Every time I see someone wearing a pentagram or the triquetra I get excited and ask them if they’re pagan, too, and the most common answers are “No, I just love ‘Supernatural,'” or “I just thought it looked cool.” These are fine reasons to wear something, but you should at the very least know what the symbols you wear mean. Also, the “Supernatural” pentagram is encircled by a sun, so if you like the show, that’s the pentagram you should be wearing, not just a regular one.
There’s been a bohemian trend lately around jewelry with third eyes, Hamsas/Khamas, lotus flowers and Eyes of Horus. People buy them and wear them for the style or the “namaste” aesthetic. While I think this style is cute and promotes a very peaceful attitude among wearers, I still don’t think it’s right to wear something if you don’t know what it means.
No one wears a cross or a CTR ring without knowing what they mean or having some sort of spiritual connection to them. If you wear a cross, people will assume you’re Christian, and if you wear a CTR ring, people will assume you’re LDS because those are symbols belonging to those religions.
So here is what each of these symbols mean, so when you’re picking out your next outfit you can make an informed and considerate decision on whether or not to wear them.
First, the pentagram. Contrary to popular belief, this is not entirely a satanic symbol. I believe that if you worship Satan or the devil, the proper symbol you’re looking for is an upside-down cross, but even that is actually the cross of St. Peter. The pentagram represents the five elements: air, fire, water, earth and spirit.
Next, is the triquetra — the three-sectioned Celtic knot. It represents the triple goddess, the maiden, the mother and the crone, and was one of the ancient symbols of Odin before being adopted by Christianity to represent the Holy Trinity.
The Eye of Horus is an Egyptian symbol for the ancient Egyptian deity of the same name who was the god of the sky. The eye of Horus is a symbol of protection, royalty and health. This is also the eye that was used in the once prominent “Illuminati confirmed” meme.
The Hamsa, that popular hand-looking symbol on charm bracelets often accompanying elephants, belongs to the Islamic and Jewish faiths, usually used to ward off the evil eye. Today it’s used as a protection charm, but also as a symbol of peace in the Middle East.
The lotus flower is a Buddhist symbol for purity and a Hindu symbol for beauty. “It is said that Gautama Buddha, whose teaching is founded upon, left a trail of lotus flowers in his wake with every step that he took.” The lotus flower is associated with spiritual awakening.
By all means, wear what you want. The great thing about being an adult is making your own choices, but please don’t be ignorant of the symbols you wear. It can come across as rude for those who do understand the meanings behind your wardrobe choices.
@TheChrony
[email protected] • Oct 2, 2023 at 10:08 am
Symbols mean different things to different people.
Wear what you like and if someone asks about it, tell them what it means to you.
Wish them on their way.
Pretty simple.
Like a Magician • May 12, 2023 at 5:40 am
I still don’t understand why Satan is “the bad guy”. Satan’s job is to demonstrate that free will given to mortals will lead to corruption and evil. His purpose in demonstrating this is never stated as being out of a preference for evil. It seems far more likely to me that Satan’s job is to play a role as part of an experiment – and why? Because the one thing Yahweh doesn’t know is the outcome of the Armageddon… And if you were otherwise omniscient, what the hell else would you be doing with your time? Maybe thats why the great omnipotent God didn’t simply unmake Lucifer immediately? Because hes the captain of the negative debating team.
Brock Powell • Apr 9, 2023 at 1:11 am
I agree with you, however, again, contrary to popular opinion, the inverted cross is a pre christian symbol that represents the correct alignment of the chakras.
Danelle • Dec 24, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Actually the pentagram is also symbolic for the wounds of Jesus Christ as well
Brock Powell • Apr 9, 2023 at 1:12 am
Only after Christianity almost completely stole paganism almost as a whole then proceeded to persecute it. Pentacles/pentagrams are far older than the religion itself
Elina • Nov 27, 2022 at 10:51 am
I have lotus tattoo for no other reason than it was a very important part in my favorite book, and sumbolised goddess Kali.
I wear ankh and pentagrams to ward of christians as I was raised in an evangelical cult.
They tend to stay away if they perceive me as “evil”.
And yes, I am 100% atheist.
Ciprian-Ionut Panait • Oct 2, 2022 at 5:54 am
Pagan gods are demons. Originally they were sorcerers employing demons and after they died the demons the employed started impersonating them . That is one. Second the principles of elements comes comes from alchemy that is also based on pagan worship. So yes, it is a form of stanism
Numance • Jun 27, 2023 at 10:26 am
Where did you get your information form?
