| [Note: This paper contains images which may be seen | | | | of the hand at the heart we may make a conjecture |
| as originally published at our website]As a support for | | | | and say that it concerns the finer sentiments of a |
| our statement above, we might mention the Tarot | | | | person conveyed to the object of his attention or |
| cards as an example. These esoteric cards nowadays | | | | affection.Sign of PrayerThis is probably the best |
| degraded to a method of divination, was actually a | | | | known of ecclesiastical signs which is also used by |
| training manual for the promotion of one's spiritual | | | | the lay person. It consists of placing the palms of the |
| and divine expression in the world of matter. The | | | | hands together with the fingertips pointing in an |
| pictorial diagrams of the Major and Minor Arcana | | | | upward direction. Another Sign of Prayer is the |
| holds secrets that the casual operator of the cards | | | | folding of the hands together intertwining the |
| are unaware of. When properly understood the | | | | fingers.Sign of Benediction or BlessingIn Christianity, |
| Tarot cards take us step by step to our goal of | | | | this sign is utilized mainly by the priesthood. It is used |
| human perfection through the alchemical | | | | by priests to bless people and consecrate objects. |
| process.Having gone underground the Initiates of the | | | | To assume this sign, the third and fourth fingers are |
| Mystery Schools were quick to appropriate the | | | | folded onto the palms with the index and middle |
| popular religions to embody their secret doctrines and | | | | fingers held upright. The thumb may also be erect or |
| practices. Not only are satanic elements quick to | | | | it may be folded upon the ring finger. The significance |
| jump on the bandwagon of spiritual establishments, | | | | of the erect thumb and first two fingers in the act |
| angelic forces are adept in letting the Dark Ones | | | | of blessing is that the grace, virtue, and power of |
| think that they have the upper-hand while in the | | | | the Holy Trinity are being conveyed. Occultly, the |
| meantime reorganizing their army and infiltrating | | | | subtle energies flowing from the hands are stronger |
| stealth-like into their religious camp upsurped from | | | | at the terminal points of these digits than they are at |
| the Light forces. Like Dante, angelic consciousness | | | | the ring and little fingers.Sign of SecrecyThis is a sign |
| wrote books of their spiritual wisdom using Christian | | | | that has survived to contemporary times and can |
| imagery; or painters like the multi-genius Leonardo Da | | | | continually be seen in everyday life. It probably |
| Vinci, who represented important occult precepts in | | | | originated in Egypt during the heydays of the |
| his artwork using Christian themes. Music composers | | | | Mystery Schools. This sign was associated with |
| too, cleverly inserted mystical formulas and teachings | | | | Horus, or Harpocrates--one of the forms of Horus. |
| into their symphonies, concertos, operas and sonatas. | | | | This sign is executed by putting a finger to the lips as |
| As an example, the musical piece, "The Magic Flute" | | | | though to seal it. Its significance is that of secrecy |
| of Mozart comes to mind. However, what is relevant | | | | and silence. In the Mystery Schools the Initiates were |
| here is that occult signs are portrayed profusely, | | | | pledged to a vow of secrecy, never revealing the |
| graphically in art, and we would do well to focus on | | | | secrets of the Temple unless authorized to do so. |
| that.Above we mentioned Da Vinci who conveyed | | | | Even nowadays, the following injunction may be |
| teachings in his art productions. There were many | | | | found in occult schools: "know, dare, do, and be |
| others, like Albrecht Durer, Fra. Angelico, and Raphael. | | | | silent."Sign of DestructionWhen one or both of the |
| The signs that these artists and many others around | | | | hands are seen on the solar plexus in religious art, it |
| the world for countless generations represented in | | | | signifies destruction. We can understand the |
| their paintings and drawings were related to the | | | | significance of this sign when viewed from a |
| secrets of initiation and the process of spiritual | | | | metaphysical point of view. The solar plexus chakra is |
| development where human genius, I.Q., creativity, | | | | a storehouse of potent energies that may be used |
| morality, and holiness were raised to a sublime | | | | for good or ill. When this center is awakened |
| degree. The ancient Greeks, Chinese, Hindus and | | | | prematurely in a disciple's life, it may cause problems |
