HEX SIGNS - WITCH SYMBOLS

This hex sign symbolizes the four elements and the four seasons. It represents the earth protected by the sun. It is also a prayer for plenty, fertility, and balance in life's sorrows and joys.

A very popular hex sign, where the entire annual cycle is enclosed by the dual protection of the circle and the eight-rayed star, symbols of life and balance.

The Gardnerian Pentacle is a copper disc, about eight inches in diameter, which has a number of markings etched into it. These are the Third-Degree symbol, with First and Second on either side of it; symbols for the God and the Goddess; and the symbols for the Salute and the Scourge.

THE TRIPLE GODDESS

The three phases of the moon represent the three phases of the life of the Triple Goddess - the waxing moon is the Maiden, the full moon (Esbat) is the Mother, and the waning moon is the Crone. Each symbol can also stand on its own to represent a particular Goddess. Sometimes a double-headed axe blade is used to represent this Triplicity.

THE SCYTHE

The rounded blade of the scythe has been long associated with the entity known as Death. It has come to symbolize reincarnation to pagans because it not only cuts down life (as in a wheat field), but provides food that sustains life.

THE EIGHT-POINTED STAR

Sometimes called an octagram, this star was used in northern and western Europe to represent the Wheel of the Year and the eight solar Sabbats.

THEBAN ALPHABET

The Theban letters have been adapted into paganism and are used for writing and decoration. This symbol is used at the end of communications and has come to mean all endings.

OGHAM WRITING

The Celts developed this writing system for carving on tools, stones, and other hard objects. The system consists of a center line with other lines representing sounds.

Cernunnos

As the triple goddess is the Divine Feminine, so the horned god is the Divine Masculine. Not all Wicca groups recognize (or worship) the male aspect. The horned god is not Satan, nor is he evil. He does represent the coarser tendencies of humanity, though, as well as representing the sun to the goddess's moon. The horns were originally stag-like branching but have become more bull-like recently, the curving shape echoing the shape of the crescent moon of the goddess. Cernunnos is the Celtic god of the wild forest, in some respects like Dionysus in Greek myth. He is almost exclusively shown with branching antlers.



Though we've discussed sacred geometry and its importance at length, not all sigils are geometric—or even strictly balanced. Such sigils are particularly common when associated with the "spirits" of nature, and the weaknesses of humanity. Remember, sigils are meant to invoke magic and to contain the power once it is drawn. So, even though a sigil might not appear strictly even, there is purpose behind every line and curve. Many modern artists and witches have taken to the internet to sell their skills at designing sigils for personal use. Some of these efforts are quite spectacular and beautiful, while others are forbidding and frightening.