“Sometimes the meaning beyond the talisman is greater than the talisman itself. A star has a hint of galaxies.”

― Talismanist Giebra

Throughout time, there have been many different spiritual protection symbols used and developed since civilization began. Many of these symbols were created and used simultaneously despite religion, language and location on earth as barriers. Each of these sacred symbols, whether they be they a symbol of protection, sacred geometry or spiritual symbols, they all carry a unique and powerful message today just as they did when they were created. The symbols listed in this article are some of the most influential symbols known today. Learn about them and how you can use their positive and esoteric power to better your life.

18 Powerful Spiritual Protection Symbols With Explanations

Bellow we have listed 18 ancient symbols, each representing spiritual practices, good fortune or protective properties. Many of these symbols come from civilizations and lineage that were created and established in times of ancient enlightenment. We can use the esoteric knowledge and power from these symbols in our lives every day. You may be the wearer of a protective symbol, or keep an amulet in your pocket for good fortune and good luck, or perhaps you choose to practice magick – whatever you choose, everyone can use these ancient symbols to guide them along their life path or to help them remain in focus and in connection with self.

Wiccan Protection Symbols

Here are three of the most powerful and magickal protection symbols used in Wiccan and Pagan traditions. Many are used in spellwork or to represent the elements or ideas.

Pentacle

This ancient symbol has been around for thousands of years. Each of the four elements are represented by the pentacle symbol; earth, water, wind and fire. The top point of this symbol represents spirit and the circle around it represents unity. By wearing or carrying this talisman you will be shielded and protected from any negative energy you may encounter. The pentacle can also be used when practicing magic to amplify your spell work. Not to be confused with the pentagram. 

Hexagram

It is believed that this symbol was the signet ring of King Solomon and that this ring gave him Magickal powers. 1290 AD coins have the hexagram symbol imprinted on them. During the middle ages, this talisman was considered to be an amulet of protection and it also represented God as an authority. Often, the Hexagram is is inscribed with other symbols and names of divine origin which is thought to offer it’s wearer protection against evil forces and negative energies.

Solar Cross

This protective symbol dates back to before the Bronze age. The Solar Cross is a symbol of the immense power of kings of ancient times. The sun itself was considered to be the most powerful symbol of all. The solar cross represents the four directions, the four elements, the four root races, the four stages of life, the four humours, the four seasons and of course, the sun.

Unfortunately, this sacred symbol was also used by white supremist’s to push their beliefs. 

Celtic Protection Symbols

In all aspects of life, Celtic symbols held a very strong and intense power for the people who lived in Britain and Western Europe from 500 BC and 400 AD. Ireland itself has adopted some of the ancient symbols and use them to this very day.

Triquetra/Celtic Knot 

This ancient symbol represents eternity to many people. In the Christian religion, it also represents the holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Or for wiccans it is known as the Triple Goddess. You will often find this symbol on jewelry and in artwork of Pagan and Celtic origin. Each corner of the knot represents land, sea and sky. Because it is a “never ending knot” or “eternal knot”, its implied that the links can not be broken. Wearing this beautiful symbol of eternal life will help strengthen your connection to self and the Devine.

The Celtic Cross

While many associate this symbol with Christianity, it actually predates the religion by thousands of years! The Celtic cross is thought to represent the four directions, while some believe it’s representative of the four elements. To the Celts, this cross was a symbol of hope and ambition. 

The Dara Knot

The Dara knot was the Celtic symbol of strength.  The name Dara comes from the word “doire,” which is the Irish word for “oak tree.” And what could be more appropriate to represent strength than a mighty oak? Trees were also considered to be our connection to the spirit world with their roots in hell and their branches in the heavens. The lines of this symbol intertwine and have no beginning not end.

Native American Protection Symbols

The Native Americans were always people who were in touch with nature and earth, spirit is and was highly important to them. They expressed their ideas using symbols in artwork and tattoos.

