This series incorporates human ‘architectures’ and follows a systematic pattern with respect to the powers and energies enhanced in each of the stances – fluidly connected and carefully considered. “Hieratic” refers to a heightened sacred and devotional attitude suited to the invocation of power, immanent and/or transcendent. Typically, we remain in each stance for a relatively brief time (about five breaths) in order to harvest, absorb, and express the harmony of the series without particularly emphasizing any individual archetypal attribute. Otherwise, we move into organ qi. Each stance may also be utilized individually. The Series can be practiced at any time of day, but particularly upon rising. Do not do any warm up forms prior to this Series; you want a ‘clean slate,’ or else, you ‘bias the stances.’ Get slightly irritated in your stances (depth) in order to become calm and remain attentive. These stances differ from typical Qigong moving forms.
The Jade Hand Bow: the arms float up to chest height; the left hand closes, as though holding onto a jade stone; right hand wraps over the left. There is a wringing of the hands and pushing downward, as though driving a stake into the Earth/the vertical axis; wei chi in the arms. This encourages us to root down. Then flow into a soft release of the hands/arms, followed by opening and sweeping the arms gently above the head. Palms come together a shen point/third eye (bringing the mind there), then drawn them down to the heart.
#1 ALL WORLDS HORSE STANCE:
- balance and equanimity
- harmonizing of the 5 Elements
- stability in chaotic circumstances
- unification of the Heart, Body, Mind & Spirit
- calm and strong foundation for decision making.
#2 IRON SHIRT STANCE
- individuation
- protection from invasive forces
- harmonizing of Yin & Yang
- protection of Heart Yin
#3 YIN POWER STANCE
- consolidation of Yin Powers
- cultivation of Yin sexual essence
- quiet but firm resolution
- cultivation of Spleen (Earth) Qi
#4 MAXIMUM YANG STANCE
- consolidation of Yang powers
- cultivation of Yang sexual essence
- intense repression release
- purging of low self-esteem
- cultivation of Heart (Fire) Qi
#5 TIGER CLAW WARRIOR STANCE
- refinement of intention
- Yin-Yang preparation for committed (brave) action
- transcendence (of circumstances, habits)
- cultivation of Heart/Mind Warrior powers
- cultivation of Heart (Fire) and Lung (Metal) Qi
#6 SINGLE TREE STANCE
- sincerity
- existential (unguarded) vulnerability
- recovery of original innocence
- cultivation of Liver (Wood) Qi and Spleen (Earth) Qi
#7 SENTRY STANCE
- loyalty and the embrace of responsibility
- acceptance (of reality) without despair
- discernment
- cultivation of Lung (Metal) Qi
- eloquence
#8 REPRESSION RELEASE
- cultivation of Liver (Wood) Qi
- empowered patience (patience without self-abnegation: renounce/relinquish)
- creative inspiration
- wise leadership
#9 TIGER CLAW POWER STANCE
- setting of impregnable boundaries
- strength to embrace passion
- extraordinary self-confidence
- assemblage of humanitarian power
- harmonizing of the human and the more-than-human worlds
#10 PLAIN HEART
- calming the spirit
- surrender to “divine” (transcendent or immanent) power(s)
- cultivation of the Kidney (Water) Qi
- humility
- cultivation of presence (psychic and sentient)
CLOSE by repeating the Jade Hand Bow as previously explained. This time, when hands are held in prayer position at the level of the heart, we recite the following, followed by a brief forward bow.
“HEART OPEN, BODY DIGNIFIED, MIND AWAKE, SPIRIT GRATEFUL”