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Mudras
& Hand Symbolism: Hand Symbolism & Beliefs Part 1-3
Human hands have never lost their fascination to our
ancient forefathers, and even now in contemporary times, the novel roles that
hands play in the humanities with their dexterity and grace never cease to amaze
us. The wondrous execution of a Chopin piece, or an objet d' art fabricated
carefully by a master hand--they constantly evoke a sense of joy and wonder
within us. The Spirit within us responds positively to the beauty, the harmony,
and the symmetry of sound and form as manifested by Nature and human hands.God's
gift to man is the freedom of choice and the will to implement that choice.
On the physical plane, the hands are naturally the instruments of that will and
divine blessing and have come to symbolize Man, or Adam; for only beings on the
evolutionary level of man are given the prerogative to determine their own fate.
It is said that not even angels have this freedom to choose, for their nature
compels them to abide by the divine law. Man on the other hand, through choice,
learns what it means to align himself with, or to disobey Cosmic laws. Man
learns the consequences of his actions, and wise is he who takes responsibility
for them. Through choice man succumbs to his lower nature and builds pandemonium
in his mind and heart or he may give ear to the prompting of his divine Self and
form the New Jerusalem--the new abode of peace in the lower aspects of his
microcosm that this condition may become ingrained in his character and nature.
By choosing the latter, the teaching of the Master Jesus--"Neither shall
they say, lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within
you" (Luke:17:21)--shall come to pass.
God, Nature, and the higher worlds communicate with Man in various ways--through
dreams, through the intuitive and psychic faculties, through symbiotic energy
exchange, signs, omens, and especially symbols. Basically, symbols may be
classified as natural and artificial. Natural symbols are found in nature.
Artificial symbols are those that we invent ourselves and assign certain basic
meanings to them. Certain occult symbols--of the natural and artificial
types--are known to Adepts and the multitude of beings in the spirit world. Most
of these symbols have their origin in archetypal realms in the mental planes.
Utilizing these in metaphysical or magickal ceremonies, rites and rituals,
facilitates communication and the synergy between habitants of worlds and
realms.
Objects of nature are outward symbols of inner realities within our psyche.
Understand one and we will eventually understand the other. Master the inner
realities and the outward symbols assume a congenial expression to correspond
with the inner psychological condition. Since our hands are related to the will
aspect of the Spirit, empowering one will have its effects on the other. We will
not delve too deeply into this for it will take us too far into the Magical
Tradition and beyond the subject matter of this article. Suffice to say that
contrary to the understanding of most metaphysical students, Masterhood or
adeptship has very little to do with psychicism and much to do with the magick
of the divine will within man--the will to love, the will to serve, the will to
sacrifice, the will to self-forgetfulness, the will to selflessness, the will to
give, the will to create, the will to surrender, the will to be pure, the will
to forgive, the will to be open-minded, the will not to be judgmental,
etc.--most important of all, the will to implement the promptings of the Divine
Spark within the microcosm.
Our hands should not be undervalued. Without them we are less effective in
carrying-out our mission in life. In the higher worlds we express our creativity
through thought--mind-generated sounds, colors, and light. All of these occur
instantaneously with thought as the creator. Because of the density of physical
matter and the factor of time, something other than the above means are required
to fashion things in concordance to our desire and thus assist us to fulfill our
purpose for being incarnated in the three-dimensional realm. Our hands are a
projection of this need. In the higher worlds, our subtle bodies in their
primitive state did not possess hands, and even though now that the astral and
etheric bodies have evolved and assumed the human form, the incorporeal limbs
may be dispensed with for they are not essential for us to function in the
higher dimensions.
Having stated the importance of hands here in the physical plane, let us now
inquire briefly into hand esotericism, symbolism, signs and the various beliefs
regarding them. Though our treatment of the subject here leaves much to be
desired, the metaphysical student will find many things here of great interest
and they would certainly be stimulated to research further.
Because of their importance, many beliefs grew concerning the hands. Countless
symbols and signs were created using the hands to convey knowledge and
information to those who understood the underlying keys of the secret teachings
taught in esoteric schools.
In religion, hands symbolize the divine presence, influence and power. In
Catholicism, the power and influence of God is often portrayed in medieval
paintings and murals as an almighty hand issuing from the clouds to convey
something of spiritual importance to saints and prophets. Actually, the
"All-Powerful Hand" has its origin in ancient Egypt. The monotheistic
Pharaoh, Akhenaton (1379-1362 B.C.) and Queen Nefertiti of the 18th dynasty are
often depicted in sculpture relief as receiving energy from Aton, who is
represented by a sun-disk. This can be seen in the tombs at Tel-el-Amarna. Rays
of the sun-disk are portrayed as elongated arms terminating in hands reaching
out to the royal couple and bestowing upon them the life-force. The mystical
Qabbalistic tradition of Judaism assigns the human hand as the symbol of the
letter Yod (y). Having the numerical value of ten, which relates to the ten
fingers, the letter Yod is recurrently depicted in esoteric art as "rain
drops" showering from heaven. Example of these may be seen in the
Rider-Waite Tarot deck.
Modern Catholics present the hand of Jesus as the Hand of Power or "Mano
Poderosa." In the depiction of the crucified hand, all of the fingers are
extended with various saints standing upon the digits. We present a version of
the hand here with a scholar's commentary:
"The image is of a huge wounded (but not bleeding) right hand, which points
up through clouds, cut palm toward us. The lines in the palm are shown, and it
looks like the head line is cut. The fingers are all of eerily uniform length,
with a long thin thumb. Small, disembodied, winged cherub-heads float in the sky
above the hand.
"To the left and right of the hand are four kneeling female angels who gaze
upward and bear the tools of the crucifixion. Of the two on the left, one holds
a bowl to catch Jesus' blood; the other holds a spear and vinegar sop in one
hand and hammer and nails in the other. Of the two on the right, one holds a
cross and the other a crown of thorns.
