Witchcraft, a craft as ancient as history itself, carries a profound legacy steeped in symbolism.
These symbols, intricately woven into the very fabric of witchcraft, are gateways to profound spiritual and philosophical insights.
Table of Contents
The Universe of Witchcraft Symbols
The Pantheon of Witchcraft Symbols
Using Witchcraft Symbols in Rituals and Spells
An American Indian magic spider web inside a sacred circle. After making dreamcatchers in crafts lessons in school, many children hang them on or near their beds as it is believed that dreamcatchers will block bad dreams but allow good dreams to pass through the center.
Our world depends as much on the sun as it does on the water and oxygen that are found within its atmosphere. Throughout history, you will find powerful sun symbolism attesting to this importance. Almost every ancient and modern culture has a common thread regarding sun symbolism: energy, positivity, clarity, power, and many other positive symbols.
As a natural force, there’s hardly anything we can do to control the sun. We are completely at its mercy, and in some cases, it can be a cruel master. Yet, even in cases where the sun seems intent on destroying, like in the deserts, you will find that there’s still life and purpose in what seems like suffering.
One thing is certain: we cannot live without the sun. In fact, without it, our world wouldn’t be what we know it to be today.
The Stigma Of A Word: Witch
Author: Arachne Priestess
How many of us, amongst our vast and diverse Pagan community, wear pentagrams (religious talismans, totem fetishes, or other religious symbols) around the neck openly? How many of us wish we could, but don’t due to fear of retaliation, religious persecution, family concerns, or worse? And how many of us have born the stigma that comes from that freedom of choice, suffering at the hands of the closed minded, the bigots, the religious zealots who hold that one truth above all else, ‘thou shalt not suffer a witch to live’?
How many have lost jobs, born verbal and physical abuse, or lost loved ones because of who they are or what they are, a Witch? And what is the result upon the hearts and spirits of those who have suffered so?
So many questions, most with answers we’d probably rather not hear, and yet, it is a critical part of walking this path that must be faced head on. And when we meet this challenge, we are left with one stark question in our minds: Why?
Why was she abused? Why did his family turn away from him? Why did he lose his job? Why did she lose her kids? Why was he called a devil worshiper? Why? Why? Why………and the list goes on. Why must we suffer so for what we have become?
It took something powerful and dramatic to bring most of us to whatever form of Paganism we’ve chosen, because it is not a choice we would choose in adulthood just to spite our father’s religion, our families and/or our societies. Human beings, by their very nature, are social creatures that tend to conform to the strictures set forth by its leaders. So it must have taken something drastic, and possibly something extremely painful, to make each of us push away from society and adopt not only a new religion, but on the whole, a new way of life.
Then, upon that transition, we discover that we are pariah in the eyes of the very society that once embraced us because of a single word and the stigma attached to it. Through all of this culture shock we endure, we preserve, and we prevail. But sadly, at a very dear cost to ourselves and those around us. It is a price that is inflicted not only on those around us, but also upon our hearts and spirits.
We are isolated, offering up to the world a façade, while we secret our true selves away to only be shown when the curtains are drawn tight and the lights are dimmed. Our children are censored in what they may speak of at school, out of fear of bullying and retaliation. We are censored at work, often amongst family and friends, and even sometimes by our spouses.
And we see those brave souls who choose to openly defy the norm by exercising their religious freedoms, by wearing pentagrams in the open, dressing in full regalia, being activists for Paganism, religious freedom, and tolerance, and those who embrace this way of life wholeheartedly without fear of reprisal, and who could not help but feel a little jealous in our confines? I would be less than honest if I didn’t include myself in this group. But even those symbols of occasional envy suffer at the hands of hatred and intolerance.
And we are left with the stark realization that no one is immune and we journey back to the beginning of our path and the singular question of why. Why, because of a single word ~Witch~, are we branded and forced to bear a scarlet letter?
Why, indeed, and what will grow out of this treatment to be instilled within our hearts for a lifetime? These are questions that not many wish to think about, much less speak of. But again, it is an essential, if not critical, part of our paths that must be faced head on.
