New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| With origins in ancient Near East Mesopotamia, hamsa comes from the word khamsa, meaning "five," as in five fingers. Hamsa is the image of the open right hand and is a symbol of the divine feminine. Historically known as the hand of Ishtar and the hand of Inanna, the hamsa has continued to be used throughout history. Christians call it the hand of Mary, Muslims the hand of Fatima, and Jews the hand of Miriam.
Draw a hamsa and post it on your door for protection. To ward off the evil eye, decorate it with the Eye of Horus. To ward off hunger or financial problems, decorate it with date palms. The hamsa also blesses, bestowing health, fertility, long life, strength, and prosperity. Even Buddha holds up his right hand in hamsa, a mudra of protection and teaching. Whenever you need protection, hold your right hand up, palm out. Hamsa. |