"Atop clouds on the little finger stands an older male saint with a book.
The ring finger's clouds hold a female saint; the middle finger's, a younger
male saint with a white lily; the forefinger's, the Virgin Mary; and the
deformed thumb's clouds bear the toddler Jesus holding a globe in his right hand
and raising his left."
From the above we may surmise that not only are hands the symbol of Man, they
are also the symbol of divinity, for the sacred hand of the Divine One have its
influence upon the mundane affairs of humanity when men have gone too far astray
from the path of Truth and righteousness. Scriptures are replete with stories of
divine intervention or action with materialized hands as a media of information
conveyance or operation. Not only did the hand of God "inscribe" the
Ten Commandments upon the stone tablets prepared by Moses, it also warned
Belshazzar of his impending doom--a spirit hand materialized and wrote on the
wall "Mene, Mene Tekel, U-pharsin" (Daniel 5: 24-25). From a
metaphysical point of view, this is not unusual. Such manifestations are
actually the work of what is called in occultism, "Invisible Helpers."
These are initiates with occult and paranormal abilities working on behalf of
humanity. They work on the higher dimensions in their nightly excursions through
"astral projection." Some of the higher initiates have the ability to
materialize their hands or other parts of their body so that they may function
directly on the physical sphere aiding those here who are in dire distress or as
in the case above, as a warning to arrogant, tyrannical rulers.
The ancients attached special occult significance to every part of the human
body. The symbolism of the human hand alone may fill several volumes. Symbols
may signify abstract or concrete concepts, imaginative or real events, natural
or "supernatural" phenomena, spiritual or material principles. In what
we have found, the ancient sages and philosophers made used of the hands to
portray and symbolize many things of worth to the evolving soul. They taught
many things using the hands as similitude, allegories, analogies, and examples.
The left and right hands were often represented for the many polarities that we
find and experience in life. For instance, hot/cold, high/low, darkness/light,
etc. The left hand was often associated with the negative aspects of life, the
right with the positive. In the Christian scriptures the Master Jesus instructed
us to prevent the left hand from knowing what the right hand is doing; or in
other words to be detached from the good that we do without craving for rewards.
Jesus' analogy of the hand, though, has various levels of meaning other than the
one cited above.
The ancient sages observed that generally, the right hand was the active one in
comparison with the left. Whole philosophies grew from this simple consideration
alone. The right hand is electric and is associated with activity; the left hand
is magnetic and related to passivity. Gaskell explains this in another way, he
says that hands are a,
"symbol of the directive principle of activity either outgoing (right) or
incoming (left). The positive and negative aspects of Divine action in the
soul."
Hands are a prominent feature in Judeo-Christian symbolism. In Judaic mysticism,
the ten fingers of the hand represent the Ten Commandments of the spiritual law
just as the ten toes of the feet represent the Ten Commandments of the physical
law. In Esoteric Christianity, the thumb with its three phalanges symbolizes the
threefold divinity or the Holy Trinity--the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, or
the creative, preservative and destructive aspects of God, from the point of
view of Hinduism. Since most religions and philosophies have their trinities
what applies in Christianity regarding its symbolism likewise applies to the
rest as well. We might add that hands raised upward as in prayer, is symbolic of
one's aspirations towards the spiritual life.
According to Christian Qaballistic thought, the fingers signify the four
elements and the 3 phalanges of each finger the divisions of the elements:
cardinal, fixed, and mutable. The 12 phalanges of the fingers of each hand when
brought together represent the 24 Elders. The 6 phalanges of the thumb in this
context signify the six days of creation.
In hand esotericism, the thumb is regarded as the king. Hindu metaphysics
teaches that the thumb signifies the Paramatma, or the spark of the Universal
Soul within the microcosm, and the rest of the fingers symbolizing the other
major components of the microcosm.
Anthropologists consider the development of the thumb as a vital evolutionary
step in the perfection of man's anatomy. The thumb is to the hand what the hand
is to the brain. It is the function of the thumb in hand mechanics that allows
for cultural and technological development. Classical Romans and Greeks regarded
the thumb as sacred to Venus or Aphrodite, attributing to it a phallic
significance. Thus, it came to symbolize fertility. The traditional Javanese of
Indonesia would never point with the forefinger as it is considered impolite to
do so (the writer found this rather amusing as a child); the thumb is used
instead thus implicitly revealing its sacred and royal nature.
The thumb is all-important in palmistry, especially in Chinese cheiromancy.
According to Oriental palmists, with the thumb alone it is possible to tell the
predisposition of a person, his character, future, and state of health. The
quality of a subject's chi, or energy is revealed by the size, color, and other
characteristics of the thumb.
The dimension of the thumb is an indicator of a person's will-expression. A
large thumb reveals great strength of character and practicality; in contrast, a
small thumb denotes weakness, and lack of willpower. The three segments of the
thumb disclose certain qualities. The size of the first phalange or top segment
shows whether a subject has good willpower, personal determination and other
leadership qualities; the second or middle phalange, shows logic, judgement and
reason; the third segment, which includes the "ball of the thumb,"
called "the Mount of Venus" in palmistry, shows the strength of a
subject's passion and ability to love. One's karmic potential may be seen in the
thumb as well as the state of one's relationship to the environmental
surroundings. The thumb is a symbol of power and as such it is the one used in
anointing rites in the Christian churches.
Habitually hiding the thumb in a closed fist indicates a defensive, introverted,
disturbed and insecure person. Sucking the thumb is an infantile gesture.
Psychologically speaking, the thumb is related to the superconsciousness.
Apart from the thumb, in palmistry, the fingers signify various strength or
weakness of one's character according to their size and shape. Generally, long
fingers belong to the philosopher and the intuitive person. It also shows that
the subject is painstaking and loves detail. Fingers that are excessive in
length indicate cowardice, cruelty, and a servile attitude.
