Appendix I: Deities and Their Symbols This Appendix is a summary of the ‘Deities’ section of this book. When several marks of a specific god or goddess are found on a pair of hands, then it should be taken as a confirmation that that deity has a strong influence on this person. It does not necessarily mean that this person worships that deity or even that they should. These symbols simply reflect the same energy on a person’s hand that the deity in question represents. It is advisable to study the stories of the gods and goddesses in order to understand how these symbols are ‘used’ in their mythological context. For example, the ‘spear’ is associated with Durga in this book, but in mythology, Durga uses her spear to slay demons. This is the context in which the spear and Durga will influence your life (by removing negativity). After gaining a basic understanding of her mythology, you should also look into Durga’s meditations and mantras. It should also be noted that the popular gods and goddesses have more symbols associated with them than the less popular deities. For example gods such as Ganesh, Shiva, and Krishna have many symbols associated with them; whereas, Agni has very little association with symbols. This is because there are more Yogas and meditations associated with the more well-known gods. Furthermore, the popular gods have more stories surrounding them and thus a stronger symbolic connection to these signs. Another point to note is that this is not a comprehensive list of all gods and goddesses in Hinduism. I have selected the deities that are the most accessible for those without an understanding of Hinduism and whose mythologies and meditations can be easily researched.
And lastly, do not assume that the deities listed below are limited to the symbols that I have listed. They can, and often do, overlap into other signs and symbols. Use this summary as a guide to further your own study.
Name Symbols Brief Summary Agni Thunderbolt Vedic God of Fire Balaram Mace, Moon, Plough, Swan Brother of Krishna, Avatar of Sheshnag Brahma Pot, Tree, Swan Supreme Creator of the Material Universe Chinmastika Sickle, Tiger Shakti Goddess Dharam Wheel Durga Anklet, Arrow, Chakra, Drum, Flag, Mace, Necklace, Sickle, Spear, Trident Shakti Goddess Earth Cow, Plough, Tree The Earth Goddess Ganesh Axe, Elephant, Fan, Flag, Goad, Infinity, Leaf, M, Nutcracker, Pot, Pot and Flower, Shivling (minor association), Spear, Tusk, Umbrella Elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. Also the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. Ganga Crocodile, Plough, Pot River Goddess Gaytri Swan Goddess Hanuman Boat, Flag, Mace, Mountain, Quiver, Shivling, Thunderbolt, Umbrella Monkey devotee of Ram, also an Avatar of Shiva Indra Bracelet, Elephant, Mace, Saint, Spear, Thunderbolt King of Heaven Jupiter Armour, Chakra, Kite, Elephant, Mountain, Scroll, Star, Tree, Tusk Planet, Teacher of the Gods Kahmudhenu Cow A wishfulfilling cow Kali Sickle, Tiger A Shakti Goddess Kalki Crocodile, Horse, Scorpion, Shield, Sword A Future Avatar of Vishnu Karthikeya Armour, Crown, M, Peacock, Spear God of War, Son of Shiva Ketu Dog, Fish, Flag, Mace, Shield, Snake, Sword The South Node of the Moon Krishna Arrow, Chakra, Chariot, Crab, Flute, House, Human, Leaf, Moon, Mountain, Peacock, Pot, Scorpion, Swan, Umbrella, Wheel Avatar of Vishnu Kumara Tortoise Avatar of Vishnu Laxman Bow, Sword Avatar of Sheshnag, Brother of Ram
Laxmi Bell, Elephant, Flower, Nutcracker, Pot, Pot and Flower, Tree, Tusk Wife of Vishnu Mars Mace, Scorpion, Shield, Sword Planet, God of War Matsya Fish Avatar of Vishnu Mercury Bow, Chakra, Elephant, Lion, Mace, Thunderbolt Planet Moon Chakra, Flower, House, Kite, Moon, Pot and Flower, Spiral, Tree Planet, Ruler of the Mind Narasimha Lion Avatar of Vishnu Parshu Ram Ax, Bow, Pot, Quiver Avatar of Vishnu Parvati Bell, Bracelet, Necklace, Tiger, Tree Shakti Goddess, Wife of Shiva, Mother of Ganesh and Kartikeya Rahu Chain, Mace, Snake, Sword Planet, North Node of the Moon Ram Armour, Arrow, Bird, Boat, Bow, Chariot, Crown, Fan, Lion, Pot, Quiver, Scroll, Star, Sun Rays Avatar of Vishnu Saraswati Bell, Swan, Tusk Goddess of Education and Song, Wife of Brahma Sati Goddesses Necklace, Tiger A Collection of Goddesses Saturn Beak, Bird, Bow, Chain, Mace, Pot and Flower, Rope, Sword, Tree Planet, God of Justice Sheshnag Double Fish Tail, Moon Cosmic Serpent Shiva Armour, Bull, Drum, Eye, Flame, Horn, Kite, Moon, Mountain, Nutcracker, Pot, Saint, Scale, Shivling, Spiral, Sword, Trident, Yav Supreme God of Destruction Sun Chariot, Kite, Lion, Star, Sun, Sun Rays, Tree, Wheel Planet Vamana Umbrella Avatar of Vishnu Venus Chain, Lotus, Pot, Pot and Flower, Scroll, Sword Plant, God of Beauty Vishnu Beak, Bird, Chakra, Chariot (minor), Crown, Fan, Leaf, Mace, Necklace, Saint, Swan, Tree, Umbrella, Wheel Supreme God of Preservation Yam Raj Umbrella God of Death