These Ancient Symbols Were Believed to Offer Protection From Harm | Gaia Skip Navigation Log In Sign Up HomeYoga Yoga Home Yoga Practices Yoga Series Yoga Lifestyle Yoga Teachers Yoga Pose Library Fitness & Pilates MeditationSeries Gaia Originals All Other Series Docs & FilmsTopicsNew VideosEvents+ Events+ Home Watch On Demand Watch Live Articles ... RecipesAlternative HealingFood & NutritionEnergy HealingLongevity & WellnessTransformationSpiritual GrowthPersonal DevelopmentExpanded ConsciousnessSeeking TruthMetaphysicsSecrets & Cover UpsAncient OriginsParanormal & Unexplained Ancient Symbols of Protection From Around the World 5 min read By Lisa Trank | January 8, 2020 | Transformation , Expanded Consciousness , Unexplained Universe AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to RedditRedditShare to MoreAddThis62 AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to RedditRedditShare to MoreAddThis62 The world has always been a place filled with powers that challenge humans in strange and awe-inspiring ways. The basic human need for protection is as old as creation itself. From the ancient Greeks, to Native American tribes; from Celts and Vikings, to Pagans, Wiccans, and Christians, ancient symbols of protection emerged with the same goal in mind – to navigate the unknown, frightening, and perceived evil. If you feel drawn to ancient symbols of protection, it can be overwhelming to navigate the myriad options available. To explore the many kinds and types, it’s helpful to understand the places and cultures from where the symbols originate. Many of the symbols emerge from earth-bound connections, to mythology, to the darker side of our psyche. From Animals to Eyes: Ancient, Spiritual Symbols of Protection Native American cultures relied on their deep connection to the earth and animal spirits for protective symbols and spirits. Some of the most common include: Bears represent leadership, physical strength, and personal courage Crows embody wisdom and high levels of intelligence Eagles are a symbol of courage, wisdom, and strength Deer show the way to safety, gentleness, prosperity, and shelter Gila monster portrays preservation and survival Dragonfly is a sign of happiness, speed, purity Lightning is related to the Thunderbird, the rain bird, a legendary powerful spirit. Mazzaroth: Ordinances of Heaven Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayUnmuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently behind liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 1xPlayback RateChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedCzechAudio TrackQuality LevelsPicture-in-PictureFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. In addition to spirit animals, Native American tribes believe in other symbols of protection such as: — Arrows – symbolize defense and protection. An arrow pointing to the left keeps away evil; an arrow pointing to the right also represents protection; an arrow facing downward represents peace. Arrowheads signify alertness and direction. — Cacti – are the embodiment of warmth, protection, and endurance, as well as maternal love that endures regardless of harsh conditions and circumstances — Drums – a central part of all Native American ceremonies, are the means to communicate with the Great Spirit. — Eagle feathers – used during sacred rituals and prayer, represent the truth. — Medicine bags – usually made out of animal hide, contains items such as a pipe, minerals, tobacco, sage, and other protective items. In ancient times, medicine bags were thought to have the power to protect in times of battle and war. Egyptian, Celtic, Christian and Greek Symbols of Protection Not only the protective realm of the Native American culture, ancient Celts also have a deep belief in animal spirits, from the bull, the sign of wealth, status, and fertility, to the salmon, which symbolizes wisdom and the sanctity of life. While cultures have their unique protective symbols, there are some which reach across traditions, such as the cross, wreaths, hands, and eyes. — Cross: Usually associated with Christianity and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and a sign of benediction, the cross also has significance in other cultures. The ancient Egyptian ankh is the representation of life, with the rounded top symbolizing a mirror of self-reflection. The Greek cross represents the four directions of the earth, as does the cross in Native American Cultures. — Eyes are an important protective symbol in ancient Egyptian culture. The Eye of Horus, resembling the right eye of the falcon God Horus, and the Eye of Ra, or the Sun God, represent the universe, masculine/femine energies, and the sun and moon. The Eye of Horus is considered protective and healing and the eye as a universal protective symbol is also seen in the Masonic eye, as well as in the modern pharmaceutical symbol. — Believed to ward off the “evil eye,” the protective symbol of the hand, or hamsa, is worn around the neck, or hung on the walls. Hamsas can be traced to the Middle East with roots in Arabic, Hebrew, and North African cultures, as well as in ancient Egypt and some Christian sects. — Wreaths harken back to early Christianity, from the choice of the kind of branches, to the shape itself. When a wreath is displayed on a door, the symbol stands as an invitation for the spirit of Christ to enter the home. Others associate the wreath with Ancient Rome, which was hung on doors after a victorious battle. For most people, wreaths are a symbol of the circle of life, as well as the evergreen, which represents resiliency through harsh conditions. Hamsa hand, protection amulet, symbol of strength Beyond Religion: Protective Symbols in Pagan and Occult Cultures In addition to the protective symbols religious associations, they also stand at the center of many Pagan, Wiccan, and occult beliefs The Wiccan practice