Zia or Sun Symbol

The Zia is a symbol representing the sun. It depicts the rays of the sun stretching outward in four directions. The number four is sacred in this symbol and is embodied in a number of ways such as the compass, the seasons, the periods of the day, life stages and the sacred aspects each one of us must develop in our lifetime. The spiral is representative of the universe always being in motion, and the paths we take to evolve away from ego and materialism. This talisman is useful for help letting go and releasing and is symbolic of evolution, change and growth.

Waterbird Symbol

This symbol shows life renewal, rain, rivers, visions of the wise and the oracle. It is connected with lightning, thunder and visions of the Plains people. The top of totem poles you will often find this symbol carved. The waterbird symbolizes power, strength and nobility.

Hopi Maze or Mother Earth Symbol

This symbol is one of the most important to many Native American tribes, especially the Hopi people. It represents the obstacles and challenges that one has to overcome to evolve spiritually and become one with the divine power. The line running in the center is symbolic of a child while the maze that surrounds this line is Mother Earth.

Egyptian Protection Symbols

Egypt is one of the most ancient civilizations known to man.  Many different symbols come from ancient Egyptian time, amulets objects were used to bring good fortune and protection.  Hieroglyphs, as they are called, were considered to be “The Words of Gods”

Ankh

This ancient symbol is one of the most well known. The loop represents eternal life, the sun, purification and clairvoyance. It was used as an amulet to provide divine protection.

Djed

The Djed is a symbol of strength and stability and linked to the God of the underworld, Osiris, and also Ptah god of creation which makes it a symbol for resurrection and eternal life. a Djed column would often be placed at the bottom of coffins so the soul could rise into the afterlife.

Tjet

This symbol is also known as the knot of Isis. It is a symbol of eternal life and resurrection, a common theme for Egyptian amulets and symbols. It offers protection as well.

Norse Protection Symbols

Spirituality was incredibly important for the Vikings. Scandinavian culture is filled with symbols from Runes to Motives and Norse symbols.

Valknut

This symbol is also known as Odins knot or the heart of Vala, each of the nine corners of each triangle that create this symbol also mean nine worlds of Norse mythology and life cycle through pregnancy and motherhood. The nine points made up from the three overlapping triangles is important because the number nine symbolizes the nine words of northern mythology.

Aegishjalmur

A rune symbol of protection and victory. Today, many people have the Aegishjalmur symbol tattooed on their bodies to serve as an amulet of protection.

Mjölnir

This is the correct name for Thors hammer. This symbol is probably the most important in Norse culture. The God Thor protected people using Mjölnir and today it still represents protection from bad. It also symbolizes Heathenry or Heathenism

Other Ancient Protection Symbols of Note

Evil Eye

Worn as an amulet, this talisman is thousands of years old to the middle east, 3,300 BC Syria. It is said to protect it’s wearer against “the evil eye” (also known as “the all seeing eye) or glares cast from those who are jealous of you or who wish you harm, intentionally or not. 

Hamsa

This symbol is worn as a pendent or amulet by both the Jewish and Muslim faiths, the Islamic community refer to it as the Hand of Fatima. It dates back to the Mesopotamian cult of Ishtar. The palm of the hamsa hand symbol offers protections while each finger (or pillar of faith) represents  Love, Money, Health, Wisdom, and Power.

Om

This Hindu symbol represents the universe itself and enlightenment. For the wearer, it can act as a reminder to be thoughtful and mindful, It is a symbol of oneness and peace.

Key takeaways

Some characteristics of a spiritual person involve the use of symbols for protection. Life often becomes challenging and as it gains in complication ass we grow older and live our lives, but, we can use these powerful symbols to help guide us back to where we need to be. These symbols of protection prove that throughout time, man has always been seeking connection to the divine and spirit. No matter the origin of your chosen symbol, be it Buddhist, Egyptian, or something through wicca, they all will assist in warding off evil spirits and/or bad luck and help you remain grounded and protected.

 

Written by:
Jade Small