Third Eye Chakra Color in Affirmations: Indigo, Purple, or White?

The third eye chakra color is usually displayed as indigo on most charts today. It can also be depicted as purple or white. There isn’t a color that every tradition will agree on, nor is there any science that says the pineal gland has a chakra color.

Should you say indigo, purple, or white? Indigo is what you will see on most chakra charts today. It can also be seen as purple or even a blue-violet color. Others will depict the third eye chakra as white.

Maybe you use affirmations, and this made you question if your color was “correct.” There isn’t a color that you need to choose. Use it as your own interpretation of a color, or don’t use one at all.

It’s best to understand what we have here: today’s illustrations, past descriptions, and the science that occurs within our body. All are great to know about; just keep them separated.

Quick answer: The color that many believe to be connected with the third eye chakra is indigo. Some say it could be purple or even white, so there is no correct color. All of these colors hold a spiritual meaning but are not known properties of the pineal gland.

While discussing the third eye chakra and the pineal gland, I wanted to include information that people can believe. What color you choose to associate with your third eye is up to you, so I have done my best to represent that in this article.

Woman meditating with a soft purple glow near her brow
A soft purple glow represents a personal visualization used during meditation.

Key Takeaways

  • Indigo is frequently used to represent the third eye chakra; however, it’s not set in stone.
  • Some will depict purple as the color of the third eye, and others blue-violet. White has been mentioned in some descriptions and was once described as the color of the ajna lotus.
  • Always make sure to know which historical information you’re basing your knowledge on: which book, what translation, and which section.
  • Using affirmations can allow you to dwell on something. It doesn’t mean your chakra is opening.
  • Your body operates on light, through your eyes and your brain’s circadian rhythm. Visualizing a color is not the same thing as exposing yourself to light.

What Does the Third Eye Chakra Color Mean?

The third eye chakra is located above your forehead. It’s known as ajna, and most spiritual sources will describe this chakra as being located in your brow. Usually, it’s associated with clarity or knowledge that comes from within.

When we look at third eye chakra images today, most of them will have indigo. However, this isn’t a set color that you should always use to describe your third eye. You may see it depicted as purple, blue-violet, white, or even a combination of all of these.

There is no specific color for the third eye chakra. It’s just an image that has been created to describe something we can’t physically see. There is no indigo circle or lotus in your brain. If a doctor were to scan your head, they wouldn’t be able to tell you the color of your third eye.

We created an article about the third eye chakra guide if you want to learn more about it.

Each individual will have their own meaning for why they associate indigo with their third eye. Maybe they use it as a visual aid when trying not to react to a situation. Some may believe it allows them to tap into their intuition or third eye.

If you are going to reply to someone who’s upset with you, you can visualize a light indigo color. It’s not magical but may help you relax before responding.

Or you can remind yourself that I can control how I react. No matter what you choose, there’s no wrong answer.

Why Do Indigo, Purple, and White All Appear?

Because there are so many colors used to depict the third eye, there’s no specific answer to this question. When artists create art, they may use different colors to portray something. What one person thinks is indigo may be blue-violet to someone else.

ColorCommon symbolic readingsWhy you may see it
IndigoInsight, intuition, inward attentionOften assigned to Ajna in modern chakra charts
Purple or violetReflection, inner awareness, spiritualityColor labels and illustrations can overlap with indigo
WhiteLight, clarity, or expanded awarenessAppears in some interpretations and in a historical description of the Ajna lotus

These are only some of the associations you may run into. It is not definitive that each person will view these colors as such. You can also notice that some illustrations will have a different color for a characteristic than what they use to color the chakra itself.

Why modern charts often use indigo

Most modern-day charts color each chakra in a rainbow-type pattern. Indigo is typically assigned to the Ajna chakra because it falls between blue (throat) and violet/white (crown).

This is just how the chart depicts it to the reader. Many associate indigo with higher thought/intuition/wisdom, which can be associated with symbolism, not to say it literally affects your mind.

Once a pattern is established, people tend to think that is the correct answer, when in fact we have no idea if all previous teachings used the same color patterns.

Why purple and blue-violet can be hard to tell apart

Colors aren’t exactly a science. Indigo is a blue color with hints of purple, while purple can appear to be more of a red color. Some paintings may use gradients or just have a vibrant blue/violet that can go either way.

There are many examples of a color being labeled as indigo that most would consider purple. It’s simply how that person chooses to depict it.

I don’t believe you need to decide which color is “correct” before using an affirmation. If it works for you, then it’s your preference.

How white fits into other interpretations

As stated above, there are many reasons people may use the color white. There are also many teachings that depict the Ajna chakra as being white. This can be explained in many ways.

Perhaps the teaching states that the lotus is white or has white petals. That doesn’t mean that the chakra should be white.

White lotus beside an open antique manuscript and ink pot

What Does a Historical Description Say?

It’s better to state what history we are referencing than just say something is an ancient color. Being specific, you can tell what writing you’re referring to and even the English translation you used.

The Ṣaṭcakra-nirūpaṇa is said to be from the 1600s in the above link. In Arthur Avalon’s English translation from 1919, he states in verse 32 that the Ajna Lotus is white and is compared to the moon. It also goes on to say that the letters that reside on its two petals are white. Here is a link to the English Translation of Verse 32.

So we can say that there is a piece of history that states the Ajna Lotus and the letters that live on the petal are white. This does not mean all historical references will have the same color, nor does it mean that white represents expanded consciousness or that it has a biological effect.

When you have two pieces of history that may not agree, it’s good to remember that there is more to an image. One piece may go into depth about one aspect of an image, and the other may have just one color that represents the chakra.

