Related Terms • labrynth • pentagram • Snake Goddess • Man in the Maze Related Resources • Hellenismos • Gnosticism • Hermetic Tradition  Glossaries  • Symbol Glossary • Alternative Religions Glossary • Afro-Caribbean Religion glossary

The labrys is a double headed ritual axe. It is found in ancient Minoan depictions of the Mother Goddess, where its symbolism is related to the labrynth. The word "labrys" is Minoan in origin and is from the same root as the Latin labus, or lips.

Similar symbols appear on Norse, African, and Greek religious objects, where it is most often a feminine symbol, most likely lunar in origin.

Use of the labrys has been documented on medieval charms used to attract women. Today, it is often used as a sign of identity and solidarity among lesbians.

Cretan Labrys

Related Resources:

• Hellenismos/Greek Revival
  The Hellenistic revival...modern attempts to reconstruct the rich religious traditions of Ancient Greece.
• Religio Romana
  Religio Romana is the main name under which various Neopagan groups attempt to accurately reconstruct ancient Roman Pagan worship.
• Romuva/Lithuanian revival
  Romuva, or the revival of Eastern European Pagan traditions, is one of the oldest Neopagan traditions.