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

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The eye symbol was painted on the boats of Egyptian fishermen before they set out to cast their nets along the Nile River. This protected the boat from evil curses and its occupants from those who might wish them harm. The Egyptians also marked this symbol on coffins, so that the person held within would be protected in the afterlife. In the Book of the Dead, the dead are led into the afterlife by Osiris, who offers the deceased soul nourishment from the Eye of Ra. He is also seen as a protector of animals and wild places. Among Wiccan symbols, the Horned God is one aspect of the dualistic divine force alongside the Goddess. Francisco de Goya’sWitches Sabbat(1789), shows a horned god In traditions that assign colors to the points of the star, the point on the upper right is associated with air, and is typically colored white or yellow, and is connected with knowledge and the creative arts. In modern times, it has become a prominent symbol of Norse paganism and spiritual heritage. 4. Valknut

The symbol’s history is intertwined with ancient runic practices, where it was inscribed on objects or worn as a protective charm. 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 next point down, on the lower right, is fire, which would be colored red, and associated with courage and passion. This is a Chinese symbol representing dualities, dialectics, and balance. It symbolizes the interconnected and codependent nature of reality.

Thankfully, in the world of Wicca, you have plenty of options for displaying them and experiencing their power. The following are just a few suggestions of how to try them out. Altar Design

Pentacles are easy to make and hang around your home. You can create one out of grapevines or pipe cleaners, and use them as symbols of protection on your property. The knot’s intertwining design represents the binding of magical forces, and the “trapping” of negative energies or intentions. Hecate's Wheel is a symbol used by some traditions of Wicca. It seems to be most popular among feminist traditions and represents the three aspects of the Goddess -- Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This labyrinth-like symbol has origins in Greek legend, where Hecate was known as a guardian of the crossroads before she evolved into a goddess of magic and sorcery.

Practitioners use these symbols to represent different aspects of their craft, such as gods and goddesses, elements, animals, and other Wiccan concepts. The Celtic knot (also known as the triquetra) is a symbol of threes. The single line it is made from intersects itself exactly three times, creating three leaf-like sections in the design.

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For today's Norse pagans, the triple horn often is used to represent the Asatru belief system. While the horns themselves are certainly phallic in symbolism, in some traditions the horns are interpreted as containers or cups, associating them with the feminine aspects of the Divine. The triple moon symbol is created by three moons (two crescent, one full) standing side by side. Unsurprisingly, the symbol represents the moon and phases of the moon as well as the phases of womanhood (maiden, mother, crone). This symbol is also called the triple goddess.