MUDRASFOR AWAKENING THE FIVE ELEMENTS

Written by Alison DeNicolaArtwork by Sabina Espinet

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Copyright © 2017 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design, and con-tents are protected by copyright. No part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclu-

sion in a magazine, newspaper or website.

Designed by Nora PaskalevaEdited by Lynn Araujo

First Edition10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Made in China

Published byU.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

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Table of ContentsIntroduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Awakening The Five Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Background & History of Mudras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

The Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Meet The Five Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

The Five Elements In Your Hands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

How To Practice Mudras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Ways To Use The Mudras Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Mudras & Meditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Intuition & The Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Five Element Spread. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Two Card Spread. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Card Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Five Element Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

The Energy Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

The Koshas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

The Doshas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

The Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-117

The Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-47

1. Earth Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

2. Water Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

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3. Fire Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

4. Air Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

5. Space (Ether) Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Mudras for Awakening Earth Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-59

6. Murti Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

7. Apana Mudra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

8. Pushpaputa Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

9. Chinmaya Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

10. Dvimukham Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

11. Pala Mudra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Mudras for Awakening Water Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-71

12. Jala Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

13. Shakti Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

14. Varuna Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

15. Vittam Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

16. Ishvara Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

17. Kilaka Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Mudras for Awakening Fire Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-83

18. Vajra Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

19. Gupta Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

20. Adhomukha Mudra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

21. Achala Agni Mudra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

22. Rudra Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

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23. Ganesha Mudra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Mudras for Awakening Air Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84-95

24. Vayu Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

25. Purna Hridaya Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

26. Kapota Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

27. Hamsi Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

28. Karuna Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

29. Prana Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Mudras for Awakening Space Element. . . . . . . . . . . . 96-107

30. Shankhavarta Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

31. Shunya Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

32. Akasha Mudra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

33. Chin Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

34. Sumukha Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

35. Sahasrara Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Mudras for Integrating the Five Elements . . . . . . . . 108-117

36. Hakini Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

37. Ushas Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

38. Panchamukha Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

39. Dharma Pravartana Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

40. Mandala Mudra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

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Introduction

Mudras for Awakening the Five Elements is a unique

deck of 40 colorful cards illustrating 35 mudras and 5

element cards. Mudras are subtle hand gestures commonly

used in yoga and meditation practices to direct energy and

expand consciousness. The mudras chosen for this deck were

specifically selected to awaken the energy of the five elements

within. It has been widely recognized that mudras deliver

numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Many

positive results that can be obtained through the practice of

mudras include reducing anxiety and supporting the immune

system for more vibrant health and wellness. By directing the

breath and awareness, mudras can deliver healing and energy

to particular areas of the human body.

Practicing mudras offers us an important avenue for affecting

the mind and emotions in positive ways. Some of these bene-

fits include greater mental clarity, peacefulness and optimism.

Many find it amazing that you can change your outlook,

your health and your mood with these simple hand gestures.

Mudras are portable and perfect for multi-tasking—but do

take time to practice and become aware of sensations as they

arise. It can take just a few minutes anytime of the day to

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recharge, renew and balance energy. They are amazing tools

for assisting in shifting your body and mind in a simple and

easy way. Mudras allow us to create a space for healing our

physical bodies as well as to awaken the five elements: Earth,

Water, Fire, Air and Space (Ether).

Awakening The Five Elements

The concept of the five elements has deep roots in many

systems of healing, spirituality, philosophy and science.

For thousands of years, man has acknowledged his connec-

tion to and affinity with nature. When we speak about awak-

ening the five elements, we are offering ourselves an invita-

tion to connect to the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space (or

Ether) within us. According to yoga philosophy, everything

is created from and everything contains the five elements.

The five elements are regarded as the building blocks of all

matter—each with unique qualities and attributes.

The Indian holistic system of healing medicine known as

Ayurveda teaches that we are a microcosm, and there is a

universe within each of us. We are also influenced by the

external environment, the macrocosm.

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Simply put, we are all composed of our own unique combina-

tion of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. In this way, we are

also affected by the outer elements as we experience them.

