9 Top Symbols of Magic And Their Meanings

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While there is no archaeological or historical evidence of the existence of ancient magician Djedi of Djed-Sneferu, the first known magic performance is reputed to have been done by him. It happened in ancient Egypt around 2700 BC.

Dedji had supposedly performed other magic tricks as told in the legendary Westcar Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian text with five stories telling about miracles performed by priests and magicians.

The use of symbols for magical purposes has been commonplace since at least 12,000 years ago. These symbols were mostly seen as sigils, which are a type of pictorial signatures of spirits or deities.

In the West, the concept of magic has Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman roots, taking shape in northern Europe during the medieval and early modern period.

From there, magic spread across the globe through European exploration and colonialism. Today there are magic symbols found all over the world, some dating as far back to 10,000 BC.

Here are 9 top symbols of magic and what they represent.

9 Top Symbols Of Magic And Their Meanings

1. Wand

The wand symbol is representative of the element of air and is used in casting spells, bestowing blessings, and charging objects.

While best known as an instrument used in witchcraft and magic, wands are also associated with the Greek god Hermes, calling to mind the caduceus or the staff of Hermes. The wand symbol represents the element of Air.

Wands are usually portrayed as being made of wood, some sprouting a few leaves. The latter in turn connects the wand symbol to Yggdrasil (the World Tree) and the Buddhist Bodhi Tree of Enlightenment, as well as the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The wand is believed to be representative of various things. Since wands are used to channel energy in witchcraft, they symbolize energy and transformative power. They also represent healing, in connection with Moses’ staff that cured the Israelites from snake bites in the wilderness.

2. Dragon’s Eye

The Dragon’s Eye is an ancient Germanic symbol used as a talisman of protection. It is depicted as an equilateral triangle pointing downward with a figure that resembles the letter “Y” in the center, which links the three points of the triangle together.

The Dictionary of Symbols claims that the Dragon’s Eye combines the triangle which means “threat” and the “Y” that signifies a choice between good and evil.

As a universal amulet of protection, the Dragon’s Eye is believed to protect its owner or whoever recites the incantation to it.

3. Pentagram

One of the most recognizable symbols of magic, the pentagram is a five-pointed star created by drawing five straight segments or lines.

Not to be confused with pentacle, which is a famous Wiccan symbol, pentagram is commonly interpreted as a symbol of protection against evil. The pentacle symbol is a star within a circle while a pentagram is a five-pointed star which is also known as star pentagon or pentangle.

In Taoist culture, a pentagram illustrates how the five elements – earth, water, wood, fire, and metal – are related.

The pentagram was also used as a Christian symbol during the ancient times, representing the five wounds inflicted on Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.

4. Egg

The egg, which symbolizes new life, is considered the perfect symbol of magic in various cultures and society. The egg symbol is the representation of the life cycle itself and is prominently featured in legends and folklores.

Eggs appear frequently in American folk magic and superstitious beliefs. A farmer should “set” his eggs under broody hens only during the full moon or they won’t hatch. Eggs are carried around in a woman’s bonnet in the belief that it would provide the best pullets. Eggs kept in a man’s hat all produce roosters.

In the Appalachian folklore, an egg that’s too small to cook is tossed on the house roof to “appease the witches.”

If an egg shell is tossed into the fire on May Day and a spot of blood on the shell appears, it signifies that whoever threw the egg shells is going to die soon.

An old English belief also says that a girl who wants to see her true love must place an egg in front of a fire during a stormy night. When the storm gets wild, the man she is destined to marry will come through the door and pick up the egg.

5. The Quarters / The Elementals

The Quarters or the Elementals, also called the Four Elements, comprise of the 4 basic elements: Water, Air, Earth, and Fire. In ancient beliefs system, these elements were said to be the critical energy forces that sustained life and the basics when casting any spells.

The symbol also signifies the four different directions – with north being connected to air, east to earth, south to fire, and west to water.

6. Wolfsangel

The Wolfsangel – German for “wolf’s hook” – was a symbol believed by medieval pagans to ward off wolves and possess magical powers. It is sometimes referred to as a runic symbol because the Z-symbol Wolfsangel looks similar to the Eihwaz rune, which is historically part of the runic alphabet.

In medieval times, the Wolfsangel was a wolf hunting technique wherein the hook was hidden in a chunk of meat that would impale the unsuspecting wolf who ate the meat used as a bait.

As a symbol, the Wolfsangel was popular in Germany where it was associated with magical powers. It appeared on early German banners and town seals in forested areas where wolves existed in great numbers.

7. The Horned God

The Horned God symbol is associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, hunting, and the life cycle. Depicted as a circle with a pair of horns (or a crescent moon) on its top.

The horns or antlers of the Horned God are symbolic of the union of the divine and the animal (which includes humanity).

The Horned God serves as a symbol of fertility, but in magic it is used as a spell cast in hunting – to ensure a successful hunt.

8. Sriramachakra and Seetha Chakra

Otherwise known as Ramachakra or Ramar Chakra, Sriramachakra is a mystic diagram that serves as an astrological device in Tamil Naduy, used in predicting one’s future.

Sriramachakra is a magic square composed of a square divided into smaller squares by equal numbers of lines. A smaller mystic diagram called Seetha Chakra is a magic square which comprises an arrangement of 9 small squares in 3 rows and 3 columns.

Both chakras serve in predicting the future used by believers. This is done by taking a small flower and praying for divine directions. The flower is then dropped randomly on a board with an inscription of Sriramachakra or Seetha Chakra. Where the flower falls – any number on the square – provides a broad preview of the future.

9. Sigillum Dei (Seal of God)

The Sigillum Dei, or Seal of God, is a magical diagram made of two circles, a pentagram, two heptagons, and a heptagram. It is labeled with the name of God and his angels.

The symbol was used as an amulet believed to allow a magician to overpower all creatures except the Archangels.

The Sigillum Dei is reserved only for those with beatific visionary, or people who can achieve the blessed vision of God and angels.