For many pagans, Wiccans and witches symbols are a part of everyday life. Symbols are used for ceremonies, rituals, spells and other purposes. Each and every symbol has its own individual basic meaning as well as specific meaning to an individual person and other meanings when different symbols are combined and used together. These symbols evoke different feelings and actions from different people.
Many of the most common symbols that are used are also misunderstood by those that do not walk the path. Here we are going to take a look at some of the most common symbols and what they mean in a very basic sense. This is not an exhaustive list of the symbols by any means these are just the most common and perhaps some of the most misunderstood.
The first symbol for us to take a look at is the Pentacle. The Pentacle is a five pointed star that is enclosed in a circle. This symbol is most commonly used by individuals to identify themselves as a Wiccan or Pagan. The five points of the star each represent the elements and the spirit, and the circle is what connects them all as one.
The Inverted Pentacle is probably the most misunderstood of the symbols. Many falsely associate it with devil worship and Satanism. This is not accurate, that symbol will be addressed shortly. The Inverted Pentacle is used within Wicca to stand for the 2nd degree in certain traditions.
These two symbols are different then the pentagram. The pentagram is a five pointed star with out the circle. This symbol is based in numerology. Here the five points of the star represent the Earth element and can be used on one’s altar to symbolize Earth.
Now to end all curiosity and stop the false accusations, the true symbol of the Church of Satan is the sigil of Baphomet. This symbol is a goat’s head and the inverted pentacle.
The Triquetra is probably most famous because it was the symbol used by “Charmed” the very popular television show about sisters that were witches. The Triquetra is a symbol strongly associated with protection. It embodies the very sacred number of 3. As a side note, the number 3 is considered sacred because it is the number of phases of the Goddess (maiden, mother, crone) and also the elements (land, sea, sky). The Triquetra took on deeper meaning when Christianity was first beginning, that is when it took on the meaning of the Holy Trinity. It is not uncommon to see this symbol also enclosed in a circle.
The Triple Moon is considered a Goddess symbol. This symbol represents the three phases of the Goddess as well. The Maiden represented by the waxing moon, the Mother represented by the full moon and the Crone represented by the waning moon. The Triple Moon has also been linked to the energy, mystery and psychic abilities of the female. This symbol is used a lot on head pieces and crowns.
The Ankh is the next symbol. I am sure that you have seen this symbol for it was used in many ancient Egyptian paintings and carvings especially those that depicted the Gods and pharaohs. The Ankh is the symbol for everlasting life. While this symbol is used by many witches, pagans and Wiccans it is most commonly seen among pagans. The reason for this may be due to the similarity between the Ankh and the cross. The similarity allows for fewer conflicts and debates then the pentacle.
Hecate’s Wheel is a maze like symbol that is often associated with eh Greek Goddess Hecate. Considered to be a Goddess of the dark by some, she rules over the Underworld and the cross-roads. She is also known as the Goddess of the witches. While this is not used very often within Wiccan circles you will see it on occasion.
The Elven Star is a seven pointed star that corresponds to the spirit realm. You may also hear this symbol called by other names such as the septagram, septacle or the Fairy Star. While each point has ever been clearly defined many people have labeled them for earth, water, fire, air, above, below and within. This symbol has strong astrology ties due to the classical view of the sky containing seven planets.
The Triskele also called the Triple Spiral and the Triskelion can be drawn in many ways. It is used to represent the power of life and the power of rebirth. This is a Celtic symbol that combines the spirals which illustrate the cycle of life and the sacred number three.
The Seax-Wicca is a symbol that represents the sun, moon and the eight holy days known as the Sabbats.
The broom is another symbol that is very common amongst Wiccans. This stems from European witchcraft. The broom was used for dancing and flying. Today the broom is used for the purposes of cleansing and purification. The broom is used to sweep away negative energy from homes, if you have seen the movie Practical Magic they used the broom to sweep away the dust from the evil spirit. The broom is also an important part of the Wiccan handfasting ceremony.
A Cauldron is another popular symbol associated with witches. This is based in Celtic mythology where the cauldron was used in rituals as an emblem of divine inspiration and abundance. As mythology goes the cauldron is said to also offer infinite sustenance and artistic inspiration.
The last symbol we will look at is the Green Man. Often seen as a face made out of foliage it is believed that the Green Man is a representation of the Celtic God Cernunnos. There are many though that simply believe that the Green Man simply represents the forces of nature.
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