The phrases “she’s really grounded” or “he has his head in

the clouds” are familiar references to how we manifest our

unique five-element selves. People with a lot of Earth and

Water (they may be solid, grounded, move a bit slower and

be more down to earth) may need to add a little more Air

and Space elements so that they can lighten up. In the outer

world, it might mean more heart-opening yoga, invigo-

rating breath work, or spending time hiking to the top of a

mountain. Practicing specific mudras can be an easy way to

assist this balance as well. Finding the balance within is as

important as finding balance in your outside environment.

The inner elements are affected by the outer elements.

Mudras for Awakening the Five Elements deck and book set

is designed to work alongside our first mudra deck, Mudras

for Awakening the Energy Body. Together these decks offer

a rich resource of mudras for activating the energy body

through the centers called chakras and enlivening the five

elements. You will find endless ways to blend the two decks

and create many possible combinations, intuitive insights

and self-healing practices. The cards are presented in similar

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format and can inspire you to mix and match mudras for

elements and chakras in your own, individual way.

Background & History of Mudras

Mudras are described as gestures, attitudes or symbols

expressed through the hands, body or face. In traditional

usage, mudra expressions expand the breath, conscious-

ness, and energy systems of the user. There are hundreds of

mudras from the spiritual traditions of India and Tibet. Many

of these are mudras for the hands, but also include gestures

of the eyes, face and body. Commonly used in the practice

of yoga and meditation as a tool to channel higher energies

into the body, mudras are very often paired with pranayama

(breath work), asana (physical postures) and recitation of

mantras. Many spiritual traditions depict the great masters

holding a hand mudra, which we have come to associate

with wisdom and knowledge. The Gayatri Mantra (a sacred

Sanskrit chant) is supported through a specific series of hand

mudras that are used before and after recitation. In fact, hand

mudras are used in religious, spiritual and artistic traditions

throughout the world.

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Mudras also have a long and distinct history in the area of

Indian dance and drama. Mudra gestures represent symbolic

imagery and deities as well as express emotion and story. The

ancient practice of storytelling through hand gestures is very

much alive in this way. There are many interesting and rich

areas to explore for deepening your knowledge of mudras.

The DeckThe Mudras for Awakening the Five Elements deck is

designed to be used in multiple ways. As you begin, you will

see that there is one card for each of the five elements. The

Element cards depict the imagery of the element and many of

the qualities associated with that element. Each Element card

is further defined by their associated colors, particular qual-

ities that are present in the element, symbols in nature, area

or system of the body that is governed by the element, and

practices that support each element. We have also included

yoga poses that are closely connected to the element so that

you may connect the elements to your own yoga practice.

The remaining 35 cards are Mudra cards, which have a

keyword on the front of the card along with a beautiful

artistic representation of the pose. The back of each card

identifies the name of the mudra, the qualities inspired, the

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physical and emotional benefits, instructions for doing the

pose, cautions if any, and a focus affirmation that may be

used while practicing the mudra. The cards are color specific

to the element they support. In many cases, the mudra will

activate more than one element, as they are combined with

breath, awareness and movement. There is also a grouping

of five cards called Mudras for Integration. These mudras

harmonize and balance all five elements at once. They are

wonderful to know and use daily.

Meet The Five ElementsThe five elements according to yogic philosophy: Earth,

Water, Fire, Air and Space (Ether), are the foundation for

everything—we are all a unique combination of the five

elements as is everything in creation. The combination of

elements within us forms our unique constitution, which is

called our dosha. (See page 33.) When we start to connect

to the elements and recognize where we could benefit from

some adjustment, we can bring ourselves back into natural

balance. Naturally balancing the elements happens through

practices such as yoga, meditation, spending time in nature,

healthful dietary habits, and mudras.

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one or more elements at the same time. Keeping our energy

body open, vital and flowing is good for our health, happiness

and general well-being as each level affects the others. Using

practices like yoga, mudras and meditation gives us the oppor-

tunity to move energy and find balance on all levels. In this

way, mudras have a positive effect on the total of our being.

THE DOSHAS

Many eastern medicine traditions equate the elements

with the individual constitution or “dosha” as it is called

in Ayurveda.

