One of the most wondrous parts of our physical body is the Pineal Gland. It is also called the epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis, conarium or the “Third Eye.” It is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. It produces serotonin and melatonin, hormones that affect mood and modulate our wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions. Its shape resembles a tiny pine-cone (hence its name in Latin, pinea, which means “pinecone”), and it is located near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two rounded thalamic bodies join.
Even though this gland is hidden deep inside the brain and is only the size of a pea, it has been an almost fanatical obsession of masters, mystery schools and religions throughout the ages. Rene Descartes, the famous philosopher dedicated much of his life to studying the pineal gland, stating it is the “principal seat of the soul”. He believed it is the connection between the physical body and the mind/soul. We also see it playing prominent in the writings of Pythagoras, Plato, and Iamblichus, as well as in Egyptian, Tibetan and Roman Catholic Church. It is even mentioned by the Founding Fathers of the USA.
