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Common Pagan Symbols and Their Meanings.
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Pentacle
The five-pointed star within a circle is
the most common Pagan symbol, and it is typically used to identify
oneself as a Pagan or Wiccan. The five points represent the 4 elements
plus the spirit, and the circle connects them all. A five-pointed star
without the circle is sometimes called a pentagram, rather than a
pentacle. Based on numerology, the five points means the pentacle
symbolizes the Earth element and can be used as an Earth symbol on an
altar. |
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Septagram
The seven pointed star has a few names:
septagram, septacle, Elven star or fairy star. The number seven
corresponds to the spirit realm, which is why this symbol is associated
with elves or fairies. There are no set representations for each of the
points, but they are sometimes labelled: earth, air, fire, water,
above, below and within. The septagram is also associated with
astrology because the classical view of the sky contained seven planets. |
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Triple MoonThe triple moon is a Goddess symbol that
represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone as the waxing, full, and
waning moon. It is also associated with feminine energy, mystery and
psychic abilities. You often see this symbol on crowns or other
head-pieces, particularly worn by High Priestesses. |
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Hexagram
The unicursal hexagram is a variation of
the 6-pointed star. The more traditional way of drawing a 6-pointed
star is in the double triangles of the Star of David. But Aleister
Crowley created his own design, to create a symbol that could be drawn
in one continuous line. The number 6 represents unity and balance,
specifically balance between man and the Divine. |
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Eye of Horus
The Eye of Horus can be a bit of a
confusing symbol. It is seen sometimes as the right or sometimes as the
left eye. The left eye is Eye of Horus and is connected with the moon.
When it's the right eye, it's the Eye of Ra, and associated with the
sun. Though some sources say there is no distinction at all. The Eye
represents the eye that was lost by Horus when he fought with Seth over
the murder of his father, Osiris. The symbol is worn for for protection
and to ward off evil spirits. |
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Ankh
The short and traditional meaning for the ankh
symbol is "everlasting life". This symbol is a heiroglyph seen in
countless ancient Egyptian carvings, usually held in hand by Gods and
pharohs to show how they preside over life (in other words, are
immortal). In these images, the ankh is held by the loop rather than
the base. The ankh is a popular symbol among Pagans, likely due to the
similarity to a Christian cross which makes the ankh much less shocking
to others, as compared to a pentacle. |
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Hecate's Wheel
This maze-like symbol is associated
with the triple aspect of the Greek goddess Hecate. She is considered a
'dark' goddess by some, and rules over cross-roads and the Underworld.
Hecate is also known as the Goddess of the Witches. This isn't a
particularly common symbol among Wiccans, but you do see it
occasionally. |
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Inverted Pentacle
The inverted (or upside down)
pentacle is a symbol of some reputation. It is typically associated
with Satanism, though that is not a completely accurate description.
The true emblem of the Church of Satan is the sigil of Baphomet, which
is a symbol with a goat's head and an inverted pentacle. Within Wicca,
the upside down pentacle stands for the 2nd degree in some traditions.
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Triquetra
Yes, this is the symbol from the popular
TV show "Charmed". Why they chose the triquetra for their Book of
Shadows, I really can't say. Possibly because it's exotic without being
threatening. Like the triskele, this Celtic symbol embodies the sacred
number 3, as seen in the 3 phases of the Goddess (maiden, mother,
crone) and the 3 elements of nature (land, sky, sea). During the period
of early Christianity, the triquetra took on further meaning as the
Holy Trinity. |
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Triskele
There are many variations on the basic
triskele (or triple spiral) symbol. The one illustrated here is very
simple to illustrate the basic look of the symbol. The triskele is a
Celtic symbol, and symbolizes the power of life and rebirth. It
combines the spiral (often used to illustrate the cycle of life) and
the number 3 is a sacred number, as seen in the phases of the triple
Goddess. This symbol is also referred to as a triskelion. |
