7 Spiritual Symbols
There are certain symbols that are said to have the capability of leaving a strong and even permanent impression in your mind. If you look at the symbol, the details, the colors, everything about it, and focus… you may notice a deep feeling, a knowing a connection.
1. The Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life is a universal symbol that represents many things across different cultures and religions. This symbol represents connection and togetherness; and that you are never alone. The roots of the tree move deep and spread into the earth as the branches reach high in the sky. The Trees network of branches represent growth through generations, connecting one’s family and ancestors.
Starting small and delicate, they grow over time into strong trees that can weather the toughest of storms, and harsh conditions, and still thrive at the end. The Tree is a symbol of rebirth as they lose their leaves and tend to go dormant through the winter, only to rise in the spring with fresh life and a new start. The Tree can bring a sense of calm and peace as it is grounded, so you too may ground and relax.
The Tree of Life is symbolic to the story of Adam and Eve. Symbols of the Tree of Life have been found in archaeological finds dating back to 7000 BC in Turkey. Similar finds were founded by the Acadians, 3000 BC depicting a pine tree as it was believed that pine trees do not die. Ancient Celts believe the Tree of Life represented harmony and balance, leaving one single tree when clearing the land, where they would hold gatherings.
From Christianity to Buddhism to Islam, Judaism and more The Tree of Life is an ancient symbol that is carried on to this day.
2. The Hamsa Hand
The Hamsa Hand has its roots in the middle-eastern culture and has been traced back to ancient Carthage and Mesopotamia. The word Hamsa refers to the five fingers of the human hand. This is in general as the Hamsa has several different names depending on the religion but most religions have similar beliefs in what the symbol represents.
The Hamsa Hand symbolizes the five senses and the chakras energy flow in the human body. The Hamsa symbol is believed to protect from harm against the “evil eye” as well as bring happiness, luck and good fortune. (Evil eye: is considered to be destructive energies that come from negative emotions in the world) Women who would wear a Hamsa amulet would be kept safe as well as help with pregnancies and ensure good fertility.
The Hamsa appears as a hand with three extended fingers and a curved thumb and pinky on either side. While there may be some variations to its appearance, it is used for the same purpose.
It is believed that when the Hamsa hand is facing up, it is a powerful sign of protection against evil, jealousy, and insecurities. This particular one will usually have a symbol of an eye in the palm.
When the hand is facing down, it helps fertility, goodness, and abundance. Some believe it will assist in abundance and manifesting.
3. The Ankh
The Ankh (pronounced Ank or Angk with a long A sound) is likely the most well known symbol from ancient Egypt. The symbol represents eternal life. The Ankh may also be known as the “key of life” or “key of the Nile”.
In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs the Ankh is very important as it is often found in the hands of Gods and Goddesses. Many of these deities would be found holding the Ankh in different ways, each meaning something different, but usually in reference to passing on from physical death to the after-life, therefore eternal life.
Many interpretations of the Ankh have been:
A symbol of balance between opposites, such as male and female. It is believed that the staff may represent the male while the upper part may represent the female uterus symbolizing the reconciliation or connection of the opposites, a unity between both sexes, reproduction and the cycle of life.
Represents joy, energy and fertility.
Wearing the Ankh as an amulet is believed, by some, to help with spiritual healing, protection from negative energies, as well as good fortune.
It may assist in serving as a portal to the “other side” helping with communicating with the Divine.
In all of my research, the Ankh always seems to represent life, whether present or the future and the connection between the two. I find it quite beautiful.
4. The Pentacle and Pentagram
Here is a 2 for 1. For those of you who might be cringing on this one, it’s not what you think. This SPIRITUAL symbol tends to get a bad rap. In my own upbringing, I was taught this was a satanic symbol, in whatever form it is. But in the here and now I find it to be a beautiful symbol of the Universe.
The most basic pentagram is simply a 5-point star. The pentacle is simply a pentagram with a circle (or 2) around it. The base symbol can be drawn non-stop without lifting pen from paper, a fluid motion.
Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs (3100 BCE) showed the pentacle on jars, said to have something to do with the underworld. The pentagram was used in ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures to symbolize the five elements of life. Ancient Babylonian culture used the pentagram to represent various Gods and religious beliefs. In Christian symbolism, the pentagram originally represented the five wounds of Jesus. In Wicca, the encircled upright pentacle may be considered a symbol of protection. Pagan groups have used the pentacle to symbolize infinity, the binding of the five elements and protection of self. (This is a short version of a huge history and meaning.)
