Have you ever felt like a symbol was following you? That everywhere you turned, there it was?

Peculiar symbols have

been inconspicuously stamped, sewn, and printed into the fabric of our history. Even today, they continue to appear. Why
did our ancestors communicate using symbols? Why did these seemingly simple yet extremely complex symbols become
identifiers of great purpose and power? In this guide we will examine the origin and meaning of some key symbols and
invite you to spot modern-day examples of these ancient signifiers.

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Dagon.............................................. 3 The Was Scepter ............................. 9

The Fasces ...................................... 4
The Equal Arm Cross ....................... 5
12 Signs of the Zodiac ..................... 6
The Ankh ........................................ 7
The Scarab ...................................... 8
The Lotus......................................... 10
The Shen......................................... 11
The Wadjet ..................................... 12
The Ouroboros ............................... 13
 H istory Images of Dagon, the “Fish God” date back thousands of years to ancient
Mesopotamia. From the time of Enki and Enlil, you will find this symbol carved on different
monuments. From at least 2300 BCE, Dagon was said to be the head of the city pantheon, which was
comprised of 200 deities. He bore the titles “Lord of the gods” and “Lord of the land.”

M eaning Why fish symbolism? Perhaps it was because, at this point in history, we were
in the Age of Pisces. Through the influence of astrology and its symbols, the “age of the fish”
became a strong influence on how history was recorded. If you can imagine an all-powerful being guiding and
influencing humanity at this time, it’s no surprise that the scales and head of a fish became the common way to
depict this deity.

F ind this symbol today Draw your attention to the fish on the Pope’s Miter, or
hat. This depiction of the Pope’s power and position of authority bears great similarity to the symbol’s
use in ancient times.

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Secret Life of Symbols
World of the Occult
Season 1 Episode 1

3
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory Fasces is a bundle of wooden rods bound together by leather thongs; it sometimes
incorporates an axe with its blade emerging. Originating with the Etruscan civilization, the fasces then
passed on to Ancient Rome, where it symbolized a magistrate’s power and jurisdiction.

M eaning Ancient Romans popularized this Etruscan symbol because they understood its
potent meaning. They believed it signified supreme authority. The fasces became the ultimate
representation of their rise to power, showing that a man held imperium, or executive authority. On its surface,
the fasces implied power, strength, authority, and justice.

F ind this symbol today The fasces has appeared in U.S. symbology from the very
beginning. You can find it in dozens, if not hundreds, of places including statues of Washington and the
Lincoln Memorial. It is often used by government institutions. The U.S. House of Representatives used a fasces to
represent its master at arms. It is quite common when referring to the law or legal entities, where it is frequently
paired with objects like the scales and Blind Justice. It also appears in the U.S. Senate seal.

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Secret Life of Symbols
World of the Occult
Season 1 Episode 1

4
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory Composed of an equal-armed cross within a circle, this is probably the oldest sacred
symbol in the world, appearing in Asian, American, European, and Indian religious art from the dawn of
history. In ancient Babylon, the equal arms cross was considered one of the attributes of Anu, god of the heavens.

M eaning Also known at the solar cross, this symbol represents the solar calendar — the sun’s
movements being marked by the solstices. Sometimes the equinoxes are indicated as well, creating
an eight-armed wheel. In its most simplified form, the sun cross is known in Northern Europe as Odin’s Cross,
after the chief god of the Norse pantheon.

F ind this symbol today Some know this symbol as the Greek Cross or Celtic
Cross. It is often depicted in jewelry or shields from the Iron and Middle Ages. Today you can spot an
adaptation of this symbol in the popular BMW car brand or on the patch of your local fire department.

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Secret Life of Symbols
Solar Worship
Season 1 Episode 2

5
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The term “zodiac” derives from the Latin “zōdiacus,” which in turn comes from the
Greek “ζoδιακoς κύκλος” (zōdiakos kuklos), meaning “circle of animals.” It describes the circle of
twelve divisions of celestial longitude centered on the ecliptic, or path, of the sun. From earliest times, the
zodiac has been universally used to predict or reflect personality or characteristics of an age. Whether Chinese,
Mesopotamian, Indus Valley, Egyptian or any other culture, these symbols echo the ancient philosophy: ”As
above, so below.”

M eaning There are twelve signs of the zodiac. Each represents certain strengths and
weaknesses, its own specific traits, as well as desires and attitudes towards life and people. The signs
are divided into four primary groups according to the elements that rule them: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth
(Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).

F ind this symbol today These symbols have become so familiar that we hardly
notice them today. From smartphone apps to some of the world’s most iconic brands, the signs of the
zodiac have influenced logo creation all over the world. Consider these, to name a few: the MGM Grand Hotel,
TSG Entertainment, the Fiat/Abarth automobile, and the Dodge RAM truck. Law offices often use Libra’s iconic
scales.
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Secret Life of Symbols
Mazzaroth: Ordinances of Heaven
Season 1 Episode 3

General Research Division, The New York Public Library. “Mausolæum

Simendÿ prisci regis Ægipti.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.
Dorot Jewish Division, The New York Public Library. “Ketubbah.
Busseto, 1801” New York Public Library Digital Collections.
6
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The ankh first appeared during Egypt’s Early Dynastic Period (3150–2613 BCE). By the
Old Kingdom (2613–2181 BCE), it was among the most powerful and frequently used symbols.

M eaning One of the most famous symbols of ancient times, the ankh embodies the concepts
of eternal life and divine protection. A cross with a looped top in a key-like shape, it also represents
the morning sun, the power of purification, water’s life-giving properties, clairvoyance, and the union of
opposites, such as earth and heaven, black and white, male and female.

