Alternative Religion/ Dictionary of Symbols

There are many symbols associated with Wicca and modern pagan belief. Some of the most universal Pagan symbols are:

The pentacle, a pentagram within a circle, represents the integration of body and spirit, and the mastery of the four elements. The pentacle is used in a number of Wiccan rituals, and as a Grade sign. It is often worn as a symbol of recognition amongst practitioners, especially those who practice a code of secrecy:

Hidden pentacles are pentacles disguised in more intricate designs, and may be worn when it is not safe or appropriate to wear a standard pentacle:

For a thorough explanation of the history and meaning of this symbol: Pentagram.

A stylized representation of the Horned God, who represents the masculine aspect of the universe, the archetypal horned Shaman, also related to the Greek Pan, the Celtic Cernunnos, and the Egyptian Ammon. This symbol is sometimes called the "horn moon," and as such, is a symbol of the Goddess Diana, especially in Dianic Wicca.

There are several representations of the Lunar Triple Goddess symbol, representing the three aspects of the moon (waxing, waning, and full) and womankind (mother, maiden, crone), as well as the Lady, or Goddess:

The eight pointed wheel of the year symbol marks the Solstices and Equinoxes, important holy days in the Wiccan Ritual calendar. It is derived from the sun wheel, or solar cross:

The cauldron is drawn from ancient Celtic mythology. The Celts used cauldrons for food and for ritual use, where it symbolized abundance, and divine inspiration. As a ritual tool, it is mostly symbolic. Often used to represent the fire or water elements, it is also used for scrying, for mixing herbs, for consecration, or to hold the ingredients for a spell. It is generally held to be a feminine symbol:

The image of Cernunnos, a Celtic horned deity who is often considered the origin of the concept of the Wiccan horned God, symbolizes the power of nature, especially the domnain of forests and the animals that dwell in them:

The familiar symbol below is a simplified sillouette of a paleolithic Egyptian mother Goddess, probably a prototype of the Goddess Isis, and is often used to symbolize the "Lady," the feminine deity of Wicca:

The so-called witch's sign is used in some traditions to mark ritual tools. It is similar to the solar cross, but its exact origin is unknown:

Hecate's wheel is an ancient Greek symbol, and is an emblem of the Moon Goddess Hecate, and her triple aspect:

The Emblem of Seax-Wicca, an Anglo-Saxon influenced branch of Wicca, symbolizes the sun, moon, and the eight Sabbats, or holy days:

The "Elven star," or seven pointed star, is associated with practitioners of "Fairy" Wicca:

Traditional Wiccan ritual tools:

The four most commonly used ritual tools in Wicca are derived from the tools used by Ritual magicians of the Renaissance. They symbolize the four ancient elements, and are used ritually to channel their powers. They are directly related to the suit signs on tarot cards and the four worlds of the kabbalah.

The cup or chalice:

the athame or ritual dagger (sometimes, a sword):

The dish, or paten, also known as a pentacle in most Wiccan and Ritual magick traditions:

The wand:

Related Symbols:

See Also:

Occult Symbols

Asatru symbols

Symbols of Astrology and Alchemy

Celtic Symbols

Elsewhere on About:

Wicca/Paganism
Terri Paajanan is your Guide to Wicca/Paganism on About.com.