Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe: Early Scandinavian and Celtic Religions

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It consists of eight major sabbats, marking significant points in the solar year, such as solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days. Celtic culture was strong in Ireland and when Christianity was brought to the Emerald Isle during the 4 th and 5 th centuries AD, many Celtic traditions were incorporated into the “new” religion. It is many of these ancient Celtic symbols that we still see today in all aspects of Irish modern-day culture and symbolism. On the left side of this Wiccan symbol, you have the waxing moon. In the center, the full moon. And on the right, the dying, waning moon. When taken as a whole, these three phases represent the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. If you're interested in following a Celtic Pagan path, there are a number of books that are useful for your reading list. Although there are no written records of the ancient Celtic people, there are a number of reliable books by scholars that are worth reading. Borrowing from this, the Dara knot representspersonal growth, inner strength, the wisdom acquired through many years of life, and triumph over all the challenges of life. 3. Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir)

The all seeing eye is a symbol of ultimate protection from the goddess. It is an eye emerging from rays of sunlight. This symbol is also called the eye of providence, because it symbolizes the providence of god/goddess protection and intervention. This symbol was associated with many deities, both Greek and Roman, most commonly Hades, Demeter, or Fortuna. 23. Hecate’s Wheel The triple moon symbol, also known as the triple goddess symbol, represents the three stages of the lunar cycle: waxing, full, and waning.

In Native American cultures, the bow and arrow symbolized survival, protection, and the skill of the hunter. The Eye of Horus is a symbol from ancient Egyptian that is used for protection or to connote power and good health. The symbol comes from Horus, a sky god in ancient Egypt whose eye was injured and then restored, which is why the symbol can be used for transformation, healing and redemption. This symbol can also be called a wedjat. Another common theme of the bow and arrow symbolisprecision and focus, as seen in stories of Greekarcher gods suchas Apollo and Artemis. Dividing the year into different sections, each with its own important day, is a way to help witches make sense of the passage of time. The athame is one of the four elemental tools and usually corresponds with fire (or sometimes air). The other three elemental tools are the wand, pentacle, and cup.

Practitioners use these symbols to represent different aspects of their craft, such as gods and goddesses, elements, animals, and other Wiccan concepts. Many Wiccans see him as an embodiment of untamed instincts and raw power that should be respected rather than feared. Triquetra It is believed that transformation can occur through this combination of elements within the cauldron. Many Wiccans use the cauldron as a tool for ritual work or simply as an altar decoration that reminds them of their connection with nature and divine forces beyond themselves. Cauldron candle Ankh In the mortal world, the ankhalso served as anamulet for protection and a political symbol of power and authority. 11. Wheel of the YearIn any case, each of the five fingers symbolizes different aspects of protection and power, while the eye in the center wards off negative energies. 33. Gordian Knot Even though the public may associate these symbols with satanism or the devil due to their association with witchcraft and paganism, they have found a place in modern spiritual practices that help practitioners find their sense of empowerment in their work. The symbolism of specific wiccan symbols This symbol is a perfect circle, sometimes with a pentagram inside. It represents the circle required to begin or complete any ritual. Through its connection to Odin, the Valknut is believed to represent the idea of slain warriors being chosen to enter Valhalla, the warrior’s afterlife.

However, fire is also the purifying element that cleanses imperfections and leaves only the essential behind. 27. Air Elemental Symbol Over the millennia, the Hamsa Hand was lost and rediscovered multiple times, and with each rediscovery, it was integrated into a new religion. It is for this reason that the Hamsa Hand appears at times in both Christianity and Islam. This is a symbol of the three stages of womanhood: maiden, mother and crone. The ancient Greek goddess Hecate was a goddess of crossroads (such as the crossroads between each phase of life for a woman). The wheel symbolizes these phases with a labyrinth and represents the power and knowledge in moving through life. Protection symbols are historical manifestations of charms, amulets, carvings, or belongings that safeguard humanity against evils, especially by casting a strong psychological impression on our minds.The ankh is the ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life. According to The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying, the ankh is the key to life. The pentacle is a five-pointed star, or pentagram, contained within a circle. The five points of the star represent the four classical elements, along with a fifth element, which is typically either Spirit or Self, depending on your tradition. The pentacle is probably the best-known symbol of Wicca today and is often used in jewelry and other designs. Typically, a pentacle is traced in the air during Wiccan rituals, and in some traditions, it is used as a designation of degree. It is also considered a symbol of protection and is used in warding in some Pagan traditions. If you just can’t seem to get enough symbolism, there are lots of great resources online that cover a much wider breadth of imagery than I’ve included.