The human brain is a marvel of evolution, housing intricate networks that govern every aspect of our being. Among its myriad components, the pineal gland holds a particularly mystical allure. Located in the center of the brain and often referred to as the "third eye", this tiny, pinecone-shaped gland has been revered in spiritual traditions all throughout human history. Many cultures view it as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, capable of facilitating higher states of consciousness.
As an example, if we look at the Eye of Horus (pun intended!), we can see the symbol Ancient Egyptians used to signify protection, royal power, and good health. In Hinduism, it’s linked to the Ajna chakra, which is considered the center of intuition and insight. Some Buddhists also view it as connected to the physical manifestation of the “third eye” of enlightenment. Likewise, in Taoism, the pineal gland has been associated with the “Crystal Palace”, a center of spiritual energy. Many early shamanic practices focused on activating the pineal gland for spiritual visions and insights, and the French philosopher Descartes went as far as to refer to it as the “seat of the soul”, a place where all thoughts originate.
Situated between the two hemispheres of the brain lies the mystical pineal gland. Also nicknamed the “seat of consciousness”, the pineal gland is believed to enable telepathic abilities, intuitive sight, and empathy. When the hypothalamus secretes neurohormones—a state achieved through hormonal balance and stress-free living—it activates the third eye, granting spiritual insight.
As Mantak Chia writes, “The anterior lobe of the pituitary secretes seven key hormones that are related to lactation, the release of testosterone, and the production of sex, thyroid, and human growth hormones. The posterior lobe does not produce hormones, but stores and releases two important ones made in the brain: oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin fosters maternal instincts, bonding between mates, trust, and sexual pleasure. Vasopressin influences circadian rhythms, the reabsorption of water into the bloodstream, and also stimulates paternal protective and caring instincts.” Perhaps this explains why adaptogens have become a buzzword in the wellness world, given that they have the ability to directly target and balance hypothalamic function. This rise in popularity correlates with the global awakening of our collective consciousness.
The hypothalamus is a major player with how our pineal gland operates. The hypothalamus is known as the God center, the center where the hormonal dragons are theorized to originate from. Which means, this sweet little organ, has the capacity to hold our entire feeling and emotional body. The hypothalamus also has the ability to directly influence most of the major organs systems and organ functions. The ancients knew how powerful the maintenance of this organ was, as it not only connected us deeply to our psyche, it was the most direct way to connect with the Universe.
Located in the centermost area of the brain, cozied up between the two hemispheres of the brain, lies the mystical pineal gland. Commonly called “the third eye”, “the seat of consciousness” – this pinecone-shaped gland is what grants us telepathic abilities, intuitive sight, processing of our gut feelings, empathy, and more. When the hypothalamus secrets neurohormones - this basically happens when we are balanced hormonally, and stress free - it feeds the third eye, granting us the magic of spirit Sight.
“The anterior lobe of the pituitary secretes seven key hormones that are related to lactation, the release of testosterone, and the production of sex, thyroid, and human growth hormones. The posterior lobe does not produce hormones, but stores and releases two important ones made in the brain: oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin fosters maternal instincts, bonding between mates, trust, and sexual pleasure. Vasopressin influences circadian rhythms, the reabsorption of water into the bloodstream, and also stimulates paternal protective and caring instincts.” - Mantak Chia
No wonder adaptogens are so popular now-a-days, they happen to directly target and balance hypothalamic function. Isn't it fascinating that as the collective conscious all over the world is awakening, adaptogens are getting increasingly popular?
The Pineal Gland
“Because the pineal is bathed in highly charged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and has more blood flow per cubic volume than any other organ, it may well be the gland with the highest concentration of energy in the body. In addition to its high concentrations of CSF and blood, the pineal gland is also the dominant source of the body’s melatonin.” (2)
Melatonin has significant effects on our mood and our ability to be love. Melatonin has been closely correlated with anti-aging effects because it both suppresses cortisol and is a powerful antioxidant. It makes sense, the more we are within a state of bliss, the more we are able to access higher realities, and the anti-aging chemistry we all seek.
Excellently put by our friends of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine :
“In terms of spiritual experience, melatonin quiets the body and mind, allowing access to higher consciousness. Both pinoline and DMT, secreted by a healthy, activated pineal gland, are psychoactive, causing changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. Pinoline enables visions and dream states in the conscious mind and has been used by ancient Egyptians and Zoroastrians in their rituals. It assists in DNA replication and is said to resonate with the pulse of life at ~8 cycles per second."
"DMT is produced in the pineal gland during deep meditation and extraordinary conditions of birth, sexual ecstasy, extreme physical stress, and near-death experiences. It also alters our dream consciousness when it is released into the bloodstream during the Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep. DMT links the body and spirit because of its relationship to visionary experiences and non-ordinary states of transcendant consciousness. Dr. Rick Strassman calls DMT the Spirit Molecule.”
Lightness & Darkness
"When the hypothalamus receives information about the presence or absence of light, it signals the pineal gland to activate and to start or inhibit cortisol and melatonin production. This is why monks and yogi’s for millennia either isolate in darkness, or do sun gazing. Both practices flood the hypothalamus with energy, granting a myrad of chemical reactions - bliss, ecstasy, insight, telepathy, synchronicity, manifestation… etc."
"It has been studied that pineal gland monitors magnetic fields and assists the body in orienting in space, naturally activating our inner GPS. “This magnetoreceptive capacity also explains why geomagnetic storms and environmental stress can affect the pineal gland, leading to problems with circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion.” (3)
The Heart
“The heart generates a strong electromagnetic field that permeates the whole body. When the heart is activated with the high frequencies of love and compassion, its electromagnetic field is amplified and expanded. The pineal gland’s sensitivity to electromagnetic energy causes it to begin vibrating and activating in concert with the heart. As these two organs entrain together, their high vibration opens the third eye to greater inspiration, intuition, and inner vision. Because of the pineal gland’s connection with spatial orientation and circadian rhythms, our perception of space and time often shifts when the pineal is in a highly aroused state. Such experiences have been mentioned by meditators, monks, and yogi’s for millennia, and research is now providing explanations for these phenomena.” (4)
Third Eye Potion
1 tbsp Dream Tea*
1 tsp Blue Lotus**
1/2 tsp Rose Petals
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
Optional 1/2tsp Dream Elixir
Optional Honey or Stevia
*Dream Tea contains adaptogens and plants, known to activate the pineal gland, while restoring and deeply calming the nervous system
**Blue Lotus is one of the few flowers in nature, known to activate the hypothalamus and pineal connection. An un-studied adaptogen, with a profound ability reduce cortisol, and release melatonin.
Directions: Step all ingredients in almost boiling water, for 10minutes. Strain and enjoy before bed.
Photo Credits:
Drawing by Pena Branca
Third Eye Potion by Healing Tonics Cookbook
