Numerous modern pagan religions include mystical signs in their rituals and spells. Some symbols are associated with the elements, while others represent concepts.
These are some of the most prevalent symbols utilized in Wicca and other kinds of paganism today. In addition, these mystical signs have found their way to modern art forms, as seen in our sterling silver spiritual and ritual charms.
Pagan beliefs have their origins in the pre-Christian faiths of Europe. Its resurgence in Britain mirrors that of other western nations, where it has experienced remarkable growth since the 1950s.
Origins of Mystical Signs
Mystical signs may be paganistic or not – but many of them are rooted in pagan beliefs and history.
The social infrastructure of paganism shows the importance that the pagan community places on unity in variety; it consists of a network of interconnected traditions and local groups that several more influential organizations support.
Pagans consider divinity to be apparent and recognize divinity’s numerous manifestations, including goddesses as well as gods.
Worship of the goddess is vital to paganism. Pagans think nature is holy and that the observable natural cycles of birth, development, and death have great spiritual significance.
Humans are viewed as part of nature, with other animals, trees, rocks, plants, and everything else on earth. Most pagans believe in reincarnation and consider death a shift within an ongoing process of life.
Dharma Wheel
The dharma wheel is an ancient Buddhist emblem. Iy is used globally to signify Buddhism. It is also one of Buddhism’s Eight Auspicious Symbols. There are identical symbols in Jainism and Hinduism, and the dharmachakra sign in Buddhism likely developed from Hinduism.
The traditional dharma wheel is a chariot wheel with variable spoke counts. It can be any color. However, gold is the most common hue. There may be three whirling figures in the middle, a yin-yang sign, a second wheel, or an empty circle.
The three fundamental components of a dharma wheel are the hub, the rim, and the spokes. Different instructors and traditions have provided varied interpretations for these portions over the decades.
Star of David
The Star of David, A Jewish sign is initially known as the Shield of David, consisted of two intersecting triangles that finally formed a star. These two triangles represent the relationship between God and man or the combination of male and female.
The Star of David denotes the marriage of opposites, such as fire and water, in esoteric and Kabbalistic circles. However, various investigations refute the relevance of this divine link. Instead, they argue that the six directions symbolize the six cardinal directions: north, south, east, west, and up (the space in the star’s center).
The emblem, historically not exclusive to Jews, originated in antiquity when it acted as a magical sign or adornment with the five-pointed star. During the Middle Ages, the Star of David emerged more often among Jews, but it did not acquire any religious meaning; it also appeared in particular medieval churches.
The Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross, often known as the Irish High Cross, is a globally recognized emblem of Celtic civilization. The Celtic cross is one of Ireland’s and Irish culture’s most beloved symbols. Few symbols are as well-known internationally as the Celtic cross, representing Celtic Christianity.
The Celtic Cross is a Latin cross intersected by a circle of light, or halo. This cross, often called the Irish cross or the cross of Iona is a well-known Christian emblem with pagan origins. The cross with a circle of light appeared throughout the Middle Ages in France and Britain and predated Christianity. Irish missionaries used it during the ninth and twelfth centuries.
Lotus Flower
The lotus flower, one of the most revered Buddhist emblems, denotes enlightenment. It symbolizes metamorphosis and resurrection because it blooms in murky waters while remaining a lovely flower.
The inspiring optimism that it offers is empowering. Present in several spiritual traditions, the lotus serves as a reminder that all suffering is temporary. It fosters forgiveness, appreciation, and detachment as the water flows through its petals.
The symbolism of the lotus flower changes from culture to culture. Nevertheless, the lotus is often revered as a symbol of purity, rebirth, and power.
Furthermore, because lotuses emerge from the dirt unstained, they are frequently seen as a sign of cleanliness.
The lotus flower signifies power, resiliency, and rebirth because it returns to murky water each evening and blossoms at dawn. Another meaning is transcendence since it blooms from the underworld into the light, symbolizing the transcendence of man’s soul over earthly materialism.
The lotus occurs in religious writings and spiritual images from ancient Egypt to early Buddhist scriptures. Therefore, it is not surprising that the lotus flower commonly represents the Divine. The lotus flower holds special significance in Hinduism.
Lotus is mentioned in Vedic literature that dates back to 1400 B.C. In addition, numerous Hindu deities are typically shown with lotus blossoms (or are otherwise associated with the lotus flower in some way). As India’s national flower, the lotus has been a symbol in its arts, culture, philosophy, and religions for centuries.
Ankh
In Ancient Egypt, the ankh emblem, also known as the key of life or the key of the Nile, represented perpetual life. The ankh is said to have been created by ancient Africans and to be the first or original cross. The ankh is frequently shown in the hands of prominent Egyptian characters such as pharaohs and kings, symbolizing their longevity.
In addition, the ankh is frequently represented in temples and the hands of critical Egyptian deities such as Osiris, Isis, and Ra. It may also have a physical connotation: the ankh may symbolize water, air, and the sun, which in Ancient Egyptian civilization were supposed to supply and sustain life.
In addition, ankhs were frequently put in sarcophagi to assure eternal life. Although the ankh is a well-known hieroglyph, its origins are obscure. Due to the ankh’s resemblance to the Knot of Isis, some hypothesize that both symbols depict the same thing: an elaborate bow. Other ideas suggest that the ankh represents the union of heaven and earth, the union of masculine and female emblems, or ceremonial belts.
