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

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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. In alchemy, fire is symbolized by a simple triangle that points upward, which represents the flames that reach towards the sky. The symbol’s history is intertwined with ancient runic practices, where it was inscribed on objects or worn as a protective charm. Although commonly referred to as Celtic, the triquetra also appears on a number of Nordic inscriptions. It has been discovered on 11th-century runestones in Sweden, as well as on Germanic coins. There is a strong similarity between the triquetra and the Norse valknut design, which is a symbol of Odin himself. In Celtic artwork, the triquetra has been found in the Book of Kells and other illuminated manuscripts, and it often appears in metalworking and jewelry. The triquetra rarely appears all by itself, which has led some scholars to speculate that it was originally created for use just as filler material -- in other words, if you had a blank space in your artwork, you could squeeze a triquetra in there! The topmost point on a pentagram represents the divine. For some Wiccans, the divine is a god or a group of gods and goddesses, but for others, it’s more abstract. Regardless, a majority of witches have some conception of divine or spiritual energy that influences and presides over the physical world.

As a result, various symbols emerged to protect humankind and ward off the evil eye, spirits, unknowns, demons, and negative energies. The existence of these symbols is as primitive as mankind and belongs to various cultures all across the globe.

A pentagram is also often associated with the earth element , representing the physical world and manifestation of intention and desire. Similarly, pentagrams are used in tarot to represent earthly matters such as finances, materialism, and health. In ancient runic practices, the Hagalaz Rune was associated with the chaotic power of nature and so symbolized that life is unpredictable and that severe challenges and difficulties can appear at any time.

Initially a pagan symbol, the Green Man was adopted in Christian art during the Late Medieval and Renaissance periods, where it represented man’s deep connection to nature and the mysteries of the natural world. 13. Cauldron of Cerridwen In Christian history, this symbol is known by the Latin phrase crux ansata, which means “cross with a handle”. The Wiccan history comes from the Egyptian symbol for life, called the ankh. This hieroglyph was very popular and is found on many artifacts dealing with Egyptian gods and Pharaohs. When used today it’s a symbol for protection and eternal life. The number 3 is a very mystical and spiritual number featured in many folktales (three wishes, three guesses, three little pigs, three bears, three billy goats gruff). In ancient Babylon, the three primary gods wereAnu, Bel (Baal), andEa, representing Heaven, Earth, and the Abyss. Similarly, there were three aspects to the Egyptian sun god: Khepri (rising),Re(midday), andAtum(setting). The traditions of Wicca, and other neo-pagan religions, often use symbols in their practice, representing their beliefs and intentions. Divination tools like tarot cards or runes contain Wiccan symbols to infuse them with power for readings.In the specific case of Wiccan symbols, a whole range of powerful concepts has been encapsulated within a set of simple-looking symbols. Working with these symbols helps to create a fast and easy channel through which to connect with the greater concepts and ideas that the symbols represent. This can be extremely useful in terms of increasing the potency of your spellwork and overall Wiccan practice. Many Wiccan symbols have also been adopted as witch symbols. The Celtic shield knot is used for warding and protection. Shield knots have appeared in cultures around the world and have taken a variety of different forms. They are almost universally square in shape, and the knotwork of the design ranges from simple to complex. In the Celtic version, a series of knots is formed. In other cultures, such as the early Mesopotamian era, the shield is simply a square with a loop at each of the four corners. Many Wiccans see him as an embodiment of untamed instincts and raw power that should be respected rather than feared. Triquetra

The Cornucopia, also known as the “Horn of Plenty,” is an ancient symbol from Greek and Roman mythology that represented prosperity, abundant harvests, financial wealth, and more. Taken individually, each element has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. But when combined within the sacred circle, they become a unified source of power. Earth Finally, the top point would be either Spirit or self, depending on your tradition. Different systems mark this point in a number of different colors, such as purple or silver, and it symbolizes our connection to the One, the Divine, our true self.

4. Celtic Spiral

Inspired from the dung beetle, an insect associated with manifestation and sunlight. The scarab is a part of Egyptian antiquities, available in different materials, with the seal scarab gaining popularity. Images of Mjolnir were used throughout the Scandinavian countries. It was often found replicated at Blóts and at other rituals and ceremonies like weddings, funerals, or baptisms. In areas of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, small wearable versions of this symbol have been unearthed in graves and burial cairns. Interestingly, the shape of the hammer seems to vary a bit by region -- in Sweden and Norway, Mjolnir is portrayed as rather t-shaped. Its Icelandic counterpart is more crosslike, and examples found in Finland have a long, curved design across the bottom brace of the hammer. In contemporary Pagan religions, this symbol can be invoked to protect and defend. The concept of sun worship is one nearly as old as mankind itself. In societies that were primarily agricultural, and dependent on the sun for life and sustenance, it is no surprise that the sun became deified. In North America, the tribes of the Great Plains saw the sun as a manifestation of the Great Spirit. For centuries, the Sun Dance has been performed as a way to not only honor the sun but also to bring the dancers visions. Traditionally, the Sun Dance was performed by young warriors. The cauldron represents the sacred feminine, the Goddess of magic, the womb, and the creation itself, and is associated with the water element. The cauldron is often used during rituals and spells to hold offerings, herbs, and other ingredients meant to be combined for spellwork or used as a chalice. The wheel of the year helps witches navigate through the ever-changing seasons. Just like one year follows the next, one rotation around the wheel of the year is always followed by another.