Did you know that pagan symbols are all over the place?
Pagan symbols are used for jewelry, magic, and as a means to connect with people on a deeper level.
In fact, some Pagan symbols and traditions are so popular that they are even used in other religions. Some of these symbols have become so widespread that most people are not even aware of their pagan origin.
So what are these popular symbols?
Read on to find out the ten most common pagan symbols.
1. Air Symbol
A triangle with a line drawn through the upper middle is the pagan symbol for air.
This symbol makes up one of the four essential elements (we’ll get to the other three later).
It represents the breath of life as well as the soul.
Air is associated with the colors white and yellow. It is also typically associated with wisdom, communication, and the mind. Because of this, air is often also represented by a fan, feathers, or incense rather than a triangle.
In fact, some cultures consider a triangle sitting on its base to be a masculine symbol. Therefore, they avoid using it as a representation of air and instead use it as a representation of fire.
Pagans use the symbol of air in rituals to visualize their troubles being carried away and to have their positive thoughts carried to those who are far away.
2. Earth
Another of the four classical elements, Earth is thought to be the ultimate symbol of the divine feminine.
Earth is typically represented by an inverted triangle with a line drawn through the base.
Pagans associate the symbol of earth with the colors green and brown. It is also typically associated with abundance, fertility, and prosperity.
A typical pagan ritual to connect with the earth often consists of sitting outside in a beloved spot on a sunny day and meditating.
3. Fire
Fire is the third essential element, and as we stated earlier, it is often associated with masculinity.
An upwards facing triangle without any lines drawn through it is the most common symbol for fire. So there’s good chance you run into this symbol fairly often!
Fire is a two-edged sword, as it can destroy but can also create new life.
Fire is most commonly associated with truth, transformation, change, and the masculine aspect of the Divine. It is said to hold the key to all science and all wisdom as well.
4. Water
While fire is associated with masculinity, water is the symbol that is most often associated with femininity.
The element of water is symbolized by an inverted triangle with no line through it. It is the fourth of the essential elements as well.
Pagans associate water with purification and healing. It is often used in rituals that involve love and other fluid emotions.
Pagans incorporate water into their rituals by allowing streams or rivers to carry away any negative emotions they may be carrying.
Water is a symbol that is also commonly found in Greek and Roman mythology, as well as in many other folklores and traditions.
5. Pentacle
The five-pointed star with a circle around it is one you have probably noticed most often in jewelry and other aesthetic designs.
The pentacle represents the four classical elements as well as a fifth element. This fifth element is known as the self or the spirit.
During pagan rituals, the pentacle is often traced in the air. Many pagans make homemade pentacles out of simple ingredients such as pipe cleaners and hang these around their homes.
Often pentacles will be comprised of four different colors to represent each of the four essential elements. Blue represents water. Green represents earth. Yellow or white represent air. And red represents fire.
This symbol is associated with protection.
6. Ankh
The Ankh is actually an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph, and it is the symbol of eternal life.
This symbol is most commonly represented by a cross with a loop at the top. Some theorize that the loop represents the rising sun, the vertical line represents masculine energy, and the horizontal line represents feminine energy.
Another simpler theory states that the ankh is a symbol of the sandal strap. Others view it as a phallic symbol. Regardless, this symbol is most often associated with protection and life everlasting.
It is often traced in the air during rituals to ward off evil.
7. Elven Star
Not to be confused with the word eleven, the elven star is a seven-pointed star that is associated with many different traditions.
The number seven serves as a representation of many things for pagans as well. For example, the seven days of the week or the seven pillars of wisdom.
8. Celtic Shield Knot
For those of Irish descent, the Celtic shield know should certainly be recognizable.
It appears in cultures around the world and has taken on a variety of different forms.
This symbol appears circular in shape and is broken into four sections. Each section is comprised of a series of knots.
The Celtic knot is thought to be a symbol of protection with the four sections representing the four essential elements.
It is common to see tattoos for Celtic pagan symbols.
9. Sun Wheel
The sun wheel is a symbol that is represented by a circle divided into eight equal-sized sections.
It represents the wheel of the year and the eight pagan sabbats (festivals).
The sun wheel is associated with fire and magic as well as fire and masculine energy.
10. Triple Moon
A full moon with two half moons connected on each side is the symbol for the triple moon.
The triple moon represents all three phases of the moon- when it is full, waxing, and waning.
The waxing moon on the left side represents new life and new beginnings. The full moon in the middle represents magic when it is most powerful. And the waning moon on the right represents magic when it is banished.
Pagan Symbols Wrap Up
Now that you know what about these common pagan symbols, we hope you have fun identifying them in your everyday life.
Please drop a comment below if you have any questions about any of these symbols.
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