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Khemenu and Astavakrasana

The mysteries of ancient Africa and India are variably in tune with each other more so than

many would like to admit particularly in Yoga practice. There are postures that correspond

with Africa if not in movement then most definitely in principles.

Tehuti the ancient Afrikan sage of wisdom whose symbolism comes in the forms of the Ibis

bird and baboon, known as the teacher of masters/deities, his significant number is 8.

Tehuti is the patron of sages, inventor of writing and the power of the word. It is said he

used magic to create the universal matrix/womb through the power of his voice. Tehuti was

therefore also the NTR of magic, because, for the Egyptians, magic required the magician to

be “true of voice”.

Tehuti commonly referred to as Thoth and Hermes Trismegistus particular penchant is

transformation and change. How does this powerful Ancient sage of Africa have any bearing

on yogic practices that are documented in India?

Take the arm balance called Astavakrasana for instance the title is translated from theSanskrit as ‘eight angled pose’ simply because ‘asta’ translates as eight and

‘vakra’ translates as crooked or angled. The Hindu story of the posture is fascinating as

it relates to the use of wisdom to bring a positive outcome and in practical performance

technique over shear strength and transformation through resolution.

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The sage Astavakra was born a cripple in 8 angles of his limbs, this is due to the curse of 

his father that was meted out while a foetus in his mother’s womb. Astavakra corrected his

father’s recitation of verses from the Rig Veda, a collection of India’s sacred hymns

mockingly while in the womb. The boy was cursed and born deformed. Astavakra’s name

refers to the eight (asta)  crooked (vakra)  angles of his limbs; the many angles of the poseAstavakrasana the curse of crooked limbs’.

Despite his father’s cruel curse, Astavakra was noble and honourable son. As a boy

Astavakra father lost a priestly debate against Vandi a scholar in the king’s court and was

banished. Astavakra through persistence travelled to the king’s court to challenge the man

who had vanquished his father. He was mocked because of his deformity yet defeated Vandi

with wisdom and insightful learning. Astavakra the boy sage won his father’s freedom and

revoked any dishonour he had. The very same people who made fun of him became his

disciples, including the king. Astavakra’s limbs became no longer crippled and he wasmade straight.

3 out of the 10 principles of Tehuti and Maat is

1. Be free from resentment under the experience of persecution

2. Be free from resentment under the experience of wrong’

3. Know the real from the unreal’

Astavakra’s story demonstrates the principle of true judgment as things do not appear as

they seem and to look beyond and find the true essence, to apply wisdom, intelligence and

nobility in the face of persecution and misunderstanding.

In the Egyptian stories of the NTRU, Tehuti often plays the part of diplomat or reconciler.

Tehuti cult centre, Khemenu (Hermopolis) means 8 in Ancient Egypt. 8 is the number of 

change, transformation, distribution and even balance equilibrium.

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K m nu Arm Balanc

B n fits

: Strengthens the arms and abdominal muscles. Improves, core strength and

balance.

Instructions

:

1. Begin in a comfortable, cross-legged position.

2. Rock the cradle with the right leg (Bring the left foot high and towards the chest, gently

rock and hold for several breaths)

2. Bend the right knee as high as possible over the right shoulder and bring the sole of the

right foot to the floor close to the right buttock.

5. Plant both palms on the floor and straighten the left leg pushing it over to the right.

6. Press into your palms to lift your body from the floor.

8. Bring your torso forward towards parallel to the floor as you shift both legs over to the

right side.

9. Straighten both legs and hook your left ankle around your right ankle.

10. Lower down and repeat on the other side.