Ankh
The Ankh looks a lot like a traditional Christian crucifix, except the vertical length on top of the design is a loop. The loop represents everlasting life, while the three points are said to represent Osiris, Isis, and Ra. Alternatively, the points may represent air, water, and Earth, with the loop symbolizing the sun. Some also suggest that the symbol represents cohesion between heaven and Earth, or the male and female. Where it comes from: Ancient Egypt. Specifically, the Egyptian Book of the Dead. It’s actually said to be the original cross that would later inspire the Christian religions. Traditions associated with this symbol: Ancient Egyptian religions, Heka, Magick, Hermeticism, the Golden Dawn, and worship of any sun god. Pan-African spiritual movements also identify with this symbol, too.
Celtic Shield Knot
The Celtic shield knot comes in a variety of variations, but the core design contains a single unbroken line that forms four overlapping triangles with round outer edges, creating the impression of a round shield. The center of the design forms a square. It’s a symbol of protection. The shield is said to ward off evil spirits, bad intentions, and demons. As a secondary meaning, the unbroken loops and angles represent eternity and unity. There are more elaborate versions that feature more flourishes, but they’re all considered the same knot. Where it comes from: Ancient Celtic cultures. It’s also been found in Norse and Viking artifacts. Traditions associated with this symbol: The symbol is most associated with Druidic traditions, as well as Celtic variants of Paganism.
Eye of Horus
Also known as “wedjat,” the Eye of Horus is a simple stylized illustration of a left eye. It represents protection, healing, travel, wealth, death, and repair. It’s also associated with the “third eye”---a mystical and invisible eye in the middle of your forehead that is able to perceive spiritual information if it’s open. The Eye of Horus also represents the moon. Where it comes from: Ancient Egypt. Traditions associated with this symbol: Egyptian-inspired forms of Magick and Hermeticism. The Eye of Horus is also really important in Reiki, a spiritual practice used to unblock chakras.
Eye of Ra
The Eye of Ra, also known as “udjat,” is the exact same design as the Eye of Horus, except it’s the right eye. It represents protection, healing, foundation, and life. The Eye of Ra is also associated with the sun, so it’s a common symbol for farmers, fishermen, and anyone whose work relies on the cycle of the day. Where it comes from: Ancient Egypt, around the same time as the Eye of Horus. Traditions associated with this symbol: Like the Eye of Horus, any Egyptian-inspired variation of Magick, Hermeticism, and Reiki.
Hecate’s Wheel
This elaborate design is the sigil of Hecate, the three-faced moon God. The three round lines represent her three faces, while the circle symbolizes her infinite reach and influence. Where it comes from: Hecate, also known as Hekate, is the Greek goddess associated with art, creation, poetry, crossroads, magic, and the moon. The origin of Hecate’s Wheel is rather murky, though. It’s likely the design was created as late as 1980. Traditions associated with this symbol: This is primarily a Wiccan symbol. It’s most closely associated with feminist flavors of the religion, specifically Dianic and Goddess revival circles.
Pentacle
The pentacle is a five-point star that is entirely enclosed in a circle. It’s a variation of the pentagram, which is just a five-point star (although it is often depicted as upside down). It’s a symbol of protection and cleansing. It’s said to attract positive energy and reflect negative energy. The five corners are said to correspond to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch), as well as the five core elements (air, earth, water, fire, and ether). Where it comes from: The Key of Solomon, a grimoire supposedly sourced from King Solomon, that was written in the 15th century. It’s a key symbol in every Hermetic tradition. Traditions associated with this symbol: The pentacle is one of the most important symbols in Hermetic Magick. It’s used in all kinds of rituals and ceremonies, such as the infamous Lesser Banishing Ritual.
Horned God
The Horned God symbol requires a plain circle with a crescent moon on top. The moon is oriented so that the open portion of the moon is pointing up, which creates the visual impression of horns. The Horned God is the male element of Wicca. He is associated with nature, hunting, sex, life, and community service. Where it comes from: The Horned God is one of two primary deities in Wicca. The symbol for the Horned God is based on respect for an archetype of a God, not a specific God per se (although many historians note the horned God is likely an imprint of Cernunnos, the Celtic wild God of the forest). The Horned God symbol was invented in the 1900s, though. Traditions associated with this symbol: This is an explicitly Wiccan symbol.
Triple Moon
The triple moon, often called the Triple Goddess, depicts a simple circle with two crescent moons. The Triple Goddess represents the female element of Wicca. She is associated with art, poetry, caregiving, sex, life, and fertility. Where it comes from: The other primary deity in Wicca is based on Hecate (or Diana, depending on your belief system), the three-faced Goddess. The three moons in the design represent the three phases of the moon: full, waxing, and waning. Traditions associated with this symbol: Wicca, Dianism, and Neopaganism.