How many amongst us feel resentment toward their former religions, their ex-friends and lovers, and their families, despite our universal decrees of tolerance? How many of us cannot see beyond that bitterness to let grow the innate potential that resides within us all? It is a bitterness that is seeded and takes root within the heart. It grows exponentially until it pervades our entire existence, forcing us to view the world through a veil of our own bigotry. It not only turns us away from all of those who are of a different faith, but it turns Pagan against Pagan.
It is an illness, not suffered just by Christians alone, but by all groups, Pagans included. And while its true that we have our reasons for being bitter and resentful, it is also imperative to find the strength to move beyond it.
For to replace one form of hate with another, despite the reasons, is still replacing one form of evil with another. The only thing that can grow out of ignorance and intolerance is more ignorance and more intolerance.
And yet, here we stand as Witches, proud and true, despite this stigma, despite the loneliness, despite the atrocious intolerance of others and despite our own innate bitterness. We are who and what we are, not in spite of our troubles, but because of them, because we have found the strength to not only preserve, but to grow within our own spirituality.
And no matter how isolated we may feel, we are never truly alone. We have the Goddess, in all of her many beloved aspects, and we have each other. Let us be the solace and the salve of a wounded world, and not the bitter rage of resentment toward those who would wound her children.
It is a lesson that must be learned over a lifetime, to let go and forgive. It is a lesson of healing, not only for us, but for those around us, as well. One lifetime of forgiveness and healing begets another, and to our children we leave sound lessons well learned.
And then they, too, will become the solace and the salve of a wounded and ravaged world, as the children of a Goddess who not only welcomes, but also embraces, all of those who are different and unique.
A pentagram (or pentacle) is a circled five-pointed star that most people associate with witchcraft or satanism. Far from being an evil symbol the pentagram represents protection, the self, or the spirit. The five points of the pentagram represent five basic elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit.
Represents: the elements.
Used in rituals for: protection.
Diamond symbolism signifies that you should be willing to put effort into something that will bring greatness to your future life. Besides, you know that you have something inside you that will make you become great. Perhaps, you need to move away from any limits and let the power inside you bring changes. Actually, it is time to change your attitude and push yourself forward. Basically, you will make past your insecurities because you deserve more. Equally, you can be your own director because your actions can say so. This is your time to make a great difference in your life.
Moreover, Diamond’s meaning indicates that life is not going to be easy, but you will be happy someday. Try not to give up but find ways that will take you to your destination. Remember that the goals you have will take you to the future you want. It is time to trust your potential and keep working until you see things change in your life. Equally, you are the meaning of change because you are a better person. Notably, no one should discourage you from living the life that you want.
The diamond symbol has long been valued for its immaculate beauty. Its physical appearance associates with valuable attributes that are relevant to living a meaningful life, such as purity, clarity, and wisdom. The series of triangles making up the diamond shape has been present in the realm of design across every culture, religion, and period of time, expressing the same themes as the other physical characteristics of diamonds.
Additionally, the diamond shape plays a major role in alchemy, as the four sides indicate the four natural elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The wisdom that diamonds evoke is not an ordinary one: it is of a higher nature that goes above the trivialities of everyday life. This wisdom speaks to us of our ability to choose.
In our spiritual lives, we often find ourselves surrounded by a dense “fog” that obstructs our ability to see clearly. By calling upon the teachings of the diamond meaning, we enable ourselves to see our purpose in a new light. Difficult decisions and situations may become easier to decipher, and the correct path for each of us can be seen in a different light.
Diamonds are recognized as representatives of symbolic values across many cultures. The Native Americans considered diamonds to be signatures of the butterfly, which Indian cultures identify as a sign of immortality. Butterflies live in migratory patterns, traveling hundreds of miles to return to their homes.
Native American ideology viewed this as very powerful and symbolic. Specifically, the butterfly’s journey back to their homes was interpreted symbolically as the soul’s journey to its rightful place. As humans, we come into the world and hit the ground running, moving through our lives quickly and often without insight.
The butterfly, and thus the diamond, serves as a reminder to pay attention to seeking our true identity and sticking to the path that is right for each of us. Each of us will leave a heritage behind, making our legacy immortal, especially when considering nature.
Along with immortality and being true to oneself, the diamond symbolism conveys messages of rebirth, revival, and transformation. This directly applies to us spiritually. We must continually strive to better ourselves. Probably by letting go of past inhibitions and follies, searching for truth and clarity, and bettering ourselves through proactive change.
