The Italian word for owl, strix, or strega, means ‘witch’, and provides a hint to the owl’s symbolic connection to witchcraft. The owl is a nocturnal bird, which leads some to believe it has information of occult knowledge, cover information, and secrets. Since some owls like to make their nests in abandoned homes, some have believed that they are connected to decay.
Composed of three interlocking triangles, the valknut has many different theories surrounding its significance. One story goes that the valknut is the heart of a Jotun. Another says that it symbolizes Odin’s power to bind and unbind. The symbol may have had a role in practices surrounding death, due to appearing next to Odin on burial gifts.
The name ‘valknut’ is a modern invention and was not mentioned during the time the symbol was used.
A symbol belonging to the Native Americans, it depicts a man leaving or entering a maze. It represent the choices and decisions one must make during their lifetime. The center is dark, symbolizing the unknown future. Tt is bright, for the present and familiar things.
The black sun indicates the idea of the world going wrong, disastrous events and death. The symbol above, called the Sonnenrad, or Sun Wheel, was based on the design of early medieval broaches, some of which had a swastika in the center.
The rays numbered 5 to 12, denoting the passage of the Sun through the months of the year.
The Black Sun was used by wartime German occult mystics and is still employed by some neo-nazis.
In alchemy, it is believed that there are two Suns: one of pure “philosophical gold”, and the other the base “material gold.” The Black Sun symbolizes the unworked matter that needs to be developed.
The single headed axe is symbolic of the power of light, and is often seen as a favored weapon of many gods.
The double headed axe resembles the tau cross. It’s name suggests that it is connected to the labyrinth. It is sometimes seen over the head of a bull or ox. In rituals, a labrys would be used to slaughter a bull.
The labrys has strong links to female Amazonian women, and many lesbian groups adopted this symbol in the 1970s.
Talismans are usually designed with a particular intention in mind, such as good luck or good fortune. The maker must follow a strict set of rules, making sure it is coordinated with the day of the week, its ruling angel, its ruling planet and the hours.
Also known as the Witche’s Knot or Charm, this symbol is made of four vesica piscis shapes, with an optional inner circle included. It can be used as a symbol of protection and was often used as an anti-witch symbol during the Middle Ages. It was also used by witches to control the weather. There are many variations of a magic knot.
The Enso (Japanese for ‘circle’) symbolizes eternity, the perfect meditative state, the ‘nothing’, and enlightenment. It is drawn with one quick brush stroke, usually on silk or rice paper.
Hoopoes is known to some as an ‘unclean’ bird and should not be eaten, due to it’s unkempt nesting habits. In tombs in Crete and Egypt, it is depicted as being associated with the magic and the supernatural. It is also believed to be able to communicate between the world of the spirit and world of matter.
Seen in varied forms around the world, it is an ancient Solar symbol, resembling a winged Sun. Ancient Assyrians connected it to their Sun God, Shamash. The wings and disc indicate the eternity, the Sun, and the communication between man and the Gods.
