The first known use of the symbol with hand and eye can be traced to the civilization of Phoenicia that spread across the Mediterranean between 1550 – 330 BCE. The Phoenicians used an image of the hand to represent Tanit, patron goddess of their capital city Carthage and who they associated with the lunar cycle. With time, her hand became a protective amulet in its own right and was used to ward off the evil eye, one of the oldest manifestations of human fear.
In Buddhism and Hinduism, the Hamsa takes on a very different meaning. For Hindus and Buddhists, the hampsa represents the chakras, the five senses and their associated mudras (hand gestures) that redirect energy flow throughout the body. Thus, the eye in the hand represents vision, or the energy wisdom of that body part, and its ability to re-directenergy, and facilitate healing.
The hamsa is an ancient symbol that holds a variety of meanings across cultures. Nevertheless, it is regarded in all faiths as a protective 🧿 amulet that brings good fortune, health and happiness.
What is profound about this symbol, and all symbols, is that they give us the ability to transcend our subconscious.
This profound quote by Joseph Campbell speaks to the power of Symbols and mythology.
“For the symbols of mythology are not manufactured; they cannot be ordered, invented, or permanently suppressed.”
-Joseph Campbell-
Hero With 1000 Faces
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