Hamsa Hand Definition
The Hamsa hand symbol, also known as the hand of Fatima, depicts a hand with an eye at the center of its palm.
The word Hamsa stems from the Hebrew word Hamesh, which translates to the number five, which is likely why the symbol is of a hand with five fingers.
Hamsa Hand Deep Dive
Two main cultural influences are said to have been the oldest origins of the Hamsa hand. The first originates in the Islamic religion, whose foundation is built on five beliefs. These five beliefs are faith, prayer, Alms, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.
In Judaism, the Hamsa hand represents the five books of the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Throughout Hinduism and Buddhism, the Hamsa is said to represent the five chakras of the body.
- Pinkie – Sacral Chakra
- Ring Finger – Root Chakra
- Middle Finger – Throat Chakra
- Forefinger – Heart Chakra
- Thumb – Solar Plexus
In numerology, the number 5 corresponds to the need for change, bringing in new energy waves. Five is also about letting go and moving away from what no longer serves you.
The Hamsa hand is often used as a symbol for protection against negative energy. Depending on the position of the Hamsa, it will provide you with different benefits. Upright, the Hamsa acts as a protector. This symbol can help remove negative thoughts and emotions from your being, protect you from the ill-will of others, and also shield your space from lower spiritual energy.
Downward, the Hamsa acts as a magnet for abundance and prosperity. This symbol is often worn in this position or placed outside or around a home to bring about change, often correlated with the number 5. These changes are for growth, expansion, stability, and success.
This symbol has become popular throughout the spiritual community, signifying protection, abundance, and peace. The Hamsa hand is often associated with yoga and the new age movement.
Hamsa Hand In Your Life
The Hamsa hand is a wonderful addition you can use throughout your daily life. When you wear the Hamsa hand, it can help protect you and shield off any negativity that may come your way. Today, it’s common to wear this symbol on a piece of jewelry such as a necklace or earrings.
If you work with crystals, keeping the Hamsa symbol near your practice is also helpful as it can help boost the potency of their protective qualities. You can also increase their financial prosperity and abundance drawing power by keeping this symbol nearby. There are crystal cloths with the Hamsa hand symbol etched on them that can be a great way to work with the symbol and your crystals simultaneously.
You can also buy yoga gear that has the Hamsa symbol on it. Depending on the type of yoga styles you use, having a Hamsa symbol on your mat may help increase the benefits of your practice.
The Hamsa Hand holds deep meaning, bridged throughout many cultures and religions. The power of this symbol is recognized to help provide you with protection, purge negativity from your life, and draw in abundance in all forms.
To go deep and expand your yogic knowledge, access our free Yoga Terms Encyclopedia, where we host a profound wealth of ancient and timeless yogic wisdom in an accessible modern format.
