Fire is the element of transformation. It takes wood, paper – and traditionally even the human body in many cultures – and transforms it from one state to another. In many cases, fire is the element that takes things back to the earth, ready to start the cycle again and become something entirely different. Since man discovered the ability to make fire possibly even as far back as 1.7 million years ago, it’s been central to human evolution; a major factor in the way our digestive system has changed over time, and has played an important role in imagination, community and meditation. Fire represents change and power, and we can use agni mudra to serve as a reminder that we all have the power to make change when we need to.
Fire & the Beginnings of Meditation
Agni – the word agni translating from Sanskrit as ‘fire’ – not only refers to a physical fire, but also the name of one of the most important Vedic gods. The Rig Veda (an important Vedic text that holds yoga’s most ancient traditions) even containins 200 hymns praising the fire god. Fire may have started from humble beginnings, but it didn’t take long for it to gain spiritual significance.
Throughout the Vedic period around 1,500-1,100 BCE, brahmins and priests threw offerings such as ghee, seeds, grains, milk or incense into a ritual fire as a way to praise the gods and ask for their help, forgiveness or blessing. These symbolic and sacred practices were known as Homa, and eventually spread to Buddhist and Jain communities too.. Initially, these fire offerings were reserved only for the rich and high-caste who could afford to throw possessions into the flames or even pay someone else to do so. As time progressed however and with the popularisation of Tantra yoga, which essentially became the ‘everyman’ branch of yoga, these rituals become not physical sacrifices and offerings, but visualised ones. Enter; the practice of meditation (or at least one of the many roots of meditation techniques). Yes, meditation practices like visualisation, the Tibetan ‘Inner Fire’ meditation technique, and most practices in which you might imagine colours, a light, or the movement of your breath flowing through the body relate to these ancient Homa rituals and our innate inclination towards gathering around a fire.
Fire in the Belly
Speaking of ‘inner fire’, we each have an energetic ‘wheel’ or ‘vortex’ known as Manipura Chakra or the Solar Plexus located in the centre of the abdomen. Part of the subtle body and Chakra system, you could think of Manipura Chakra as a wheel of fire in the belly, governing aspects of us related to power, digestion, decision making and self-confidence. When we do things that make us feel powerful, respected and strong, this fire burns bright and we generally feel good. When we allow our proverbial fire to be dampened however – via negative self-talk, doubt and fear, we feel a little weaker and literally less ‘fiery’.
To reconnect and awaken your inner fire, practice actions that remind you of your strength and power, like arm balancing yoga postures, boxing classes, making that big decision you’ve been putting off, saying ‘no’ more often, and pranayama practices like Agni Sara or ‘fire essence’ breath. Remember that fire is the element of transformation, and we need a brightly burning fire in order to make positive life changes.
Fire in Your Hands
Agni Mudra or the ‘fire gesture’ symbolises the power to change, whatever ‘change’ means to you. Change might come in the form of transforming scattered and anxious thoughts into a focused and optimistic vision; it might look like stopping one unhealthy habit and replacing it with a beneficial one; change may see you cutting out toxic relationships and spending quality time with those you love; or it could be as simple as the words you use, transforming “ I can’t” into “I’m working on it”, or “I’m not good enough” to “I can do anything I set my mind to”. As with many mudras, practicing the symbolic gesture can be done anywhere, and serves as a reminder to believe in yourself, and know that you can transform any mindset or situation you find yourself in.
There are a few variations of Agni Mudra, but this one focuses on the power of the fire in the belly, and can be very centering. To practice;
- Place your left hand in front of your stomach with the palm faxing upwards
- Curl your right hand into a fist with the thumb pointing upwards
- Place the right hand on top of the left so your hands resemble a burning candle
- Breathe slowly and deeply through the nose, feeling your stomach rise and fall
- Visualise yourself transforming a situation you know needs to change, or making that big decision you may have previously felt unsure about. See yourself making the change and feel the sensations of having made a positive transformation for yourself.
If you feel you need some guidance in making a change, practice the mudra and silently ask for guidance in order to make positive powerful change. Use the mudra to give you courage and power, and practice it as a reminder that you can change any situation you find yourself in.