Sam • Sep 27, 2022 at 2:46 pm
interesting, perhaps symbols can focus a particular energy and if used with ‘right’ intention, the spiritual aid of those that have used it in other times or to focus ones own spiritual aid with the Divines aid or however you want to put it? I wonder if even with the absence of intention , they still have power? probably need to be careful not to use them without some thought or instinct. Makes me wonder also, how much are being influenced through media by symbols? Can all these symbols be used for either dark or light depending on the quality and intention of the user? May we be protected as needed and strengthened by them if they are good!
Skye • Aug 22, 2022 at 3:53 am
First off, I completely agree with this post.
A pentagram is for witchcraft.
An upside down pentagram without the circle is for satanism.
It annoys me when people say “HOW COULD YOU WORSHIP SATAN?!” When I am into witchcraft.
( A pentagram’s points symbolises; earth,air,water,fire and spirit btw )
Danelle • Dec 24, 2022 at 10:28 pm
Your not going to ward off real Christian’s just because of tattoos or at least not Me
Damien Hazazel • Apr 30, 2022 at 7:49 pm
Oh shut up. They are just ornamental objects for show. You’re waaaaay too sensitive about such trivial matters.
Kris • Aug 5, 2022 at 2:44 pm
No, the author is correct. I know many people who have zero clue what their tattoos represent yet they just put something on their body for a lifetime. How ignorant is that? LOL
If you’re happy with your tattoo and you still don’t understand it, I suppose that’s fine, but what a commitment to understanding nothing.
Ashley • Feb 5, 2022 at 5:40 pm
I wanted to add that the Hamsa is also an important symbol for Buddhists and Hindus as well.
I too, have seen people wearing pagan symbols and hoped that I had found a fellow witch, only to find as you did that they just liked the “style.” Although I can say in recent years I’ve come across many more people that do have at least a rudimentary understanding. I know some people seem to get very angry about this, but I look at it as an opportunity to educate. I know several people who began their spiritual journey just by someone explaining the meaning behind the symbol they were wearing.
In fact, I found witchcraft much the same way. Pagan symbols were very trendy when I was a young tween, and the allure of these mysterious tokens changed my life forever. I had finally found I what I had been searching for.
Spiritualism seems to be “in style” and perhaps it will be a passing fad. But I also believe that many will find true meaning in their lives. At the very least, it helps fight the misinformation about and stigma of being a witch or another type of magic practitioner.
When I was a tween, admitting I was a witch was a surefire way of being labeled a devil worshipper , but these says I find that people react with intrigue and want to know more.
Chastity Nayeri • Apr 20, 2022 at 1:54 pm
You are very spot on! It truly is a chance to educate. I myself am a fellow witch, I Love your comment. You seem very kind and educated.
Scarlet • Jan 29, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Actually it’s forbidden in Islam to wear this so called 🧿 to protect urself from evil eye , cuz it’s shirk , believing in the power of a thing instead of Allah , I’m Muslim so just wanted to correct that .
Sam • Sep 27, 2022 at 2:32 pm
actually there are diverse views on this and this can be worn without it meaning that you are worshipping it
Amon • Dec 27, 2021 at 4:08 pm
I agree, people need to know what symbols they wearing means. I’m theistic satanist and I do have pentagram tattoo, simply because like pagans, wiccans, I work with the elements too. I made it inverted and with drops of blood to symbolise the spiritual path I’m in. And because tattoos are permanent I always look into symbolism before I make.
TJ • Dec 13, 2021 at 5:00 am
My brother spent the night this weekend. He sleeps on the living room couch and had his stuff on the floor next to it. As I walk by I look down at his stuff something jumped out to me I wasn’t expecting a red pentagram! I immediately bent down to investigate and it was on his wallet I turned it over and there was another red pentagram. I immediately ask whats this? He just laughed it off and said its just a wallet. You got to understand we are a christian family & he is my younger brother so even though we are both well into adulthood I will always be protective of him. Knowing my brother I suspect this was a gift given to him by this girl he’s been messing around with thats just not something he would pick out and buy. It has been really bothering me and he is really naive and I do not know anything really about the symbolism should I be worried?
Amon • Dec 27, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Just ’cause you think your all family Christian, doesn’t mean that your brother is truly a Christian, maybe he’s got a different belief that includes workings with the elements. Most of my family don’t know about my belief and that’s simply because some of them wouldn’t understand and would be judgemental- which is not right.
Wreath • Feb 16, 2022 at 9:15 pm
The “bothering” is the Holy Spirit.
