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Order VI · Seals of Health and Restoration
Makara Mudra
मकर मुद्रा · makara mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Κροκοδείλου
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One hand rests in the other and the lower thumb rises into the upper palm. The seal of the kidneys and the reserve of strength.
- Meaning
- Seal of the Makara
- Tradition
- Yoga; Makara is the crocodile of Indian mythology
- Hands
- Both hands, one inside the other
- Placement
- Before the body, both palms up.
- Associations
- Water element; kidneys and bladder; the colour blue.
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Place one hand inside the other.
- Pass the thumb of the lower hand between the little and ring fingers of the upper hand and place it in the middle of the upper palm.
- Join the thumb and the tip of the ring finger of the upper hand.
Example Meditation
Rest the joined hands before the body, palms up. Breathe into the lower back and feel the kidneys warm. The seal strengthens the reserves of the body and gives security.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Kidney energy. It activates the energy of the kidneys, the reserve of strength; against dark rings under the eyes.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Security. It calms and centres and gives a sense of security and confidence.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Against listlessness. For feeling listless, depressed or dissatisfied.
SoulΨυχή
- The reserve. The deep reserve of strength is replenished.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The guardian of the waters. The makara guards the waters and bears the deities of the river. The seal guards the waters of life within.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the ring finger | passes between the right ring and little fingers into the right palm |
| Index | Air | extended | cradling the right hand from below |
| Middle | Aether | extended | cradling the right hand from below |
| Ring | Earth | joins the thumb | cradling the right hand from below |
| Little | Water | extended | cradling the right hand from below |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. The instruction does not state which hand is lower; the image shows the left hand below.
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.