The Best Yoga Mudra Decks

Mudras, Sanskrit for "seal” or “gesture," are hand positions that have energetic, spiritual, and therapeutic significance in yoga. Mudra practices help direct the flow of energy through the chakras (energy centers) and nadis (energy channels).

By integrating mudras into your meditation or yoga practice, you can advance your practice towards self-mastery, enhance your ability to achieve self-realization, and improve the overall effectiveness of your asanas (physical postures) and meditation.

I am writing this to inform you of the best mudra decks available. These decks are invaluable tools for learning, practicing, and mastering mudras in your practices. Links to purchase are Amazon affiliate links and go to support my work on Asivana.

Mudra Deck Comparison Chart

Check Out the Decks Below

If you prefer a physical and tangible way to learn about mudras, check out the decks below. These decks provide an accessible and practical approach to mastering mudras, making it easier to integrate them into your daily practice.

But if you prefer online resources for mudras or would like to use both in your study and exploration of mudras then check out our resources at Asivana Yoga. I’ll post links at the end of this article for your reference.

Mudra Deck: Mudras for Modern Living

Mudras for Modern Living is a beautifully illustrated deck that provides a practical and inspirational guide to using mudras (yogic hand gestures) to revitalize various aspects of your life. This set draws on extensive experience from Swami Saradananda to explain the background, techniques, and benefits of working with mudras.

The set includes 49 cards, each featuring beautiful artwork and clear photographs of the mudras, along with their main benefits and inspiring affirmations or mantras. The cards are organized into seven categories, each dedicated to a different part of the hand and its corresponding element, which simplifies the process of finding and using the appropriate mudra for your needs.

The accompanying instructional booklet provides an in-depth introduction to the power of mudras, insights into maximizing the deck's use, and detailed explanations of each of the 49 mudras shown on the cards. This makes the deck perfect for both beginners and those looking to deepen their existing practice.

What I find particularly impressive about this deck is its organization and ease of use. The categorization by hand and element, along with the beautiful illustrations and practical instructions, makes it an excellent resource for anyone looking to integrate mudras into their practice.

Categories Include:

• Fire Mudras (thumb) for boosting inner strength and self-esteem
• Air Mudras (index finger) for encouraging freedom and stress relief
• Ether Mudras (middle finger) for enhancing inner peace, self-expression, and creativity
• Water Mudras (ring finger) for equipping you to move forward
• Earth Mudras (little finger) for encouraging stability and grounding
• Mind Mudras (thumb) for increasing concentration and clarity
• Overall Health and Wellbeing Mudras

Overall, Mudras for Modern Living is a valuable tool for anyone interested in the transformative power of mudras.

Deck Features

Number of Cards: 49

Guidebook: Instructional booklet included

Author: Swami Saradananda

Art: Illustration

Pros:

• Organized and categorized for ease of use
• Beautiful and clear illustrations
• Each card includes the mudra’s main benefit and an inspiring affirmation or mantra
• Accompanying booklet provides detailed guidance and information

Cons:

• Limited to 49 mudras

Buy Now: Amazon

—— 🕉 ——

Mudra Deck: Mudras For Awakening The Energy Body

Mudras For Awakening The Energy Body deck is a thoughtfully designed set of 40 cards that enhances both physical and emotional wellness through mudras and chakra activation. This deck includes 7 chakra cards and 33 mudra cards, each featuring beautiful artwork and clear instructions.

The 112-page guidebook offers detailed insights into each mudra, providing comprehensive instructions, explanations of health benefits, and guided meditations.

What I find particularly impressive about this deck is its high-quality construction and the clarity of the mudra descriptions. The vibrant energy conveyed through the artwork adds an inspiring element to the practice. It is easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

This set is focused on awakening the energy body with emphasis on chakras mudras. Another box by the same author and artist is available that focuses on the elements. Overall, Mudras For Awakening The Energy Body is a valuable resource for anyone looking to integrate powerful practice of mudras.

Deck Features

Number of Cards: 40 (7 chakra cards, 33 mudra cards)

Guidebook: 112 pages with detailed instructions, health benefits, and guided meditations

Author: Alison DeNicola

Art: Sabina Espinet

Pros:

• High-quality, sturdy cards with beautiful artwork
• Comprehensive guidebook with additional meditations and health benefits
• Easy-to-use design with descriptions on the back of each card
• Chakra color-coded cards for easy identification and use
• Great for personal use, yoga classes, and as gifts

Cons:

• Some users might find the square shape of the cards awkward to shuffle
• The set is part of a series, so additional sets may be needed for additional practice

Buy Now: Amazon

—— 🕉 ——

Mudra Deck: Mudras For Awakening The Five Elements

Mudras For Awakening The Five Elements is a practical set of 40 cards designed to activate the energy of the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. This deck includes 35 mudra cards and 5 element cards, each featuring beautiful artwork and clear instructions.

