Many Pagan traditions use symbols in ritual and magic. Learn about some of the most commonly seen Wiccan and Pagan symbols and their meanings.
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She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 31, 2019 In modern Paganism, many traditions use symbols as part of ritual, or in magic. Some symbols are used to represent elements, others to represent ideas. These are a few of the more commonly used symbols in Wicca and other forms of Paganism today. 01 of 20 Air Air is associated with communication, wisdom or the power of the mind. ThoughtCo Air is one of the four classical elements and is often invoked in Wiccan ritual. Air is the element of the East, connected to the soul and the breath of life. Air is associated with the colors yellow and white. Interestingly, in some cultures, a triangle sitting on its base like this is considered masculine and is connected to the element of Fire rather than Air. In some traditions of Wicca, Air is represented not by the triangle, but by either a circle with a point in the center or by a feather or leaf-like image. In other traditions, the triangle is used to mark the association of degrees or initiation rank -- typically first degree, but not necessarily. In alchemy, this symbol is sometimes shown with the horizontal line extending beyond the sides of the triangle. In rituals, when the element of Air is called for, you can use this triangular symbol, or use a feather, incense, or a fan. Air is associated with communication, wisdom or the power of the mind. Do an outdoors working on a windy day, and allow the powers of air to aid you. Visualize air currents carrying away your troubles, blowing away strife, and carrying positive thoughts to those who are far away. Embrace the wind, and let its energy fill you and help you achieve your goals. In many magical traditions, air is associated with various spirits and elemental beings. Entities known as sylphs are typically connected with the air and the wind - these winged creatures are often related to powers of wisdom and intuition. In some belief systems, angels and devas are associated with air. It should be noted that the term “deva” in New Age and metaphysical studies are not the same as the Buddhist class of beings known as devas. 02 of 20 Ankh The ankh is a symbol of eternal life. ThoughtCo The ankh is the ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life. According to The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying, the ankh is the key to life. One theory is that the loop at the top symbolizes the rising sun, the horizontal bar represents feminine energy, and the vertical bar indicates masculine energy. Together they combine to form a symbol of fertility and power. Other ideas are far more simple - that the ankh is a representation of a sandal strap. Some researchers have indicated that it was used as a cartouche of a king's name, and others see it as a phallic symbol, due to its shape and structure. Regardless, it is seen universally as a symbol of life everlasting, and is often worn as a symbol of protection. The ankh is featured on funerary artwork, in temple carvings, and in reliefs excavated from ancient Egypt. It is traditionally drawn in gold, which is the color of the sun. Because the ankh is a powerful symbol -- and because Egyptian influence spanned far beyond the country's current borders -- the ankh has been found in many places other than Egypt. Rosicrucians and Coptic Christians used it as a symbol, despite the fact that it was shrouded in mystery for centuries. Even Elvis Presley wore an ankh pendant among his other jewelry! Today, many Kemetic recon groups and devotees of Isis invoke the ankh during rituals. It may be traced in the air to delineate sacred space, or used as a ward against evil. 03 of 20 Celtic Shield Knot The Celtic shield knot is used for warding and protection. ThoughtCo The Celtic shield knot is used for warding and protection. Shield knots have appeared in cultures around the world and have taken a variety of different forms. They are almost universally square in shape, and the knotwork of the design ranges from simple to complex. In the Celtic version, a series of knots is formed. In other cultures, such as the early Mesopotamian era, the shield is simply a square with a loop at each of the four corners. Fans of Celtic artwork occasionally get variations of this piece as tattoos or wear them as talismans of protection. In modern Celtic reconstructionist groups, the shield knot is sometimes invoked as a ward to keep negative energy away. In some traditions, the corners of the knot are meant to represent the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, although it's important to note that Celtic spirituality is usually based upon the three realms of earth, sea, and sky. If you're interested in following a Celtic Pagan path, there are a number of books that are useful for your reading list. Although there are no written records of the ancient Celtic people, there are a number of reliable books by scholars that are worth reading: 04 of 20 Earth Earth is a symbol of fertility and abundance. ThoughtCo In the four classical elements, earth is considered the ultimate symbol of the divine feminine. In the spring, at the time of new growth and life, the earth quickens and grows full with the beginnings of each year's crop. The image of Earth as Mother is no coincidence -- for millennia, people have seen the earth as a source of life, a giant womb. The Hopi peoples of the American Southwest indicated Earth not as a triangle, but as a labyrinth with one opening; this opening was the womb from which all life sprang. In alchemy, the element of earth is represented by the triangle with a crossbar. The planet itself is a ball of life, and as the Wheel of the Year turns, we can watch all the aspects of life take place in the Earth: birth, life, death, and finally rebirth. The Earth is nurturing and stable, solid and firm, full of endurance and strength. In color correspondences, both green and brown connect to the Earth, for fairly obvious reasons. Try this simple meditation to help you attune to the element of Earth. To do this meditation, find a place where you can sit quietly, undisturbed, on a day when the sun is shining. Ideally, it should be