Mudras – Part 1

In Kundalini Yoga, an ancient spiritual healing science, the fingers have deep spiritual meaning that coordinates with Astrology, emotions, body, mind and soul. We use the fingers to create mudras which trigger certain parts of the brain. Mudra is Sanskrit for “mark”, “seal”, or “gesture”. They are 10,000 year old hand gestures that help to heal and empower us.

Mudras can be found everywhere in daily life. Hand gestures are a part of every culture. Just like the spoken and written word, they can be used for positive or negative. Sign language, for example, is a form of mudras. The military uses hand gestures as a symbol of respect.

‎I cannot alter the past, but the future is very much in my hands ~ Mary Lydon Simonsen

So what do the fingers symbolize?

The index finger, is ruled by Jupiter. Jupiter is ruled by Sagittarius. It is the planet of wisdom, abundance and expansion. This is the wisdom finger. When you are trying to teach someone you point with the index finger.

The middle finger is ruled by Saturn. Saturn is ruled by Capricorn. Saturn is the planet that teaches patience through challenge. When some people are angry they use the middle finger, exemplifying not learning patience through challenge.

The ring finger is ruled by the Sun. The Sun is ruled by Leo. The sun represents high energy and vitality. This is the finger we wear our wedding ring on, to symbolize the unification of our energy to our partner.

The pinky finger is ruled by Mercury. Mercury is ruled by Gemini, the sign of communication. This finger helps us to be the most effective communicators, to speak the truth and tap into our eloquence.

The thumb is ruled by the ego. That is why it is always separating itself from all of the other fingers. The ego gets in the way and removes itself from the available wisdom, patience, energy and spiritual communication.

When we bring any of the four fingers to the ego it brings the intelligence of that finger to our ego self.

She always paid attention to fingers rather than faces because they told so much more ~ Kate Furnivall

When we bring the index finger to the thumb it is called Gyan Mudra or “Seal of Knowledge”. It brings wisdom to the ego self. This mudra is helpful to facilitate any meditation. It stimulates knowledge, wisdom, receptivity, and calmness.

When we bring the middle finger to the thumb it is called Shuni Mudra or “Seal of Patience”. When you feel you are being tested or are going through a challenging time this is the best mudra to use. It promotes patience, discernment, and commitment.

When we bring the ring finger to the thumb it is called Surya Mudra or “Seal of the Sun” or “Seal of Life”. When you are feeling low in energy, physically or spiritually, this mudra will revitalize you. It will revitalize energy, nerve strength, and good health.

When we bring the little finger to the thumb it is called Buddhi Mudra or “Seal of Mental Clarity”. If you are going to have an important conversation or meeting with someone, or audition for a play, or give a speech, this is the best meditation. It creates capacity to clearly and intuitively communicate, and it stimulates psychic development.