| Wicca symbols have been with us for centuries but | | | | viewed it as a mathematical perfection. As much |
| are still as relevant to modern day Pagans and | | | | misunderstood as the pentacle, it has also been |
| Wiccans as they ever were. Although there is some | | | | considered connected with dark forces, particularly |
| variation in the symbols from group to group, they | | | | when inverted. |
| are more often consistent in the conditions that they | | | | But there are signs that things are changing and |
| represent than not. This is an article on some of the | | | | Wicca is starting to shake off these old style views. |
| most popular and potent symbols, which I have | | | | In April of 2007 in America, it was ruled that the |
| chosen because to me, they most strongly embody | | | | pentacle would be recognised and issued in military |
| Wicca and what it stands for. | | | | cemeteries and for tombstones, where previously |
| One of the most instantly recognisable of Wicca | | | | this had been denied. |
| symbols is that of the pentacle - also known as the | | | | So, what do the individual Wicca symbols that make |
| Witch's Foot. It is a 5 point star in a circle and each | | | | up the pentagram represent in themselves? |
| point represents (going clockwise and starting at the | | | | Earth is sometimes formed as a Wicca symbol by |
| top): | | | | using the quartered circle, the perfect cross within |
| The Spirit | | | | the sphere or alternatively as an inverted triangle |
| Earth | | | | with a horizontal line half way up. The symbol of |
| Air | | | | earth is a feminine energy - earth and Mother Nature |
| Fire | | | | are often one and the same. It is the very |
| Water | | | | foundation of our existence. |
| The circle around them unifies and binds them all. This | | | | The Wicca symbol of air is almost the same as the |
| Wicca symbol is extremely important and powerful | | | | triangle symbol for earth but the triangle is upright. |
| as it represents you and your place within the world | | | | This element is all around us, essential for life itself |
| and its elements - you are the spirit. Each has equal | | | | but also invisible so an element that we can easily |
| placing, and to take out one element would be to | | | | take for granted. This symbol urges us to honour and |
| change the very nature of the union. | | | | respect it. On Wiccan altars, incense is often used on |
| This is the symbol that Wiccans wear to identify | | | | the east to represent air. |
| themselves and others with, making it the most | | | | Water and fire also use the triangle but without the |
| identifiable mark of the Wiccan religion. It is worn | | | | lines through them. Fire is upright and water is |
| with pride, and to mark the wearer's dedication to, | | | | inverted. |
| and respect for nature. | | | | The force and destructive power of fire cannot be |
| However, wearing this Wicca symbol is not without | | | | mistaken. It is wondrous to behold when contained, |
| potential issues. There has long been a great | | | | but there is an ever present sense that it could take |
| misunderstanding that Wicca is somehow connected | | | | control from your hands at any time. This Wicca |
| with dark forces, even Satanism. Fortunately, this | | | | symbol acts as both a reminder and a warning to |
| could not be further from the truth. In fact, the | | | | take seriously the great force that nature can be. |
| wearer is stating that they are on a Magickal path, | | | | Water is the giver of life as well as deep and |
| but one which will take them away from evil, not | | | | mysterious. Many people find that they have a great |
| towards it. It signifies their desire to worship and | | | | affinity with water and the sea, more so than the |
| honour natures in all its forms, and with respect for | | | | other elements as it seems to personify so many |
| its great power. It is a personal pledge to give to | | | | human emotions and characteristics. It is hard not to |
| nature and not to take from it unnecessarily. | | | | stand and watch the ocean without feeling at one |
| Very similar to the pentacle, is the Wicca symbol of | | | | with it. |
| the pentagram - the 5 pointed star of the pentacle | | | | These core Wicca symbols are only a few of the |
| but which stands alone. This dynamic symbol | | | | hundreds that you can study to further your |
| represents the perfection found in nature and may | | | | understanding of both Wiccan and the planet that we |
| be more familiar to you than you think - think of | | | | inhabit, instilling a respect that will make you feel |
| Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man! Pythagoreans also | | | | more complete. |