The hamsa is a palm shaped symbol used in many parts of the world as a protection amulet against the evil eye. The evil eye is a destructive energy given by others that arises from envy, hatred, or jealousy. The evil eye is believed to cause illness, death, or unluckiness, which is why the hamsa often carries the symbol of the eye upon its palm. The amulet is shaped like the hand with three fingers in the middle. The curved thumb and pinky are bilateral and symmetrical in form. The word hamsa means five and refers to the five fingers. The number five is a powerful number symbolizing defense, strength, and fortune. The origin of the hamsa dates back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) and predates Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It evolved to become a sacred and respected symbol in many religions. The hand serves as protection against evil and danger, but it also represents femininity and is referred to as the woman’s holy hand. This sign of protection is believed to hold a powerful energy as it represents blessings, power, and strength.
The hamsa carries different connotations in various religions. To the Muslims the hamsa represents the hand of Fatima (Prophet Muhammad’s daughter) with the five fingers representing the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis and the Five People of the Cloak for Shi’ites. The hamsa represents the hand of Mary to the Christians and those of the Jewish faith refer to it as the hand of Miriam (Sister of Moses with the fingers representing the five books of Moses). The hamsa hands are not always symmetrical and hamsa’s shaped like actual hands are also used.
The symbol can be worn with the fingers pointing up or down, both ways are believed to bring happiness, peace, and protection.
The Hamsa Prayer
Let no Sadness come to this heart
Let no trouble come to these arms
Let no conflict come to these eyes
Let my soul be filled with the blessing of joy and peace.
Since I’m working on the Witches of Griffin series, which focuses on Ancient Egypt, I found that the Sky God Horus, claimed men could never escape the eye of conscience, because the eye is always open and the eye monitors all life. The eye of Horus is a symbol that represents God in mathematical form. Essentially, the whole is divided and then divided continually, making the sum of the numbers 63/64. The sequence can continue into infinity and the number one will never be reached. The determination is that God is one. Metaphorically, the hamsa is the Hand of God and the ultimate defense against all evil. If you draw the Eye of Horus, the cross section of the mid-brain takes you to the thalamus, where the pineal and pituitary glands are located. The pineal gland is also known as the third eye or a person’s spiritual center. The third eye, if opened, is believed to connect you with spiritual dimensions and provide perceptions beyond ordinary sight.
Due to the renewed interest in Kabbalah and mystical Judaism, the hamsa pendant is making a comeback. The hamsa can be found in art, clothing, and jewelry. Unfortunately, the symbol is sometimes misunderstood today, with people tying it to the Illuminati to represent control and surveillance by the elites. Nevertheless, the hamsa represents God and it has a positive, uplifting spiritual message.
A special thanks to www.hamsameaning.com and www.luckymojo.com
