“Sometimes the meaning beyond the talisman is greater than the talisman itself. A star has a hint of galaxies.”
― Talismanist Giebra, Talismanist: Fragments of the Ancient Fire. Philosophy of Fragmentism Series.
Hi lovelies and welcome to Wicca Now. Recently I’ve been talking alot about crystals, like how to cleanse your crystals, how crystal healing works and about the benefits of amethyst, peridot, sodalite and emerald. Today I thought we’d cover a little bit of a different topic, namely protection symbols. Working with symbols is a powerful way to bring a clear intention into your magickal work and personally I’ve found that incorporating symbolic elements into my spell work has brought me many powerful benefits.
― Jason G. Miller, Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth
Table of Contents
9 Powerful Protection Symbols
Below are the 9 most powerful protection symbols in witchcraft (in our opinion anyway). We’ve included a video of how to draw each symbol and a discussion at the end about how to best work with these symbols in your magical practice!
Protection Symbol #1 Pentacle
Symbol: Imagine a five-pointed star (the pentagram) enclosed within a circle. This combination of the star and the encompassing circle is referred to as the Pentacle.
Origins: The Pentacle, rich in symbolism and history, spans across various cultures and epochs. From ancient Chinese and Japanese traditions to Greco-Roman civilizations and, more recently, modern Pagan and Wiccan practices, the Pentacle has been a symbol of protection, balance, and the interconnectedness of life forces.
Meaning and Significance: The five points of the pentagram within the Pentacle often represent the four classical elements (earth, water, air, and fire) and spirit. The enclosing circle signifies unity, wholeness, and the interconnectedness of life. When combined, the Pentacle stands as a symbol of protection against negative energies and a representation of balance and harmony in nature.
Using the Pentacle for Protection:
- Meditation: During meditation, visualize the Pentacle, its encompassing circle, and the five-pointed star. Feel the energies of the elements and spirit enveloping you, creating a harmonious protective shield.
- Talisman or Amulet: Wearing a Pentacle pendant, ring, or any accessory can be a potent protective charm. Its presence acts as a barrier against harm and negativity, continually channeling the balance of the elements.
- Rituals: For those who partake in rituals, the Pentacle can be integrated by inscribing it on ritual tools, drawing it within protective circles, or using it as a focal point in spells for protection.
- Affirmations: With the Pentacle in mind, voice affirmations to boost its protective effects. Consider phrases like: “Guarded by the Pentacle, I stand in balance with the elements,” or “With the Pentacle’s circle, I am shielded and connected to all of life.”
Example for Understanding: Picture yourself transitioning into a new environment, perhaps moving homes or starting a new job. To ensure a smooth transition and protect against potential negative energies, you decide to place a Pentacle emblem by your new workspace or entrance and slip a protection sigil under the doormat. Its presence not only grants you comfort but also acts as a tangible symbol of protection, balance, and your connection to the broader tapestry of life.
By embracing the Pentacle, you connect with a symbol that has been a beacon of protection, balance, and unity across civilizations and spiritual practices. Its timeless energy ensures that you stand in harmony with the elements and the greater cosmos.
Protection Symbol #2 Solar Cross
The sun cross is a very old symbol that dates back to before the Bronze Age. It is comprised of a circle with a cross in the interior. It is a symbol of power that was taken on by ancient kings as the sun was considered the symbol of the highest power.
Please note that the sun/solar cross has been adopted by white supremacists, neo-nazis and white nationalists as a symbol of their beliefs. It’s actually been banned in Germany when used in a political context or when promoting racist ideas. Because of this association, I would urge anyone thinking about using this symbol to reconsider if the context is appropriate. While it is an ancient symbol, most people don’t know this and it could easily be misconstrued as signalling alignment with hateful ideas and principles.
Protection Symbol #3 Mars Sign
Symbol: Picture this: a circle with an arrow extending outward and diagonally from its top right side. This is the Mars symbol, and it’s also commonly recognized as the symbol for the male gender.
Origins: This symbol traces its roots back to ancient times, connected to the Roman god of war, Mars. The Red Planet, as many call it due to its distinct hue, holds a potent resonance across various cultures, both as a celestial body and a symbol of force.
