Wiccan Symbols
I’ve always loved symbology and the Wiccan symbols and tools used in this wonderful spiritual path.
The altar tools used to weave magic are the most powerful and beautiful symbols for me. I’ll list those most commonly found in the Craft.
The pentagram is the much misunderstood symbol of the four elements and spirit. Don’t you just hate it when Hollywood represents it as a maligned symbol of Devil worship. Anyway, I have a beautiful stained glass one hanging in my living room window and a lovely, smooth, wooden one on my altar, carved from oak. The pentacle is the five pointed star with a circle around it and the pentagram is the star without the circle.
As well as encompassing all the elements and spirit, this Wiccan symbol represents the element of earth and is placed on the north area of the altar, usually with the colour green, a bowl of salt or a plant to represent earth.
Chalices are Wiccan symbols of the Goddess, symbolises femininity and water and is placed on the west area of the altar with the colour blue. It holds wine in certain Wiccan rites namely Wine and Cakes and the Great Rite.
The wand represents creation and is traditionally the length of the owner’s forearm. It’s fun making your own – I made mine from beech wood. The wand represents fire and can rest on the south area of the altar along with the colour red.
The athame, or the witches’ ritual knife, is used to cut air and cast the Circle in which a witch performs her magical works. The athame represents the element of air and sits on the east side of my altar with the colour yellow.
I mentioned the Circle above. The Circle is one of the most powerful Wiccan symbols and is a most sacred space which protects and holds the magical energy performed within its boundary.
On that note I wouldn’t be a witch without my besom or broomstick which is traditionally used to symbolically sweep and cleanse the Circle. I actually don’t use mine for this purpose, but it sits outside my front door and is used to keep the entrance clear of leaves! I bought it in Glastonbury and it reminds me of that wonderful, spiritually charged place! Besoms are leapt over at handfastings to signify moving from one stage of life to another.
The last but not least in the Wiccan symbols is the Book of Shadows. This is an important part of a witch’s Craft in which is recorded all magical workings and their results along with any thoughts and feelings along the way.
