First, we must understand what a symbol is. A symbol is an object that stands for or represents an idea or group of ideas. Symbols are a way to communicate, symbols are an exchange of information, focal points and patterns.
The class was broken down into symbolic categories as follows:
* Elemental symbols
* Items and objects
* Alphabets and runes
* Axis mundi symbols
* Solar/Lunar, God/Goddess, Male/Female symbols
* Alchemy, Planets and Zodiac symbols
* Balance and eternity symbols
* Other iconic Symbols
I will start with the four elemental symbols from the Western tradition. The fifth elemental symbol is Spirit.
Note that the symbols for fire and air are triangles that represent the phalice or male entity. The symbols for water and earth are upside down triangles that represent the chalice or female entity.
By overlapping all four of the elementals, you get a hexagram. The Hexagram is also known as the Star of David in Judaism but it is also used in magic.
The five-pointed star also known as the pentacle, pentangle (just the star), and pentagram (any writing of 5) is the most common representation of the 5 elements. We can find the five-pointed star in many places in nature such as the apple core, starfish, flowers (5 petals), and Venus in sky. The use of the pentacle goes back as far as the Greek Pythagoreans blessing themselves with the pentacle sign.
Additional symbolism within the five-pointed star is the number 2 representing the feminine (points of fire and air), and the number 3 representing the masculine (points of spirit, water and earth). By connecting all 5 tips of the pentacle, you create the witches' pyramid.
The diagram below depicts invoking and banishing the element of earth. When invoking any of the elements, you always invoke by tracing the pentagram towards you, and you always banish by tracing the pentagram away from you as if you were dismissing an element.
Even though we all use symbols everyday, and especially the pentacle/pentagram, there are deeper significant meanings behind many of them. I hope that you learned something new that will enhance your practice of magick in everyday life!
Blessed Be,
Lavender
Origin: http://pagan-space.blogspot.com