Meaning and Significance: The Mars sign embodies more than just the war deity; it stands as a beacon of raw energy, drive, and determination. The arrow, pointing forward, represents assertion and forward momentum. Within astrological contexts, Mars is known to influence drive, aggression, and sheer willpower. Its essence is both protective and combative, serving as a shield and sword against negativity.
Using the Mars Sign for Protection:
- Meditation: Try meditating with a vivid image of the Mars sign in mind. Visualize it radiating, its arrow directing negative energy away, fortifying your personal boundaries.
- Talisman or Amulet: Consider having the Mars sign on a pendant, ring, or even inscribed on a stone. By keeping it near, you invite its strength and protective aura into your life.
- Rituals: If you engage in rituals, weave in the Mars sign for an extra layer of protection. Drawing it in the air or inscribing it on ritualistic objects can tap into its fierce energy.
- Affirmations: As you focus on the Mars sign, repeating affirmations can be powerful. Try: “Shielded by Mars, I stand strong,” or “With Mars as my guide, I fearlessly tread forward.”
Example for Understanding: Imagine you’re about to give a crucial presentation at work. The stakes are high, and the anxiety is palpable. Before stepping into the room, you take a moment to close your eyes and envision the Mars sign, feeling its fierce energy coursing through you. As you do this, you also whisper to yourself, “With the energy of Mars, I move with confidence.” The symbol, combined with your affirmation, instills a sense of courage, pushing away self-doubt and ensuring you walk into that room with an assertive, commanding presence.
Incorporating the Mars sign in your life, especially during challenges, can serve as a potent reminder of the innate warrior spirit within you, propelling you forward with courage and unwavering determination.
Protection Symbol #4 Hamsa
Symbol: Picture a stylized open hand with an eye often situated in the center of the palm. This distinctive emblem is known as the Hamsa.
Origins: With roots deep in the ancient Middle East and often mistaken as a purely Greek protection symbol, the Hamsa sign is rich in history and significance. It’s also known as the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam, and the Hand of Mary, linking it to various religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Meaning and Significance: At its core, the Hamsa is seen as a protective symbol, an amulet against the evil eye—a malevolent glare believed to cause harm. The open hand denotes strength, power, and blessings, while the eye serves as a vigilant guard against negative energies.
Using the Hamsa Sign for Protection:
- Meditation: Imagine meditating while visualizing the Hamsa’s open hand and watchful eye. Feel it drawing away harmful energies, acting as a spiritual shield for your well-being.
- Talisman or Amulet: Consider wearing a Hamsa necklace, bracelet, or even carrying a keychain. Its mere presence around you can be a constant source of protection and reassurance.
- Rituals: If you perform rituals, incorporating the Hamsa can amplify protective energies. Place it on your altar, inscribe it on candles, or draw it in the air to summon its safeguarding aura.
- Affirmations: With the Hamsa in mind, affirmations can heighten its effects. Try repeating: “Protected by the Hamsa, I stand resilient,” or “Under the Hamsa’s gaze, no harm comes my way.”
Example for Understanding: Imagine you’re moving to a new city, a place unknown, with both excitement and unease filling your heart. To comfort yourself and seek protection from any negative encounters, you wear a necklace bearing the Hamsa pendant. Each time you touch it or glimpse it in the mirror, it’s a reminder that you’re shielded from harm and watched over by an ancient, powerful symbol.
Invoking the Hamsa in moments of vulnerability or uncertainty can provide a profound sense of security, reminding you of the age-old energies and blessings that have your back.
Protection Symbol #5 Triquetra
Symbol: Envision a design of three interlaced arcs, resembling a three-cornered shape. This intricate and harmonious design is the Triquetra, sometimes also referred to as the Trinity Knot.
Origins: With ancient Celtic roots, the Triquetra has journeyed through history and across cultures. Its symbolism has been embraced by both Pagans and Christians. In Christian contexts, it often represents the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Meaning and Significance: The Triquetra embodies the concept of unity and eternity. Its three points can signify various trios like life, death, and rebirth or land, sea, and sky. For many, it represents protection, love, and unity. The continuous, unbroken design speaks to eternity and interconnectedness.
Using the Triquetra for Protection:
- Meditation: Meditating with the image of the Triquetra in mind can imbue a sense of wholeness and unity. Imagine its intertwined loops enveloping you, connecting you to ancient protective energies.