| many other cultures and civilizations all had their | | | | that the disciple is not equipped as yet to handle. |
| initiates who were highly developed mentally, morally, | | | | Physical, physiological, and psychological--not to |
| and spiritually--these men and women were well | | | | mention karmic difficulties--might arise when a disciple |
| beyond their time and the lay people viewed them as | | | | foolishly stimulates this center. The solar plexus |
| demi-gods and apotheosized them.The artists and | | | | chakra is an emotional focus and by being polarized |
| artisans of the secret Mystery schools made used of | | | | at this level one may have trouble extricating oneself |
| almost every material available for conveying the | | | | from the lower instinctive and egoistic nature. The |
| metaphysical doctrines of the Ancient Wisdom, such | | | | disciple may be destroyed by this center and |
| as papyri, stone, bronze, terracotta, clay, mosaics, | | | | evolutionary progress postponed, thus the hand |
| ivory, enamels, stained glass, gems, crystals, cloth, | | | | gesture on the solar plexus came to be associated |
| wood, canvas, tiles, leather, etc.The most prominent | | | | with destruction. There are numerous examples of |
| feature of the art productions of the Initiates of the | | | | the Sign of Destruction in Art. In India, Shiva, the |
| Mystery Schools were the hand signs and this was | | | | Destroyer is often depicted with this gesture. Many |
| known as the Ancient Sign Language which was | | | | Greek and Christian art-forms also bear personages |
| transmitted from Age to Age, culture to culture. | | | | with this sign.Sign of ExultationThis hand pose is a |
| J.S.M. Ward made a thorough study of this secret | | | | sign of joy and satisfaction; it is done by extending |
| sign language and in his book, "The Sign Language of | | | | the hands above the head with the fingertips of the |
| the Mysteries," he identifies several of these hand | | | | hands touching. Though not as numerous as some of |
| signs and gestures to be found mostly in Christian art | | | | the other signs, there are several examples of these |
| although by no means limited to Christendom. In his | | | | in Christian art. In China, the Hung Society uses this |
| book Ward offers many instances of each sign. He | | | | sign to represent the metal element.Sign of |
| explains that these hand poses are to be found all | | | | ReverenceReverence in the sign language of the |
| over Europe, Africa, Asia, India, Oceania, the | | | | Mysteries, is indicated by the shading of one's eyes |
| Americas, ancient Crete, Polynesia, Babylonia, etc., in | | | | with the hand, whether left or right. In some |
| short, all over the world. Among the hand signs that | | | | variations of this sign the eyes are fully covered. This |
| he discusses are:Sign of PreservationSign of FaithSign | | | | sign originated in cultures where it was impolite to |
| of Distress/SurrenderSign of DeathSign of PraiseSign | | | | look directly at one's superior; for instance, a soldier |
| of the HeartSign of PrayerSign of Benediction or | | | | would make this sign when saluting a superior officer. |
| BlessingSign of SecrecySign of DestructionSign of | | | | Another possible origin of this sign is the experiences |
| ExultationSign of ReverenceSign of HorrorSign or | | | | had by blessed individuals during angelic visitations. |
| ResignationSign of SacrificeSign of Heaven and | | | | The presence of these spiritual beings compels the |
| EarthSign of Despair/RegretSign of | | | | beholder to shield their eyes from the angelic |
| PreservationThere are many variations of this sign. | | | | radiance. This hand gesture is not unique to any race |
| Basically, it is posed by placing one hand over the | | | | for it is to be found distributed all over the world--in |
| heart and raising the other at an angle at the elbow | | | | Ceylon, Australia, Africa, Asia, and Europe.Sign of |
| with the hand pointing upwards. In some forms, it is | | | | HorrorOne of the dramatic signs, the gesture of |
| the index finger that points skyward. In most | | | | horror is made by extending the right hand, palm |
| depictions of this sign it is the left hand rather than | | | | outwards, while the head is turned to the right as |
| the right that is raised. There are numerous instances | | | | though refusing to see something objectionable or |
| of this pose in Egyptian art. The Egyptologist, E.A. | | | | frightening. The left hand is this gesture point |
| Wallis Budge, interprets the hieroglyph with this sign | | | | outwards and in a downward direction as if trying to |
