Aligning The Anja Chakra

The ajna chakra, also known as the ‘third eye’ chakra, is the sixth primary chakra in the human body. In Sanskrit, anja means ‘to anoint’. This chakra is the energy center of our inner vision, where we perceive the interweaving of memory, fantasy, intuition and imagination.

Located between the eyebrows in the center of the forehead, the anja chakra is associated with intuition, enlightenment, spiritual awareness and higher consciousness. It is the “seat of the soul” and connects us to our higher self. The third eye chakra is also where we access our intuitive abilities, use our gut instincts, and connect with our inner guidance.

It also governs several organs in the human body, including the pineal gland, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus in the brain, as well as the eyes.

The anja chakra is symbolized by two lotus petals, a downward facing triangle, and the mantra “Ohm” in the center. The circle represents infinity and wholeness, the lotus petals represent purity and enlightenment, and the triangle represents the element of air. It represents our potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment, the power of the mind, and the connection between the individual and the divine.

When the anja chakra is open, aligned and balanced, we are able to perceive the subtle energies around us with greater clarity and are more attuned to our intuitive inner guidance.

The energy of this chakra allows us to see and understand the inner and outer worlds. When open, the third eye chakra connects us to the present moment and can deepen spiritual connection as well as provide wisdom and insight ~ Anna Sugarman

We are more mentally focused and open and can make choices and decisions with greater clarity and insight. We are also able to generate new ideas and innovative solutions to problems.

The ajna chakra is also our gateway to higher consciousness, and when it is open, we are more likely to experience spiritual insights and feel connected to something greater than ourselves. We also have a greater sense of purpose and self-awareness.

On the other hand, when this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and we may have a lack of clarity and direction in life. We may experience mental fog, feel overwhelmed by information or negative thoughts, and tend to overthink things.

We may also feel disconnected from our inner guidance and higher self and have difficulty trusting our intuition. People with a blocked third eye chakra also tend to be cynical and skeptical about spiritual matters.

However, if the anja chakra is too open and overactive, we develop an overactive imagination that leads to excessive daydreaming or fantasizing. We may have obsessive thoughts and manic ideas. We may also become zealously religious or preoccupied with spirituality and have difficulty distinguishing between genuine spiritual experiences and delusions or hallucinations. We may also develop a sense of superiority regarding our own soul development or arrogance toward people who do not share our spiritual beliefs.

An open, aligned and balanced anja chakra offers the following benefits:

Heightened intuition. A balanced ajna chakra allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and intuition, making it easier to make decisions, solve problems, and understand the deeper meaning of life events.

Increased imagination. When the anja chakra is active and balanced it ignites our imagination, enabling us to generate new ideas, solve problems creatively, and express ourselves in unique and more meaningful ways. It is also essential to powerful intention setting and successful manifestation, which depend heavily on our ability to imagine and visualize the future outcomes we desire.

Improved self-awareness. A healthy ajna chakra promotes self-awareness and introspection, teaching us to better understand and accept ourselves and giving us a deeper understanding of our purpose and place in the larger scheme of life.

Spiritual connection. An open ajna chakra deepens our spiritual connection and broadens our perspective on life. This can lead to a greater sense of peace, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves.

Improved mental functioning. We are more mentally focused and have greater clarity and insight.

To activate and align the anja chakra to experience more of these benefits, try these simple strategies:

Visualized Meditation

Find a moment each day to pause, breathe, and reflect on your inner vision. Focus on the space between your eyebrows and visualize a clear indigo blue light emanating from your forehead and spreading out into the universe. Imagine this light connecting you to your higher consciousness and intuition, or stream a third eye guided meditation on your favorite app. Start with a 5-minute meditation and gradually increase the duration as you feel comfortable.

Crystal Work

Meditate with a crystal or gemstone associated with the ajna chakra, such as lapis lazuli, sapphire, and amethyst, by holding it near your forehead and become aware of your “mind’s eye” and any inner visions you experience.

Yoga Poses

Certain yoga poses specifically activate the ajna chakra. Poses such as Downward-Facing Dog, Dolphin Pose, and Plow Pose gently compress the forehead, increasing energy flow in this area and aligning the rest of the body with the third eye.

Chanting

Chanting the seed mantra “Ohm” activates and opens the ajna chakra. Repeat the mantra while focusing on its sound and meaning.

Art & Journaling

Expressing our thoughts and ideas through art or journaling stimulates our imagination and promotes inner clarity. Write, draw, paint or sculpt your thoughts, dreams, intuitions and visions for the future. Visualize as you create or write, allowing your mind’s eye to guide and inspire you.

Diet & Nutrition

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dark leafy greens, and vibrant purple foods such as berries, eggplant, and purple grapes nourish the third eye. Include more of these foods in your diet to restore balance and strengthen your connection to your intuition.

Aromatherapy

Diffuse an essential oil such as frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, mugwort, or clary sage during your daily spiritual practice to increase mindfulness, heighten intuitive awareness, and stimulate the imagination.

Remember that activating and balancing the ajna chakra is a process. Be patient and persistent in third eye practices that resonate with you. As you deepen your connection to your third eye chakra, you’ll discover a world of enhanced intuition, creative thinking, and spiritual awareness. Your third eye awaits your discovery.