"Spider-fingers," or hands with extra-long fingers and with amazing
flexibility is the condition known as "arachnodactyly," or the "Marfan
syndrome" which was named after the French paediatrician, Antonin Marfan
(d.1896). Such fingers are possible signs of various diseases present in the
physical body such as tuberculosis, paralysis, and cardiac problems. Short
fingers in contrast to long ones reveal alertness, impatience, and bluntness.
Fingers with spatulate tips indicate practicality and realistic attitudes.
Individuals with square tips love system, routine, and regularity. Conic, or
tapering tips shows impulsiveness, idealism, intuition, and the love of art.
The index finger or forefinger was regarded as venomous in bygone days. Even in
present times it is rude to point especially with this finger. When using the
japa mala, tasbih, or rosary to count beads while chanting mantras and prayers,
the forefinger should never be used for it is normally applied for mundane
purposes and therefore, not considered sacred. The planet Jupiter is represented
by this index finger. Psychologically, it is related to the conscious mind.
The middle finger is known by various names: medius, digitus impudictus
(immodest finger), digitus obscenus (obscene finger), digitus infamis
(disreputable finger), and fools's finger. It is a finger normally not used for
wearing rings and is the finger of the planet Saturn. When extended solitarily
while the other fingers folded, the middle finger represents the phallus, like
the thumb. The folded fingers in this pose represent the testicles. It is often
regarded as an obscene gesture. This finger of Saturn symbolizes the borderline
state between consciousness and the unconsciousness.
The ring finger (anularis) is often called medio proximus (next to the middle)
and also digitus medicus, "physician's finger". In past ages it was
believed to be the healing finger and was used for various medical purposes.
Wounds were supposed to heal quickly when stroked by this finger. Apothecaries
of medieval days used the ring finger to mix their potions, and ointments were
rubbed on the skin using it. Rings were especially used on this finger thus
giving it its name. Apollo, or the Sun is the ruling deity of the ring finger.
This digit represents the emotions.
The little finger, otherwise known as the "ear finger," is related to
one's libido, one's sexual force. Though a convenient instrument to clean one's
ear with, it was named "ear finger" because it had the power to
stimulate one's psychic sense of hearing by its insertion into the ear-canal in
conjunction with chanting, breathing and visualization exercises. This was
especially practiced by the Druids and those connected with the Mystery Schools.
In seances, the little finger is used as a point of contact between sitters,
forming a vortex of energy among them. The little finger represents the planet
Mercury and the unconsciousness.
According to Chinese palmistry, the three phalanges of the fingers relate to
three animalistic qualities. The first phalange closes to the palm represents
greed; the middle phalange, hatred; the phalange at the uppermost, ignorance. In
pictorial terms, these three vices are symbolized by the cock, the snake, and
the pig. The spiritual opposites and antidotes to these negative qualities as
taught in Taoist philosophy are non-attachment, wisdom, and compassion.
The elements are represented by the thumb and fingers. In Chinese cheiromancy,
the thumb represents chi; the index finger, water; middle finger, earth; ring
finger, fire, and the little finger, air. In Mudra Vigyan, the arrangement is
quite different as we shall see later.
The papillary ridges on the fingertips with its manifold patterns have intrigued
man since recorded history. Many believe that the labyrinthine drawings and
carvings found in caves, in ancient catacombs and tombs were marks representing
the identity of its possessor, in the same way that fingerprints serve to
identify us in our own era--it represented a person almost like a signature. It
is assumed by some that these engravings or tracings function in an occult way
making it possible for one to invoke from another plane of existence the bearer
with a mark similar to the one represented in concrete form. In later periods
this practice may have evolved to the use of spirit sigils and seals in
ceremonial magick.
Rings are often worn on fingers to strengthen certain elements lacking in the
physical, emotional, and mental bodies. Oft times we unconsciously feel a
certain element wanting in our psychological and physical constitution and we
seek to ameliorate this condition by stressing the importance of the finger that
represents the element in question with an ornament. The degree of insufficiency
is indicated by the size of the finger ornament. We have personally seen
subjects wearing huge stones on almost all of their fingers. Fears and
insecurities were apparent in their mien and facial expressions.
There are many so-called superstitions related to hands. According to one old
belief found in European countries, is that the severed hand of a murderer may
be used as a charm for gaining money and breaking entry into houses. This
gruesome hand-charm is commonly known as the "Hand of Glory." A
careful preparation is required to form the charm. After removing the fluid
matter from the hand, it is salted and dehydrated; the fat is likewise extracted
and mixed with wax; the hand and concoction are then formed into a candle--after
which it is ready for its nocturnal excursion. Supposedly, it has the power to
open up locks and bolted doors. It is believed to have a hypnotic effect causing
anyone to see it to be petrified--like the mythological Medusa's head--and to
consequently, obey its bearer.
Part Two
[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as
originally published at our website]
According to its votaries, the hand of the crucified Jesus is believed to
possess occult virtues. When worn as an amulet it is said to be an all-round
good-luck charm. Prayers are said in conjunction with its presence on one's
person. One prayer associated with this particular amulet is as follows:
"I carry a likeness of your pierced hand as a fervent symbol of your
infinite kindness. Thou who has known such suffering, reach out your hand with a
blessing. Thy pierced hand inspires this humble prayer that I may call on Thee
to grant me peace and happiness. Amen."
Generally, charms in the form of hands, and in any pose--whether made of metal,
stone, or inscribed--were often carried to ward off the "Evil Eye," or
the ietattura as it is called in Southern Italy, or ain al-hasad, the "Eye
of Envy," by the Arabs. The ancient Sumerians referred to it as IG-HUL,
"Eye Evil." The Evil Eye is an ancient belief and not without any
metaphysical substantiation. From the metaphysical point of view, eyes radiates
energy and the quality of this force is tainted by the will and character of its
emanator. Like all forces, the power flowing from the eyes may bless or curse
others. There are many examples of amulets with a single eye on the palm of the
hand. It is believed that this attracts the Evil Eye in accord with the Law of
Attraction and absorbs its malevolent influences.
