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

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Whatever its history, the horned god is commonly depicted as a manwith antlers or horns, or even an animal head.This combination of man and beast symbolizes duality: a man’s rational and instinctive sides, light and dark, summer and winter, night and day. 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 Eye of Horus, also known as the Wedjat or udjat eye, is one of the mostfamous symbols from ancient Egyptian culture. It symbolizes protection, healing, and well being.

The crescent moon is an ancient symbol and is usually associated with change, transition, and transformation since the moon itselfconstantly waxes and wanes across the night sky. The Ankh is depicted as a cross with a loop at the top, representing life and death. It has also been associated with eternal life, rebirth, and regeneration. In this story, the labyrinth represents our own internal demons that threaten to destroy us unless we can successfully navigate and escape the challenges of the labyrinth. 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.Although it's not something used in all Pagan traditions, some magical systems connect different colors to the points of the pentacle. As part of that, the colors are often associated with the four cardinal elements -- earth, air, fire, and water -- as well as spirit, which is sometimes considered the "fifth element."

Additionally, you might find downward-pointing stars in banishment or binding spells, as some witches believe in their power to drive away negativity and bad energy. Misconception #2 However, symbols can also play a role in this process through the act of carving them into your candles. The Mother shows the Goddess as the nurturing, maternal figure that she is. She corresponds with the full moon, and its warm glow is a reflection of her divine love. The Mother is a figure of guidance and protection. The Crone Protection symbols are historical manifestations of charms, amulets, carvings, or belongings that safeguard humanity against evils, especially by casting a strong psychological impression on our minds.This is a symbol of the three stages of womanhood: maiden, mother and crone. The ancient Greek goddess Hecate was a goddess of crossroads (such as the crossroads between each phase of life for a woman). The wheel symbolizes these phases with a labyrinth and represents the power and knowledge in moving through life.

Even today, modern paganism sees the Labrys as a symbol of female strength, wisdom, and empowerment. 16. Sun Cross It is believed that transformation can occur through this combination of elements within the cauldron. Many Wiccans use the cauldron as a tool for ritual work or simply as an altar decoration that reminds them of their connection with nature and divine forces beyond themselves. Cauldron candle Ankh The Labrys is a double-headed axe whose symbolic meaning is strongly associated with the ancient Greek culture of the island state of Minos.In rituals, when the element of Air is called for, you can use this triangular symbol, or use a feather, incense, or a fan. Air is associated with communication, wisdom or the power of the mind. Do an outdoors working on a windy day, and allow the powers of air to aid you. Visualize air currents carrying away your troubles, blowing away strife, and carrying positive thoughts to those who are far away. Embrace the wind, and let its energy fill you and help you achieve your goals. The number three symbolises multiplicity and the third dimension. The number three has always been important for Wiccans (read about how to become a Wiccan including information about the Threefold Law here) so it makes sense that the symbol of three is often used during Wiccan rituals. A five-pointed star enclosed within a circle, with each point representing the elements (earth, air, fire, and water) and spirit. It is a symbol of protection,spiritual balance, andthe interconnectedness of the natural world.