We can enjoy these passages of history and not use them to contradict one another. We have written about the Pineal Gland and Third Eye connection here. There is nothing wrong with using colors that represent a spiritual aspect of Ajna. Just don’t attribute a color to your Pineal Gland.

How Can You Use Third Eye Chakra Affirmations?

You can use affirmations as a way to focus your thoughts. You don’t have to see a certain color or feel a certain way.

Start with a simple practice:

  1. Find a comfortable position.
  2. Keep your breathing relaxed.
  3. Pick an affirmation that resonates with you.
  4. Visualize a color around your forehead (optional).
  5. Say your affirmation once or several times.
  6. Return to your environment and carry on with your day.

You can visualize indigo because that is what you learned from a chart. You may prefer white because it reminds you of being clear-minded. Or you can skip colors altogether.

Some Scripts to Help:

Script 1: Use this when you have a decision to make.

I am able to think before I make a decision.

I will gather all the information I have and continue to learn.

I can take action and not know all the answers.

If you like to visualize a color, imagine the color indigo or purple. This is a great color to remind yourself to slow down and think.

Script 2: Use this when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts.

I can be aware of my thoughts and not believe them all.

I will refocus on what is important to me.

I can take things one step at a time.

This script can be done with your eyes open or closed. You can read it out loud and pick one thing you can take action on today. Maybe write something down or take a break.

Script 3: Use this when you need to think about a situation.

I can hear what others have to say.

I can try to see the situation from another point of view.

I can communicate what I need in a positive manner.

Again, there is no promise that this will happen, but you can focus on this while you are in the situation.

Script 4: No Color Affirmation

I will allow myself to think.

I can explore what I feel and think.

I don’t need to have all the answers.

If you find yourself distracted when you think about a color, this may be a good script for you. Focus on the words and maybe even how your feet feel on the ground.

Just remember that an affirmation is something you can think about. “I will think about my decision” is something you can think about. “My Third Eye will light up with this color” is a biological statement that you cannot affirm.

Feel free to change any of these to better suit your situation. Maybe “I will think about my decision” is too strong, and you would rather say, “I will use my instincts and research.”

Third Eye Chakra Color
Light entering the eye helps signal the brain’s circadian clock and influences melatonin timing.

What Science Says About Light, the SCN, and Melatonin

The SCN is made up of cells located in the brain. They take in information from the light that enters your eyes and can help control your circadian rhythm. Here is what the National Institute of General Medical Sciences says about how they control your melatonin.

Your pineal gland gets its information from the SCN. The SCN then sends your pineal gland information about your circadian rhythm, which helps produce your melatonin. From this, we can gather that your pineal gland is not the only factor that plays into your ability to sleep. As explained by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s article about sleep, there are many areas of the brain that play a role.

If you imagine a glow of indigo, this isn’t going to mean that your eyes are detecting the color indigo. Nor will it show any changes to your circadian rhythm or open your chakras.

When we say “light,” there are many ways to describe what we are talking about. We can describe an image we are seeing or what our bodies may be feeling. If we talk about our circadian rhythm, we are talking about something that can detect light and help regulate certain factors in our bodies.

To learn more about your pineal gland, click here to find out what science has to say about it. It will not prove that your chakras have opened by color.

Questions and Common Misunderstandings

Is blue-violet the same as dark blue?

Blue-violet typically describes a darker shade of blue with hints of violet. If your image is blue and violet, you are more likely thinking of the color indigo. Some images may be more violet than blue, so they could be described as blue-violet as well. It doesn’t matter what color you visualize for your personal meditation practice.

What color is the Ajna chakra symbol?

Some will have images of indigo or blue-violet on their symbol. Others may use purple, white, or a variety of colors. Their symbol may also contain petals, characters, or an image in the middle that can be of a different color. If your symbol references a passage, it is best to learn about the colors in that reference.

Can I use purple instead of indigo during meditation?

Of course. If you like to visualize purple and it’s easier for you to picture, then go for it. There is no science behind why you would need to visualize a certain color for it to affect your body. You can even choose not to visualize a color.

Does seeing purple with my eyes closed mean my third eye chakra is opening?

You can close your eyes and see different colors that may or may not be around you. While you can choose to think that it’s your third eye opening, you don’t have to believe that.

How does the third eye chakra color differ from the crown chakra color?

On most charts, the third eye chakra is represented as indigo or blue-violet, and the crown chakra is represented by violet or white. This is because that’s how the chart wants you to know the difference. Just like some people think purple and blue are different colors, some people think these colors are similar.

Do affirmations have to mention the third eye?

You don’t have to. You can state something you would like to think about. For example: “I allow myself time to think before making decisions.” This can be helpful if you think your decisions need to be thought out more.

What should I do if visualization does not work for me?

Don’t visualize. You can simply read your affirmation and move on with your day. Maybe even jot it down in a journal or think about it for a minute. It’s okay if you don’t enjoy visualization.

pinealgland.blog is something I am passionate about. I hope to continue to learn about sleep and everything related to the pineal gland. I can always do research and share information that I know to be factual.

Why You Don’t Need to Focus on a Color

As stated earlier, there are many colors used to describe the third eye chakra. Indigo is commonly used on charts that depict the third eye chakra. Many illustrations of the third eye chakra include purple and white as well. When learning about the white lotus from the passage, it was referred to as the Ajna chakra.

There is no harm in choosing a color that you enjoy and using it in your practice. Whether you use an affirmation to help you focus or just take a moment to think. Remember, you aren’t trying to open your pineal gland.

Allow Yourself Time to Think

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3rd Eye Pineal Gland
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