| as Hen, or "praise." The god Anubis is often | | | | expel something. Examples of this sign in art may be |
| represented with this hand posture, and murals in the | | | | seen in the Vatican and in the British Museum.Sign or |
| palaces and tombs of the pharaohs often illustrate | | | | ResignationThis sign consists in crossing the arms |
| votaries of Ra with this significant gesture. This sign | | | | upon the chest with the fingertips of the right hand |
| is also found in the Minoan and Mycenaen civilizations. | | | | on the left shoulder and the fingertips of the left |
| In Christian art, Jesus is often portrayed assuming | | | | hand on the right shoulders. This gesture is |
| many occult hand signs, among these is the Sign of | | | | sometimes portrayed with the right hand over the |
| Preservation. The sun god Damuzi of the Babylonians | | | | left, but the reverse is regarded as a more proper |
| while descending into the underworld likewise bears | | | | representation according to tradition. This is another |
| this sign, as depicted on certain objects. In his book | | | | one of those signs that may have originated in the |
| mentioned previously, J.S.M. Ward tells of a Roman | | | | Mystery Schools of Egypt. The god Osiris and the |
| sarcophagus in the Bardo Museum, Tunis, showing | | | | statues representing Egyptian pharaohs are often |
| the emergence of Jonah from the whale that | | | | depicted in this pose by artisans. For some specific |
| swallowed him for three days, and making the Sign | | | | reason the Egyptians also buried their dead in this |
| of Preservation--in effect, indicating that his life was | | | | manner, with the hands of the mummy crossed upon |
| saved. Among the mystical Islamic sects, the Whirling | | | | their breast. Even the sarcophagi or mummy cases |
| Dervishes appropriate the use of this important hand | | | | of the deceased bear a pictorial resemblance of them |
| pose in their ceremonial rites and practices. In archaic | | | | with the same sign. In the Renaissance, artists often |
| times, the Sign of Preservation was adopted by | | | | depicted Mother Mary with such a hand pose. Like |
| those petitioning the deity for the preservation of | | | | the many hand gestures described herein, the Sign of |
| oneself or someone else, and with the strong | | | | Resignation generates a certain occult power of |
| conviction that the request was granted. In | | | | which we shall discuss later in an upcoming article |
| contradistinction to this, it was also employed by | | | | when we apply and incorporate the sign in our mudra |
| those of high spiritual attainment assuring others of | | | | practices. The occult function of a sign is just as |
| their salvation. In Christianity it is often associated | | | | important as its esoteric meaning, perhaps even |
| with the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.Sign of | | | | more so.Sign of Heaven and EarthThis sign is |
| FaithThis sign resembles the Sign of Preservation | | | | executed by extending one hand above the head |
| with the exception that the hand pointing upwards is | | | | pointing skywards, and the other extended |
| not squared at an angle and not pointing to the sky. | | | | downwards pointing to the earth. According to Ward, |
| It points outwards away from the body. Like the | | | | the significance of this sign in Christianity is that |
| above sign, many examples of these are to be found | | | | someone had descended to Earth and later |
| distributed all over the world.Sign of Distress | | | | re-ascended to Heaven. Or alternatively, ascended to |
| SurrenderWhen the two hands are lifted upwards | | | | Heaven and later descended to Earth. There are |
| above the head with the elbows bent--this is known | | | | numerous examples of this sign in Christian art related |
| as the Sign of Distress. This is one of those universal | | | | to the raising of Lazarus, the descent of Jesus into |
| hand signs, and it seems almost human nature to fling | | | | Hell to save the inhabitants, and Jesus' resurrection. |
| the hands into the air when in despair or when faced | | | | There are many variations of this sign. Sometimes |
| with overwhelming pressure as a sign of psychological | | | | the hand with its open palm pointing upwards has its |
| turmoil and the "giving-in" to a certain situation, or | | | | fingers together; occasionally we find examples |
| when feeling helpless. Therefore, it is not surprising | | | | where the index finger points upwards while the rest |
| when we find the use of this sign all around the | | | | of the fingers folded onto the palm. The British |
| globe as depicted in artistic works, and experientially | | | | Museum has a collection of Babylonian objects where |
