2 min read
Order I · Seals of Gnosis and Ascent
Atmanjali Mudra
आत्माञ्जलि मुद्रा · ātmāñjali mudrā · Σφραγὶς τῆς Εὐχῆς
Also: Anjali Mudra
04
The gesture of prayer. Both palms join before the heart and the self is offered upward.
- Meaning
- Seal of Offering the Self
- Tradition
- Pan-Indian gesture of reverence and prayer; namaskara
- Hands
- Both hands, joined
- Placement
- Before the heart centre. At the start or close of meditation the arms may be spread and raised to Heaven.
- Associations
- Heart centre.
- Level
- Advanced
Formation
- Bring the palms together in front of the heart.
- Join the fingers and thumbs of both hands along their full length.
- Leave a small hollow space between the two palms.
- Keep the forearms level and the shoulders relaxed.
Example Meditation
Join the palms before the heart and stand or sit upright. Breathe calmly and turn the mind toward the Gods in reverence and gratitude, as at the opening of a prayer. The joined palms bring the two sides of the body into balance and gather the whole person into one act of devotion.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Balance. It activates and harmonises the coordination of the left and right brain hemispheres.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Repose. It brings inner collection, harmony, balance, silence and peace.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Clarity. It calms the stream of thoughts and creates clarity.
SoulΨυχή
- Reverence and gratitude. The gesture of greeting the Divine in another and in oneself; it carries reverence and gratitude.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The offering of the self. Ātman and añjali: the self placed in the joined hands as an offering. In Zevist worship it opens every approach to Zeus and the Gods.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | pressed against the left thumb | pressed against the right thumb |
| Index | Air | meets the left index finger | meets the right index finger |
| Middle | Aether | meets the left middle finger | meets the right middle finger |
| Ring | Earth | meets the left ring finger | meets the right ring finger |
| Little | Water | meets the left little finger | meets the right little finger |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. A hollow is kept between the palms; in common Anjali practice the palms are pressed flat.
Sources
Recommended for Every Zevist Library
Gertrud Hirschi, Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands
The standard practical manual of the hand seals, with their indications and meditations. The Temple of Zeus recommends it as a purchase for every Zevist library, personal or communal.