Signs and Symbols

I have used quite a few Pagan and Wiccan symbols on this website already; the pentacle, the elements, the zodiac signs and the Elder Futhark rune stones. This page is for any other signs and symbols you may find useful.

Triquetra

The triquetra is formed from the intersection of three circles, and sometimes shown with a fourth complete circle woven through it. It has been found on both ancient Celtic and Christian art, as well as on Germanic rune stones.

In Wicca the three sections of the triquetra are thought of as representing the triple goddess aspects of maiden, mother and crone, and the fourth circle represents the way the three individuals are part of one whole. It can also be seen to show the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. Its similarity to Celtic knotwork and its appearance in ancient Celtic art has led to it being used by many following a modern Celtic path. Triples are a common theme in Celtic mythology and the triquetra can represent triples like land, sea and sky, or the triple goddess Morrigan. In Christianity the triquetra represents the trinity of father, son and holy spirit. The triquetra is a symbol of strength and protection.

Triskele

The triskele, or triskelion, is most often seen as three identical, interlocked spirals, although any image with three interlocked branches and a threefold rotational symmetry qualifies as a triskele. Another popular form has three human legs, all angled in the same direction. It is another common occurence in ancient and modern Celtic art. The triskele, similarly to the triquetra, is used to represent various triples in reconstructionist Celtic Paganism and has a similar meaning for Wiccans. The spirals give the symbol a sense of motion and action, and it can represent the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Triple Moon

The triple moon symbol represents the changing phases of the moon; waxing, full and waning. It also represents the triple goddess aspects of maiden, mother and crone, and therefore represents all three stages of life with their strengths and weaknesses.

Horned God

The horned god is represented by a crescent above a circle, giving it the appearance of horns. The horned god is associated with male virility and power, and horns have long been used in art and costume to indicate this kind of wild masculinity. Interestingly then the symbol for the horned god itself uses a crescent moon – a very female symbol – to give the appearence of horns.

Wheel of the Year

The wheel  of the year is represented by a circle with eight spokes, each one representing one of the Sabbats, or Wiccan festivals. It’s called a wheel because, as well as looking like one, it represents the continuous cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth as well as the changing of the seasons and passing of time.

The Seasons

Spring	Summer
Autumn	Winter

Ankh

The symbol of the ankh – the cross with a loop for the topmost point – dates back to Egyptian hieroglyphics where it represented “eternal life”. It is often seen in Egyptian art, where the gods would be seen holding it by the loop. The ankh is worn by many modern Pagans as a symbol of protection, and it can be seen to represent a balance of male (the bottom point) and female (the top loop) energies. It is usually coloured gold, and therefore associated with the sun.

Eye of Horus

The “Eye of Horus” is another Egyptian symbol representing protection, as well as good health and royal power. It was associated with the goddess Wadjet – “the green one” – and is also known as a Wadjet itself. The name “Eye of Horus” comes from the god Horus being depicted as a falcon, or with a falcon’s head. The symbol reflects the marking that can be found around a falcon’s eyes. Horus’ right eye was associated with the sun and the god Ra, while the left eye was sometimes associated with moon and the god Thoth.