| in everyday life. This sign is an appeal for aid and is | | | | the Sign of Heaven and Earth may be seen. In |
| universal like many of the other signs mentioned in | | | | Greece, examples of this sign are associated with the |
| this section. Its use can be traced as early as 3,000 | | | | Eleusinan Mysteries.Sign of Despair/RegretRegret, |
| B.C. Quetzalcoatl, one of the gods of the Mayans, is | | | | despair, and sorrow is indicated by resting the head |
| sometimes depicted with this hand pose.Sign of | | | | upon the right hand and the left arm, which is |
| DeathThis hand sign is related to the throat chakra, | | | | horizontally across the solar plexus, supports the right |
| or psychic center. It consists of placing the hand's | | | | elbow with its hand. Occasionally, this position is |
| edge-whether left or right hand-at the throat. The | | | | reversed. There does not seem to be any strict rule |
| thumb points directly at the throat itself. It is actually | | | | to this. In paintings with crucifixion themes, the Virgin |
| a moving gesture and is effected by moving the | | | | Mary is often depicted with this hand position. There |
| hand's edge across the throat as if to cut it. This sign | | | | are examples of this sign of Persian and Greek origins |
| suggests that something is to be terminated or killed, | | | | preserved in museums all over the world.Having |
| or that it is already dead. The ancient Romans and | | | | explained the various hand signs to be found in art it |
| Egyptians were well familiar with this sign and in some | | | | would be appropriate if we were to emphasize that |
| Christian paintings of the crucifixion, the disciple John | | | | the signs described above are not merely symbolic or |
| the Beloved is portrayed with this sign of cutting the | | | | gestures without any occult significance. It is not too |
| throat while standing before the crucified Jesus. | | | | commonly known that these signs generate certain |
| Arabs and Sudanese make use of this sign to swear | | | | virtues as they modify, purify, intensify, and |
| their innocence uttering that God should cut their | | | | empower one's auric energy-structure or one's |
| throats should they be telling a falsehood. Several | | | | surroundings in some subtle manner. These signs are |
| American Indian tribes employ this sign as a salutation | | | | mudras with occult values. Mantras, incantations, and |
| meaning that they are "faithful or true unto | | | | liturgies often accompany the signs. Most votaries of |
| death."Sign of PraiseThis sign is similar to the Sign of | | | | religion are unaware that their ceremonies are actually |
| Distress except that the hands are not lifted above | | | | magickal rites and processes that call forth unseen |
| the head but extended forward in front of the body, | | | | influences. For instance, making the Sign of |
| inclining upwards with the hands facing outwards and | | | | Preservation by the spiritually evolved occult |
| the elbows bent. This is also a greeting sign and the | | | | practitioner, evokes spiritual and angelic forces that |
| initial start of the salaam gesture of the Arabs.Sign of | | | | protects the person or persons to whom the sign is |
| the HeartThis sign is accomplished by placing the | | | | being directed to. The sign assures the petitioners |
| hand over the heart. A survival of this gesture in | | | | and recipients that they will be protected and |
| modern times is the bowing of a gentlemen to a lady | | | | preserved from negative psychic attack.It is |
| with his hand to his heart as a salutation of respect, | | | | instinctive for people to assume specific mental and |
| or as it was customary in the 17th and 18th century | | | | physical attitudes when interacting with divine forces. |
| in Europe, for a man to remove his hat and to place | | | | We unconsciously feel hand signs and gestures to be |
| it at the heart region when greeting the opposite | | | | efficacious in aiding the establishment of a contact |
| sex. This is a hoary sign. It is to be found in ancient | | | | with higher intelligences and requesting their |
| Egypt, Rome, and even in Crete in the Minoan period. | | | | intercession.Hand-signs, or mudras are of great |
| It is also to be seen in the mosaic art of the many | | | | benefit to our well-being. In future articles, therefore, |
| old churches and cathedrals. The meaning of this sign | | | | we will apply this mystical science in a practical way |
| is a little obscure. It has been suggested that it | | | | that may be practiced by the average person. |
| signify faith or fidelity. However, with the placement | | | | |