The 124-page instructional guidebook provides full-color illustrations, detailed practices, and guided meditations to maximize the benefits of each mudra.

What I appreciate most about this deck is its practicality and ease of use. Each card is color-coded, making it simple to integrate mudras into daily meditation and yoga practices. The deck is also an excellent resource for yoga teachers, offering inspiration and structure for classes and workshops.

The high-quality card stock and concise, relevant information on each card make this deck a joy to use. You could even combine it with Alison’s other deck, Mudras For Awakening The Energy Body mentioned above.

For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mudras and their connection to the elements, Mudras For Awakening The Five Elements is an invaluable resource. The beautiful design, detailed guidebook, and transformative power of the mudras make this deck a go-to for any practice.

Deck Features

Number of Cards: 40 (35 mudra cards, 5 element cards)

Guidebook: 124 pages with detailed instructions, practices, and guided meditations

Author: Alison DeNicola

Art: Sabina Espinet

Pros:

• Comprehensive guidebook with full-color illustrations and detailed instructions
• Color-coded cards for easy identification and use
• Can be combined with the Mudras for Awakening the Energy Body deck for enhanced practice
• High-quality artwork and card stock
• Great for personal use, yoga classes, and teaching

Cons:

• Some users might find the square shape of the cards awkward to shuffle
• Mudra names on the cards might not match other references

Buy Now: Amazon

—— 🕉 ——

Mudra Deck: Mudras for Body, Mind and Spirit

Mudras for Body, Mind and Spirit: The Handy Course in Yoga is a unique deck set that guides you through each mudra, explaining its benefits and providing affirmations and meditations to enhance your practice.

Each card in this beautifully illustrated set clearly shows the hand position on one side and provides the mudra name, an affirmation, a short description, and a small meditation on the other. The cards are color-coded to address various aspects of wellness:

• Orange/Red: Strength, courage, energy
• Yellow: Mental alertness
• Green: Inner equilibrium and harmony
• Blue: Calm, relaxation
• Violet: Transformation, spirituality, change

What I appreciate most about this deck is its versatility. It can be used as an oracle, picking a card randomly to see what message you need at that moment, or you can search for a specific quality and choose the corresponding mudra. The illustrations and affirmations add a meaningful layer, making it a beautiful addition to any yoga, meditation, or spiritual practice.

It's worth noting that some may find the affirmations less helpful or feel that the set is too basic. Not all mudras appear to include the correct Sanskrit names, which might be a drawback for those looking for more accuracy in energy work. Despite these points, Mudras for Body, Mind and Spirit is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to start their yoga mudras journey of discovering the benefits of mudras in their daily practice.

Deck Features:

Number of Cards: 68

Guidebook: Instruction booklet included

Author: Gertrud Hirschi 

Art: Illustration

Pros:

• Beautiful illustrations and clear hand position depictions
• Each card includes a mudra name, affirmation, short description, and small meditation
• Can be used as an oracle or for addressing specific qualities

Cons:

• Inconsistent use of Sanskrit names for mudras
• May be too basic for advanced practitioners or those seeking in-depth energy work
• Some mudras may have been created by the artist rather than from traditional sources

Buy Now: Amazon

—— 🕉 ——

Mudra Deck: Mudra Cards - Mudras For Healing and Transformation

Mudras For Healing and Transformation is a comprehensive set of 108 cards designed to accompany the best-selling book "Mudras for Healing and Transformation". This deck offers a concise and easy-to-use format, making it an invaluable tool for both personal practice and teaching.

The deck is versatile, allowing you to create sequences of mudras tailored to your needs or those of your students. Each card provides essential qualities, benefits, cautions, and step-by-step instructions, ensuring a thorough understanding of each mudra's application and impact. This makes the deck a practical resource for integrating mudras into your yoga practice.

What I find particularly impressive about this deck is its ability to pair seamlessly with the accompanying book, which is praised for its extensive, well-researched, and beautifully organized content. A book that I’ve personally used for a decade!

The cards themselves are clear and informative, although some users might prefer more detailed information directly on the cards. Despite this, the combination of the deck and the book provides a deep dive into the practice of mudras, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

This set is perfect for those who appreciate a structured and comprehensive approach to learning mudras. The deck's high-quality construction and detailed guidance make it a valuable addition to any holistic health and healing practice. Overall, Mudra Cards - Mudras For Healing and Transformation is an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their yoga practice with the powerful and transformative practice of mudras.