In order to counteract the malignant rays emanating from the eyes of negative
individuals, the Hamsa Hand, or the Hand of Fatima charm was invented by the
Arabs to re-direct these individuals' willful attention and malefic glances.
Fatima was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammed and Khadijah. She was said to be
a very virtuous woman, and it is believed that the charms representing her
embody all of her solid virtues and would protect and bring good fortune to its
bearer. The fingers of the Hand of Fatima symbolically represent the five
pillars of Islam: 1) observance of the Ramadhan fast; 2) pilgrimage to Mecca; 3)
alms-giving; 4) observance of the daily prayers; 5) profession of faith. The
right hand is used to symbolize the Hand of Fatima, for it is the hand of honor,
in contradistinction to the left, which is the "unclean hand." In most
Eastern cultures it is considered rude and inappropriate to give things with the
left hand.
Like the Arabs, the ancient Egyptians used a symbol called "the Great
Hand" for various protective purposes, one of which is to ward off evil
magnetism. Most hand amulets appear with a single eye on the palm. There are
instances of this in various cultures.
Amulets were not of value only to the living, but to the "dead" as
well. In ancient Egypt, an amulet called dejebaui, or "two-fingers"
were often placed among a mummy's swathings to help the deceased one to ascend
and ride on the boat of Ra to the afterlife. This amulet depicted the index and
middle fingers and was usually made out of black basalt, green stone, or
obsidian.
During the enunciation of a pledge the right hand is often raised in the air.
This originated in ancient customs where the raising of the hands were used to
invoke the presence of the gods. Raising the right hand while making a pledge is
therefore, tantamount to saying, "In the name of God . . ." Another
version is to place the right hand on a holy book while uttering an oath. The
significance is similar to the above.
In the West, many hand-signs have been made popular with its constant use
throughout the centuries. For instance we have the V-sign with the index and
middle finger raised while the others flexed and clasped by the thumb. This
signified victory and triumph. Similar to this is the Mano Cornuto, where only
the index and little finger are raised, and the rest folded onto the palms. This
represents horns, the devil, and the powers of evil. In the Orient, though, this
sign is said to have the power to ward off demons. Kuan Yin is often depicted
with this mudra. The Hung Society of China uses it as a sign of membership and
also to signify "Man," who embodies both Heaven and Earth. In Italian
witchcraft, the Mano Cornuto represents the crescent moon of the goddess Diana.
Another prominent hand sign is the Mano Fica, or figa, the sign of coitus where
the thumb protrudes between the first and second fingers of the closed hand. It
is of ancient origin The Romans and Etruscans were well familiar with this sign
having made images of it. Lika Mano Cornuto, the latter sign is a popular amulet
against negative forces. Crossing the index finger with the middle finger also
has a sexual significance. It symbolizes the generation of life and by
association a good outcome in one's hopeful expectations, in one's enterprise
possessing an ambiguous upshot. Another sexual gesture much more explicit is the
repeated insertion and withdrawal of the forefinger of the right hand (the
phallus) into a circle formed by the thumb and index finger of the left hand
(the vulva). The pose of the left hand in the above gesture is also an
"O.K." sign.
One of the old superstitions states that the sexual act brings good luck, good
fortune, and prosperity. Perhaps because of its connection to fertility rites
where the energy aroused and released during sexual ceremonies in open fields is
believed to empower crops to grow abundantly. This belief is also one of the
reasons why phallic and coital amulets were carried on one's person. Such charms
were thought to bring about fortunate circumstances to the wearer. Sexual
amulets made out of metal, bone, and wood were very popular in the classical
worlds of Greece and the Roman Empire.
A hand sign that is mainly used by the sacerdotal priesthood of the Christian
Churches, is the Mano Pantea. This is the sign of benediction posed by extending
the thumb and first two fingers. The ring and little fingers are folded onto the
palms. This mudra can be seen in the various paintings and murals of Jesus, the
Saints, and priests. In Latin countries, the Mano Pantea is also often used as
an amulet against the "Evil Eye," when thus employed it is normally
covered with other protective symbols as reinforcements.
An upraised thumb represents the erect phallus and is a sign for life, success,
prosperity, and acceptability. In contrast, the downward pointing thumb denotes
defeat and is the veto sign of condemnation or the death sentence. The middle
finger solitarily extended is one of the obscene gestures vulgarly referred to
as, "up yours." It signifies the command to perform an unnatural or
perverse sexual act.
The famed Buddhist temple, Borobudur in the island of Java was constructed in
the form of a mandala--a symbolic diagram of the cosmos. It is built in tiers,
and at every level, there are numerous statues of Buddhas sitting in silent
meditation. At each point of the compass the contemplative Buddhas assume a
certain mudra. Those facing North bear the Abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, while
those in the East show the Bhumisparsha (earth-touching) gesture. The Dana
(giving) mudra is the hand pose of the Buddhas facing South, and the Dhyana
(meditation) mudra of those facing West. Other mudras in the precincts of the
temple are also to be found such as the Vitarka (debate) and
Dharmachakraprayartana (teaching) gestures. This careful orientation of mudra
bearers to compass points is symbolic. It is related to the quaternary
principles to be found in the micro- and macrocosm. Comprehensive teachings
concerning these may be found in the esoteric aspects of Buddhism and
esotericism in general.
Symbolic marks or imprints are often found on the palms of statues and icons of
Buddhas and Avatars. These marks indicate the power, virtue, or attribute of
these God-incarnates. In Hinduism, Shiva appears the most with these hand
drawings. Many kinds of marks exist. Several are to be found on just the palms
of Gautama (Shakyamuni) Buddha alone. These palmar designs probably originated
from the special marks that do physically appear on the palms. Cheiromancy
identifies several of these as the square, the grille, the island, the cross or
star, etc.