As stated above, the diamond symbol is constructed from a series of triangles, of which each combination possesses its own representations and cultural meanings. When four triangles come together to form a square, the resulting shape is thought to be a symbol of a harmonious and stable Earth.
The core, where the points of each diamond meet, symbolizes the unity that exists between all creatures and elements of the earth and the foundational energy that flows through all of us. Taking that into consideration, this symbol was then used for magic rituals of energetic clarification.
When two diamonds, or rather two parts of the diamond, are placed together to form the shape of an hourglass, the resulting symbol can be identified as a depiction of enlightenment and ultimate truth. It is recognized in old northern European cultures as a symbol of dawn, making this interpretation accurate and comprehensible.
This is a highly valued symbol, as insight, awakening, and deep awareness are the most desired traits in spiritual quests. The two triangles that make up this symbol complement each other and thus represent partnerships. In nature, this can correspond to male and female, day and night, and time and space, with the center point denoting the exact connection between the two.
The final symbol that we will consider is the standard diamond, made up of two triangles facing opposite ways. In ancient cultures such as the Futhark runic system, this geometrical shape acts as the symbol of creation, as it resembles a woman’s birth canal.
It is the shape of life, encompassing all other triangle representations and alchemical symbolic values. More literally, diamonds are made of carbon, which is one of the building blocks of all life. By studying and examining the messages of this diamond gemstone, we open our minds to greater understanding and more mindful living.
Generally, diamond symbolism implies that you need to learn to have mental strength. Basically, the changes that you are going to face can be very challenging. The weak will not dare to face them because they fear failing. More so, you have to take a spiritual path in order to achieve something precious in your life. A spiritual path is a path that is full of goodies ad those who are willing to take it will have something to say in the end. Remember that someone courageous will be willing to take the path because he has the ability to see the goodies in it.
More so, the Diamond symbol meaning explains the things that you need to do in life in order to improve your life. Besides, you should learn to surround yourself with better people who can make your life great. Nevertheless, your lie will glow because of the hard work you are giving out. Actually, you will feel that you are going to become better because of the things that you do in life. Perhaps, today can make a great difference in your life. Thus, be creative and do things that will make you rise above your fears. Equally, you have the knowledge and wisdom to build a future that will glitter forever.
Diamond symbolic meaning indicates that you need to be with the right group of people who will treasure your life. Remember that you are better than what they see in your physical appearance. You can make yourself a stronger person because your life is full of great values. The power you have will take you to the destination you want. Basically, you will become who you want to become. Just make progress on your mission. Equally, you can build up your life to become someone better that everyone will be looking up to.
A healing symbol is a mark, sign, word, or design that represents and reflects the art of healing. Historically, all cultures across the globe have had healing symbols.
They are used in medical rituals by practitioners and healers for strength and protection. Nowadays, people believe that visualizing healing symbols will lead to good thoughts, positive energy, and tranquillity. They can foster a greater harmony between the body, mind, and soul.
With that said, let’s take a look at popular healing symbols and their significance.
The Reiki symbols were founded by Mikao Usui, a Japanese medical practitioner, and healer. They are considered by some as the most sacred and powerful healing symbols in the world.
The Choku Rei is also called the power symbol. It is used to channel and direct energy within the body. The Choku Rei is drawn at the beginning and end of a healing process. It serves as a catalyst for physical healing and purification.
Since the Choku Rei is a power symbol, it can be combined with other symbols to strengthen the healing process. The Choku Rei can be drawn or visualized on a person, place, or thing, to fight off negative energy and protect the recipient.