F ind this symbol today You can find a recent adaptation of the ankh in the
contemporary symbol for female gender.

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Ancient Civilizations
Decoding the Great Sphinx
Season 1 Episode 7

7
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The scarab was one of the most well-known symbols of ancient Egypt throughout the
First Intermediate Period (2181-2040 BCE) and lasting until the rise of early Christianity.

M eaning Appearing throughout Egyptian art and iconography, this symbol is based on a
species of dung beetle. The scarab amulet mimics the insect’s shape as it rolled dung into a ball in
which to lay eggs; more than a nest, the dung also fed the young when they hatched. Ancient Egyptians believed
life came from nothing — the recreation of life and resurrection. The scarab hieroglyph refers to the concepts
of existence, transformation, growth, effectiveness, and divine manifestation. This helps explain the symbol’s
popularity in describing the titles of officials, governmental places, as well as the creation of official royal seals.

F ind this symbol today Today the scarab is not as commonly found as other
symbols. However, Volkswagen makes a car model called the “Beetle.” Could it be that the modern VW
logo, with its V and W vertically stacked, is reminiscent of the head and wings of the ancient Egyptian symbol?

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Ancient Civilizations
DNA and the Seeds of the Re-Civilizations
Season 2 Episode 3

8
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istoryThe was scepter is associated with ancient Egypt’s Early Dynastic period, commonly
known as the Old Kingdom. As early as the First Dynasty (c. 3150–c. 2890 BCE), this symbol
representing Anubis, protector of the dead, decorated many tombs.

M eaning The long staff with a fork-shaped bottom and stylized animal top symbolized power
and dominion for both the god and the pharaoh. It is often shown with what appears to be the head
of Anubis. Ancient Egyptians also believed the sky was supported by four pillars that formed the shape of a was
specter.

F ind this symbol today Modern day interpretations of this ancient symbol are
elusive indeed. Our search continues. If you identify one, we’d love to hear from you.

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Ancient Civilizations
Lost Cities Beneath the Ocean
Season 2 Episode 5

9
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The lotus first appeared in art from Upper Egypt and is found at sacred sites all over
the country. Representing the tree of life, it is often featured as an architectural element in ancient
Egyptian pillars and tombs. The hieroglyphic version, written on papyrus, can be found on thrones and pharaoh
headdresses.

M eaning The lotus flower, or “water lily,” grows in bodies of water where it closes at night and
sinks below the surface, only to rise again in the morning. This is why it came to symbolize the sun,
creation, and regeneration. It has been associated with Atum-Ra, the sun god who is depicted as a giant lotus
emerging from the primordial waters of Nun when the world was born and from where the deity appeared.

F ind this symbol today Think of your favorite spa or yoga studio. They are likely to
use this popular symbol, as are places like restaurants and offices.

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Ancient Civilizations
Tree of Life
Season 1 Episode 3

10
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The shen is often linked to the Greek symbol “omega,” which symbolizes infinity. Many
Egyptian deities, like Horus and Isis, can be seen holding it. Incorporated into countless personal
objects, ancient Egyptians revered this symbol of symmetry and perfection.

M eaning A circle of rope with no beginning or end forms an unbroken bond to symbolize
infinity, completeness, eternity, and divine protection. Given its prevalence in artefacts, this was an
extremely popular symbol.The word “shen” comes from the ancient Egyptian word for “encircle.”

F ind this symbol today You may recognize this symbol’s association with the iconic
contemporary figure, DC Comic hero Green Lantern.

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Ancient Civilizations
Sumerian Kings List and Annunaki Oaths
Season 2 Episode 2

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs:
Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “Isis” New York Public
Library Digital Collections.
Rare Book Division, The New York Public Library. “Hotel Astor”
New York Public Library Digital Collections.
General Research Division, The New York Public Library. “From the kings tombs
in Thebes.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.
11
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The wadjet, or “eye of Horus,” is one of the most famous and ubiquitous symbols from all
of ancient Egypt. Originally associated with Lower Egypt, upon unification with Upper Egypt, Wadjet
became the patroness and protector of both.

M eaning Also known as “Wedjat” and “Uto,” among other names, this symbol represents
healing, protection, good health, royalty, and power. The eye represents the moon, considered
a symbol of sacrifice. The wadjet was considered extremely powerful because it possessed curative powers; it
was used as a medical tool to measure ingredients to make medicine. The eye of Horus was believed to have
mathematical knowledge and power. Made of gold, lapis lazuli, and carnelian, amulets were kept with both the
dead and living. The symbol also corresponds to the location of the Third Eye, the key to clairvoyance.

F ind this symbol today Over time the wadjet was often depicted in a triangle. As
it evolved, it was eventually simplified into an eye in or on top of a pyramid, such as on the U.S. dollar bill.

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Ancient Civilizations
New Understandings of the Great Pyramid
Season 1 Episode 6

12
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide
 H istory The ouroboros appears for the first time in the tomb of King Tutankhamen who was
buried c. 1324 BCE. It symbolizes the unification of the sun god Ra and Osiris, god of the underworld.
The ouroboros was also depicted in several other world traditions including Vedic.

M eaning The ouroboros originated with Atum rising from the Nun’s dark primordial waters in
the form of a serpent renewing itself every morning. The symbol represents the sun god, as well as
rebirth, perpetuity, and recreation. Seen swallowing its own tail, it also signifies beginning and end across time.

F ind this symbol today The popular television series Game of Thrones adapted a
version of the ouroboros, showing a dragon eating its tail.

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Electric Universe
Saturn and the Cosmic Tale of Humanity
Season 1 Episode 7

13
Ancient Civilizations | Symbols Guide