Hands were revered by the Hindus for centuries. One of the Shivaic tantrik
rituals of India gives the following liturgical adoration to the fingers of the
hands:
"Om Sham I bow to the thumbs Namah. Om Shim I bow the index fingers Svaha.
Om Shum I bow to the middle fingers Vashat. Om Shaim I bow to the ring fingers
Hum. Om Shaum I bow to the little fingers Vaushat. Om Shah I bow to the front
and back of hands Phat."
This chant is accompanied by specific mudras that purifies the subtle channels
of the upper limbs. Not only is this ritual practiced in India but variations of
it may be found in Bali as well.
In the marriage ceremonies and sexual rites of Oriental cultures such as in
Tantrism, Yoginis or Shaktis often paint Yantras and other symbolical diagrams
on the palms of their hands with henna or red dye. These diagrams normally have
intricate floral patterns and are magical and hypnotic. They are used to
attract, to mesmerize, and to empower themselves and their sexual partners.
In Islamic mysticism, specific gestures are often employed to help produce an
altered state of awareness. Dervishes, for instance, pose their hands in
specific mudras and hand signs while dancing and whirling around on a single
spot. Some Sufi sects would trace the 99 names of God on their bodies with their
right hand while engaging in zikir, or recollecting and focusing upon God
through constant chanting.
In ancient times there were the Mystery Schools that taught to the selected few
the laws and secrets of Nature and the Universe. History has recorded numerous
of these schools and temples of esoteric knowledge among which were the
mysteries of Isis, Sabazius, Cybele, Eleusis, Orpheus, Mithra, Asar-Hapi, and
Odin. To state the mission and purpose of these metaphysical institutions we can
do no better than to quote the eminent Freemason, Robert Macoy:
"It appears that all the perfection of civilization, and all the
advancement made in philosophy, sciences, and art among the ancients are due to
those institutions which, under the veil of mystery, sought to illuminate the
sublimest truths of religion, morality, and virtue, and impress them on the
heart of the disciples. Their chief object was to teach the doctrine of one God,
the resurrection of man to the eternal life, the dignity of the human soul, and
to lead the people to see the shadow of the deity, in the beauty, magnificence,
and splendor of the universe."
Within some of these Mystery schools, when the candidate is first initiated and
accepted as a neophyte, he or she is often given an effigy of a human hand
filled with symbolic images to contemplate. This hand is referred to as the Hand
of the Philosopher, or the Hand of the Mysteries. When these symbols are
understood, they provide the neophyte the keys to facilitate the transformation
of their lower nature into divinity--from man to god. Regeneration,
transmutation, and empowerment are the consequence of the application of the
laws and principles that these ancient symbols represent. Among the many secrets
that they portray, they teach how one may commune with one's Holy Guardian
Angel, or one's Higher Self. The practitioner of the secrets of the Mysteries
undergo a rebirth as a result of the growing influence and expression of the
Higher Self in everyday consciousness.
The Philosopher's Hand may be regarded as an alchemical manual taking the
conscientious student step by step through the alchemical process. In
Freemasonry, the Hand of the Mysteries is known as the hand of the Master Mason.
In some Masonic groups, this is the title for the highest of the three degrees
to be found in the hoary and august fraternity. In this article we have included
three examples of these symbolical hands. The first illustration shown is a
bronze hand to be found in the British Museum. This specimen in the Mano Pantea
gesture, is covered with several important symbols among which are : a ram's
head, serpent, frog, vase, crocodile, turtle, cornucopia, scales, woman with
child, table with loaves of bread, and a cane. It is supposed to be Egyptian in
origin.
The second hand is a painting redrawn by J. Augustus Knapp from an 18th century
water color, and is taken from Manly Hall's "Secret Teachings of All
Ages"; it was executed with the alchemical process in mind. In this
illustration there is a figure of a fish which symbolizes mercury--the principle
of the Spirit within the microcosm. This aquatic creature is surrounded by the
element of fire that represents the psychological aspect of man, or the human
soul. The rest of the fingers individually refer to the various steps of the
spiritual path of transmutation of the base nature of man into the resplendent
gold of divinity. Kaballistically, the hand shows the mastership of the crowned
thumb (the Will) over the four worlds represented by the fingers. These four
worlds are referred to as Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, and Assiah, or the World of
Archetypes, the World of Creation, the World of Formation, and the World of
Manifestation. Atop of the fingertips in Knapp's illustration are symbols
representing the various components of the microcosm: the lantern, the Concrete
Mind; the Sun, the Abstract Mind; the Star, Buddhi; the Crown, Atma. The little
finger holds aloft a philosophical key, which reveals the secrets of the
Mysteries. It also symbolizes the etheric body, which is considered by Western
Initiates as the key to occult development. The wings surrounding the hand is a
sign for transcendentalism--the things of the Spirit as opposed to matter. The
eyes, on the other hand, indicate the divine aspect of omniscience unfolded in
the Master Mason after having discovered and applied the "Lost Word."
Hindu versions of the Hand of the Mysteries are diagrams known as Hastakara
Yantra. Like their Western counterpart, these hands have various symbolic images
depicted on them. Among other things they illustrate the relationship between
man and the cosmic forces.
Like Hindu yoga, in Feng Shui, or Chinese geomancy, there are 5 elements: Water,
Wood, Earth, Fire, and Metal. In Chinese palmistry the little finger is
associated with air, the ring finger with fire, the middle finger with earth,
the forefinger with water, and the thumb with chi or metal as mentioned before.
This system differs from the Hindu yogic mudra tradition. First of all, in yoga
philosophy the fifth element is akasha or space, which although correspond to
chi, does not relate to metal at all. According to mudra teachings, Angutha or
the thumb corresponds to fire, Tarjani or the forefinger to air, Madhyam or the
middle finger to akasha, Anamika or the ring finger to earth and Kanishthika, or
the little finger to water. In this work on mudras, we will stress more on the
Hindu yogic assignment of the elements to the fingers and thumb. The application
of elemental mudras in conjunction with the elemental tattvic tides is a great
tool in elemental magick.