Now, the inverted or upside-down pentagram made its first appearance as a negative or evil symbol in the 19th century (This date is from an article I read, and not my opinion). Modern day movies have emphasized this evil aspect. For some it may be a way to explore their shadow side in hopes to combine with their light side. Regardless, this is really up for your own interpretation.
In most cases, I have found, the pentacle or pentagram represent the four elements of earth and nature with the power of the universe or Spirit represented as the fifth element. The circle representing unity. And THIS is why it is beautiful to me. However, each person has their own thoughts, interpretation or beliefs. To each their own.
5: The Yin Yang
The Yin-Yang symbol is probably one of the most famous spiritual symbols known around the world. The symbol concept is of the Chinese culture with records dating back to the Yin dynasty (about 1400-1100 BCE). The symbol was also written about in 2,000 year old medical texts. It is believed that to be healthy one needs to balance the yin and yang forces within one’s body.
There are many definitions to the symbol. Originally, the Yin-Yang symbol is related to the ancient method used to track the movements of the sun, moon, and stars throughout the year.
The philosophy surrounding the symbol suggests the universe is composed of competing and complementary forces of dark and light, sun and moon, male and female. While the world is composed of many opposing forces, these can coexist and complement each other, and at times rely on each other to exist.
The Yin Yang symbol consists of a circle divided into two halves by a curved line. One half of the circle is black, typically representing the Yin side; the other side is white, for the Yang side. A dot of each color is situated near the center of the other’s half. The curved line symbolizes that there are not absolute separations between the two opposites. Bringing the two halves together at the curve and the small dots represents the idea that both sides carry the seed or a piece of the other. The Yin-Yang then symbolizes both sides for unity in diversity, change and harmony.
For me, I love using this symbol. In fact, it is part of my business logo. I believe there is a balance to everything.
6: The Lotus Flower
The Lotus Flower as a symbol is regarded by many religions and cultures around the world. The lotus plant originated in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Hinduism regards the flower as a symbol of beauty, youth, fertility and spirituality. It is believed that the Hindu Lord Brahma emerged from the navel of Vishnu, sitting upon a lotus. In Buddhism, the lotus stands for purity, spontaneity, and beauty. Buddha is depicted sitting upon a lotus in many paintings.
My favorite description of the lotus flower is how it emerges from muddy waters, blooms and opens its petals to the sunshine of enlightenment. It serves as a strong reminder of your journey form the tough times to your positive transformation. Love this!!!
The lotus can bloom in many vibrant colors. In Buddhism, this is what they stand for:
White Lotus: Stands for purity of mind and spiritual perfection.
Red Lotus: A symbol of purity of the heart. It is regarded as a symbol of passion, love and compassion.
Blue Lotus: Blue lotus is a symbol of victory over senses. It signifies knowledge and wisdom.
Pink Lotus: Pink lotus stands for Buddha and his teachings.
Yellow Lotus: to symbolize the Buddha himself as well as rebirth, and purity of the spirit.
For me, I have seen this flower bloom and stand tall. It is beautiful! The picture here is one of the many I have taken.
7: Spirals
After recently visiting a State Park, and seeing the petroglyphs, the Spiral symbol was prominent in so many areas. This led me to doing some research on what the symbol actually means. I found that there are SO many historical references, I won’t be able to come close to naming them all. But here is a short background of this simple yet amazing symbol and its many meanings.
The Spiral symbol is one of the oldest geometric symbols found all over the world. Dating back to approximately 4000-5000 BC, this symbol has been found everywhere from Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, and Malta, to many Indian tribes and more. Usually engraved in many rock formations, the spiral has a few different looks but tends to have similar meanings.
Some spirals were thought to be a ‘sun’ symbol however depending on where they were found, they could have been used for the lunar cycle. Regarding spirituality though the symbol may represent a persons path, leading from the outer consciousness to the inner soul of enlightenment. The spiral can represent a journey of a persons life as it unwinds.
What I find amazing is this symbol is found in so many areas of our regular lives and we may miss it. From certain plants, to shells, to the spiral of a hurricane/typhoon, and let us not forget the galaxy! The spiral is everywhere, older than 5000 BC, it is a symbol of all of time, of life, of not just one single persons path, but our entirety as a race and beyond. We are all together inside a spiral!
AT THE END... symbols are what you, as the individual makes of them. I find all of these beautiful in their own special way as I appreciate life in all of its abundance and knowledge.
Do you have a favorite?
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