Post by bluefedish on Jun 3, 2007 20:16:40 GMT -5
Elven Star: The septagram, a continuously drawn figure having 7 points, is far less common than the pentagram. It's important in Western Kabbalah, where it symbolizes the sphere of Netzach, the 7 planets, the 7 alchemical metals, & the 7 pointed star is also an important part of the seal of the A.A., the inner order of Aleister Crowley's OTO.
Pentagram: A 5 pointed star usually drawn in one continuous line with no beginning & no end. It represents the 4 physical elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water plus Akasha/Spirit. Each point is equaly spaced from teh others because they are all equally important. Often it's said to represent humanity, since the 2 lower points are similar to legs, the top one represents the head, & the remaining 2 are the arms.
Pentacle: a pentagram within a circle, is most recognizable for Pagan & Wicca. The Pentacle represents the integration of body & spirit, & the spiritual mastery of the 4 elements. It represents the interconnectedness of all things, the wheel of life, the cycles of the seasons in endless procession, with no beginning & no end.
Triquetra: This symbolizes the triple aspected goddess (maid, mother, & crone). Some Christians have protested this "appropriation" of the symbol... however, ironically enough, the original Christian fish symbol was derived from an early symbol of venus, on representing female generative organs - making the triquetra perfectly appropriate symbol for a goddess revival. The triquetra is also considered to represent the triplicities of mind, body, & soul as well as the 3 domains of earth according to Celtic legend - earth, sea, & sky.
Triple Moon: A representation of the Triple Lunar Goddess representing the 3 aspects of the moon (waxing, waning, & full) & womankind (maiden, mother, crone).
Healing Hand: Alson known as Hamsa, Hand of Fatima, Kabbalistic Hand, & Khamsa. This is an ancient symbol of protection used by many cultures. It's called the Hand of Fatima by Muslims, the Hamsa Hand in Arabic & Hamesh Hand in Hebrew. There is also strong evidence that this symbol predated Judaism & Islam & refers to an ancient Middle Eastern Goddess whose hand wards off the Evil Eye. There is usually an image in the center of the hand: eye, spiral & heart designs are common. The protective energy is said to attract good luck, happiness, riches, & good health.
Selected Sources:
altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/blwiccansymbols.htm
www.catanna.com/symbols.htm
Pentagram: A 5 pointed star usually drawn in one continuous line with no beginning & no end. It represents the 4 physical elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water plus Akasha/Spirit. Each point is equaly spaced from teh others because they are all equally important. Often it's said to represent humanity, since the 2 lower points are similar to legs, the top one represents the head, & the remaining 2 are the arms.
Pentacle: a pentagram within a circle, is most recognizable for Pagan & Wicca. The Pentacle represents the integration of body & spirit, & the spiritual mastery of the 4 elements. It represents the interconnectedness of all things, the wheel of life, the cycles of the seasons in endless procession, with no beginning & no end.
Triquetra: This symbolizes the triple aspected goddess (maid, mother, & crone). Some Christians have protested this "appropriation" of the symbol... however, ironically enough, the original Christian fish symbol was derived from an early symbol of venus, on representing female generative organs - making the triquetra perfectly appropriate symbol for a goddess revival. The triquetra is also considered to represent the triplicities of mind, body, & soul as well as the 3 domains of earth according to Celtic legend - earth, sea, & sky.
Triple Moon: A representation of the Triple Lunar Goddess representing the 3 aspects of the moon (waxing, waning, & full) & womankind (maiden, mother, crone).
Healing Hand: Alson known as Hamsa, Hand of Fatima, Kabbalistic Hand, & Khamsa. This is an ancient symbol of protection used by many cultures. It's called the Hand of Fatima by Muslims, the Hamsa Hand in Arabic & Hamesh Hand in Hebrew. There is also strong evidence that this symbol predated Judaism & Islam & refers to an ancient Middle Eastern Goddess whose hand wards off the Evil Eye. There is usually an image in the center of the hand: eye, spiral & heart designs are common. The protective energy is said to attract good luck, happiness, riches, & good health.
Selected Sources:
altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/blwiccansymbols.htm
www.catanna.com/symbols.htm
