Key takeaways

• • Spiritual individuals often employ symbols for protection, as well as prayer for protection and security.
• • Life can become increasingly complex and challenging as we age and gain experiences, making these symbols valuable tools for guidance and clarity.
• • Protective symbols demonstrate humanity’s enduring quest for a connection to the divine and spiritual realms.
• • Regardless of the origin of your chosen symbol—whether Buddhist, Egyptian, Wiccan or from another tradition—these symbols aid in repelling evil spirits and bad luck.
• • Such symbols help keep you grounded and offer a sense of safety and protection.

Throughout time, there have been many different spiritual protection symbols, charms, and sigil used and developed since civilization began. Many of these symbols were created and used simultaneously despite the characteristics of a spiritual person, 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 or if you need a symbol for protection of family or for yourself.

18 Powerful Spiritual Protection Symbols With Explanations

Below 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 a symbol of safety and protection in our lives every day for spiritual protection. 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 magical protection spiritual protection symbols and meanings used in Wiccan and Pagan traditions. Many are used in spellwork or to represent the elements or ideas.

1. Pentacle

This ancient symbol has been around for thousands of years. Each of the four elements is 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. This is one of the most powerful signs of protection.

2. 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 inscribed with other symbols and names of divine origin which is thought to offer its wearer protection against evil forces and negative energies.

3. 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 humors, the four seasons, and of course, the sun.

Unfortunately, this sacred symbol was also used by white supremacists 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 uses them to this very day.

4. 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. 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”, it’s implied that the links can not be broken. Wearing this beautiful symbol of eternal life will help strengthen your connection to self and the divine.

5. 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 one of those things that symbolize protection – representative of the four elements. To the Celts, this cross was a symbol of hope and ambition. 

6. 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 or 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, and one of the things that represent protection. They expressed their ideas using symbols in artwork and tattoos.

7. 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 let go and release and is symbolic of evolution, change, and growth.

8. Waterbird Symbol

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

9. 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 times, amulets objects were used to bring good fortune and protection.  Hieroglyphs, as they are called, were considered to be “The Words of Gods”

10. 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.

11. Djed

The Djed is a symbol of strength and stability and is 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.

12. 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.

13. Valknut

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

14. 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.

15. Mjölnir

This is the correct name for Thor’s 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

16. 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 its wearer against “the evil eye” (also known as “the all-seeing eye) or glares cast by those who are jealous of you or who wish you harm, intentionally or not. 

17. Hamsa

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

18. 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.

19. Eye of Horus

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian emblem known for its protective qualities. It stems from the mythological story of Horus, who lost his eye during a confrontation with the god Set. With the aid of another divine figure, Horus’ eye was regenerated, and he offered it to his late father Osiris to nourish him in the afterlife. This mythic tale has since imbued the Eye of Horus with associations of safety, healing, and abundance.

20. Tyet

The tyet, also known as the Knot of Isis, is an emblem of protection linked to the goddess Isis. This symbol was commonly found in ancient Egypt, highlighting Isis’s legendary mastery of magic and her role as a guardian against foes. In Nubian traditions, tyets were placed alongside mummies to shield them during their journey in the afterlife. Today, the tyet is embraced as an amulet or jewelry piece for its enduring protective essence.

21. Triple Goddess

The Triple Goddess is a powerful Wiccan symbol of feminine energy. It features a waxing, full, and waning moon, each representing the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. These phases capture the essence of youth, nurturing, and wisdom, reflecting the stages of a woman’s life. Together, they illustrate the natural cycle of life, and wearing this emblem is believed to bring strength and protection.

22. Horned God

The Horned God serves as the male counterpart to the Triple Goddess in Wiccan practices, symbolizing masculine power, natural energy, and virility. His emblem is depicted as a full circle topped with an upturned crescent, and wearing this symbol is believed to bestow courage and fortitude. Additionally, the Horned God oversees the realms of death and decay, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings with the earth and the need to protect the world and its inhabitants. Wiccans view the Horned God and the Triple Goddess as complementary equals, working in harmony rather than opposition.

23. Unicursal Hexagram

The unicursal hexagram signifies harmony and balance. Despite its name, “unicursal” has nothing to do with curses; instead, it describes the unique way this six-pointed symbol can be drawn in one continuous line without lifting your pen or pencil. This hexagram is closely associated with the occult philosophy of Thelema, representing the unity and integration of opposites. People often use the unicursal hexagram for spiritual connection and protection.

Thelema is a Western spiritual philosophy established in the 1900s by Aleister Crowley, with many Thelemites aiming to elevate themselves to a higher state of being and discover their true purpose in life. In certain Wiccan practices, the hexagram’s six points symbolize the elements of earth, air, fire, water, spirit, and the divine.

24. Triskele

The triskele is a Celtic emblem signifying interconnectedness. Also known as the triskelion, this symbol is composed of three intertwined spirals. The Celts used it to represent the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone) and the three stages of life: birth, death, and rebirth. It symbolizes protection and serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of all things in life.

Throughout history, the triskele has been adapted by different cultures and religions to represent various concepts. For instance, some Christians interpret it as a representation of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 25. Auseklis Cross

The Auseklis cross is a potent symbol known for its ability to repel evil. This emblem is linked to the sky, stars, and night, and it draws its name from a Pagan deity in Latvian mythology who embodied new life. The Auseklis symbol, an eight-pointed star, is thought to bring illumination to dispel darkness and offer protection.

While some people may perceive the Auseklis cross as a symbol of malevolence, its original intention was to fend off harmful spirits and provide safety.

 

Written by:
Jade Small