Showing posts with label symbol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label symbol. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Hecate's Wheel

Hecate's Wheel, the symbol used by Hecatines, Dianics and Aquarians. It is a representation of the Goddess and of her three aspects: the maiden, the mother and the crone.
Hecate is connected to a maze which spiralled 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.
This symbol comes to us through the Greeks, who found it in the Chaldean Oracles. These are texts from the 2nd century AD, which were believed to have originated in Babylon.
Hecate's Wheels are not commonly used as Goddess symbols, even in Wicca.

Elven Star

The Elven Star is found in some branches of the Faerie tradition of Wicca. Also called Seven Pointed Star or Faerie Star represent a gift from Faerie to humans to bridge the understanding between the Mortal human realm and that of Faerieland. Its different names can be associated with many other magical traditions. The 7 pointed star is known as a gateway symbol, a Gate or entrance between our world and that of Faery, the Otherworld. Each point on the star represents a gateway or path of the Higher Self to prepare one for entrance into Faery.

Horned God

The Horned God symbol is one of the two deities found in the neopagan religion of Wicca. He is often given various names and epithets, and represent the masculine energy of the God in the religion's male-female polarity, the other part being the female Triple Goddess.
It is a symbol of an archetype, as often seen in Cernunnos, Herne, and other gods of vegetation and fertility.
It is believed the Horned God represents sexuality, vitality, the hunt, logic and power. But, he does not exploit his attributes nor will he let them be exploited. He is considered to be gentle, tender and compassionate in a masculine manner.
Many modern Pagan and Wiccan groups accept the idea of a horned nature deity as the embodiment of masculine energy.

Triquetra

The Triquetra meaning "three-cornered" in Latin, has three distinct, yet interlocked points.
The symbol technically represents the 3 aspects of the feminine life cycle, the maiden, the mother and the crone but more frequently represents the 3 fold nature.
This symbol were adopted by Christians as the sign for the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God The Holy Spirit). Also, it could represent three fishes ("Pisces").
In Christian Ireland and other areas, the triquetra was used to represent the Holy Trinity, but the symbol itself far predates Christianity.
It has also been found as a symbol of Odin in the Nordic lands.
Occasionally, the triquetra appears within a circle, or with a circle overlapping the three pieces.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Triple Goddess

Sometimes called the Triple Moon, this symbol represents the three phases of the moon: waxing, full, and waning.
According to Robert Graves' The White Goddess, it also represents the three phases of womanhood, in the aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone, each of which symbolises both a separate stage in the female life cycle and a phase of the moon.
This concept represents the feminine part of Wicca's duotheistic theological system, her masculine part is the Horned God.
Many other neopagan belief systems follow Wicca in their use of the figure of the Triple Goddess, and it continues to be an influence on feminism, literature, Jungian psychology and literary criticism.

Rosy Cross

The rose cross or rosy cross is a symbol largely associated with Christian Rosencreutz, alchemist and founder of the Rosicrucian Order. The Rose Cross is, as its name suggests, a cross with a white rose at its centre and symbolizes the teachings of a tradition formed within the Christian tenets.
It has several meanings, depending on the source. Some groups, such as the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, from a non-religious view, suggest that the rosy cross predates Christianity, where "the cross represents the human body and the rose represents the individual's unfolding consciousness."

Ogoun Symbol (Voodoo Mythology)

In Haitian Vodou and Yoruba mythology he is god of war, fire, politics, iron, and thunderbolts.
He is the patron god of smiths' fire. The machete or sable is his attribute.
Ogoun is especially fond of rum and tobacco.
Ogoun was originally associated with fire, blacksmithing and metalworking. His focus has transformed over the years to include power, warriors, and politics.

Yin And Yang Symbol

According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the two fundamental principles, one negative, dark, passive, cold, wet, and feminine (yin) and the other (yang) positive, bright, active, dry, hot and masculine.
The interactions and balance of these forces in people and nature influence their behavior and fate.
The balance of yin and yang in the individual, nature, and the cosmos is symbolized by a circle separated by an "S" shape, one half of the circle dark and the other light.
Used in the Western world to express any dualistic, reciprocal control system in which one influence tends to promote things that the opposing influence tends to inhibit.

Italian Horn

Italian horn (other names... Unicorn horn, Lucifier's horn or Leprechaun staff).
The ancient magical charm or amulet worn in Italy as protection against "evil eye" has also been linked to Celtic and Druid myths and beliefs.
Other superstitions link it to sexual power, good luck and good fortune.
It is often worn with a cross (for double protection or luck?).
In pre-Christian Europe, animal horns pointed to the moon goddess and were considered sacred.
It also means satan will take care of your finances.
Centuries ago it was believed when animal horns pointed to the moon goddess and were considered sacred.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Menorah

A Menorah is a candelabrum that has meaning in Jewish history and ritual. There is a seven branched Menorah and a special nine branched Hanukkah Menorah, which is also called a Chanukiah. A candelabrum with seven branches used in ceremonies to symbolize the seven days of creation
The lamp stand in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (translated as the eternal flame), symbolizes the menorah. Many synagogues also have an ornamental menorah, usually with some critical detail changed (for example, with only 6 candles) to avoid the sin of reproducing objects of the Temple.
The Menorah has served as a uniquely Jewish symbol from antiquity to contemporary times. The Menorah can be found on ancient coins, gravestones, synagogue decorations. Today the Menorah serves as the seal and emblem of the Jewish State of Israel.

Cupid (Love Symbol)

Cupid or Eros means desire in Greek.
In the story of Cupid and Psyche, he is described as a magnificently handsome young man. In many stories, he is called the son of Venus.

