by Dawn R. Cole

Created on: May 12, 2008

Symbols are an important component in all religious belief systems. They represent faith, protection, guidance, healing, and give followers a way to focus unseen powers into a tangible form.

Though they have often been confused with the practice of Satanism and the occult, the symbols used in Wicca are no different. They have no evil or negative connotations. In Wicca, anything can be a symbol because; if a witch feels that it is meaningful, it is, and they only practice witchcraft for positive outcomes.

There are numerous, common symbols associated with Wicca. Though all of them play a vital role in the Wicca belief system, this article will briefly focus on several of the primary symbols, and their real meanings.

THE PENTACLE:

A circle, containing a 5-pointed star, is the most widely recognized symbol in Wicca.

Each of the 5 points represents elemental energies in the universe:
* WATER
* AIR
* FIRE
* EARTH
* SPIRIT

The outer circle represents the Wicca duo theistic belief in a God and Goddess blending together to embody Nature's life forces. The Spirit resides at the top point on the star, ruling over the other 4 elements, and the circle surrounding them helps ensure the energy is properly focused. A pentacle is normally used in Wicca rituals to attract or repel, wanted or unwanted energies.

TRIPLE GODDESS:

This symbol represents the Goddess and the feminine aspect of the Universe. The 3 aspects of the moon; waxing, waning, and full, and the 3 stages of a woman's life; mother, maiden, crone, are displayed as a circle (full moon) with a crescent on either side. The Triple Goddess can also be drawn as 3 crescents intertwined, called a Triquetra.

THE ATHAME:

This is a basic Wicca symbol and altar ritual tool. Traditionally, it is a black-handled knife that represents the ability to separate, change, or make a choice that "kills" unwanted options. It is NEVER used to harm another living creature. The knife is used, symbolically, to cut what is false from what is true. A white-handled knife may also be used. It contains the universal male energy, "yang."

THE BESOM (BROOM):

The broom, though not used by witches for flying, is a symbol used to "sweep out" negative energies. It represents cleaning and purification. In Wicca marriage (handfasting) ceremonies, newlyweds "jump over" the broom to solidify their vows when crossing the threshold to their new home.

THE BOOK OF SHADOWS:

This is also known as a grimoire, which is a journal, used by witches, to record their personal experiences,

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