20+ Magic Symbols from Around the World (And How to Use Them)

Download Article

Learn the ancient and modern meanings of these magical symbols

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Elianne El-Amyouni

Last Updated: December 17, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Symbols & Meanings
|
• Who uses them?
|
• Using Magic Symbols Yourself

|Show more |Show less

There are many different spiritual practices around the world, and many of them involve the use of symbols to represent different things. These magic symbols are often used by Wiccans, pagans, and witches during magic ceremonies and spellcasting. In this article, we’ll explain what some of the most common magic symbols mean and what they look like, with insights from mythology experts, spiritualists, dream interpreters, and psychic mediums. Plus, we’ll explain who uses magic symbols and how to start using them yourself. Keep reading to learn more!

Common Magic Symbols

Some of the most common magic symbols include the ankh, the evil eye, the pentacle, the hamsa, and the triple moon. These symbols are often used in spells, rituals, and daily life to offer spiritual protection or to connect with or represent certain religions, deities, or spiritual practices.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Magic Symbols & Their Meanings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   All-Seeing Eye This symbol consists of an image of an eye surrounded by rays of the sun that extend in a triangle shape. It represents the all-seeing eye of the Goddess (or God) and is believed to protect those who use it.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Adeche Atelier, or Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi, are storytellers, fine artists, and content creators inspired by African mythology, folklore, and spirituality.

   Elianne El-Amyouni is a spiritualist, writer, and content creator based in Canada. She has expertise in tarot, object symbolism, spirituality, and alchemy.

   Rieka Lambert is a dream interpreter and a pagan shamanic witch who has been studying the path for 8 years.

   Sarah Potter is a professional witch, tarot reader, and psychic medium based in New York City. She has been featured in Forbes, Refinery29, InStyle, and more.
2. 
   2
   Ankh According to African mythology experts Adeche Atelier, the ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents eternal life and immortality. It is believed to bring good luck, fertility, and protection from harm. The ankh is shaped like a cross with a loop at the top and is said to represent the union of male and female energies, as well as the balance between life and death.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Circle of Protection The circle is a symbol of unity, completeness, and wholeness, and it is believed to ward off negative energies and spiritual entities. It acts as a protective shield that surrounds and includes everything within its bounds.
4. 
   4
   Crescent Moon The crescent moon is associated with the goddess, feminine power, and the cycles of nature. It is a symbol of change and transformation, and it is believed to help individuals tap into these energies and release their full potential. The symbol can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Greeks, in which the crescent moon was often associated with lunar deities.
5. 
   5
   Eihwaz The Eihwaz, also known as the Yew tree, is a letter in the Norse runic alphabet. It is associated with transformation, change, and renewal, and is a symbol of sacrifice and self-discovery. It’s often inscribed on objects, such as candles or talismans, to enhance personal power and bring a sense of stability and balance.
6. 
   6
   Evil Eye The Evil Eye, or nazar, is a blue or green eye-shaped amulet that is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm. Despite the name, it is not evil, but instead protects the wearer from the evil eye. Evil eyes are associated with many different religions and cultures, including Judaism and Islam.
7. 
   7
   Eye of Horus The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents protection, healing, royal power, and divine insight, says spiritualist Elianne El-Amyouni. It is used to ward off evil, protect against harm, and guide spirits to the afterlife. It’s named after the legend of Horus, a powerful sky god who was associated with rebirth.
8. 
   8
   Flower of Life The Flower of Life is a geometric symbol made up of overlapping circles in a flower-like pattern. It is a symbol of creation and the interconnectedness of life. Some believe it contains the blueprint of the universe and embodies the fundamental forms of space and time. Each circle represents a different aspect of existence.
9. 
   9
   Hamsa The hamsa is a hand-shaped symbol with an eye in the center that is associated with many religions and cultures, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is believed to provide protection against the evil eye and to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity.
10. 
    10
    Hecate’s Wheel Hecate’s Wheel is a traditional Wiccan symbol that represents the 3 aspects of the Triple Goddess: the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The symbol resembles a circular maze, with the 3 parts of the maze representing the 3 stages of womanhood. It is named after the Greek goddess of magic, sorcery, and the crossroads.
11. 
    11
    Hexagram The hexagram is a six-pointed star, like the Star of David. It is believed to have protective and magical properties and is often used for talismans, amulets, and other magical objects. It consists of two interlocking triangles (one pointing upward and one pointing downward), which represent the union of opposites, especially the spiritual and the physical. El-Amyouni says the symbol shows up in grimoires, alchemical illustrations, and sacred geometry.
12. 
    12
    The Horned God The Horned God is an important deity in Wicca and other pagan religions, embodying the male aspect of divinity, nature, and the cyclical flow of life. He is the counterpart to the Triple Goddess, representing the balance between masculine and feminine energies. The symbol consists of a circle with a sideways crescent moon on top.
13. 
    13
    Infinity Symbol The infinity symbol represents the concept of eternity and endlessness, and it is believed to have the power to bring balance and harmony to one’s life and to promote healing and inner peace. It has been used in various cultures and religions, including ancient Egypt and Hinduism.
14. 
    14
    Om The Om symbol, or the Aum, is a sacred sound and icon in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, it is often the first sound chanted at the beginning and ending of prayers, mantras, and meditative practices, and it signifies the essence of the Atman (soul). The symbol’s visual representation consists of 3 curves signifying the 3 states of consciousness, a semicircle representing illusion, and a dot signifying the ultimate state of consciousness.
15. 
    15
    Pentacle/Pentagram A pentacle is a five-pointed star, and a pentagram is a pentacle surrounded by a circle, though the terms are often used interchangeably. These symbols are often used in magical practices, and the 5 points on the star represent the 5 elements: earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. Wiccans consider the pentacle to be a protective emblem.

