Protection symbols and their meanings
For many centuries, ✅the ancient symbols of protection from harm existed in different cultures. They are a source of spiritual power, strength symbolism, psychological and mental relief. Many people had faith in their energy powers as well as in several protective deities.
These symbols that represent protection and beliefs exist in every culture and have thrived throughout history. The same symbol can have different meaning in cultures.
These are symbols for protection from evil spirits, demons and negative energies and also some bring good fortune.
Symbols protection come from past times and different spiritual paths. Norse, Wiccan, Egyptian, Pagan, Celtic, Witch, Native American, Judaeo-Christian and many others. Besides, each magical symbol has a different energy and function.
Since the beginning of time, protective power spiritual symbols and signs have ward off bad luck and evil. The threat might come in the form of the disease, wild animal, injuries or war. Divine symbols was a source of hope when there is no other remedy.
Spiritual Protection Symbols and their meanings
The following are the main protection symbols names. Symbolic elements used in jewels, amulets and runes home protection.
Pentacle
The pentacle is one of the ancient symbols of protection in the Wiccan religion. This protective symbol is made of the pentagram enclosed in the circle. The circle surrounding the star symbolizes the connection and relationship between the elements. It is also believed to evoke the aura or energy field that surrounds the body.
The Pagans believe that the five points of the star represent the four elements. They are fire, water, air and earth and the fifth element of “spirit or self.”
Worn as a symbol of faith and as a protective glyph by Wiccans and pagans. The pentacle is an ancient symbol that exists since medieval ancient times.
The five points represent the five wounds of Christ while the Circle of Power cast a spell of defense. It is one of the most potent symbol to defend from evil spirit energies and attacks from spirits and demons. This symbol is in designs, especially jewelry.
The Eye of Horus
The Eye of Horus is one of the most enduring protective symbols in history. It has its origin in ancient Egyptian amulets and artwork. Its meaning is the divine power, parental protection, healing and royal power.
People believe that the All-Seeing Eye protects anything it looks upon. The Eye also symbolizes eternal life and rebirth through the myths of the Sun God (Ra). That is why it is in decorations in Egyptian tombs. It is an amulet against ill-wishers and evildoers.
According to history, Horus was the son of god Osiris and his wife (and sister). He was the god of healing.
People of Ancient Egypt believe his Eye watches over the faithful wherever it was placed.
It was painted on coffins to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife. Pagans embraced the Egyptian belief of it and wore it as a talisman.
They also believe it has healing powers. So it is a common decoration for protective amulets, symbols and other designs.
Ankh
Also known as ancient Egyptian Cross, this is one Wiccan symbol of protection from the ancient Egypt. The Ankh signifies life, immortality in many cultures.
Egyptians often refer to as the “key of life.” It is prevalent in the tombs of the Pharaohs. The Egyptians are also said to regard as a symbol of the powers of the sun. As well as conception and the start of a new life.
In Latin, it means ‘cross with a handle’ (crux ansata). It also depicts the union of the God and the Goddess. It also represents the infinitive creative power of the universe.
Triple Moon
This is the most sacred representation of the Moon Goddess (Mother Goddess). It represents the triple goddess and is a feminine power and the connection of women to the Moon Goddess.
It signifies the three stages of the moon- waxing, full and waning. The Goddess goes through them every month. (This has also a relationship with the female menstrual cycle).
The triple moon also symbolizes the maiden, mother and crone stages. They are the three phases of womanhood.
These ancient protective symbols are the triple goddess in some traditions. The first crescent or waxing moon signifies rejuvenation, new beginnings, and new life.
The full moon is in the center. It represents the period when the magic is it’s most potent. The waxing moon comes last. This crescent symbolizes protection, the waning moon, and it’s a time to do banishing magic and send evil away.
Medusa
Medusa, a mythical Greek queen, had the head of a snake and the body of a woman. She was considered cursed and therefore most people avoided looking at her face. In ancient times the image of the Medusa was used on doors, floors, walls, coins and clothes as a protector and caretaker to ward off evil.
Wendigo
The wendigo symbol is a mysterious figure of Native North American folklore. The symbol was often used to represent danger and death, but it also symbolized the power of good luck and prosperity.
In the modern times, wendigo has grown into a cultural icon representing some kind of bad luck or misfortune. It is an important part of Native American mythology. Some people believe that the presence of wendigo in their lives is connected to bad or unfortunate events.
Cacti
The cacti symbol is used to indicate the presence of a plant. It was used by the ancient Romans to identify plants as they grew in regions that were still desertic. It is mainly found in the hot and dry areas. Its properties are protection, care and maternal love meaning.
Mistletoe
The mistletoe protection symbol is an ancient Celtic symbol of protection. It is a cross with a thin line running through the middle and seven leafless branches sprouting from it. The mistletoe, which grows on the lowest branches of the tree, is used in paganism and has long been a symbol of Christianity.
Triquetra
The triquetra represents the holy trinity. Wiccans regard as a knotwork that protects from evil. It has also a connection between the mind, body, and soul. Celtic pagans believe it is the three realms of the earth, sea, and sky.