Sun Wheel
Also known as the Wheel of the Year, the “sun wheel” is a variation of the Solar Cross. It’s a circle that is equally divided into 8 equal pieces. It symbolizes the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, which comprise the yearly calendar in Wicca. Where it comes from: Supposedly, this symbol comes from 18th century discoveries of Bronze Age artifacts in Nordic countries, but it is very unclear. Traditions associated with this symbol: Wicca, especially Nordic flavors of Wiccan worship. Warning: While it looks nothing like the actual Sun Wheel, some people use “Sun Wheel” to refer to the Sonnenrad, a Neo-Nazi hate symbol. Just be mindful of that when using the term “Sun Wheel.”
Triskelion
Derived from the Greek word for “three legs” and also known as the Triple Spiral or Triskele, the Triskelion depicts three spiral shapes that meet in the middle. The Triskelion represents motion and energy. The spirals all span away from the center, reflecting the desire for energy to expand outward. Some believe the three arms of the symbol reflect life, death, and rebirth, as well as mother, child, father, and past, present, future. Where it comes from: This symbol dates all the way back to the Neolithic era, but it’s proven to have been used popularly in Celtic cultures from 500 BCE. Traditions associated with this symbol: Druidic traditions, Wicca, and Celtic flavors of Paganism. Warning: The real Triskelion is often mistaken for the “Triskele,” a variation of the Triskelion with straight lines instead of spirals. It’s a common hate symbol used by white supremacists, so just beware the “straight line” version of the symbol.
Triquetra
The triquetra depicts three interlocking arcs made by a single line. It’s kind of like a triangle containing three football-shaped pieces that fold over one another to create a perfect upside-down isosceles triangle in the middle. It’s also known as a “trefoil knot.” Given how popular this symbol has been historically, it is associated with basically any deity or idea that contains three elements (life-death-rebirth, morning-noon-night, Father-Son-Holy Spirit, etc.). Where it comes from: 4th century BCE Persia. It’s also found on runestones, grave markers, and artifacts all across medieval Northern Europe (especially Germany and Ireland). Traditions associated with this symbol: Basically every Pagan and Neo-Pagan tradition has used the triquetra at one point or another.
Witch’s Knot
The witch’s knot contains two elements: a circle, and a “knot” with four corners. There are a lot of variations of the witch’s knot out there, but most of the time, the knot is arranged like a bullseye, so the vertical plane of the knot is perfectly straight. It’s typically used in spells and rituals to bind intentions, set intentions, protect against evil, and absorb positive energy. Where it comes from: Medieval Europe. People would put the witch’s knot above their doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering their home. Traditions associated with this symbol: Ritualistic Magick, Pagan, Neo-Pagan, and Hermetic traditions.
Seax Wica
The Seax Wica symbol contains a circle with two symbols inside of it: a crescent moon and an 8-pointed cross sigil. The 8 points represent the 8 Sabbats of Wicca, while the circle and moon refer to the universality and cyclicality of the universe. It’s the core symbol of Seax Wica—a contemporary Wiccan offshoot that combines Wicca with medieval Neo-Pagan practices of the Saxons, a Germanic people who lived in modern-day France and England. Where it comes from: The Seax Wica symbol was designed in 1974 by Raymond Buckland—the founder of the Seax Wica movement. Traditions associated with this symbol: Seax Wica.
Solar Cross
Also known as the Sun Cross, the Solar Cross depicts a four-pointed cross with a small circle in the middle of it. The entire design is enclosed in a large circle. At its core, it symbolizes the sun. It’s also associated with the center of the universe, interconnectedness, and the journey through life. Where it comes from: Neolithic and Bronze Age Europe. It’s actually thought that the Solar Cross was the central religious symbol of a prehistoric religion. Traditions associated with this symbol: Any sun-worshipping sect or sun-centric ritual is likely to use this symbol.
Caduceus
The caduceus is one of the most widely used Pagan symbols outside of Pagan practices. It depicts a staff with two symmetrical wings on it. There are two snakes wrapped around the staff. It’s the symbol of Hermes, the Greek God of travel, messages, and magic. As a byproduct, its Pagan uses are associated with Hermes, the Thrice Great—the author of The Hermetica, which happens to be the core text of Hermeticism. Where it comes from: It’s inspired by Sumerian iconography from Mesopotamia, but the first “official” caduceus dates back to 4,000 BCE. Traditions associated with this symbol: Hermeticism and Hermetic Magick. Fun fact: People often mistake the caduceus as the Rod of Asclepius, which is a modern symbol associated with medicine and healthcare.
