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

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In Celtic Welsh mythology, Awen becomes personified and represents the muse that inspires all artists with creative energies. This symbol, sometimes called the Triple Goddess 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, although many scholars have questioned Graves' work. If the crescent moon is depicted in its waxing period, it represents beginnings such as life, birth, or new adventures. If the crescent moon is in its waning period, it represents a symbol of the end times, of death, or the final days of a cycle. 20. Labyrinth In the four classical elements, water is a feminine energy and highly connected with the aspects of the Goddess. In some traditions of Wicca, this symbol is used to represent the second degree of initiation. The inverted triangle itself is considered feminine and is associated with the shape of the womb. Water can also be represented by a circle with a horizontal crossbar, or by a series of three wavy lines.

In Native American cultures, the bow and arrow symbolized survival, protection, and the skill of the hunter. Two of the most recognizable symbols in Wicca are the pentagram and the triple moon. These symbols all hold deep meaning for practitioners of Wicca and are used in rituals and spells to connect with spiritual energies. The symbol for Air as one of the four classical elements in alchemy is a triangle with a line through it. Air is used in rituals when a Wicca practitioner is drawing attention to wisdom or communication. It can also be used to symbolize the east or breath (life in general). Celtic culture was strong in Ireland and when Christianity was brought to the Emerald Isle during the 4 th and 5 th centuries AD, many Celtic traditions were incorporated into the “new” religion. It is many of these ancient Celtic symbols that we still see today in all aspects of Irish modern-day culture and symbolism.

10. Triquetra

This symbol was associated with many deities, both Greek and Roman, most commonly Hades, Demeter, or Fortuna. 23. Hecate’s Wheel The pentacle is a five-pointed star, or pentagram, contained within a circle. The five points of the star represent the four classical elements, along with a fifth element, which is typically either Spirit or Self, depending on your tradition. The pentacle is probably the best-known symbol of Wicca today and is often used in jewelry and other designs. Typically, a pentacle is traced in the air during Wiccan rituals, and in some traditions, it is used as a designation of degree. It is also considered a symbol of protection and is used in warding in some Pagan traditions.

Another common theme of the bow and arrow symbolisprecision and focus, as seen in stories of Greekarcher gods suchas Apollo and Artemis. For three nights, Odin managed to take a drink of the magical brew Odhroerir, and the three horns in the symbol represent these three drinks. In the prose eddas of Snorri Sturlson , it is indicated that at some point, one of the dwarf brothers offered the mead to men, rather than to the gods. In many parts of the Germanic world, the triple horns are found in stone carvings. The Hagalaz begins the second Aett (group of eight runes), which in some traditions is said to be the Aett of Hel, the Norse goddess of death.The ankh represents life, immortality, and divine power. For this reason, the ankh was usuallydepicted in the hands of gods (like Osiris and Hathor) and pharaohs, since it signified the connection to the afterlife and the eternal cycle. In ancient times, the bow and arrow represented hunting and warfare prowess, embodying strength and precision. Modern pagan witches and magic users use the witch’s knot as a representation of safety, spellwork, and the connection between the material and spiritual worlds. 18. Eye of Horus In Wiccan practices, keeping a Book of Shadows with this powerful symbol is believed to enhance one’s magical abilities. It’s a symbol of the tradition of spellwork, inspiration, generating personal growth, energetic purification, and spiritual development. parts of the book of shadows Athame

Symbolizing a powerful spirit, Lightning connects the passion of the rain, the beauty of the Thunderbird and the power of light. An honest blessing, the Lightning symbol protects mankind from the hidden shadows of hell. 36.Cacti A triple spiral symbol (also called a triskele or triskelion) is made up of three spirals curling outward and inward. It In any case, each of the five fingers symbolizes different aspects of protection and power, while the eye in the center wards off negative energies. 33. Gordian Knot Like the moon, the Triple Goddess moves through three principal stages of her life, and these are all contained within the sign. They are:It has been associated with retribution, also often used to cut harmful creatures like scorpions to render them harmless. The Egyptian Knife is a tool for the strong-hearted and often symbolizes protection and retribution. The Svefnthorn, also known as the “Sleep Thorn,” is a Norse runic magical symbol associated with sleep and dreams, used for protection during sleep and dreamwork.The Svefnthorn’s design varies, but it typically features multiple intersecting lines or triangles. The top loop is believed to symbolize both the sun rising above the horizon and the union of male and female principles. 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.