Hand Signs in Religious Art
Hand signs are an essential part of life. They are used to convey silently but
powerfully the intention and thoughts of their user. Humanity has for ages
utilized sign languages. It originated at a period of Man's evolution when he
was incapable of communicating his abstract and concrete thoughts with words and
phrases lingually. He was solely dependent upon gesticulations as a media for
expressing his feelings and passions. This primitive form of communication is
still being used by modern man in certain situations and expediency. Not
surprisingly, the intelligent classes of anthropoids also make use of hand-sign
movements such as the beating of the chest in expressing anger or authority. The
fictitious Tarzan could not resist aping this gesture from his Darwinian
guardians.
Certain specific hand signs are to be found all over the world. Many cultures
preceding and succeeding the Christian era share common gestures that express
particular concepts. It has been suggested that these gestures all have
comparable basic ideas or significance because of their appearances in similar
contexts. This is known through their repeated portrayal in the many paintings,
sculptures, and drawings of the past available for our scrutiny and study.
Mediaeval Christian art of saints, prophets, and the Holy Trinity, and the gods
and devas of Egypt, India and the South American Indians are often depicted with
similar hand positions.
Contemporarily, we find school children perpetuating certain traditional signs
that have their origin in religion and pagan practices. For instance, crossing
the fingers as a sort of prayer so that they may be free from chastisement when
interrogated of their wrong behavior--this may be a corrupted form of the
ecclesiastical use of the Sign of Benediction.
There are many professions that make use of signs only known to their members or
affiliates. For instance, merchants, masons, tramps, gamblers, prostitutes--all
have signs known only to themselves with which they signal one another.
Because of the profuse use of signs and gestures by the Italians in their
everyday life, anthropologists believe that these descendents of Romulus and
Remus are not able to carry out a satisfactory conversation if they were
prevented the use of gesticulation.
Occultists believe that most gestures or hand signs that are found in religion
and in society have a common origin in the prevalent Mystery Schools of the past
where they were used in a ceremonial setting. Modern Freemasonry as one of the
many descendents of these Occult Temples of Wisdom and Knowledge still
perpetuates this custom of hand signs in their initiatory rites.
Like the Freemasons, secret societies in the Orient also have ceremonies where
esoteric signs are employed. One of the secret associations of China, the Hung
Society, have certain signs and gestures with which communication is carried-out
among the affiliated members--not only in the ceremonies but in everyday life as
well. The aforementioned society, likewise, have plentiful mudras or signs
representing the principles of their philosophy. In its doctrines, the five
elements of Taoist esotericism are signified by poses that are also to be found
elsewhere around the globe.
The mystical Dervishes, established by the Sufi Rumi, apply hand signs for
occult purposes. They invoke the Divine Presence by utilizing these signs that
corresponds with the 99 names of God in their dance rituals, as already alluded
to previously.
Artists of all ages have secret codes and teachings with which they unveil in
their artwork. In archaic times it was a dangerous matter to openly publicize
occult and spiritual teachings that religions steeped in fundamentalism were
dramatically opposed to for these teachings threatened their political structure
and lessen their value in the eyes of an evolving humanity. It is for this
reason that the Mystery and metaphysical schools established by the ancient
sages went underground and operated clandestinely. They promulgated their
teachings through signs and symbols that acted on one level as their calling
card.
Part Three
As a support for our statement above, we might mention the Tarot
cards as an example. These esoteric cards nowadays degraded to a method of
divination, was actually a training manual for the promotion of one's spiritual
and divine expression in the world of matter. The pictorial diagrams of the
Major and Minor Arcana holds secrets that the casual operator of the cards are
unaware of. When properly understood the Tarot cards take us step by step to our
goal of human perfection through the alchemical process.
Having gone underground the Initiates of the Mystery Schools were quick to
appropriate the popular religions to embody their secret doctrines and
practices. Not only are satanic elements quick to jump on the bandwagon of
spiritual establishments, angelic forces are adept in letting the Dark Ones
think that they have the upper-hand while in the meantime reorganizing their
army and infiltrating stealth-like into their religious camp upsurped from the
Light forces. Like Dante, angelic consciousness wrote books of their spiritual
wisdom using Christian imagery; or painters like the multi-genius Leonardo Da
Vinci, who represented important occult precepts in his artwork using Christian
themes. Music composers too, cleverly inserted mystical formulas and teachings
into their symphonies, concertos, operas and sonatas. As an example, the musical
piece, "The Magic Flute" of Mozart comes to mind. However, what is
relevant here is that occult signs are portrayed profusely, graphically in art,
and we would do well to focus on that.
Above we mentioned Da Vinci who conveyed teachings in his art productions. There
were many others, like Albrecht Durer, Fra. Angelico, and Raphael. The signs
that these artists and many others around the world for countless generations
represented in their paintings and drawings were related to the secrets of
initiation and the process of spiritual development where human genius, I.Q.,
creativity, morality, and holiness were raised to a sublime degree. The ancient
Greeks, Chinese, Hindus and many other cultures and civilizations all had their
initiates who were highly developed mentally, morally, and spiritually--these
men and women were well beyond their time and the lay people viewed them as demi-gods
and apotheosized them.
The artists and artisans of the secret Mystery schools made used of almost every
material available for conveying the metaphysical doctrines of the Ancient
Wisdom, such as papyri, stone, bronze, terracotta, clay, mosaics, ivory,
enamels, stained glass, gems, crystals, cloth, wood, canvas, tiles, leather,
etc.