Deck Features

Number of Cards: 108

Guidebook: "Mudras for Healing and Transformation" (separate purchase)

Author: Joseph and Lilian Le Page

Art: Sergio Rezek and Carlos Eduardo Barbosa

Pros:

• Most extensive set with a wide variety of mudras
• Can be used with the accompanying book for deeper understanding
• Useful for personal practice and teaching
• High-quality and well-organized content

Cons:

• Limited information on the cards without the accompanying book
• The most expensive mudra deck

Buy Now: Amazon

—— 🕉 ——

Mudra Deck: Mudras of Yoga - 72 Hand Gestures for Healing and Spiritual Growth

The Mudras of Yoga deck is a comprehensive set of 72 cards that supports both mental and spiritual development through the use of hand mudras. Each card includes a full-color image of the mudra, the Sanskrit name, transliteration, and English translation, along with concise information on technique, applications, and the physical, energetic, and spiritual benefits of the mudra.

The set is perfect for yoga classes, meditation sessions, or personal practice. The accompanying booklet provides detailed explanations and instructions for each mudra, enhancing the user's understanding and application.

What I find particularly impressive about this deck is its high-quality construction and the clear, informative descriptions. The large, laminated cards are durable and easy to use, with vivid illustrations that bring each mudra to life. This makes the deck suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

Overall, Mudras of Yoga is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their yoga practice with the powerful and transformative practice of mudras. The deck's comprehensive nature and practical design make it an excellent addition to any yoga toolkit.

Deck Features

Number of Cards: 72

Guidebook: Included

Author: Cain Carroll, Revital Carroll (Contributor)

Art:  Full-color images of each mudra

Pros:

• Informative and detailed descriptions on each card
• Clear and precise instructions with high-quality images
• Comprehensive set covering a wide range of mudras

Cons:

• Some users find it time-consuming to locate specific mudras in the deck

Buy Now: Amazon

—— 🕉 ——

How to Use Yoga Mudra Decks Effectively

Tips on Integrating Mudra Decks into Your Practice

Start Your Day with a Mudra

Choose a card each morning to set the tone for your day. Practice the mudra for a few minutes during your day.

Create a Routine

Integrate mudras into your existing yoga or meditation practice. Use the decks to select by choice or spirit, mudras that complement your current asanas (physical postures) or meditation focus.

Use Mudras for Specific Needs

Refer to the deck when you need support with specific physical, energetic, or emotional challenges. Select mudras that address these issues and practice them regularly.

Combine with Breathwork

Pair mudras with pranayama (breath control) exercises to enhance their effects. This combination can deepen your practice and amplify the benefits.

Integrate Affirmations

Utilize mindfulness affirmations or mantras provided on the cards. Repeat these silently or out loud while holding the mudra to reinforce the intention and energy.

Suggestions for Beginners

Start Simple: Begin with a few basic mudras to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on mastering their form and understanding their benefits.

Use the Guidebook: Refer to the instructional booklet or guidebook included with the deck to gain deeper insights into each mudra’s purpose and effects.

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Integrate mudra practice into your daily routine to build familiarity and experience the benefits.

Suggestions for Advanced Practitioners

Explore Combinations: Experiment with combining multiple mudras in your practice. Create sequences that target specific goals or enhance overall well-being.

Deepen Meditation: Use mudras during longer meditation sessions to deepen your focus and connection to the practice.

Teach and Share: Integrate mudras into your teaching if you are a yoga instructor. Share their benefits with your students to enhance their practice.

Benefits of Consistent Practice with Mudra Decks

Using mudra decks in your daily practice can transform your yoga and meditation practices, offering numerous physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, these decks provide a valuable tool to maximize the benefits of your practice such as:

• Enhanced Focus and Clarity
• Emotional Balance
• Physical Health
• Spiritual Growth
• Holistic Well-Being

Integrating Mudra Decks into Your Practice

Choosing the right mudra deck is crucial to enhancing your yoga and meditation practice. The decks we reviewed offer unique features and benefits that cater to various needs and preferences. By making an informed decision, you can select a mudra deck that will provide lasting value and support your journey towards physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Use the comparison chart and detailed reviews provided in this post to carefully consider each option. Look at the number of cards, unique features, pros, cons, and price to determine which deck best suits your needs.

For Online Resources

Explore our complete list of yoga mudras available on our website. Here, you can explore topics like chakra mudras and mudras for the elements, gaining deeper insights into powerful mudras.

Share Your Experience

Have you used any of these mudra decks?

We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Comment below with your thoughts, favorite decks, and how they’ve impacted your practice. Your insights can help fellow practitioners make informed choices.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with your fellow yoga practitioners. Spreading the word can help others discover the benefits of mudra decks and enhance their practice as well.