in a place where you can really connect with everything that Earth represents. Perhaps it's a hillside outside of town or a shady grove in your local park. Maybe it's somewhere deep in the woods, under a tree, or even your own back yard. Find your spot, and make yourself comfortable while you perform an Earth Meditation. Some people believe that lines of energy, called ley lines, run through the earth. The idea of ley lines as magical, mystical alignments is a fairly modern one. One school of thought believes that these lines carry positive or negative energy. It is also believed that where two or more lines converge, you have a place of great power and energy. It is believed that many well-known sacred sites, such as Stonehenge, Glastonbury Tor, Sedona, and Machu Picchu sit at the convergence of several lines. There are a number of deities associated with the element of Earth as well, including Gaia, who often embodies the planet itself, and Geb, the Egyptian god of the land. In the Tarot, Earth is associated with the suit of Pentacles. It is connected with abundance and fertility, with green forests and rolling fields. Invoke Earth for workings related to material wealth, prosperity, and fertility. This is a symbol to use when connecting with the comforts of home, the blessings of the hearth, and the stability of family life. 05 of 20 Eye of Horus The eye of Horus is a symbol of both protection and healing. ThoughtCo The Eye of Horus is sometimes referred to as the wedjat, and represents Horus, the Egyptian falcon-headed god. The Eye was used as a symbol of both protection and healing. When appearing as the udjat, it represents the right eye of Ra, the sun god. The same image in reverse represents the left eye of Thoth, the god of magic and wisdom. The symbolism of eyes appears in many different cultures and civilizations -- it's no surprise that the image of an "all-seeing eye" is common in today's society! In Reiki, the eye is often associated with knowledge and enlightenment -- the Third Eye -- and it typically is connected to the true soul. The eye symbol was painted on the boats of Egyptian fishermen before they set out to cast their nets along the Nile River. This protected the boat from evil curses and its occupants from those who might wish them harm. The Egyptians also marked this symbol on coffins, so that the person held within would be protected in the afterlife. In the Book of the Dead, the dead are led into the afterlife by Osiris, who offers the deceased soul nourishment from the Eye of Ra. The notion of the "evil eye" is a universal one. Ancient Babylonian texts make reference to this and indicate that even 5,000 years ago, people were trying to protect themselves from the malevolent thoughts of others. Use this symbol as one of protection against someone who might harm you or your loved ones. Invoke it around your property, or wear it on a talisman or amulet as a protective device. 06 of 20 Eye of Ra Like the Eye of Horus, the Eye of Ra is often used as a symbol of protection. ThoughtCo Similar to the Eye of Horus, the Eye of Ra is one of the most ancient magical symbols. Also called the udjat, the Eye of Ra is sometimes invoked as a sigil of protection. The symbolism of eyes appears in many different cultures and civilizations -- it's no surprise that the image of an "all-seeing eye" is common in today's society! In Reiki, the eye is often associated with knowledge and enlightenment -- the Third Eye -- and it typically is connected to the true soul. The eye symbol was painted on the boats of Egyptian fishermen before they set out to cast their nets along the Nile River. This protected the boat from evil curses and its occupants from those who might wish them harm. The Egyptians also marked this symbol on coffins, so that the person held within would be protected in the afterlife. In the Book of the Dead, the dead are led into the afterlife by Osiris, who offers the deceased soul nourishment from the Eye of Ra. The notion of the "evil eye" is a universal one. Ancient Babylonian texts make reference to this and indicate that even 5,000 years ago, people were trying to protect themselves from the malevolent thoughts of others. Use this symbol as one of protection against someone who might harm you or your loved ones. Invoke it around your property, or wear it on a talisman or amulet as a protective device. 07 of 20 Fire Fire is both a destroyer and creating force. ThoughtCo In the symbolism of the four classical elements, fire is a purifying, masculine energy, associated with the South, and connected to strong will and energy. Fire destroys, and yet it also can create new life. In some traditions of Wicca, this triangle is the mark of a degree of initiation. It is sometimes displayed within a circle, or Fire may be represented by a circle alone. The triangle, with its pyramid shape, is often symbolic of the masculine aspect of the Divine. In 1887, Lydia Bell wrote in The Path that, "...the triangle is our symbol for truth. As a symbol for the whole of truth, it holds the key to all science, to all wisdom, and its study leads with certain steps to and through that door wherein the mystery of life ceases to be a problem and becomes revelation... The triangle is a unit, each part of the triangle is a unit, hence, it follows that every part manifests the whole." In Elements of Witchcraft, Ellen Dugan suggests a focused fire meditation as a way of harnessing this volatile element. She associates fire with transformation and change. If you're looking at a working related to some sort of inner change and growth, consider doing some color-oriented candle magic. If you have access to any sort of flame -- a candle, bonfire, etc. -- you can use fire scrying for divination purposes. In some Pagan traditions, Beltane is celebrated with a Bale Fire. This tradition has its roots in early Ireland. According to legend, each year at Beltane, the tribal leaders would send a representative to the hill of Uisneach, where a great bonfire was lit. These representatives would each light a torch, and carry it back to their home villages. Fire has been important to mankind since the beginning of time. It was not only a method of cooking one’s food, but it could mean the difference between life and death on a frigid winter night. To keep a fire burning