The most prominent feature of the art productions of the Initiates of the
Mystery Schools were the hand signs and this was known as the Ancient Sign
Language which was transmitted from Age to Age, culture to culture. J.S.M. Ward
made a thorough study of this secret sign language and in his book, "The
Sign Language of the Mysteries," he identifies several of these hand signs
and gestures to be found mostly in Christian art although by no means limited to
Christendom. In his book Ward offers many instances of each sign. He explains
that these hand poses are to be found all over Europe, Africa, Asia, India,
Oceania, the Americas, ancient Crete, Polynesia, Babylonia, etc., in short, all
over the world. Among the hand signs that he discusses are:
Sign of Preservation
Sign of Faith
Sign of Distress/Surrender
Sign of Death
Sign of Praise
Sign of the Heart
Sign of Prayer
Sign of Benediction or Blessing
Sign of Secrecy
Sign of Destruction
Sign of Exultation
Sign of Reverence
Sign of Horror
Sign or Resignation
Sign of Sacrifice
Sign of Heaven and Earth
Sign of Despair/Regret
Sign of Preservation
There are many variations of this sign. Basically, it is posed by placing one
hand over the heart and raising the other at an angle at the elbow with the hand
pointing upwards. In some forms, it is the index finger that points skyward. In
most depictions of this sign it is the left hand rather than the right that is
raised. There are numerous instances of this pose in Egyptian art. The
Egyptologist, E.A. Wallis Budge, interprets the hieroglyph with this sign as
Hen, or "praise." The god Anubis is often represented with this hand
posture, and murals in the palaces and tombs of the pharaohs often illustrate
votaries of Ra with this significant gesture. This sign is also found in the
Minoan and Mycenaen civilizations. In Christian art, Jesus is often portrayed
assuming many occult hand signs, among these is the Sign of Preservation. The
sun god Damuzi of the Babylonians while descending into the underworld likewise
bears this sign, as depicted on certain objects. In his book mentioned
previously, J.S.M. Ward tells of a Roman sarcophagus in the Bardo Museum, Tunis,
showing the emergence of Jonah from the whale that swallowed him for three days,
and making the Sign of Preservation--in effect, indicating that his life was
saved. Among the mystical Islamic sects, the Whirling Dervishes appropriate the
use of this important hand pose in their ceremonial rites and practices. In
archaic times, the Sign of Preservation was adopted by those petitioning the
deity for the preservation of oneself or someone else, and with the strong
conviction that the request was granted. In contradistinction to this, it was
also employed by those of high spiritual attainment assuring others of their
salvation. In Christianity it is often associated with the Second Person of the
Holy Trinity.
Sign of Faith
This sign resembles the Sign of Preservation with the exception that the hand
pointing upwards is not squared at an angle and not pointing to the sky. It
points outwards away from the body. Like the above sign, many examples of these
are to be found distributed all over the world.
Sign of Distress/Surrender
When the two hands are lifted upwards above the head with the elbows bent--this
is known as the Sign of Distress. This is one of those universal hand signs, and
it seems almost human nature to fling the hands into the air when in despair or
when faced with overwhelming pressure as a sign of psychological turmoil and the
"giving-in" to a certain situation, or when feeling helpless.
Therefore, it is not surprising when we find the use of this sign all around the
globe as depicted in artistic works, and experientially in everyday life. This
sign is an appeal for aid and is universal like many of the other signs
mentioned in this section. Its use can be traced as early as 3,000 B.C.
Quetzalcoatl, one of the gods of the Mayans, is sometimes depicted with this
hand pose.
Sign of Death
This hand sign is related to the throat chakra, or psychic center. It consists
of placing the hand's edge-whether left or right hand-at the throat. The thumb
points directly at the throat itself. It is actually a moving gesture and is
effected by moving the hand's edge across the throat as if to cut it. This sign
suggests that something is to be terminated or killed, or that it is already
dead. The ancient Romans and Egyptians were well familiar with this sign and in
some Christian paintings of the crucifixion, the disciple John the Beloved is
portrayed with this sign of cutting the throat while standing before the
crucified Jesus. Arabs and Sudanese make use of this sign to swear their
innocence uttering that God should cut their throats should they be telling a
falsehood. Several American Indian tribes employ this sign as a salutation
meaning that they are "faithful or true unto death."
Sign of Praise
This sign is similar to the Sign of Distress except that the hands are not
lifted above the head but extended forward in front of the body, inclining
upwards with the hands facing outwards and the elbows bent. This is also a
greeting sign and the initial start of the salaam gesture of the Arabs.
Sign of the Heart
This sign is accomplished by placing the hand over the heart. A survival of this
gesture in modern times is the bowing of a gentlemen to a lady with his hand to
his heart as a salutation of respect, or as it was customary in the 17th and
18th century in Europe, for a man to remove his hat and to place it at the heart
region when greeting the opposite sex. This is a hoary sign. It is to be found
in ancient Egypt, Rome, and even in Crete in the Minoan period. It is also to be
seen in the mosaic art of the many old churches and cathedrals. The meaning of
this sign is a little obscure. It has been suggested that it signify faith or
fidelity. However, with the placement of the hand at the heart we may make a
conjecture and say that it concerns the finer sentiments of a person conveyed to
the object of his attention or affection.
Sign of Prayer
This is probably the best known of ecclesiastical signs which is also used by
the lay person. It consists of placing the palms of the hands together with the
fingertips pointing in an upward direction. Another Sign of Prayer is the
folding of the hands together intertwining the fingers.
Sign of Benediction or Blessing
In Christianity, this sign is utilized mainly by the priesthood. It is used by
priests to bless people and consecrate objects. To assume this sign, the third
and fourth fingers are folded onto the palms with the index and middle fingers
held upright. The thumb may also be erect or it may be folded upon the ring
finger. The significance of the erect thumb and first two fingers in the act of
blessing is that the grace, virtue, and power of the Holy Trinity are being
conveyed. Occultly, the subtle energies flowing from the hands are stronger at
the terminal points of these digits than they are at the ring and little
fingers.
