In Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” and is often translated by “vortex”. According to yogic scriptures, these energy centers regulate the vital energy or prana that flows in the subtle (aka psychic) body – psychological, emotional & mental. There are 7 main chakras, each with its own distinctive features, located along the sushumna, the energy channel which flows through the center of the spinal cord, starting at the perineum and ending at the top of the head. The chakras are symbolized with lotus flowers, each having a particular number of petals and color, representing the different manifestations of psychic energy associated to it. As everything else in the universe, they vibrate at a specific frequency, and resonate with and are affected by sound vibration.
The Third Eye Chakra, or Ajna in Sanskrit, is located inside the forehead, behind the center of the eyebrows, at the top of the spine. It is connected to the element of light and to the mind.
It is traditionally symbolized by an indigo lotus with two petals surrounding a downward-pointing triangle, with at its center the sacred sound Om. The two petals represent the sun and the moon. Also called the “guru chakra”, Ajna chakra means “command” in Sanskrit, a reference to the guidance from the higher self one may receive in deep meditation.
The third eye chakra is the center of wisdom, intellect, clarity and intuition. It is the bridge between the mental and psychic dimensions, the seat of what is called the sixth sense. When this chakra is stimulated, intelligence, memory and concentration are all enhanced. The mind becomes steady and one can rely on intuition and inner wisdom to take the right decisions. When unbalanced, one may be overthinking, feel wary or cynical or have difficulty concentrating.
To stimulate this chakra, traditional yoga recommends to practice meditative postures like Sukhasana (easy posture) and the Chin or Jnana mudra.
- Element : Light
- Color : Indigo
- Seed sound (or bija mantra) : Om
- Deity : Shiva/Shakti
- Animal: The last two chakras have no associated animal
Here is a playlist I created to explore the space between the sixth and seventh chakras, called “From Third Eye to Crown”. It is an invitation to a profound journey, to let curiosity and imagination guide us towards a vision of unity and the interconnectedness of All. Flow on!
InnerFlow 