# The third eye chakra (Ajna)

> The third eye chakra (Ajna) in yoga tradition: where it sits, its colour (indigo), its themes, and the crystals traditionally linked with it.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/third-eye
Updated: 2026-10-30

Ajna, meaning 'command' in Sanskrit, is the sixth of the seven main chakras in modern yoga tradition. It is placed at the brow, between the eyebrows, shown as indigo, and linked with intuition, imagination and insight.

## At a glance

|  | Third eye chakra |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit name | Ajna ('command') |
| Position | The brow, between the eyebrows |
| Colour | Indigo |
| Element | Light (in some systems) |
| Seed sound (bija) | OM (AUM) |
| Themes | Intuition, imagination and insight |

## Where the idea comes from

Chakras ('wheels') come from Hindu and Buddhist tantric texts, where the number and details vary. The familiar seven chakras with rainbow colours come largely from Sir John Woodroffe's 1919 book The Serpent Power and later Western writers. We share the system as tradition and a tool for reflection, not as anatomy or medicine.

## Crystals for the third eye chakra

Stones usually matched with Ajna share its colour: [Amethyst](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amethyst), [Lapis lazuli](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/lapis), [Labradorite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/labradorite), [Fluorite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/fluorite) and [Sodalite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/sodalite). Many people place one on the body during a lying-down meditation, or keep it on a desk as a reminder.

## A simple practice

Keep a dream diary, or sit quietly and picture a candle flame with your eyes closed.

Some people chant the seed sound OM (AUM) softly for a few breaths. Ten quiet minutes is plenty.

## Colour around the home

Using indigo in candles, cloths or flowers is a gentle way to bring the third eye chakra's themes into a room. Our [candle colour guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/candle-colour-meanings) lists traditional meanings.

## Questions

**What colour is the third eye chakra?**

Indigo.

**Where is the third eye chakra?**

At the brow, between the eyebrows, in modern yoga tradition.

**Which crystals go with the third eye chakra?**

Amethyst, Lapis lazuli, Labradorite, Fluorite and Sodalite.

**What element is the third eye chakra?**

The third eye chakra is linked with light (in some systems) in modern chakra tradition. Each of the seven main chakras is given an element, rising from earth at the root to more subtle elements higher up. People sometimes use this in meditation, picturing the element while focusing on the chakra's position.

**What is the seed mantra for the third eye chakra?**

The seed (bija) mantra for the third eye chakra is OM (AUM). In yoga tradition it is chanted slowly on the out-breath, feeling the sound resonate, often for a few minutes. A [singing bowl](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/how-to-use/singing-bowls) can be used alongside it to set a calm pace.

**What incense is used for the third eye chakra?**

Modern practice pairs the third eye chakra with frankincense, lavender and sandalwood. These pairings are modern tradition, chosen by mood and colour. Burn incense in a ventilated room on a heatproof holder. Browse our [incense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/collections/incense) and [incense guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/incense-types-explained). Chakras are a belief system from yoga tradition, not anatomy.

**What is an affirmation for the third eye chakra?**

A traditional-style affirmation for the third eye chakra is "I trust my inner knowing." Say it slowly a few times, perhaps holding a indigo stone or sitting quietly. Affirmations are a reflective practice, not a treatment. See [crystals for the third eye chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/third-eye).

## Related

- [Root chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/root)
- [Sacral chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/sacral)
- [Solar plexus chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/solar-plexus)
- [Heart chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/heart)
- [Throat chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/throat)
- [Crown chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/crown)
- [All seven chakras](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras)

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