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Pagan Symbols and Their

Meanings
Updated on December 29, 2018

Claire
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I have studied crystal healing for many years and have studied and been attuned to reiki
levels one, two, and masters.
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There are a lot of pagan symbols out there. Each symbol has its own interesting backstory. Here
are some of the more famous pagan symbols as well as some other esoteric symbols that have
become very popular in recent years.

Pagan Symbols
 Pentacle
 Triple Moon
 Eye of Horus
 Ankh
 Hecate's Wheel
 Triquetra
 Triskele
 Setogram (Faery Star)
 Spiral Goddess
 Labyrinth
 Air
 Earth
 Fire
 Water
 Horned god
 Eye of Ra
 Black Sun (Schwarze Sonne)
 Helm of Awe (Ægishjálmr)
 Tree of Life
 Mandala
 Rod of Asclepius
 Caduceus
 Ouroboros
 Thor's Hammer (Mjölnir)
 Flower of Life
 Valknut
The star in this symbol is used to represent the four classical elements of earth, air, water, and
fire plus spirit. A circle is them placed around them to symbolize the connection and reciprocal
relationship between them all. The pentacle is sometimes used on altars and in magical work to
symbolize the element of earth.

The triple moon symbol represents the three phases of the moon, known as waxing, full, and
waning. Within some paths and traditions, this symbol is also known as the triple goddess and is
used to show the three phases of womanhood: maiden, mother, and crone.
The first crescent, the waxing moon symbolizes new life, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. The
middle circle represents the full moon when magic is at its most powerful. Finally, the second
crescent moon represents the moon during its waning period. This time of the moon phase is a
time that is regarded as the best to send things away, remove them from your life, or to finish
things.
The eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that is often used for protection. This symbol is
also known as the Wadjet. The eye of Horus is believed by many to have healing and protective
powers as well as the ability to ward off evil spirits. Because of this, the eye of Horus is often
used to decorate protective amulets and other items. Horus was an ancient Egyptian God of the
sky, and he is typically depicted as a falcon. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Horus injured his
left eye during his battles with the god Set, and thus his left eye represents the waxing and
waning of the moon.

This ancient Egyptian hieroglyph means life or living. Over time the ankh has come to symbolize
eternal life and immortality to people from many walks of life. In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs,
the gods are always seen carrying an ankh, making it a symbol of divinity. This symbol is also
chosen by some who wish to show that they have spiritual beliefs rather than beliefs belonging to
one specific religion.
The Ankh is also known as the Egyptian Cross, or by its Latin name, crux ansata,which
translates to 'cross with a handle.'
The symbol of Hectate's wheel is used to represent the three aspects of the goddess: maiden,
mother, and crone. Hectate is a goddess in Greek mythology who is associated with crossroads,
entrances, the moon, witchcraft, magic, herbs, necromancy, and sorcery.
The wheel is used to symbolize the power of knowledge and life and is a popular symbol in
feminist traditions.

The triquetra has long been used to symbolize the holy trinity but predates Christianity and its
use as such. This symbol has been found in Celtic and Nordic inscriptions and arts as well as on
Germanic coins and Swedish runes as far back as the 11th century.
Some modern traditions use it to represent the connection between the mind, body, and soul. In
Celtic-based pagan traditions, it is often used as a symbol of the three realms of earth, sea, and
sky. In the past, there has been speculation that the triquetra is a symbol of the triple goddess or
was used as a Celtic symbol of feminine spirituality though no solid scholarly evidence has been
found to date.
The triskele is generally considered to be a Celtic design, but it has also been found within
Buddhist writings. The exact design can vary, but this symbol always features one shape
repeated three times, with each repetition interlocking. Triskeles can be found all over the world,
for example, it can be found carved on many Neolithic stones in Ireland and Western Europe, in
the symbol for the Isle of Sicily, and on bank notes in the Isle of Man.
Some Celtic traditions use the triskele to represent the realms of earth, sea, and sky.

Setogram (Faery Star)

The setogram is also known as the faery or elven star. It is used within some faerie traditions but
is also associated with many other magical traditions.
Seven is a sacred number in many pagan traditions, and this star symbol can be used to represent
different sets of seven things depending on a person's beliefs or tradition. These include:
  the seven Pleiades (stars)
 the seven days of the week
 the seven major Hindu chakras
 the seven classical planets (Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn)
 the seven notes in a diatonic music scale (white notes)
 the seven tenants (balance, harmony, humility, learning, reincarnation, tolerance, and trust)
 the seven elements (earth, air, fire, water, above, below, and within)
The number three is commonly considered to relate to heaven and the higher realms while the
number four relates to the earth. 3 + 4 = 7 which can be seen as heaven and earth coming
together as a whole.

Spiral Goddess
This symbol, often used by Wiccans, is used as a sign of life. The spiral represents the ever
continuing cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The spiraling line can be seen as the constant path of life and has been found throughout history
as far back as Paleolithic times, where they were carved on tombs. Spirals can also be found in
many instances in nature, for example, galaxies and seashells.
Unlike a maze, you cannot get lost or trapped in a labyrinth. Despite the many twists and turns
that may present themselves, there is only one way in and out. This same pattern is seen in life as
no matter who a person is, the family they are born to, and the life they live, there is only one
way to come into and leave this world. Due to this, the labyrinth is sometimes used as a symbol
of life and death.

Air is one of the elements that are found within most pagan traditions. It is considered as the
element of the East and is connected to the soul and the breath of life.
Air is one of the four classical elements that are often invoked during pagan rituals and spiritual
workings. The element of air is associated with the color yellow and white, communication,
wisdom, and the mind. Air can also be represented by feathers, a fan, or incense.
Earth is one of the classical elements (earth, air, fire, and air). The symbol of earth is also
sometimes used to symbolize Mother Earth.
The element of earth is associated with the colors of brown and green, abundance, prosperity,
and fertility.