    • Dream interpreter Rieka Lambert adds that, despite the symbol’s reputation in pop culture, the pentagram is not evil or “devil worship.”
16. 
    16
    Solar Cross Also known as the Sun Cross or Wheel Cross, the Solar Cross consists of a cross within a circle, which represents the sun and the wheel of the year. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of time, the four seasons, the cardinal directions, and the solar cycle. In modern spiritual practices, it’s often used to honor the sun’s power and influence on life.
17. 
    17
    Spiral The spiral has been used by cultures around the world for thousands of years. It represents the journey of life, growth, and evolution, as well as the sun, the moon, and the seasons. It helps connect practitioners to nature and helps them let go of negative thoughts.
18. 
    18
    Triangle The triangle is a prominent symbol included in magical amulets and used as a tool for evocation. The three sides represent the Triple Goddess in Wicca and similar religions, the Holy Trinity in Christianity, and the element of fire in alchemy. The points represent the threefold nature of the divine, and the space within a triangle is thought to be protected from negative energy.
19. 
    19
    The Triple Moon (Triple Goddess) According to witch, tarot reader, and psychic medium Sarah Potter, the Triple Moon symbol represents the Wiccan Triple Goddess: the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. It consists of 3 phases of the moon: waxing, full, and waning. It is used to invoke the Goddess’s protection, guidance, and wisdom, and is the counterpart to the Horned God.
20. 
    20
    Triquetra The triquetra is an ancient Celtic symbol that consists of three interlocking circles, each with a triangular knot. The three corners represent the Holy Trinity in Christianity and the three natural elements (earth, air, and water) in pagan beliefs. It’s used to ward off evil and bring good luck.
21. 
    21
    Triskele (Triple Spiral) Like the triquetra, the triskele is deeply rooted in Celtic culture. It consists of 3 interlocking spirals that represent different triplicities, including life, death, and rebirth. The symbol reflects eternal spiritual growth and the interconnectedness of all things. It’s also a representation of the Triple Goddess, and in Christianity, the Holy Trinity.
22. 
    22
    Witch’s Knot The Witch’s Knot (also known as the Magic Knot or Witch’s Charm) consists of intertwined lines that create a complex, unbroken loop. It is believed to trap negative energies and prevent them from causing harm. It also amplifies magical intentions in spellwork and rituals.
23. 
    23
    Yin Yang Originating from Chinese philosophy, the yin yang symbol represents the duality and balance of opposing forces. It appears as a circle divided into a black half (yin) and a white half (yang), with a dot of the opposite color in each half. Yin embodies the feminine and dark aspects of existence, and yang embodies the masculine and light aspects.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

Who uses magic symbols?

Download Article

1. Anyone can use magic symbols. Unless a certain magic symbol is part of a closed spiritual practice, anyone can use it. In general, magic symbols are mostly used by people seeking spiritual growth, protection, or a deeper connection to the universe. Here are a few examples of who might use these symbols regularly:

   • People who practice Wicca, paganism, or other earth-based religions.
   • Meditation and yoga enthusiasts who want to achieve inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
   • People interested in ancient cultures and how they viewed these symbols.
   • Those who blend various spiritual practices into a unique, personalized approach.

Section 3 of 3:

How to Use Magic Symbols

Download Article

1. Incorporate magical symbols into your daily life. Whether you practice magic, hold strong spiritual beliefs, or are simply fascinated by magic symbols and their uses, there are plenty of ways you can use them in your own life. For example, try some of the following:

   • Wear a magic symbol on a piece of jewelry to provide spiritual protection.
   • Protect your home by choosing home decor decorated with magic symbols.
   • If you want something permanent, get a tattoo of your favorite symbol.
   • If you practice magic, include relevant symbols during your spells or rituals.
   • Place magic symbols on a personal altar to serve as a focal point for daily spiritual practices and meditation.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!