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Garuda Mudra
The hands become the outspread wings of the king of birds. The seal of circulation and balance between both sides of the body.
- Meaning
- Seal of the Eagle
- Tradition
- Yoga; Garuda is the king of birds
- Hands
- Both hands, crossed, thumbs hooked
- Placement
- Four stations: lower abdomen, navel, pit of the stomach, sternum.
- Associations
- Circulation; organs of the pelvis and chest.
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Hook the thumbs together, the hands crossed and the palms toward the body.
- Rest the hands, right over left, on the lower abdomen.
- Move them up to the sternum and spread the fingers like wings.
Example Meditation
Hook the thumbs and rest the crossed hands on the lower abdomen, then move them in stages up to the sternum, breathing slowly at each place. Finish with the hands spread like wings. The seal enlivens the circulation and the organs and balances the two sides of the body.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Circulation and organs. It activates blood flow and circulation and invigorates the organs; it relieves pain in menstrual complaints, stomach upsets and respiratory difficulties.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Steadiness. It helps with exhaustion and mood swings.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Balance of the two sides. It balances energy on the left and right sides of the body and stimulates pelvis and chest.
SoulΨυχή
- Lightness. Garuda, king of the birds, carries the soul above heaviness.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The eagle of Zeus. Garuda bears Vishnu; the eagle bears the thunderbolt of Zeus. The outspread wings at the chest are the soul taking flight toward the sovereign.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | hooked with the left thumb | hooked with the right thumb |
| Index | Air | extended and spread like a wing | extended and spread like a wing |
| Middle | Aether | extended and spread like a wing | extended and spread like a wing |
| Ring | Earth | extended and spread like a wing | extended and spread like a wing |
| Little | Water | extended and spread like a wing | extended and spread like a wing |
Cautions and Variants
Caution. Very powerful and to be dosed well; caution for those with high blood pressure.
Variants. The image shows the final station: crossed hands, thumbs hooked, fingers spread.
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.