- Talisman or Amulet: Wearing a Triquetra pendant or bracelet can serve as a protective charm. Its presence is a tangible reminder of the strength derived from unity and interconnectedness.
- Rituals: Incorporate the Triquetra in your rituals to fortify protective barriers. Etching it onto candles, drawing it within sacred circles, or even doodling it onto pages of a book can summon its potent energies.
- Affirmations: While focusing on the Triquetra, affirmations can bolster its protective effects. Try intoning: “Bound by the Triquetra, I am shielded,” or “With the Triquetra’s unity, I stand strong against all adversities.”
Example for Understanding: Picture yourself embarking on a challenging project, feeling isolated in your efforts. To remind yourself of the power of collaboration and unity, you pin a small Triquetra charm to your workspace. Each time you glance at it, it reassures you of the strength that arises from coming together, encouraging you to seek collaboration and reminding you that you’re never truly alone.
By integrating the Triquetra into your life, you not only tap into its protective qualities but also embrace a symbol that celebrates unity, interconnectedness, and the timeless energies that bind the universe together.
Protection Symbol #6 Bindrune
Symbol: Visualize a combination of two or more runes (ancient alphabetic characters used in Germanic languages) merged into a single design. This composite symbol, interweaving multiple meanings, is known as a Bindrune.
Origins: Stemming from the Norse and Germanic traditions, bindrunes have been employed for various purposes, from magic to mere identification marks. Each rune possesses its own distinct meaning, and when combined, their powers and significances interlace.
Meaning and Significance: A Bindrune melds the energies of the runes it comprises. By selectively combining runes, you can craft a symbol tailored to specific needs or desires. When used for protection, bindrunes amalgamate the protective qualities of individual runes, creating a potent shield against negative forces.
Using the Bindrune for Protection:
- Meditation: When meditating, hold the image of your chosen bindrune in your mind. Feel the overlapping energies of the runes embracing you, forming a protective layer around your spirit.
- Talisman or Amulet: Wearing a Bindrune, be it on a pendant, ring, or brooch, can act as a personal shield. Its presence serves as a beacon, repelling harm and drawing in positive energies.
- Rituals: If you engage in rituals, drawing or carving your Bindrune on tools, stones, or within your sacred space can amplify its protective aura, guarding against unwanted energies.
- Affirmations: While concentrating on your Bindrune, voice affirmations to reinforce its effects. Consider uttering: “Guarded by the Bindrune, no harm touches me,” or “With the Bindrune’s power, I am shielded on all paths.”
Example for Understanding: Imagine facing a period of intense change and transition in your life. To navigate these choppy waters, you create a Bindrune that combines the runes for strength, protection, and guidance. By sketching this Bindrune in your journal or having it engraved on a piece of jewelry, it serves as a constant source of reassurance. Whenever doubts creep in, a mere touch or gaze upon the Bindrune reinvigorates your spirit, reminding you that you’re bolstered by age-old symbols and their intertwined strengths.
By incorporating a Bindrune into your protective arsenal, you’re not just leveraging the power of ancient symbols but also crafting a unique emblem that speaks directly to your intentions, desires, and needs.
Protection Symbol #7 Hexagram
Symbol: Picture two interlocking triangles—one pointing upwards and the other pointing downwards. This six-pointed star, formed by the overlapping triangles, is known as the Hexagram. It’s also widely recognized as the Star of David in the Jewish tradition.
Origins: The Hexagram, an ancient protection symbol, has multifaceted origins. While it’s closely associated with Judaism as the Star of David, its roots can be traced back to various ancient cultures, including its use as a Buddhist protection symbol as well as within Hinduism, and even some pagan religions.
Meaning and Significance: The upward-pointing triangle can symbolize fire, masculinity, and the divine, while the downward-pointing triangle can represent water, femininity, and the earthly realm. Together, they symbolize the union of opposites, harmony, and the interconnectedness of various forces in the universe. In the Jewish context, it’s a potent emblem of the divine connection and protection of the Jewish people.
Using the Hexagram for Protection:
- Meditation: During meditation, envision the Hexagram as a radiant symbol in your mind’s eye. Feel the balance and unity it represents, ensuring protection and harmony in your life.
