You may have noticed a great deal of discussion on the internet (especially on YouTube) about the nature, function and characteristics of the pineal gland—the latest endocrine gland identified by medical science.

The endocrine glands, also called “ductless” glands, secrete their substance directly into the blood rather than through a duct. The major glands of the endocrine system include the pituitary, the pineal, the thymus, the pancreas, the ovaries and gonads, the thyroid and the adrenals.

These glands correspond to the Eastern mystical concept of the psychic centers called chakras, the activation of which produces psychic awareness and enlightenment.

Theories and speculations have been advanced about the pineal gland. The 17th-century French rationalist philosopher, Rene Descartes, believed the pineal gland to be the “principal seat of the soul.”

Some Eastern religions, psychics and metaphysicians consider the pineal gland the seat of higher consciousness and clairvoyance. It is the biological equivalent of the Third Eye or spiritual sight.

It is believed that once the Third Eye is fully opened or activated, a person can see things normally invisible to the naked eye, such as spirits, thought forms and subtle energy. He can also have glimpses of the past, present and future. He can communicate with spirits.

The pineal gland, according to this belief, can be activated or developed by various spiritual and mental practices or exercises, such as meditation, by certain sacred sounds or music, or by staying in the dark for at least 300 hours (or 12.5 days).

It has been claimed by certain psychics and healers that the Third Eye can be opened or activated by massaging one’s forehead, which I doubt very much.

Pine cone

Some writers and researchers believe that ancient people knew the connection between the pineal gland and the Third Eye or clairvoyance. The pineal gland is located deep inside the brain between the left and right hemispheres of the neocortex, and is pine-shaped. That is how it got its name.

The pine cone is considered by certain ancient religions to be a sacred symbol representing the pineal gland or Third Eye. The Buddha’s head is shaped like a pine cone, and the staff used by the Christian Pope has a pine cone, too.

The ancient Egyptian symbol of the Eye of Horus is also believed to represent the Third Eye or the pineal gland. The sixth psychic center of energy or chakra is believed to be located in the middle of the brain, where the pineal gland is found.

The recent discovery that the psychedelic drug dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is produced naturally, though in small quantity, by the pineal gland, has bolstered the belief that the pineal gland is, indeed, the gateway to higher spiritual realms and consciousness.

One of the most well-known medical researchers in this field is Dr. Rick Strassman, who wrote his findings in his best-selling book “DMT: The Spirit Molecule.”

Medically, the pineal gland is defined as “a small endocrine gland that produces the hormone melatonin, which affects the waking and sleeping patterns in man.”

Melatonin is special because its secretion is dictated by light. Exposure to light stops the release of melatonin, and this in turn helps control our circadian rhythm.

The pineal gland’s purpose and function are still largely a mystery to science, but more research on it is yielding very interesting discoveries, especially on its connection to spirituality and higher states of consciousness.

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