The uniqueness of this powerful icon to the Wiccans is that it depicts the power of threes. Which is in line with the Wiccan beliefs.
The Origin of the triquetra dates back to the 11th century. It was in Nordic and Celtic inscriptions. It was also in Germanic coins and Swedish runes. Also referred to as the Celtic Shield knot, the Triquetra is sometimes a protective symbol by Pagans and Celtic Christians. The circle also represents eternity as it has no end.
The helm of Awe
The Helm of Awe is a powerful protection symbol of Norse mythology. Its shape is mysterious. It is made up of eight lines from a central point that look like arms that end in the shape of a trident. These eight arms symbolize defending the center and protecting from the outside.
Protection runes
Runes are an ancient form of writing. They were used to protect the owner’s person, property and other goods during war. In order to prevent the runes from getting damaged and so that they could be read, they were carved into the walls and various objects.
Currently they are placed in homes to take care of all the house.
Sigils
A sigil is a magickal symbol that is used to do care magic usually in a ritual. They have evolved and that have taken different uses over time. Initially sigils were seen as a specific mark of an entity or energy but later, and especially with the appearance of chaos magic, they began to be used as a way to represent what is expected to be obtained or transformed.
Five Pointed Star
The five pointed star is a star shape equilateral protection symbol. It comes from ancient egypt and the egyptian hieroglyph with five points.
Hamsa
The hamsa or hand of fatima is an ancient palm shaped popular amulet to protect. The origin of this amulet is Muslim and Jewish, its use is widespread throughout the Middle East and North Africa. It protects you from evil eyes. It is believed to have a meaning similar to that of “May God be with you” or “May God bless you”. The hamsa symbol is the most common protective amulet in jewelry.
The hammer of Thor
This protective symbol represents the hammer of Thor, the Norse god of thunder and strength. Legend has it that it is a protective symbol for the gods of the Nordic countries, so it is associated with the protection of European states such as Germany and the Netherlands.
As an amulet, Thor’s hammer is believed to ward off bad energies and provide protection against enemies.
Arrows
The arrow as a symbol widely used also as a tattoo has a common use in the culture of Native Americans. Its representation is a weapon whose meaning is defense in war and protection against evil. If the arrow points to the right it has a meaning of protection shield while if it points to the left it is a protective symbol against evil. When two arrows are drawn together in a circle, which is very common in couple tattoos, it means group or family defense.
Cross- Christians
It holds the cross as sacred. It represents Jesus Christ’s love and ultimate sacrifice.
Crescent Moon
It is the most sacred symbol of the Islamic religion. This religious symbol represents victory over death and evil forces.
Two-Headed Eagle
The double headed eagle means authority power and the all-seeing Gods of the skies.
Dream Catcher
Chases away bad dreams and only let good ones pass through.
Dragon
In some oriental cultures, the dragon is a protective force (it represents the devil in other religions).
Horseshoe
A horseshoe is a round piece of metal, wood or stone that is used as a rest for horses and other animals. Said to bring good luck and ward away evil.
Om
A Hindu term used as a sacred prayer to wake up one’s consciousness.
Evil Eye
The evil eye, a term in the folklore of some countries, refers to an evil or malevolent gaze. The name is derived from the fact that when someone looks at you directly, you can be sure that it is not only your eyes that are staring back at you but also an invisible gaze in return.
It is also a protective symbol from evil.
Golden Spiral
This sacred geometry shape symbolizes positivism and prosperity in most cultures.
Unicorn
Legend depicts this creature as a symbol of wisdom, healing, eternal life and power.
Wish-Bone
The English believe this signifies good luck and they often make a wish as they break it into two.
Hecate’s Wheel
It is associated with the goddess Hecate in the Greek religion and tradition, the wheel symbolizes power, life. It also represents in ancient Greece the three aspects of the goddess which as a maiden, mother and crown. This makes it popular among feminists.
Solar or Sun Cross
The solar cross is a cross with equal arms and a circle surrounding it. It summon the power of the Sun and get rid of negative energy.
The egyptian Scarab
It comes from Egyptian mythology. Ancient egyptians use it a luck and defense image.
Mars Sign
The mars symbol is a geometrical figure used in mathematics and celestial navigation. It is used to represent the motion of the planet Mars. It is also used in astronomy to determine the position of a given body at any given time.
Others
- Egyptian knife
- The flower of life
- Yin yang
- hexagram
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of protection symbols
We can classify them according to their origin and typology in the following:
Which is the Protection Symbol for family
The triquetra (father, mother,child) is the sign that represents the family protection and also two arrows in a circle.
What is the symbol for positivity and protection
The lotus flower would be the best fit. It is commonly used as a tattoo.
Which is the protective symbol from Evil
The evil eye is the protective sign from evil.
Conclusion
There are many protection symbols from cultures all around the world.
People use it as jewelry (see amulets and talismans).
Also to connect with the spirit and on a deeper level. Many provide a greater understanding of the spiritual world as well as protection.
The powerful Protective Symbols ascribe a layer of defense against supernatural and physical enemies. They have proven both popular and effective and provide mental peace to the wearer.
These symbols for protection hold different meanings, based on culture.