According to Hesiod, Eros was the deity who came from Chaos and represented the primal forces of desire. Eros is said to have been born from the union of Aphrodite and Ares. Known as Amor (meaning love) to the Romans, the Cupid was often shown blindfolded in art to symbolize love's blindness.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Hands of God (Slavic Symbol)

The Hands of God is a pre-Christian symbol in Slavic mythology. It is representing Supreme God and Universe.
For Slavs, the cross was associated with fire and life, but generally with the sun and the balance of the Universe.
In a majority of primary and original cultures, it was believed to provide luck and the welfare.
The symbol itself consists of a large central cross (symbolizing arms and hands ended with five fingers, the comb shape), which represents the force of a Supreme God.

Ek-Onkar (Sykh Symbol)

It is a symbol of the unity of God in Sikhism, and is found on all religious scriptures and places such as Gurdwaras.
The words Ek-Onkar have a firm place in Sikhism and it symbolizes a lot. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji opens with these words. Ek-Onkar means 'There is one God.'
Many Gurdwaras and Sikh organizations use this symbol on letters and other documents. In fact, many Sikhs also use this symbol on their letters.
This constant repetition of Ek-Onkar is done so that Sikhs are constantly reminded that there is only one God in the universe.

Jain Emblem

The Jain Emblem is a congregation of various symbols, each having a deeper meaning. In 1975 this symbol was adopted by all sects of Jainism while commemorating the 2500th anniversary of the nirvana of Lord Mahaveera.

The inner part of the symbol contains Swastika and Jain Hand.
The meaning of the mantra at the bottom is "Live and Let Live". All creatures should help each other.

The outline of the symbol is defined as the universe. Jainism says that this universe was neither created by anyone, nor can it be destroyed by anyone. It changes its form, but it has always been and will always be here.

Jain Swastika (Jainist Symbol)

Swastika symbol has much more relevance and significance in the Jain religion as compared to the Hindu religion.
In Jainism, Swastika represents the Seventh Jina, more popularly known as the Tirthankara Suparsva.
It is one of the most prominent auspicious symbols of the present era.
In the cultural traditions of Svetambar Jains, Swastika is one of the main symbols of the ashta-mangalas.
A Jain swastika is normally associated with the three dots on the top accompanied with a crest and a dot.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Serbian Cross

The Serbian cross with the 4 Cyrillic letters of 'S' (C). If displayed on a field, traditionally it is on red field, but could be used with no field at all.
In Serbian its called cetiri c read s or four c and and the four letters represent the slogan Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava or in english only unity saves the Serbs
The motif of a cross is derived from Constantine's labarum and has figured on Byzantine coins, since the 6th c. Later, the 4 symbols of the cross have been interpreted as flints or firestones, but also as the initials of the imperial motto of the Palaiologos dynasty: King of Kings, Ruling Over Kings.
The cross has been used by Serbian states and the Serbian Orthodox Church since the Middle Ages after DuĊĦan the Mighty was crowned Emperor (Tsar) of the Serbs and Greeks.
Today it is the national, religious and ethnic symbol of Serbs and Serbia.

St. Brigid's Cross

St. Brigid was abbess and patroness of Ireland, and founder of the first Irish monastery in Kildare, was born near Dundalk in 450 A.D.
This cross is found throughout Ireland. It is told that the cross was made by Brigid, daughter of a pagan king from reeds to be used as an instrument of conversion. However, Brigid's name is derived from Brigit, a Celtic Goddess of fire, poetry, and smithcraft, and today the cross is used to protect houses from fire. This is an example of the integration of religious traditions.
It is piously believed that this rush cross, which became her emblem, keeps evil and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed.
For centuries, it has been customary on the eve of her feast-day for the Irish to fashion a St. Brigid’s Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house, over the door.

Saint Andrew's Cross

Saint Andrew's cross is a cross shaped like the letter X.
It is called so because Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is reputed to have been crucified on a cross of this shape.
The St. Andrew's Cross is not unique to the Confederate battle flag. The reason that the CSA put the St. Andrew's Cross on its flag is the Scottish heritage of the South.
The Scottish national flag has the St. Andrew's Cross in white on a field of blue.
It is also called the Saltire, the Boundary Cross and the crux decussata. Saint Andrew is believed to have suffered a martyr's death on such a cross, hence its name. The cross does not have to be at this particular angle to qualify as a saltire; the symbol X can also be considered a St. Andrew's Cross.

Cross Of St. James

The Cross of St. James is formed by a Fleurie Cross, where the lower part is pointed, making a Fitched Cross.
Such pointed crosses are said to have been carried in ancient times by Christian pilgrims, to thrust securely into firm ground.
They would then kneel before this upright cross for prayer. The Cross of St. James is also seen as a spear or sword blade (fitched) making this a warrior's cross.
It is most frequently depicted in red.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Lotus Flower ( Ancient Egyptian Symbol)

The lotus flower appeared in legends originating from ancient Egypt. It played an important part in ancient Egyptian religion. The pure white lotus flower, the only plant to fruit and flower simultaneously, emerges from the depths of the muddy swamp. Growing from the mud at the bottom of ponds and streams, the exquisite Lotus flower rises above the water and is usually white or pink with 15 or more oval, spreading petals, and a peculiar, flat seedcase at its center.

The lotus closes at night and sinks underwater. In the morning it re-emerges and blooms again. Thus the flower became a natural symbol of the sun and creation. In Hermopolis, it was believed that it was a giant lotus blossom that first emerged from the primordial waters of Nun and from which the sun-god came forth (portrayed in the image at left). As a symbol of re-birth, the lotus was closely related to the imagery of the funerary and Osirian cult.