- Talisman or Amulet: Carrying or wearing a Hexagram—on a necklace, bracelet, or even a keychain—can act as a safeguard. It’s a beacon of unity, protection, and divine guidance.
- Rituals: If you partake in rituals, consider integrating the Hexagram. Drawing it in the air, inscribing it on candles, or placing it at the center of your sacred space can amplify its protective energies.
- Affirmations: With the Hexagram in focus, voice affirmations to bolster its protective aura. Perhaps try: “By the Hexagram’s balance, I am shielded,” or “With the Star’s guidance, I navigate safely through life.”
Example for Understanding: Imagine you’re going through a period where you’re striving to balance your personal life and professional commitments. To help you find equilibrium, you keep a small Hexagram pendant around your neck. Each time challenges arise or decisions loom, touching or gazing upon this symbol serves as a grounding force. It’s a reminder of the importance of balance, the union of different life forces, and the protection that comes from harmony.
Incorporating the Hexagram into your life connects you to a symbol that has transcended cultures and eras, always standing as a beacon of unity, protection, and divine harmony. Fun fact: The hexagram of Solomon was originally believed to be the signet ring of King Solomon and was thought to give Solomon magickal powers. Coins from 1290 AD are imprinted with the symbol.
Protection Symbol #8 Crossed Spears
Symbol: Visualize two long spears, their shafts intersecting at the center, creating an “X” formation. This configuration of overlapping or crossed weapons is symbolic of the Crossed Spears.
Origins: The Crossed Spears are an ancient symbol, with their roots in various cultures around the world. Historically, spears have been tools of hunting and warfare, and their crossed formation often signifies readiness for battle, defense, or a marker of territory.
Meaning and Significance: The Crossed Spears symbolize protection, defiance against adversaries, and preparation for challenges. They serve as a warning to potential threats and stand as a testament to strength, valor, and resilience.
Using the Crossed Spears for protection:
- Meditation: As you meditate, bring forth the image of the Crossed Spears. Feel the power and determination they exude, readying you for any battles, literal or metaphorical, you may face.
- Talisman or Amulet: Carrying an emblem or pendant featuring Crossed Spears can be a source of empowerment. Its presence can instill a sense of readiness and bolster your courage.
- Rituals: Should you engage in rituals, etching the Crossed Spears onto protective charms, drawing them in protective circles, or sketching them onto ritualistic tools can harness their protective essence.
- Affirmations: Focusing on the Crossed Spears, voice affirmations to amplify their protective energy. Consider phrases like: “Guarded by the Spears, I stand unwavering,” or “With the Crossed Spears at my side, I face challenges head-on.”
Example for Understanding: Imagine a scenario where you’re stepping into a new leadership role, facing skepticism and resistance. To bolster your confidence and signal your readiness to take on challenges, you place a small emblem of Crossed Spears on your desk. This symbol serves as both a personal source of empowerment and a subtle message to naysayers—signifying that you’re equipped, resolute, and prepared to lead and defend your domain.
Drawing upon the energy of the Crossed Spears, you connect with the age-old spirit of warriors and protectors, ensuring that you’re always ready to face and overcome any hurdles life might present.
Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus
Symbol: Picture a stylized, ornate eye, often resembling a falcon’s eye, with distinctive markings below it resembling the markings on a falcon’s face. This is the Eye of Horus, also known as the Wadjet.
Origins: The Eye of Horus, an Egyptian protection symbol, holds its roots deep in ancient Egyptian culture and mythology. Horus, the falcon-headed god, is a figure of the sky, war, and hunting. The eye symbolizes protection, healing, and restoration, inspired by a myth wherein Horus loses his eye in battle, which is later restored by the god Thoth, symbolizing healing and regeneration.
Meaning and Significance: The Eye of Horus represents protection, health, and restoration. Ancient Egyptians believed it shielded against negative energies, warded off evil spirits, and brought the bearer blessings of health and prosperity.
Using the Eye of Horus for Protection:
- Meditation: In your meditation, visualize the Eye of Horus, feeling its protective gaze watching over you, restoring any lost energy, and shielding you from harm.
- Talisman or Amulet: Wearing a pendant, ring, or any accessory featuring the Eye of Horus can serve as a protective barrier, constantly channeling its ancient protective and restorative energies.