Spiral Goddess
There is no single “correct” design for the spiral goddess, but most depictions of the symbol show the silhouette of a woman with wide hips, arms in the air, and a spiral placed in the center of where the uterus belongs. It represents the divine feminine—the power every woman holds. The spiral reflects fertility, journey, freedom, and self-respect, while the woman with her arms up represents feminine respect for the world around her. Where it comes from: Claims exist that the symbol is older, but so far as we can tell the symbol was developed in the 1900s by first-wave feminists. Traditions associated with this symbol: Any feminist Pagan or Neo-Pagan tradition, especially the Goddess movement, which is a revivalistic Neopagan movement for women’s liberation.
Unicursal Hexagram
The unicursal hexagram is a 6-point star that can be drawn in one motion, but it doesn’t look anything like a traditional star. It symbolizes the union of opposites and the interconnectedness of all things. Where it comes from: Italian occultist Giordano Bruno developed the symbol in the 1500s. Traditions associated with this symbol: Thelema, a type of Hermetic Magick associated with Aleister Crowley.
Labrys
To put it plainly, a labrys is a double-edged axe. The symbol is displayed so that both blades are symmetrical and even. It symbolizes power, authority, and female empowerment. It’s also a symbol of self-sufficiency and the duality between peace and war. Where it comes from: Actual labryes were used in Ancient Greece as weapons. As a symbol, its real use developed around the 1970s. Traditions associated with this symbol: This symbol is almost exclusively associated with feminist and LGBTQ+ flavors of Neo-Paganism.
Ouroboros
The Ouroboros depicts a snake eating its own tail. The shape of the Ouroboros is a circle, and sometimes you’ll see a dragon or serpent-like creature eating its own tail instead of a snake.It represents life and death, continual rebirth, change, and the eternal cycle of destruction and creation. Where it comes from: The Ouroboros goes all the way back to Ancient Egypt and Greece. Traditions associated with this symbol: Every Neo-Pagan and Wiccan tradition is associated with the Ouroboros.
Horns of Odin
The Horns of Odin, also known as the Triple Horns of Odin, shows three crescent moon-shaped horns interlocking in a triangular shape. It looks very similar to the triquetra, except the lines aren’t all connected like the sign was made in one stroke.It represents the eternal nature of Odin and the deities under him. Where it comes from: The symbol is based on a myth about Kvasir, a Norse deity. We can’t tell when the symbol itself was first created—it’s possible that it’s a more modern design based on an ancient story. Traditions associated with this symbol: Any Nordic-flavored Pagan belief system and the Asatru belief system (worship of ancestors through a Norse lens).
Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir)
The symbol for Thor’s Hammer is very elaborate. It depicts the face of Thor in the form of an anchor-shaped set of spirals. The elaborate sign comes in a variety of different designs. It’s supposed to depict Thor’s Hammer, which is an important weapon and symbol in Norse mythology. Where it comes from: Like the Horns of Odin, it’s not clear. It’s possible the symbol is more contemporary than it may otherwise seem. Traditions associated with this symbol: Nordic varieties of Paganism and Asatru.
Earth
The symbol for Earth is an upside-down triangle with a horizontal line running through the bottom third of the triangle. It is one of the four classical elements of alchemy.The triangle pointing down represents the grounding power of Earth. It symbolizes stability, security, and solidness. It’s associated with dry and cool. It’s also connected to wealth, power, fertility, growth, and the life cycle. Where it comes from: Ancient Greece, roughly 323-146 BCE. This is one of four classical elements used in Greek physics. Traditions associated with this symbol: Any Hellenistic tradition will use these symbols. It’s also commonly used in Wicca, Hermetic traditions, and Magick.
Air
The symbol for air is the opposite of Earth. It’s a triangle with the point aiming up towards the sky. There’s a horizontal line running through the top third of the triangle. The triangle pointing up symbolizes air’s natural desire to rise to the heavens. It symbolizes freedom and the invisible forces running through all other elements. It’s associated with wet and heat. It’s also a sign associated with intuition, positive thoughts, and goal achievement. Where it comes from: Ancient Greece. Traditions associated with this symbol: Wicca, Hermeticism, Magick, and any Hellenistic tradition.
Water
The third classical element of alchemy, water is symbolized by a simple upside-down triangle. The direction of the triangle represents water’s natural tendency to fill the lowest point available on Earth. It symbolizes wealth, purity, abundance, prosperity, and simplicity. It’s associated with the cold and wet. Beyond that, water is connected to fortune-telling, consecration, protection, and curiosity. Where it comes from: Ancient Greece. Traditions associated with this symbol: Wicca, Hermeticism, Magick, and any Hellenistic tradition.
Fire
The last classical element of alchemy is fire. It’s symbolized by a straightforward, basic triangle. The direction of the triangle’s point symbolizes fire’s natural tendency to rise in the air. It symbolizes growth, recognition, fame, and youth. It’s associated with dry and hot. It is also connected to passion, journey, retribution, regeneration, and cleansing. Where it comes from: Ancient Greece. Traditions associated with this symbol: Wicca, Hermeticism, Magick, and any Hellenistic tradition.
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