Using incense is a great way to help unlock and soothe the Ajna or third eye chakra. This energy center, located between your eyebrows on your forehead, is incredibly important for those seeking wisdom, intuition, and spiritual awareness. Incense can be utilized as an effective tool to strengthen this connection with oneself and one's surroundings. With that in mind, here are a few scents to help bring out the potential of your third eye chakra.

1. What is the third eye chakra?

Have you heard of your third eye? It is one of many nicknames for the human pineal gland, a small pea-sized gland shaped like a pine cone located towards the center of our brain. This gland is often referred to as the "third eye" because it can help access things that we cannot sense with our five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. It is thought to be what connects us to spiritual realms and heightened awareness.

Element: light

Color: Indigo

Mantra: OM

Location: Forehead area (between brows)

Psychological function: the ability to control

In Ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus represented the position of the pineal gland in the form of a human head. In Ayurvedic teachings, the third eye is described by the Ajna Chakra. Chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "circle," referring to individual spinning wheels or "energy centers" located throughout our bodies.

The Ajna Chakra is the energy center located between our eyebrows, which is also known as the third eye. This chakra is associated with wisdom, insight, and intuition - it is believed to be the connection between one's physical and spiritual self. When this chakra is open, a person can experience heightened clarity of thought, greater awareness of intuition, and inner guidance. Through regular meditation and other practices that increase your connection with this part of yourself, you can benefit from all these gifts.

The symbol of the third eye chakra (Ajna) is an indigo blue lotus with two petals

The symbol of the third eye chakra (Ajna) is an indigo blue lotus with two petals

2. What incense helps open the third eye chakra?

2.1.Patchouli 

Patchouli is an excellent choice when looking to open the third eye chakra. It has a sweet, earthy aroma that is both grounding and stimulating. The oil helps with mental clarity and encourages deep spiritual connection. Its ability to induce dream-like states makes it perfect for meditation and visualization exercises, while its antiseptic qualities help to clear away any mental blocks. 

2.2. Palo Santo 

Palo santo is an excellent aid in opening and balancing the third eye chakra. It has long been used as a spiritual purifier by shamans, especially in Peru and Ecuador, to cleanse negative energy and open psychic channels. The burning of palo santo allows for deep meditation and connection with one's intuition, helping to clear blockages within the 3rd eye chakra that are preventing access or understanding of our inner truth.  As you burn it, allow yourself to be enveloped by its powerful aroma and envision your spiritual energy being purified with each breath. 

2.3. Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus is a fantastic herb for balancing the Third Eye Chakra. It helps to open us up mentally, allowing us to access our higher consciousness and connect with our intuition. The aroma of eucalyptus can help to bring clarity and focus as it reduces stress and mental fog.  As an anti-inflammatory agent, it soothes away head tension caused by headaches or sinus pressure. Eucalyptus is very beneficial in helping people gain insight into their purpose on this planet and empowering them to make better decisions fueled by compassion and wisdom. The effects of this herb can be further enhanced when used in combination with other herbs such as rosemary and peppermint.

Eucalyptus incense is great for opening the Third Eye chakra.

Eucalyptus incense is great for opening the Third Eye chakra.

2.4. Sage

Sage is a very popular herb used in aromatherapy for its ability to help open the third eye chakra. The scent of sage can bring clarity and focus to one's innermost thoughts and feelings, helping them to connect more deeply with their intuition and higher purpose. Additionally, sage is known for its cleansing properties, including the clearing of negative energy from the body and space. For these reasons, many people find that incorporating the scent of sage into their aromatherapy practice helps them to open up to a deeper level of understanding

2.5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its ability to enhance mental clarity and improve concentration. It can also help with activating the third eye, or Ajna chakra, it works to open up this area of spiritual awakening by stimulating the brain's production of serotonin, which is linked to heightened states of awareness. Additionally, its energizing aroma can help bring focus to the present moment and clear away the mental fog. When used in meditation or yoga practice, cinnamon can help induce a deeper state of relaxation.

All of these scents help clear the mind, aiding with meditative practices which can be beneficial in opening up the third eye chakra. Taking the time to connect with your 3rd Eye Chakra through scent can be a powerful tool in accessing greater levels of spiritual awareness and intuition. In addition to incense, other methods of opening the third eye chakra can include meditation, visualization, and affirmations. Spending time in nature, engaging in creative activities such as drawing or painting, and focusing on spiritual practices like chanting and prayer can also help expand your connection with this important energy center. With a little practice and dedication, you will be able to open the third eye chakra and discover new insights into your own spirituality.

Cinnamon incense is often used to amplify the energy of the Third Eye chakra.

Cinnamon incense is often used to amplify the energy of the Third Eye chakra.

3. Signs of a blocked third eye chakra

Symptoms of an imbalance or blockage in the Third Eye Chakra can be identified through over-intellectualization, over-rationalization, lack of confidence in one's own insights, and difficulty in "thinking clearly". The archetype associated with an underactive Third Eye Chakra is referred to as the 'Wisdom Man'. Wisdom involves not just relying on the finite resources of logical and analytical thought but also taking into account emotional and spiritual aspects. Individuals who adopt this mode of thinking often experience anxiety and tension brought about by excessive stimulation of their minds. This kind of person tends to intellectualize and theorize their life, never trusting their intuition, feelings, and inner guidance. 

When your Third Eye Chakra is overactive, you may experience symptoms such as disconnection from reality (often due to hallucinations and imagining things that don't exist), mental confusion, total mental insecurity, and difficulty concentrating or focusing; sometimes referred to as 'brain fog'. To determine if the Third Eye Chakra is blocked, pay attention to any physical sensations or feelings of discomfort around your forehead. Additionally, you may also notice difficulties in accessing intuition or concepts that are normally easy for you to comprehend.

To know if your Third Eye Chakra is blocked, ask yourself these two questions: 

1. Do you find it difficult to tap into your imagination and intuition when making decisions? 

2. Are your decisions primarily based on logic and reason rather than allowing your dream life and fantasy to roam freely? 

If you answered 'Yes' to the first question, then it is likely that your Third Eye Chakra is underactive. On the other hand, if you answered 'Yes' to the second question, then it may be an indication that your Third Eye Chakra is overactive.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your third eye chakra may be blocked, there are several ways to help open it up. One way is through meditation or yoga, which can help bring clarity of thought and enhance self-awareness. You can also try chanting or visualizing a symbol associated with the third eye chakra like an image of a lotus flower or the color indigo blue. Finally, aromatherapy using incense or essential oils such as cinnamon, eucalyptus, and sage can be very calming and promote relaxation while helping activate the third eye chakra. With these tools, you can start to recognize signs from within that will help guide you on your path toward balance and well-being.

Source

1. Davies, B. (2000). The 7 Healing Chakras, Berkeley, CA: Ulysses Press.

2. Herbert, K. (2019). Chakras in Grief and Trauma, London, Singing Dragon.

3. Judith, A. (1990). The Truth About Chakras, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.

4. Judith, A. (1999). Wheels of Life – A User's Guide to the Chakra System, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.

5. Minich, DM (2009). Chakra Foods for Optimal Health, San Francisco, CA: Conari Press.

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