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Order II · Seals of Theurgy and Invocation
Sannirodhani Mudra
सन्निरोधनी मुद्रा · sannirodhanī mudrā · Σφραγὶς τῆς Κατοχῆς
Also: Sannirodhana Mudra
16
The same joined fists with the thumbs hidden inside. The Presence is held for the whole of the worship.
- Meaning
- Seal of Retention
- Tradition
- Hindu and Tantric puja; fourth of the invocation seals
- Hands
- Both hands, joined fists
- Placement
- Before the chest, facing the altar.
- Associations
- Heart.
- Level
- Advanced
Formation
- Make a fist with each hand.
- Tuck each thumb inside its fist, under the clenched fingers.
- Bring the two fists together so they press against each other.
- Hold the joined fists before the chest.
Example Meditation
Hold the joined fists, thumbs enclosed, before the chest. Breathe evenly and keep the attention gathered on the rite. The closed seal holds the Presence and guards the mind against distraction while the worship continues.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Containment. The thumbs withdraw inside the fists; the hands close completely.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Steadfastness. The worshipper holds what has been given and does not let it scatter.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Undistracted worship. The closed seal guards the attention through the rite.
SoulΨυχή
- Retention of the Presence. Nathas.org: it asks the deity to remain present through the worship.
AscentἈνάβασις
- Κατοχή. In later Platonic usage κατοχή names the holding of the soul by the divine. Here the soul in turn holds the Presence fast.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | tucked inside the fist, under the fingers | tucked inside the fist, under the fingers |
| Index | Air | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the left fist | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the right fist |
| Middle | Aether | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the left fist | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the right fist |
| Ring | Earth | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the left fist | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the right fist |
| Little | Water | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the left fist | clenched over the thumb; the fist presses against the right fist |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. Om Swami adds that the fists are then turned over; the next seal of the series, Sammukhikarani, turns them upward.
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.