- Rituals: If you practice rituals, introducing the Eye of Horus by drawing it on sacred objects or using it in protective spells can enhance the ritual’s protective qualities.
- Affirmations: While concentrating on the Eye of Horus, voice affirmations to reinforce its protective aura. Try phrases like: “Under the Eye of Horus, I am guarded and restored,” or “The Eye of Horus watches over me, bringing health and protection.”
Example for Understanding: Imagine you’re recovering from a challenging phase in life, seeking both healing and protection from further adversities. To aid your journey, you decide to wear a bracelet featuring the Eye of Horus. Every time you glimpse or touch this symbol, it acts as a gentle reminder of your resilience and the protective energies working to ensure your well-being, drawing strength from millennia of belief.
By integrating the Eye of Horus into your protective practices, you tap into a symbol with thousands of years of history, resonating with protection, healing, and restoration.
Watch Our Video All About Protection Symbols
How Symbols for Protection Work
Working with symbols is something that actually comes quite naturally to most people. Who hasn’t carried a good luck talisman at some point in their lives or had the initials of a loved one inscribed into a piece of jewellery? We already intuitively understand that by assigning certain concepts to symbolic elements we can create a quick connection to these concepts through the associated symbol. Symbols can, therefore, help us to access the energy contained within, for example, the concept of love, abundance or protection in a quick and easy way.
Working with specific symbols in a more intentional way can certainly increase the effectiveness of this tactic and incorporating symbols into your magickal work can be wonderfully enriching. Below I’ll lay out a few different theories for why symbols make an effective magickal tool.
The Energy Theory
The energy theory states that there is an energy which permeates all things. This energy has many different names such as Chi, Prana, Ki, PSI but really it’s the same energy regardless of the name it is given. This energy is a sort of fuel for magical activities and certain symbols and signs emit specific energies which we can use intentionally in our spell work.
The energy theory claims that since certain symbols have been in use for thousands of years in a specific way, for example, as symbols for protection, that they have thereby become ‘charged’ with these specific qualities and radiate them much more strongly than other symbols. For example, the Eye of Horus has been used since antiquity as a sign of protection and as such, has accumulated an incredibly strong protective energy. It follows then that by working with ancient symbols, we can tap into the collective energy which they have gathered over time and use these to boost our own spellwork.
The Shape Radiation Theory
The shape radiation theory states that there are certain forms of geometry which are sacred within the universe and that these geometries possess special energetic qualities. By harnessing the power of sacred geometry, these shapes are thought to emit powerful energies which again, we can use within our spellwork to provide a boost of energy or focused intention.
I quite like this theory apart from the fact that many of the symbols which I work with have nothing to do with sacred geometry and have none-the-less been highly effective. Still, its an interesting concept to consider when working with symbol magick.
The Belief Theory
The belief theory associates symbols with a sort of placebo effect. Meaning that it is simply because of the firm belief that a symbol will work, that it does! I always talk about the importance of belief in terms of the effectiveness of any magick, so this theory makes total sense to me. Personally, I like the idea that a magickal symbol is simply a tool through which the innate power of the mind is activated, which in turn creates the conditions through which magick can happen.
In my opinion, all three theories are correct. In the end, it doesn’t really matter why a symbol works, only that it does. Magick is all about believing that through a series of actions, a certain result will be achieved and if you can provide your mind with a more rational framework through which to frame this belief then power to that I say.
How To Increase The Power Of Protective Symbols
You can increase the energetic potency of a specific symbol by projecting a strongly visualized image of what you wish the symbol to assist you with onto it. For example, say you are working with the Eye of Horus for protection, you would hold some sort of representation of this symbol in your hands (this could even be a piece of paper onto which you have drawn the symbol) and visualize as clearly as possible a strong feel of protection and safety as you gaze upon the symbol.
Clearly imagine all of the protective and safe energy you are feeling flowing into the symbol and being stored there. Keep the symbol in your wallet or somewhere close to you and every time you think of it, imagine again the feeling of safety and protection radiating out from it and surrounding you in a field of energy.
My loves, I hope this post was helpful and that you feel a little more empowered about working with protection symbols. Next up, I’ll be adding some special spells and rituals for crystal magick so keep an eye out for that!
As always, with love and gratitude, BLESSED BE!
xoxo Amythest
Book Recommendations:
“The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images” by ARAS.