of walking labyrinths signifies the full life cycle, as well as a protective path as one cannot get lost in a labyrinth; there is always a way in and a way out. For the Norse tradition, Yggdrasil, the tree of life, is a protective representation of a universal and central connection. Other pagan and pre-Christian symbols include: Viking symbols of protection such as the Helm of Awe, whose eight-pronged trident protects against hostile forces, and Thor’s Hammer, the symbol of protection of humans, as well as blessings for marriages. Wicca — The pentagram, a five-pointed star is thought to ward off witches and demons, while elevating spirit over matter. Mistletoe, while normally thought of as a cute Christmas decoration, it has deep Celtic roots and is considered to be a protective symbol for everything from love, to livestock, and babies. Norse Symbol: The Helm of Awe Protective symbols can also be viewed as stemming from the desire for a more expansive relationship to all the universe has to offer — from the good, to the dark, to the in-between. The importance that protective symbols in ancient and modern cultures have in our lives could be seen as a level of humility toward powers larger than us. When life gets complicated and challenging, accessing our shared protective symbols can serve as the ultimate spiritual lighthouse, helping to guide us through life’s uncertain waters. World of the Occult Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently behind liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 1xPlayback RateChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedAudio TrackQuality LevelsPicture-in-PictureFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. About the Author Lisa Trank began writing after many years as a performing artist – an actress and singer – and is happy to bring those years of crafting characters and storytelling into her writing life. In addition to Gaia, her work has been published in the Saturday Evening Post, University of Denver Journal, Salon, Tablet, Kveller, MindBodyGreen, and in a number of anthologies. Lisa is also an author marketing and platform building consultant. Her clients have been featured in “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” PBS Newshour, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Colorado Matters, Common Ground, and more. LisaTrank.com Read More Next Article These Near-Death Experiences Describe Direct Experiences With God 5 min read By Gaia Staff | October 22, 2021 | Transformation , Expanded Consciousness , Unexplained Universe AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to RedditRedditShare to MoreAddThis4 AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to RedditRedditShare to MoreAddThis4 What do near-death experiences suggest about the ultimate source of reality, spirituality, and what many call “God?” Psychiatrist Raymond Moody explains the answer to this question in his latest book “God Is Bigger Than the Bible.” Dr. Raymond Moody has spent more than four decades studying the afterlife. In his 1975 book “Life After Life” he first presented his research on the “near-death experience” or NDE, the transcendent experience of death that radically transforms the life of the person who lives to tell about it. In his new book, Dr. Moody presents his thoughts on God, drawn from the accounts of the thousands of people he has interviewed about their near-death experiences. “You know, when I was a kid I didn’t think about God. I can’t say I was an atheist because I never really thought about God,” Dr. Moody said. “Then I went to college and got interested in these near-death experiences through Plato, and subsequently have heard of thousands of these from people all over the world who have this same kind of experience—many of them have conversations with God. So that is how I came to God, you know God has become just a big part of my life in the last few decades.” Dr. Moody’s motivation for writing his latest book is to provide readers with an understanding of God, or source, that is entirely outside the realm of organized religion. To Dr. Moody, idealized religion can present a fearsome image of God that has scared many away from developing a personal relationship with the divine. “Well, before I started hearing of people with near-death experiences, my notion of God was that people had this imaginary figure who was watching their every step with a little book, trying to see if they’re going to stumble or something,” Dr. Moody said. “But when I started hearing these people with near-death experiences it was a whole different take on God. People say that when they had their cardiac arrest or whatever, that they left their bodies and dissolved into this light, almost. People say that whatever kind of love that you have experienced while you’re alive, that is just beyond description. You go through a passageway to this light of complete comfort, peace, and love, you feel sort of wrapped up in it.” A common component of the NDE is what is known as the “life review.” “People say they’re surrounded by a holographic panorama consisting of everything they’ve ever done, and they witness it from the point of view of the other people they’ve interacted with. And all of this is being experienced in the presence of a being of complete compassion and love, who sees all those things they’ve done there, but there’s no judgment coming from this—that this being is helping you evaluate these things. They say that there are no words but that the thought comes through. The question that comes from this being is ‘how have you learned to love?’ People learn a lot about themselves from these encounters with God,” Dr. Moody said. Through his research, both with near-death experiencers and the elderly, Dr. Moody has come to an understanding of God as the writer of our life stories. 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