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

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Because of its powerful symbolism,Mjölnir was commonly used as anamulet by the Norse Vikings to invoke Thor’sprotection, might, and bravery, orto establish a connection between gods and humans. For this reason, the Eye of Horus was usually considered a funerary symbol, although it was common for it to appear even in household objects such as vases, murals, etc. So what exactly are Wiccan symbols anyway? An easy way of understanding a Wiccan symbol is to picture a concept or idea being reduced to a very simple pictorial image. In this way, the entirety of the idea or concept can be simply and easily communicated through a direct and effective visual trigger. The Hamsa Hand symbol originates from the ancient Mesopotamian culture, where it is thought she represented the protective powers of the goddesses Inana or Ishtar. The pentagram is a symbol that almost everyone, Wiccans and non-Wiccans alike, associate with witchcraft. This five-pointed star enclosed in a circle lays out some of the foundational beliefs within Wicca.

The Algiz rune, also known as Elhaz (meaning elk)or the “Z-rune,” is one of the letters found in the Older Futhark runic alphabet, a system of writing that is even older than the Norse runes more people are familiar with. It consists of eight major sabbats, marking significant points in the solar year, such as solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days. In Pagan symbolism, Yggdrasil represents the bridge between mankind and the divine and spiritual realms, since the World Tree was said to physically connect the world of mankind (Midgard) with those of the gods and spirits (Asgard, Alfheim, Jotunheim, and Niflheim). 10. Ankh Think about the Grand Canyon—it took millions of years to create, but it was all done with the power of a simple river. Air Two of the most recognizable symbols in Wicca are the pentagram and the triple moon. These symbols all hold deep meaning for practitioners of Wicca and are used in rituals and spells to connect with spiritual energies.The symbolism of eyes appears in many different cultures and civilizations -- it's no surprise that the image of an "all-seeing eye" is common in today's society! In Reiki, the eye is often associated with knowledge and enlightenment -- the Third Eye -- and it typically is connected to the true soul.

Today, the Eye of Horus is used as a symbol of spiritual insight, protection against negative forces, and a connection to the divine wisdom of the gods. 19. Crescent Moon Hecate’s Wheel, also known as the Strophalos of Hecate, is a symbol commonly used in modern Wiccan paganism but has its roots in ancient Greek mythology. According to fragmentary texts of the Chaldean Oracles, Hecate is connected to a maze which spiraled around like a serpent. This maze was known as the Stropholos of Hecate, or Hecate's Wheel, and refers to the power of knowledge and life. Traditionally, a Hecate-style labyrinth has a Y in the middle, rather than the typical X shape found at the center of most labyrinths. Images of Hecate and her wheel have been found on first-century c.e. curse tablets, although there seems to be some question about whether the wheel shape itself is actually Hecate's domain or that of Aphrodite - there was some occasional overlap of goddesses in the classical world. The World Tree in Norse mythology connects the nine realms of existence. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of all life and the universe’s structure. The Hamsa Hand symbol, also known as the Hand of Fatima or Hand of Miriam, is a hand-shaped amuletthat offers protection against the evil eye and negative energies and isoften used in various pagan traditions.Regardless of the exact meaning of the rays, the Awen symbol is still seen today as a symbol of divine inspiration, granted by the gods to the artists of the world. 32. Hamsa Hand The Triple Goddess symbol is a neopagan archetype used in Wiccan practices for worship and guidance. The Goddess is the embodiment of the three cycles of a woman’s life cycle, which the maiden, mother, and crone categorize.