everyone around you. You are doing Earth a huge favour, just by being here. Starseeds have incarnated on Earth many times to learn how humanity and Earth works and how it is to be human. We all come in with a soul contract, signed before birth, on what we want to accomplish this lifetime on Earth. This mission will look very different from Starseed to Starseed, but it always involves spreading your light to humanity in your own unique way. Most often, your inner child knows the answer to the question – what lights you up?
What is a Starseed soul family?
Although it may feel lonely at times, know that you are never alone as a Starseed. Starseeds are incarnated with other Starseeds that they reunite with throughout their life, who help and support them. When you are incarnated here, your soul family are forgotten due to the veil of forgetfulness, but your soul will know when you encounter one today. Your Starseed soul family are easy to spot. You will feel like you have known them for many lifetimes. You can have deep, spiritual conversations from the heart with your soul family and they will not judge you. You know you can trust them completely and that they are here to help you on your mission. I always know a fellow Starseed when I see one – not only because I can ‘sense’ it in their energy and aura, but by their eyes. They say they are the windows to the soul, and so, when I look into another Starseed’s eyes… I just know. I hope this article resonates with you… and if you’ve ready this far, welcome home! It’s so nice to see you again x
If you would like to take a deep dive into your soul’s memory, Starseed origins and your mission on earth, click here to read more about my completely personalised 8 Week program, Initiation: Starseed Ascension School.