Mudras on R/W cards

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 06 Dec 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

catlin	06 Dec 2001
Some of the persons depicted on the R/W cards hold their fingers in Mudra-like positions. Does anyone know more about Mudras?

Jeanette	08 Dec 2001
Catlin, I don't know what "Mudras" are. My dictionary didn't help, so, could you give a definition-description, please!

jmd	08 Dec 2001
A Mudra is a specific hand position used in, for example, Yoga. The Mudra-like positions on the Magician's left hand (pointing finger), the Hierophant's right hand (annular and little finger folded), the Devil's 'hoof' opening on its right hand, and the, again, folding of the annular and little finger on the 6 of Coins are classical western gestures. The apparent inner fold of the Charioteer's left hand, though definitely appearing Mudra-like, is probably unintentional. The folded annular and little finger is used for blessing. The pointed index finger for directional energy, and the 'hoof'-hand as a symbol of inverse blessing. These are found on many Tarot decks, and are not Mudras in origin. Because these are 'common', I had to look for what cards you may have been referring to, and, as a result, noticed for the first time that the Charioteer's hand could be taken as a Mudra... But as mentioned, I think it is ambiguous and, though possibly important, also intentional.

Jeanette	08 Dec 2001
I don't think a day goes by that I don't learn something new on this forum. This is so great, all this info. being shared..... THANKS!!!

catlin	10 Dec 2001
Hi jmd, Thanks for the great job you did! What about the 10 of swords? Can this also be counted as a Mudra or not?

jmd	10 Dec 2001
I hadn't noticed the ten of swords... It is quite interesting, for the finger position is ambiguous: where is the annular? The thumb over the little finger is a Mudra, so it could (un?)intentionally be... on the other hand, could it be a blessing position (like on the Hierophant), but somehow twisted in the pains of the depicted death... I'll review it later and get back to you...

deso	15 Dec 2001
jmd, hi!!! I'd love to know where you learned all this "mudra" info. If from a book - please share the title. Thanks!

jmd	15 Dec 2001
With regards to the Mudras, I do some yoga (sometimes!). I also have, on occasions, been to Indian Dancing performances, at which some hand positions are explained. The Western meanings of the hand positions are probably acquired over numerous years. I have two friends who happen to be priests. One a ('high church') Anglican, the other a Liberal Catholic (Leadbeater/Wedgwood fame). Together with my various interests and discussions with numerous people, some eventually becomes part of one's background 'knowledge'. I respond to posts without reference to books. I figure that if I need to check what someone else says (unless it is to quote them), I may as well not reply, and allow someone else to... That's just me, and I certainly don't expect it of others. I personally do not know of any books which deal directly with this subject, but numerous ones have snippets... Let me know if you come across one!

Talisman	18 Dec 2001
Catlin, I've held off saying anything about your question so people with serious thoughts could respond. I once started a thread about archetypes, and 97 people told me how silly I was. Well, yeah, I'm not the most serious person around. But, the other day I was in a store and saw a tiny child being pushed in a stroller by her mother. The mother had paused at a shelf and it obviously had something the little girl wanted. You could see it in her anxious expression. And, I noticed that this baby's fingers were crossed. That is, her middle finger was tightly crossed over the index finger. How'd a little baby learn this? I mean, did someone teach her that? Have you ever made a wish, and crossed your fingers? Do you know what "King's X" means? You cross your fingers in the middle of a frantic childhood game, hold 'em up, and cry, "King's X!" Sort of a time out. Look me straight in the eye and say, "What I tell you is true." But, behind your back, you're crossing your fingers. Should I believe you? Tell you what. You all pay the expenses and I'll go to whatever you all consider the most remote corner of the earth. And, when I get there, I'll greet the inhabitants by making a fist with an extended, rigid middle finger. What do you think the reaction will be? Talisman slyly attempts to lay his finger alongside his nose and -- WHOOPS! -- pokes himself in the eye. I'm not gonna attempt to make a case for archetypes, but, if I meet you, and we don't share a common language, and I hold my hands out, palm facing and fingers extended, you should know one of two things: Either that I am unarmed, or that I am an easy target. Hey, maybe both. Are we still talking Mudras here? Talisman

DeLani	23 Dec 2001
What you're talking about is the universal body language, which is probably the basis for mudras (most Eastern teachings take their cues from what occurs naturally, then expand on it in some way, i.e., breath and energy work). The formalized mudras such as mentioned above might not be recognized anywhere else, but posture, facial expression, and vocal tone are. That's why non-verbal or written communication is often the most effective - no language barriers. Also probably why the Tarot is a set of pictures, not books. DeLani

jovian99	24 Dec 2001
There is a very good book on mudras "Healing Hudras, Yoga for Your Hands" by Sabrina Mesko, Ballantine Publishing Co, NY. I purchased it in paperback from E. Hamilton, Booksellers available on web. There is also a video by Ms Mesko which I was able to borrow from the public library. Mudras explained and positions and affirmations for @ 50 given. I practice a simple one for aligning the chakras. Covered are mudras for various physical and mental health and also spiritual development. I'm going to check out the hand positions on the cards and will report back to the group

jovian99	25 Dec 2001
I looked at the cards and mostly the hands are holding things, or at most indicating as above so below. I don't think the mudras are there. Once a key is found it usually opens a lot of doors. If there is one mudra there would be many. Interesting idea, but I don't think it works.

The Mudras on R/W cards thread was originally posted on 06 Dec 2001 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.