in the hearth was to ensure that one’s family might survive another day. Fire is typically seen as a bit of a magical paradox because, in addition to its role as destroyer, it can also create and regenerate. The ability to control fire - to not only harness it but use it to suit our own needs - is one of the things that separates humans from animals. However, according to ancient myths, this has not always been the case. 08 of 20 Hecate's Wheel Hecate is connected to a maze which spiraled around like a serpent. ThoughtCo Hecate's Wheel is a symbol used by some traditions of Wicca. It seems to be most popular among feminist traditions and represents the three aspects of the Goddess -- Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This labyrinth-like symbol has origins in Greek legend, where Hecate was known as a guardian of the crossroads before she evolved into a goddess of magic and sorcery. According to fragmentary texts of the Chaldean Oracles, Hecate is connected to a maze which spiraled around like a serpent. This maze was known as the Stropholos of Hecate, or Hecate's Wheel, and refers to the power of knowledge and life. Traditionally, a Hecate-style labyrinth has a Y in the middle, rather than the typical X shape found at the center of most labyrinths. Images of Hecate and her wheel have been found on first-century c.e. curse tablets, although there seems to be some question about whether the wheel shape itself is actually Hecate's domain or that of Aphrodite - there was some occasional overlap of goddesses in the classical world. Hecate is honored every November 30 at the festival of Hecate Trivia, which is a day that honors Hecate as a goddess of crossroads. The word trivia refers not to minuscule bits of information, but to the Latin term for a place where three roads meet (tri + via). 09 of 20 Horned God The horned god symbol represents masculine energy. ThoughtCo The Horned God symbol is one often used in Wicca to represent the masculine energy of the God. It is a symbol of an archetype, as often seen in Cernunnos, Herne, and other gods of vegetation and fertility. In a few feminist Wiccan traditions, such as branches of Dianic Wicca, this symbol is actually representative of July's "Horn Moon" (also known as a Blessing Moon) and is connected to lunar goddesses. Symbols of horned beings have been found in cave paintings dating back thousands of years. In the 19th century, it became fashionable amongst English occultists to assume that all horned beings were deity images and that the Christian church was trying to prevent people from worshiping such figures by associating them with Satan. Artist Elphias Levi painted a picture of Baphomet in 1855 that quickly became everyone's idea of a "horned god." Later on, Margaret Murray theorized that all the reports of "witches meeting the devil in the forest" were actually connected to British Pagans dancing around a priest who wore a horned helmet. Many modern Pagan and Wiccan groups accept the idea of a horned nature deity as the embodiment of masculine energy. Use this symbol to invoke the God during a ritual, or in fertility workings. 10 of 20 Pentacle The pentacle is probably the best-known symbol of Wicca today, and is often used in jewelry and other designs. ThoughtCo The pentacle is a five-pointed star, or pentagram, contained within a circle. The five points of the star represent the four classical elements, along with a fifth element, which is typically either Spirit or Self, depending on your tradition. The pentacle is probably the best-known symbol of Wicca today and is often used in jewelry and other designs. Typically, a pentacle is traced in the air during Wiccan rituals, and in some traditions, it is used as a designation of degree. It is also considered a symbol of protection and is used in warding in some Pagan traditions. There is a theory that the pentacle originated as the symbol of a Greek agricultural and fertility goddess named Kore, also called Ceres. Her sacred fruit was the apple, and when you cut an apple in half crossways, you find a five-pointed star! Some cultures refer to the apple-star as the "Star of Wisdom," and so apples are associated with knowledge. A pentacle has magical properties associated with the element of Earth, but it contains aspects of all the other elements as well. In June 2007, thanks to the efforts of many dedicated activists, the United State Veteran's Association approved the use of the pentacle for display on the headstones of Wiccan and Pagan soldiers killed in action. Pentacles are easy to make and hang around your home. You can create one out of grapevines or pipe cleaners, and use them as symbols of protection on your property. Although it's not something used in all Pagan traditions, some magical systems connect different colors to the points of the pentacle. As part of that, the colors are often associated with the four cardinal elements -- earth, air, fire, and water -- as well as spirit, which is sometimes considered the "fifth element." In traditions that assign colors to the points of the star, the point on the upper right is associated with air, and is typically colored white or yellow, and is connected with knowledge and the creative arts. The next point down, on the lower right, is fire, which would be colored red, and associated with courage and passion. The lower left, earth, is usually colored brown or green and is connected to physical endurance, strength, and stability. The upper left, water, would be blue, and represents emotions and intuition. Finally, the top point would be either Spirit or self, depending on your tradition. Different systems mark this point in a number of different colors, such as purple or silver, and it symbolizes our connection to the One, the Divine, our true self. How to Draw the Pentacle To perform magic that cleanses or banishes things away, you would draw the pentacle starting at the top point, and going down to the lower right, then the upper left, cross to the upper right, and then the lower left and back up. To perform magic that attracts or protects, you would still start at the top point, but go down to the lower left instead, reversing the process. Note: the symbol of the pentacle shouldn't be confused with the altar tool known… truncated (18,071 more characters in archive)