Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the 20th century. It draws inspiration from various ancient religious practices and traditions. Symbolism plays a significant role in Wicca, as it is used to convey deeper meanings and connect practitioners with their spiritual beliefs. The use of symbols in Wicca helps practitioners focus their energy and intention during rituals and ceremonies. These symbols have specific significances and can represent different aspects of nature, deities, and elements. They are often used as tools for meditation and prayer.
In Wicca and various forms of “white magic,” the encircled, upright pentagram is considered a symbol that provides protection of some kind. Pagan and neo-pagan groups use the pentagram in all manner of rituals and ornamentation because it symbolizes infinity, the binding of the five elements, and protection of the self.
In the mid-1800s, a researcher of magic declared in a book that the inverted pentagram was a symbol of evil because it presented an inversion of the natural order, placing matter over the spirit world. Originally dedicated to Osiris the goddess of motherhood in Ancient Egypt, and then later to Dionysus or Bacchus the Greek and Roman Gods of wine, the latter perhaps because it was thought to prevent drunkenness.
They are often used as tools for meditation and prayer. One of the most common symbols in Wicca is the pentacle, which is a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. It represents the elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
Wicca symbolism significances
Ivy is native to Europe and Russia and has been cultivated in our gardens for centuries. It has been steeped in mythology and cultural meaning since ancient times. Originally dedicated to Osiris the goddess of motherhood in Ancient Egypt, and then later to Dionysus or Bacchus the Greek and Roman Gods of wine, the latter perhaps because it was thought to prevent drunkenness.
Another myth states that it grew around the altar of Hymenaios, the Greek God of Marriage. As such ivy was often presented to the bride and groom as symbol of everlasting life, devotion, fidelity and loyalty. The Greeks also used it to make a crown for Liber, the God of Fertility, as well as poets and other muses. These ancient meanings were later adopted by the Christian faith, when it became a symbol of love, friendship, immortality and death. It is often seen carved on Christian tombs and was once placed on the graves of the dead on All Soul's Day.
Used to treat burns, including sunburn, in the past a medicinal ointment was made with the twigs or leaves with butter as a base. The leaves can also produce black dye, or dark greens and creamy yellows using various mordants.
By the Middle Ages these pagan meanings were deeply embedded in our cultural life, this was reflected in its use as a decoration at Christmas, a practice once banned by the Council of Churches due to its pagan roots. Carols such as 'The Holly and the Ivy' are thought to date from this time and may even be pre-Christian. Interestingly, by the Victorian era its use in this way was perfectly acceptable, perhaps a reflection of its place in the then accepted language of flowers. It is the plant badge of the Clan Gordon which dates back to 1150 and a first Grant of land near Kelso. Since then they have been central to the political and military life of Scotland and famed for their courage as well as the formation of the Gordon Highlanders. Two famous military heroes from the family include General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries (1635-1699), Commander of the Armies of Peter the Great of Russia and General Charles Gordon of Khartoum (1833-1835).
The family are also associated with the English poet Lord Byron - George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) the son of Scottish antecedents who was named after his grandfather on his mother's side, George Gordon of Gight Castle, Aberdeenshire.
An ivy covered Gight Castle
Creative Commons Peter Ward / Gight Castle / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Today Ivy is still regularly seen in bridal bouquets, but few will understand its ancient uses and meanings.
In the mid-1800s, a researcher of magic declared in a book that the inverted pentagram was a symbol of evil because it presented an inversion of the natural order, placing matter over the spirit world. Since then, the inverted pentagram has had associations with occult practices and black magic. The Church of Satan uses the inverted pentagram as part of its copyrighted logo, adding a goat’s head, framed by the star.
The pentacle is believed to be a symbol of protection and balance, and it is commonly used as a decorative item or worn as jewelry by Wiccans. Another significant symbol in Wicca is the triquetra, also known as the Trinity Knot. It is a three-pointed knot that symbolizes the threefold nature of the Goddess and the God in Wiccan belief. The triquetra represents the interconnectedness of the maiden, mother, and crone aspects of the Goddess, as well as the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The moon is a powerful symbol in Wicca, representing femininity, intuition, and the cycles of nature. The phases of the moon often correspond to different Wiccan rituals and magical workings. The full moon is a time for manifestation and casting spells, while the waxing and waning phases are associated with growth and release. In addition to these specific symbols, Wicca also uses various elemental symbols, such as the wand for air, the athame for fire, the chalice for water, and the pentacle for earth. These tools are utilized in rituals to channel and direct energy. Symbols in Wicca can also have personal significance for individual practitioners. Some Wiccans may have their unique symbols or sigils that represent their connection to certain deities or concepts. These personal symbols often carry deep personal meaning and are used in rituals and spellwork. Overall, symbolism holds great importance in Wicca as it helps practitioners connect with their spirituality and focus their intentions. The symbols used in Wicca convey deeper meanings and serve as reminders of the spiritual forces and energies present in nature and the universe..
Reviews for "Sacred Geometry: Exploring its Role in Wiccan Symbolism"
- John - 1 star - I found the book "Wicca Symbolism Significances" to be highly misleading. The author claims to provide insight into the symbolism and meanings behind Wiccan symbols, but the information provided was shallow and lacked depth. I was expecting a deep dive into the history and significance of these symbols, but instead, I was left with vague and generalized explanations. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an in-depth understanding of Wicca symbolisms.
- Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who is genuinely interested in learning about Wicca symbolism, I found this book to be inadequate. The author barely scratched the surface when it comes to explaining the meaning and significance behind Wiccan symbols. The explanations provided were too simplistic and lacked the historical and cultural context I was hoping for. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, leaving me feeling disconnected from the subject matter. I would recommend looking for other resources if you are truly passionate about delving into the rich world of Wicca symbolism.
- Michael - 2 stars - This book fell short of my expectations. The author claims to provide comprehensive explanations of Wicca symbolism, but I found the content to be lacking depth and substance. The explanations were often too superficial, leaving me with more questions than answers. Furthermore, the book lacked clear organization, making it difficult to follow along and retain the information. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan symbolisms.
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