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons in eastern cultures are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence. Commonalities between dragons’ traits are often a hybridization of feline, reptilian, and avian features. Scholars believe vast extinct or migrating crocodiles bear the closest resemblance, especially when encountered in forested or swampy areas, and are most likely the template of modern Oriental dragon imagery.[1][2]
The word dragon entered the English language in the early 13th century from Old French dragon, which, in turn, comes from the Latin: draconem (nominative draco) meaning “huge serpent, dragon”, from Ancient Greek δράκων, drákōn (genitive δράκοντος, drákontos) “serpent”.[4][5] The Greek and Latin term referred to any great serpent, not necessarily mythological.[6] The Greek word δράκων is most likely derived from the Greek verb δέρκομαι (dérkomai) meaning “I see”, the aorist form of which is ἔδρακον (édrakon).[5] This is thought to have referred to something with a “deadly glance,”[7] or unusually bright[8] or “sharp”[9][10] eyes, or because a snake’s eyes appear to be always open; each eye actually sees through a big transparent scale in its eyelids, which are permanently shut. The Greek word probably derives from an Indo-European base *derḱ- meaning “to see”; the Sanskrit root दृश् (dr̥ś-) also means “to see”.[11]
Draconic creatures appear in virtually all cultures around the globe[12] and the earliest attested reports of draconic creatures resemble giant snakes. Draconic creatures are first described in the mythologies of the ancient Near East and appear in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature. Stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Near Eastern and Indo-European mythologies. Famous prototypical draconic creatures include the mušḫuššu of ancient Mesopotamia; Apep in Egyptian mythology; Vṛtra in the Rigveda; the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; Grand’Goule in the Poitou region in France; Python, Ladon, Wyvern, and Kulshedra in Albanian Mythology and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology; Jörmungandr, Níðhöggr, and Fafnir in Norse mythology; and the dragon from Beowulf.
Nonetheless, scholars dispute where the idea of a dragon originates from[13] and a wide variety of hypotheses have been proposed.[13]
In his book An Instinct for Dragons (2000), David E. Jones (anthropologist) suggests a hypothesis that humans, like monkeys, have inherited instinctive reactions to snakes, large cats, and birds of prey.[14] He cites a study which found that approximately 39 people in a hundred are afraid of snakes[15] and notes that fear of snakes is especially prominent in children, even in areas where snakes are rare.[15] The earliest attested dragons all resemble snakes or have snakelike attributes.[16] Jones therefore concludes that dragons appear in nearly all cultures because humans have an innate fear of snakes and other animals that were major predators of humans’ primate ancestors.[17] Dragons are usually said to reside in “dank caves, deep pools, wild mountain reaches, sea bottoms, haunted forests”, all places which would have been fraught with danger for early human ancestors.[18]
In her book The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times (2000), Adrienne Mayor argues that some stories of dragons may have been inspired by ancient discoveries of fossils belonging to dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.[19] She argues that the dragon lore of northern India may have been inspired by “observations of oversized, extraordinary bones in the fossilbeds of the Siwalik Hills below the Himalayas“[20] and that ancient Greek artistic depictions of the Monster of Troy may have been influenced by fossils of Samotherium, an extinct species of giraffe whose fossils are common in the Mediterranean region.[20] In China, a region where fossils of large prehistoric animals are common, these remains are frequently identified as “dragon bones”[21] and are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.[21] Mayor, however, is careful to point out that not all stories of dragons and giants are inspired by fossils[21] and notes that Scandinavia has many stories of dragons and sea monsters, but has long “been considered barren of large fossils.”[21] In one of her later books, she states that, “Many dragon images around the world were based on folk knowledge or exaggerations of living reptiles, such as Komodo dragons, Gila monsters, iguanas, alligators, or, in California, alligator lizards, though this still fails to account for the Scandinavian legends, as no such animals (historical or otherwise) have ever been found in this region.”[22]
Robert Blust in The Origin Of Dragons (2000) argues that, like many other creations of traditional cultures, dragons are largely explicable as products of a Click here to learn more about a Dragon from en.wikipedia.org
Seax Wica is one tradition of Wicca. The symbol of this tradition, also called the the Seax Wica, refers to the moon, the sun, and the eight Wiccan holidays (like Samhain, winter solstice, autumn equinox).
Represents: the moon, the sun, the seasons, the Seax Wica tradition.
Used in rituals for: the Seax Wica tradition.
In contrast to the circle which often symbolizes the sacred and spiritual (including the sacred earth), the square represents the physical world. Like the quartered circle, it points pagans to the four compass directions: north, east, south and west. While the circle and “spiral” symbolize female sexuality in many earth-centered cultures, the square represents male qualities.
Witches Of The Craft® 
You must be logged in to post a comment.