Crimsonmoon13 • Nov 20, 2021 at 3:44 am
I know the feeling people are dumb just because thsy watch a TV show all its something thay think is cool and not know all understand what it is. It sucks 😕 and because I asked, thsy freak out and ask why. As if it’s so bad and when you say I’m a Gray witch and that I wear a Pentacle and tell them what it means
Thay look at me like I’m the freak… now who looks stupid 🙄At lest I know what it is and whom I am. Thay have no clue
…..I shake my head
Lance • Nov 12, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Dang so enlightening I’m delving into Wicca and seeing which divination I resonate with my affinity. Thanks!
Ashley • Feb 5, 2022 at 5:51 pm
If you are just starting out, congratulations. I started my journey with Wicca, too. I recommend not limiting yourself to one practice (at least) until you’ve studied many of them. There are hundreds of denomenations of witches and other magical practices, and all of them can add to your abilities and your spiritual journey. After studying for 20 years, I’ve incorporated a little of all of them into my craft and I am only better for it.
Jocelyn • Sep 24, 2021 at 6:55 pm
I agree with this article 100%.
Brittany • Jul 8, 2021 at 10:18 am
Everyone trying to say that this is all incorrect needs to do their research. These symbols have been around for far longer than Christianity, Satanism, Freemasonry, etc.
The pentacle (and inverted pentacle!) can be traced back thousands of years, for example. Both are considered highly protective symbols, and can be found in a number of pagan religions, including Heathenry, Asatru, Hellinism, and more. Originally had nothing to do with Christianity OR Satanism, and was adopted into the practices. furthermore, The inverted pentacle wasnt even considered evil until this one guy in the 18th century wrote a letter saying it looked like a goat attacking the heavens.
The Triquetra has been carved into stone and jewelry, again, for thousands of years, way before Christianity was thought of or before it was introduced to the Celtic regions. It is a symbol of feminine power and the Goddess, just like she said. Believe it or not, Christians aren’t the only ones who believe in the power of three!
The Eye of Horus is, in fact an Ancient Egyptian symbol for… wait for it…. Horus! It’s a symbol, again, traced back thousands of years! The Visage of it on top of a pyramid? Not Masonic, that is what used to cap the pyramids: a solid gold cap etched with the Eye of Horus on each side! That is, until it was looted, possibly by invading Roman armies.
The Hamsa is also, very old. Judaism can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, along with a number of customs and symbols. While I agree you can’t claim exclusive rights to a body part, you can claim rights to a symbol! You can easily tell the difference between a Hamsa and virtually every other hand symbol out there. Seriously.
The Lotus symbol is possible the hardest symbol to verify, if only because it can be found in several cultures, and let’s face it, Hindu is in fact the oldest and longest running and most far reaching religion ever recorded. It is arguably the forefather of all other known religions, so….
For those of you attacking this article, be quiet and do your research. It’s actually quite factual, and wasn’t even attacking anyone. It was just a few interesting facts about basic origins. All of you saying,no, it’s definitely Christian? How old is Christianity again? About 1800 years old (because it wasn’t even considered much of a religion until the first Bible was written out in 183 CE, I believe)? How old is the rest of it? I know Eqypt had stories 5000 years ago, probably longer. And Hindu has been around far longer than that. So who stole from who exactly.
Danelle • Dec 24, 2022 at 10:37 pm
Thank you that’s all very interesting. Maybe we should be asking what do these symbols mean to each person individually. Because to one person may mean earth, air water, etc. the other may be the five wounds of Christ, and still the other could be whatever their religion considers it. So maybe we shouldn’t be harping so much on who owns the symbol as much as what does it mean to us thank you for your insight I really appreciate it and it gives me a lot to think about.
Seth • Feb 28, 2021 at 3:24 am
Did everyone forget about the Pythagoreans?
m • Feb 11, 2021 at 8:34 am
Perhaps, before spewing self-righteous twaddle, you should do some more research on not only the inaccuracy, (although mild), of your historical claims, but also how these symbols do have certain meanings, but were mostly intended to be interpreted as opposed to understood.
Lilith • Jul 1, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Woah woah here you are ranting about symbols and their meanings when you are unaware what they mean
And the symbol for Satanism is an upside down pentagram.
Endi • Apr 11, 2019 at 3:41 pm
I think but all of these things can mean whatever people want them to mean. who decides the meeting in the first place? Well, people of course. To Christians and even some Jews, the eye represents the all-knowing and All-Seeing God. And in Christianity, the triangle represents the trinity. But for some other people, it represents the eye of Horus. And of course you have Freemasons with their own ideas. You can’t claim a picture of a body part. The meaning is in the eye of the beholder… No pun intended!
Kyle • Aug 4, 2018 at 4:51 pm
If you hear an ex-satanist reveal the inner workings and purpose of their agenda, these symbols have an entirely different purpose. For in the last days Satan will deceive the nations.