Kali Mudra

     In Sanskrit, Kali means “she who is black” or “she who is death” and Mudra means “gesture.” The root word for Kali is Kala meaning “black” or “time.” Kali is the representation of the energy Shakti which is also female power. This practice is a Samyukta meaning “double” Hasta Mudra, where both hands are required to preform this practice.

     This practice is named after the goddess Durga who transforms into Kali. The goddess Kali symbolizes destruction, transformation and death by removing darkness which makes the way for light.

     The goddess Kali is often depicted as angry and destructive, but this is just symbolizing the destruction of what is not helping to support the universal Dharma.

     This hand gesture includes the extended index fingers which represents the sword of Durga who slays Maya meaning "illusions."  This practice is often included during a Yoga Asana sequence when the arms are extended in front of the body or over the head.

     This gesture is preformed during some Yoga sequences for therapeutic Yoga as well as restorative Yoga class. While preforming this practice, blockages in the Sushumna Nadi are relived which encourages positivity within the body.

     With this practice, the practitioner has an outlet to release or to let go of what is not currently serving there highest interest. Because of this, there are many other techniques of Yoga that utilize this practice.