Masonic & Occult Symbols Illustrate

“The elements can be invoked with individual gestures when approaching the four directions: a flat hand held parallel with the ground to invoke Earth at the North; an upraised hand, fingers spread wide apart to invoke Air at the East; an upraised fist for the South to invite Fire, and a cupped hand to the West to invoke Water.... “GESTURES ARE ALSO USED IN MAGIC. Each of the fingers relates to a specific planet as well as an ancient deity. Since pointing is a magical act and is a part of many spells, the finger can be chosen by its symbolism. “The thumb relates to Venus and to the planet Earth. Jupiter (both the planet and the god) rules the forefinger. The middle finger is ruled by the god and planet Saturn, the fourth finger the Sun and Apollo, and the little finger by the planet Mercury as well as the god after which it is named.... “Gestures are magical tools as potent as any other, ones we can always take with us, to be used when needed.” [Italics in the original; Caps and boldface added] The “mano figo,” also called “fica gesture” (mentioned above), “has been regarded as a defense against the evil eye, a crude insult, and a sexual symbol as well.” The “mano cornuta” was also mentioned. This is known by a number of other names such as: the devil’s triad, il cornuto, the horn, homed devil, twin-homed salute, homed hand, devil salute, and devil horn salute.