Sign of Secrecy
This is a sign that has survived to contemporary times and can continually be
seen in everyday life. It probably originated in Egypt during the heydays of the
Mystery Schools. This sign was associated with Horus, or Harpocrates--one of the
forms of Horus. This sign is executed by putting a finger to the lips as though
to seal it. Its significance is that of secrecy and silence. In the Mystery
Schools the Initiates were pledged to a vow of secrecy, never revealing the
secrets of the Temple unless authorized to do so. Even nowadays, the following
injunction may be found in occult schools: "know, dare, do, and be
silent."
Sign of Destruction
When one or both of the hands are seen on the solar plexus in religious art, it
signifies destruction. We can understand the significance of this sign when
viewed from a metaphysical point of view. The solar plexus chakra is a
storehouse of potent energies that may be used for good or ill. When this center
is awakened prematurely in a disciple's life, it may cause problems that the
disciple is not equipped as yet to handle. Physical, physiological, and
psychological--not to mention karmic difficulties--might arise when a disciple
foolishly stimulates this center. The solar plexus chakra is an emotional focus
and by being polarized at this level one may have trouble extricating oneself
from the lower instinctive and egoistic nature. The disciple may be destroyed by
this center and evolutionary progress postponed, thus the hand gesture on the
solar plexus came to be associated with destruction. There are numerous examples
of the Sign of Destruction in Art. In India, Shiva, the Destroyer is often
depicted with this gesture. Many Greek and Christian art-forms also bear
personages with this sign.
Sign of Exultation
This hand pose is a sign of joy and satisfaction; it is done by extending the
hands above the head with the fingertips of the hands touching. Though not as
numerous as some of the other signs, there are several examples of these in
Christian art. In China, the Hung Society uses this sign to represent the metal
element.
Sign of Reverence
Reverence in the sign language of the Mysteries, is indicated by the shading of
one's eyes with the hand, whether left or right. In some variations of this sign
the eyes are fully covered. This sign originated in cultures where it was
impolite to look directly at one's superior; for instance, a soldier would make
this sign when saluting a superior officer. Another possible origin of this sign
is the experiences had by blessed individuals during angelic visitations. The
presence of these spiritual beings compels the beholder to shield their eyes
from the angelic radiance. This hand gesture is not unique to any race for it is
to be found distributed all over the world--in Ceylon, Australia, Africa, Asia,
and Europe.
Sign of Horror
One of the dramatic signs, the gesture of horror is made by extending the right
hand, palm outwards, while the head is turned to the right as though refusing to
see something objectionable or frightening. The left hand is this gesture point
outwards and in a downward direction as if trying to expel something. Examples
of this sign in art may be seen in the Vatican and in the British Museum.
Sign or Resignation
This sign consists in crossing the arms upon the chest with the fingertips of
the right hand on the left shoulder and the fingertips of the left hand on the
right shoulders. This gesture is sometimes portrayed with the right hand over
the left, but the reverse is regarded as a more proper representation according
to tradition. This is another one of those signs that may have originated in the
Mystery Schools of Egypt. The god Osiris and the statues representing Egyptian
pharaohs are often depicted in this pose by artisans. For some specific reason
the Egyptians also buried their dead in this manner, with the hands of the mummy
crossed upon their breast. Even the sarcophagi or mummy cases of the deceased
bear a pictorial resemblance of them with the same sign. In the Renaissance,
artists often depicted Mother Mary with such a hand pose. Like the many hand
gestures described herein, the Sign of Resignation generates a certain occult
power of which we shall discuss later in an upcoming article when we apply and
incorporate the sign in our mudra practices. The occult function of a sign is
just as important as its esoteric meaning, perhaps even more so.
Sign of Heaven and Earth
This sign is executed by extending one hand above the head pointing skywards,
and the other extended downwards pointing to the earth. According to Ward, the
significance of this sign in Christianity is that someone had descended to Earth
and later re-ascended to Heaven. Or alternatively, ascended to Heaven and later
descended to Earth. There are numerous examples of this sign in Christian art
related to the raising of Lazarus, the descent of Jesus into Hell to save the
inhabitants, and Jesus' resurrection. There are many variations of this sign.
Sometimes the hand with its open palm pointing upwards has its fingers together;
occasionally we find examples where the index finger points upwards while the
rest of the fingers folded onto the palm. The British Museum has a collection of
Babylonian objects where the Sign of Heaven and Earth may be seen. In Greece,
examples of this sign are associated with the Eleusinan Mysteries.
Sign of Despair/Regret
Regret, despair, and sorrow is indicated by resting the head upon the right hand
and the left arm, which is horizontally across the solar plexus, supports the
right elbow with its hand. Occasionally, this position is reversed. There does
not seem to be any strict rule to this. In paintings with crucifixion themes,
the Virgin Mary is often depicted with this hand position. There are examples of
this sign of Persian and Greek origins preserved in museums all over the world.
Having explained the various hand signs to be found in art it would be
appropriate if we were to emphasize that the signs described above are not
merely symbolic or gestures without any occult significance. It is not too
commonly known that these signs generate certain virtues as they modify, purify,
intensify, and empower one's auric energy-structure or one's surroundings in
some subtle manner. These signs are mudras with occult values. Mantras,
incantations, and liturgies often accompany the signs. Most votaries of religion
are unaware that their ceremonies are actually magickal rites and processes that
call forth unseen influences. For instance, making the Sign of Preservation by
the spiritually evolved occult practitioner, evokes spiritual and angelic forces
that protects the person or persons to whom the sign is being directed to. The
sign assures the petitioners and recipients that they will be protected and
preserved from negative psychic attack.
It is instinctive for people to assume specific mental and physical attitudes
when interacting with divine forces. We unconsciously feel hand signs and
gestures to be efficacious in aiding the establishment of a contact with higher
intelligences and requesting their intercession.
Hand-signs, or mudras are of great benefit to our well-being. In future
articles, therefore, we will apply this mystical science in a practical way that
may be practiced by the average person.
Copyright © 2006 Luxamore
Bio:
Leonard Lee aka Luxamore Metaphysical teacher, counseler, healer and merchant of
occult/magickal items of Indonesia. www.indotalisman.com
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