The element of fire is regarded as strong and masculine. Although fire can destroy anything in its
path, it can also be an aid to life, for example in enabling us to cook food for ourselves and keep
warm through the winter.
Fire as an element is associated with the south, strong will, and energy as well as with
transformation and change.
The element of water is believed to have a strong feminine connection, and so it is associated
with all aspects of the goddess. The inverted triangle used to symbolize water is felt by some to
symbolize the womb and is befitting with this element's feminine association.
Water is a healing and purifying element that is connected to the West. Water can be used in
rituals involving love and other emotions and flowing water in nature such as a river, or the sea,
can be incorporated into magical workings that focus on carrying away negativity or other
unwanted aspects from your life.

The horned god is one of the many names given to the male aspects of spirituality and life and
this term most often used within the tradition of Wicca. This symbol can be used to invoke the
god during rituals and other magical work.
The horned god is associated with the wilderness and virility. Some people also believe that it is
the horned god that carries the souls of the dead to the underworld.
Like the eye of Horus, this is an ancient magical symbol which is often used for protection. The
eye of Ra was painted or carved onto the boats of Egyptian fishermen in order to protect them
from evil curses and harm. This symbol was also placed on Egyptian coffins so that the person
would be protected in the afterlife.
Common uses for the Eye of Ra are to wear it as a talisman or amulet or to place them in and
around the home in order to protect the building and occupants from harm.

Also known as the sonnenrad, the black sun is an ancient occult symbol of European origin that
was originally used to represent the cycle of the sun. The black sun was utilized by the ancient
Merovingian dynasty that ruled northern France in the 5th century. At some point in time, the
design was adopted as a mosaic on the floor of Wewelsburg castle, a famous Nazi base of
operations for the SS. Since then it has unfortunately had neo-nazi connotations.
This ancient Viking symbol is one of power and strength. In the ancient Norse texts, the helm of
awe is used by the dragon Fafnir uses the symbol as a means to enhance his own power and
invincibility.

The tree of life is an ancient symbol, and it has been used in many of the world's religions. In
terms of its most widespread use, many people know of the world tree mentioned in Norse
mythology, Yggdrasil. The massive ash tree connects all of the different worlds together and is
the center of the universe in Norse mythology.
There are many other references to the concept of a tree of life in other pagan religions as well.
Mandala
Used in Hinduism and Buddhism, mandala comes from a Sanskrit word literally meaning circle,
and it is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point within. The symbol is
meant to represent the universe, and it is used as a tool for spiritual guidance and as a way to
establish a sacred space for rituals and meditation.

Rod of Asclepius
In Greek mythology, the God Asclepius, known as the god of healing and medicine, wielded a
staff with a serpent coiled around it. Many health organizations use the symbol, though it is
commonly confused with the caduceus, due to the similarities between the two.
The caduceus was the staff of the Greek god Hermes, and originally it did not represent healing
or the medical profession. However, in many ancient cultures like the Greeks, the snake was seen
as a symbol of healing. The confusion between the caduceus and the rod of Asclepius is mainly
due to the US Army Medical Corps adopting the symbol as their logo in 1902.

First appearing in ancient Egyptian engravings, the Ouroboros has been used throughout ancient
and medieval Europe, eventually becoming a symbol for alchemy in the early renaissance period.
The Ouroboros is a drawing of a serpent eating its own tail, and it symbolizes the eternal nature
of the universe and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The symbol is closely associated with
that of infinity, and the two are typically combined.
Thor's Hammer (Mjölnir)
Out of all the symbols used in ancient Norse mythology, Thor's Hammer is one of the most well-
known in the modern world. In Viking mythology, Thor is known as the god of thunder and
storms, and the defender of Asgard, where the other gods in the Norse pantheon lived.
Thor wields the hammer known as Mjölnir, a powerful weapon that would always hit its
intended target. The hammer also served other ceremonial purposes such as protecting mortals,
blessing marriages, and replicas of Mjölnir were used in ancient Viking rituals.

Flower of Life
This symbol has been around for thousands of years and consists of many concentric, equal, and
overlapping circles. The flower represents the eternal nature of the universe and is claimed to
hold the most sacred patterns of the universe.
There is much discussion as to what this symbol represents in Norse mythology as no one can
really figure it out. The symbol consists of three interlocking triangles, and it was carved into
ancient Viking burial stones. The god Odin, ruler of Asgard, is typically depicted along with the
Valknut but beyond that, it is still unclear what the symbol actually means.

The All-Seeing Eye (Eye of Providence)

Also known as the Eye of Providence, this symbol consists of an eye, typically enclosed in a
triangle, with rays of light surrounding it. It represents the divine providence of God watching
over humanity, and it is used on the US one dollar bill. Many conspiracy theorists believe the eye
has connections to the Freemasons and other occult orders.
This six-pointed star is drawn unicursally, meaning that it is drawn in one continuous line. The
hexagram represents the divine and heavenly forces of the universe. In Aleister Crowley's occult
order Thelema, a five-petaled flower is placed in the middle to represent the pentacle and the five
classical elements.

Satanic Cross
The satanic cross, also known as the leviathan cross, is used by the Church of Satan. It is also the
alchemic symbol of sulfur, thus its connection with hell. The symbol consists of a double cross,
which represents balance and protection between persons, and the symbol for infinity,
representing the eternal power of the universe. As a whole the symbol represents humanity's
domination and that humans are the center of balance and truth, not god.