Pagan Symbols

Awen: The three lines make up a modern Druid symbol that takes its name from the Welsh word for inspiration, usually in the form of poetry. Sometimes seen with three dots representing spirit or divinity. Some variations will have the Awen surrounded by circles and/or foliage.


Cauldron: One of many symbols that crosses traditions. The cauldron symbolizes the goddess, receptivity, inspiration, and witchcraft. Some traditions hold that the Holy Grail was originally a cauldron that represented the womb of the Goddess.


Druid Sigil: A modern Druid symbol believed to have originated from the Reformed Druids of North America. As with the Awen, many variations exist usually with the circle being a wreath and the two lines being branches.


Horned God: Symbol used by Wiccans and other Pagans which represents the horned god of nature embodied in gods such as Pan and Cernunnos. Learn more about the history of this god in my lens The Truth About the Horned God of Paganism.


Pentagram: Believed to be of Greek origin - the word meaning five lined. The four lower points of the pentagram correspond to the elements air, fire, water, earth with the top most point being the element of spirit from which all others emanate. Used mostly by modern ritual magicians and Wiccans. The pentacle is an encircled pentagram.


Spiral: An ancient symbol seen in many cultures. Modern Pagans believe it represents the continuity of the life cycle and the inter-relationship of all beings. Commonly used in goddess spirituality. Sometimes seen interposed on goddess images.


Sun Wheel: Several variations exist of the ancient sun wheel including the circle with a dot in the center, a circle divided into six parts and the fylfot also known as the swastika which was distorted by the Nazi Regime for its own dishonorable ends. Equal armed crosses have been found in Celtic artifacts. They are used to represent the sun so important to our agrarian ancestors. It's also used as the medicine wheel in traditions inspired by Native American spirituality, each spoke corresponding to the four directions with the center being spirit.


Thor's Hammer: Modern heathen symbol also called the Mjollnir meaning crusher. In Norse mythology, this is the weapon that Thor used to slay challengers and create thunder.


Triple Goddess: Also called the triple moon symbol showing the waxing, full, and waning moon. It represents the Goddess as Mother, Maiden, and Crone honored mainly in Wiccan and Goddess spirituality traditions.


Triquetra: Variations of this symbol have been found on Germanic coins and in pre-Christian and Christian Celtic art. Modern Celtic spirituality practitioners use it to represent trinities such as the Land, Sky, and Sea. The number 3 is sacred in ancient and modern Celtic culture.


Triskele: The spiral triskele is another symbol found in Celtic art and ancient sites such as burial mounds. Like the triquetra, it is used to represent trinities.


Valknut: Used by modern heathens as a symbol of Odin. The nine points also represent the nine worlds in Norse mythology.


Wheel of the Year/Spirit: The eight sections of this circle represents the Neopagan calendar of eight sabbats. Also a symbol of the element of spirit used in western magical tradition. Learn more about the sabbats in my Pagan Wheel of the Year lens.


World Tree: From worldwide traditions including Yggdrasil in Norse mythology and the Bile tree in Celtic (mainly Irish) myth. The concept of the parts of the tree belonging to different worlds such as the upper, middle, and lower worlds is a common one. There are as many variations of this symbol as can be imagined but a tree growing above ground with the roots visible below is common. Sometimes called the Tree of Life - not to be confused with the symbol of the same name for the Qabala in Jewish and western magical traditions.

The Key of Solomon the King is a medieval grimoire fabled to have belonged to King Solomon.

It's full of symbols for use in all manner of magic spells. Sacred Texts online hosts the version translated by S. Liddell MacGregor Mathers who was a well-known occultist and founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Visit Mathers' version online at Sacred Texts.

Picture credits: Magic circle from the Key of Solomon: Wikimedia Commons. Other illustrations: P.J. Deneen.