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Order IV · Seals of the Elements
Varuna Mudra
वरुण मुद्रा · varuṇa mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Ὕδατος
39
The seal that clears the waters of the body. Excess mucus and secretion are released.
- Meaning
- Seal of Varuna, Lord of the Waters
- Tradition
- Yoga; Varuna is the god of water
- Hands
- Both hands: the right forms the seal, the left supports it
- Placement
- Before the body.
- Associations
- Water element; stomach, lungs, sinuses, digestive tract.
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Bend the right little finger until its tip touches the ball of the right thumb.
- Lay the right thumb on the little finger.
- Let the left hand encircle the right hand lightly from below.
- Let the left thumb press the right little finger and thumb slightly.
Example Meditation
Form the seal with the right hand held lightly in the left. Breathe calmly and let tension and congestion flow out of the body with the breath. The seal relieves overstrain and supports clarity about the course of one's life.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Mucus and congestion. After Keshav Dev: whenever too much mucus or secretion gathers in the stomach or lungs; congestion of the frontal sinuses, lungs and the whole digestive tract. Most allergic reactions are mucous congestion.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Overstrain. The condition is linked to overstimulated nerves, tension, time pressure, aggravation and fear.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- A new life plan. The counsel: draw up a new plan for life and learn to delegate.
SoulΨυχή
- Clear waters. The waters of the body are cleared so the vital currents run freely.
AscentἈνάβασις
- Okeanos. The waters encircle the world. Ordered water carries life; stagnant water drowns it. The seal restores the flow.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the little finger; meets the left thumb | presses the right little finger and thumb |
| Index | Air | extended | encircling the right hand from below |
| Middle | Aether | extended | encircling the right hand from below |
| Ring | Earth | extended | encircling the right hand from below |
| Little | Water | rests on the ball of the thumb; joins the thumb | encircling the right hand from below |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. Many modern lists give the name Varuna to a tip-to-tip form of thumb and little finger; that form is Bhudi Mudra (No. 44 here). The pressed two-hand form is shown.
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.