The three basic constitutional types or doshas are a specific

combination of the five elements. Every individual is usually

predominant in one and has a secondary influence. Even so,

keeping with the idea of microcosm, everyone is a combination

of all three. Keeping our elements in balance through practices

such as yoga, pranayama, mindful diet and mudras practice

assists in this goal.

Three doshas of Ayurveda are:

1. VATA (Air and Space)—The unique combination of Air

and Space (Ether) is light, mobile, dry, cool, rough and subtle.

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2. PITTA (Fire and Water)—The unique combination of

Fire and Water is light, mobile, dry, hot, penetrating, and clear.

3. KAPHA (Earth and Water)—The unique combination of

Earth and Water is heavy, slow, wet, dense, cold and solid.

It is interesting to note that the times of the day and the

seasons also are categorized according to their dosha. (See

diagram on the right.) There are simple and more complex

Ayurvedic assessments that can assist in finding your

unique constitution. Each of them has very specific physical,

emotional and personality related qualities that you may

recognize instantly within yourself. If you are already aware

of your dosha, for instance if you have a lot of Kapha (Earth

and Water) you might want to add more Fire, Air and Space to

lift and lighten your body and energy. This is an area rich for

exploration if you are inclined.

Through using this deck, you can safely and effectively use

mudras to discover and balance the elements in a simple and

organic way. Use your own inner awareness and senses to

feel and notice where you can use more balance in your body,

mind and elements.

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The Chakras

The Cards

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The Elements

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1. Earth ElementPrithivi

Yoga Poses: Tree pose, Mountain pose, Malasana squat

Sense: Smell

Energy Center: Root chakra

Symbols: Elephant, Turtle, Red square, Tree with deep roots,

Mountain

Rules: Legs and feet, Elimination, Skeletal system

Qualities: Trust, Stability, Support, Organization

Practice: Activating the Earth element is all about connecting

to the physical body and to the aspects of nature. Earth

element is assisted by activating the feet and legs

through movement (e.g. hiking, walking, yoga) and

feeling the earth beneath you as your base of support.

Slowing down your pace and your breath can also assist

in feeling more grounded and connected. Working with

plants and nature, eating root vegetables and walking

barefoot on the ground can all enhance your connec-

tion to your Earth element. Sound such as rhythmic

drumming can help you to connect to your own inner

drumbeat. Use any of the Earth element Mudra cards to

activate your own unique earth connection.

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2. Water ElementJala

Yoga Poses: Pigeon pose, Triangle, Baddha konasana

Sense: Taste

Energy Center: Sacral chakra

Symbols: Ocean, Waterfall, Half moon, Swan, Crocodile,

Dolphin

Rules: Hips, Sacrum, Reproductive, Urinary and Lymphatic

systems

Qualities: Flowing, Adaptable, Fluid, Receptive and Cooling

Practice: The Water element is the center of feeling and plea-

sure that invites us to become more buoyant. The Water

element connects to our feminine side and the qualities

of receiving, the pleasure of taste and the juiciness of

life experience. Spend time near water and listen to the

sounds of water to invite more Water element to flow.

Make time for creativity, dance, and fun—this is a place

that requires self-nourishment. Use flowing music/sound

and choose juicy foods like melons, cucumbers and

lettuce to stimulate that watery aspect within yourself.

Choose any of the Water element Mudra cards to acti-

vate and balance your own unique water flow.

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3. Fire ElementTejas

Yoga Poses: Standing squat, Plank, Boat pose

Sense: Sight

Energy Center: Solar plexus chakra

Symbols: Lion, Ram, Snake, Yellow triangle, Sunlight and

Candle flame

Rules: Digestive system, Stomach, Spleen and Pancreas

Qualities: Heating, Transforming, Intense, Light

and Energetic

Practice: Balancing the Fire element is vital to our digestive

health, energy and drive. Many people find their Fire

element out of balance—too much Fire can bring diges-

tive distress and aggressive behavior and too little Fire

leaves us unmotivated and lacking direction. Vigorous

activity such as running and cycling can ignite our

physical energy. Breath work, sun gazing and inner-light

meditation can also inspire the light to shine. Listening to

energizing music, eating ginger, turmeric and warming

foods all can stimulate your inner fire. Choose any of the

Fire element cards to ignite your own flame.