Guardians of the Eight Directions – The Ashta-Dikpalas
The Guardians of the eight directions
The vrittis of Hrit Chakra aren’t really emotions or feelings, but a place with eight different directional winds, or aspects of our nature. Our mind walks around these eight petals. When you feel heavy or slothful, you have stepped onto the South-East petal (Agni’s realm). When you are focused and clear, you are on the North-East petal (Ishana). Each direction is governed by a deity and represents a specific “gate” of experience. These entities are the keepers of the boundaries. They make sure you only get to the Wishing Tree in the center when your mind is balanced across all directions.
The Eight States of Mind
Think of these eight petals as the different directions your mind pulls you when you are under pressure. Depending on where you stand, your “Pure Joy” can feel miles away:
When you feel heavy or slothful: You are on the petal of the South-East (Nidra).
When you feel harsh or reactive: You have moved to the South (Krodha).
When you feel fickle and scattered: You are spinning in the North-West (Chanchala).
When you feel Peace and Contentment: You have finally found your way to the North (Shanta).
The Mapping (Clockwise from North):
Hrit Chakra Attributes
N (Kubera): Peace / Contentment
NE (Ishana): Knowledge / Wisdom
E (Indra): Virtue / Good Deeds
SE (Agni): Sleep / Sloth / Heaviness
S (Yama): Anger / Cruelty / Harshness
SW (Nirriti): Sin / Malice / Wrongdoing
W (Varuna): Desires / Interests / Attachment
NW (Vayu): Movement / Unsteadiness
The Rising Sun (East & Southeast)
East (Indra): This is where you find virtue. Indra is the King of the Gods who wields the Vajra, striking down the clouds of ignorance so wisdom can rise.
Southeast (Agni): This is the “Kitchen of the Soul.” Before wisdom can be used, it must be purified. Agni, god of fire ensures that your experiences are digested properly so they don’t turn into heaviness (Tamas)
The Pillar of Discipline (South & Southwest)
South (Yama): This is where the discipline for spiritual study lives. Yama uses the Pasha (Noose) to catch the ego. If you feel yourself drifting toward Prashraya (over-indulgence), it is Yama who pulls you back to Right Resolve. Yama is a judge who determines the next step of the soul based on its actions.
Southwest (Nirriti): This is the most difficult gate. Nritti faces the roots of the unconscious with the courage to look at the shadow. Honor Nirriti’s role by acknowledging the darkness so it can be cleared.
The Flow of Mastery (West & Northwest)
West (Varuna): Varuna governs the Waters and Emotional Mastery. He helps you keep the waters of your heart fluid but contained like the banks of a river.
Northwest (Vayu): Vayu is the Wind and the movement of prana. This relates to the speed of your thoughts. When your mind is racing, call on Vayu to blow the clouds away and restore Right Mindfulness.
North guarded by Kubers – Spiritual Wealth, the abundance of the soul. He guards the treasures of divine wisdom and inner peace, reminding you that true prosperity is found when your heart is aligned with its highest purpose.”
Northeast (Ishana): Pure grace and the connection to the highest Shiva-consciousness. This is the Highest Gate, where grace enters.
Notice how these guardians have shifted from the physical in Muladhara to the spiritual in Hrit Chakra.
Deepen Your Journey into the Hrit Chakra
Explore the alchemical maps, personal origins, and directional shifts of the Sacred Heart.
