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Pineal gland
Metaphysics and philosophy
The very mention of the term "pineal gland" creates a mysterious aura. Renowned French philosopher, physiologist, physicist, natural scientist and mathematician Rene Descartes (1596-1650) called it "the seat of the soul." Others believe it is the Centrum that carries the "life code" and conveys orders to the body. Recent academic studies have found that the pineal gland contains light-sensitive cells which function like those of the eye's retina, testifying to the fact that the pineal gland can "see." Thus, it is also known as the "third eye." Modern research on melatonin production by the pineal gland has unravelled its mysteries to some extent.
The secretary activity of the pineal gland is only relatively understood. Historically, its location deep in the brain suggested to philosophers that it possessed particular importance. This combination led to its being a "mystery" gland with myth, superstition and occult theories surrounding its perceived function.
Helena Blavatsky and Alice Bailey, some of the earliest new age, theosophical occultists, have both written on spiritual and occult relationships concerning the pineal gland. This concept of an esoteric pineal-gland is directly addressed in a chapter of Alice Bailey's A Treatise on White Magic
Spiritual Definition
Pineal Gland secrets melatonin and controls our sleep patterns. Located in the third ventricle, known by yogis as the Cave of Brahman or the House of God, it is connected to the Crown Chakra and is the seat of consciousness in the brain. Bringing Light here expands awareness into higher states of realization.
Science Definition
Pineal gland , small organ (about the size of a pea) situated in the brain . Long considered vestigial in humans, the structure, which is also called the pineal body or the epiphysis, is present in most vertebrates. It is sensitive to different levels of light and is essential to the functioning of an animal's biological clock. In many animals, including humans, the pineal gland synthesizes a hormone called melatonin in periods of darkness. Melatonin synthesis is halted when light hits the retina of the eye, sending impulses to the gland via the optic nerve. Besides influencing daily, or circadian, rhythms such those of as sleep and temperature, the pineal gland and melatonin appear to direct annual rhythms and seasonal changes in animals. The pineal gland and melatonin are now being studied for their roles in sleep, reproduction, ageing, and seasonal affective disorder . In humans the pineal gland begins to produce melatonin at age 3 months; production falls steadily from puberty on.
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