A Comprehensive Guide to 33 Symbols of Occultism

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Learn the origin & significance of these hidden symbols
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When it comes to the occult, there is an incredibly wide range of symbols, signs, and sigils with roots in ancient mystical traditions that have become popular in modern occult practices. Let us light a path for you to dive into this fascinating history—keep reading for a list of 33 occult symbols that includes where they originated, what they look like, their meanings, and how they’ve been used in different occult practices.

Common Occult Symbols

Some of the most recognized occult symbols originated from ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, like the pentagram, the eye of Horus, the ouroboros, and solar symbols. Others, like the Baphomet, the rose cross, and the sigil of Lucifer, have sometimes been associated with satanic occult practices.

1

Ankh

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  1. The ankh is a symbol of life, protection, and eternity. As an ancient symbol, it appears as a cross with a loop on top. The loop is believed to symbolize the sun, while the horizontal bar of the cross stands for the horizon and the vertical bar the sun’s path as it rises over the horizon. Originating in ancient Egypt as a symbol held by Ra, the sun god, the ankh is used as a pagan symbol in neo-pagan rituals when placed on altars for blessings or to channel energy.[1]
    • Origin: Egypt
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2

Arrow

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  1. The arrow stands for direction, purpose, and transformation. It relates to belomancy, or the ancient practice of divination through arrows (and where they land). Arrows were shot into the air after being marked with symbols or phrases, and interpreted by which one was drawn first or by the one that landed furthest. The arrow appears in modern occult symbols like the chaos star.[2]
    • Origin: Babylonia, Scythia, Greece
3

Bagua

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  1. The bagua illustrates the nature of reality as “the 8 Directions.” It features 8 trigrams (3-line symbols of yin and yang) around a Yin and Yang symbol. It was used as an early Chinese divination tool described in the I Ching, as well as in Feng Shui for energy balance and for gaining insight into aspects like career, family, and wealth.
    • Origin: China, Taoism
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4

Baphomet

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  1. Baphomet is a goat-human figure representing balance and duality. It is made up of a goat's head with horns and a pentagram on the forehead (for spirit above matter), along with a torch between the horns (for divine knowledge). Baphomet’s torso is human-like and unisex, with a muscular build, female breasts, bat-like wings, human arms, and goat legs. Its arms read "solve" and "coagula.” It signifies the duality of opposites, like good and evil or male and female, as well as esoteric wisdom in occult traditions. Baphomet is often seen performing a 2-finger salute hand sign, while modern interpretations sometimes include 2 young children at Baphomet’s side.[3]
    • Origin: 19th-century French occultist Eliphas Lévi
    • A caduceus (staff with two snakes) is usually found in Baphomet’s lap as a symbol of balance and phallic power.
    • Sigil of Baphomet: The official symbol for the Church of Satan, the sigil is an inverted pentagram with the head of Baphomet (a goat) forming the 5 points of the star. The points also include 5 Hebrew letters spelling "Leviathan,” to signify chaos.
5

Solar symbol

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  1. Solar symbols are linked with the divine, masculine energy, and gold. The most prominent of them is the solar disk, which is a circle with a central dot, which signifies the sun, the king or gold in alchemy, or the divine principle. It’s also associated with Apollo or Ra in ancient Roman and Egyptian mythology. In pagan traditions, the sun represents the cycles of life, death, and the cosmos itself.[4]
    • Origin: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica
    • Sun cross (the solar wheel): A pre-Christian symbol signifying the sun, the 4 seasons/cardinal directions, and cosmic order used in modern occultism.
    • Black sun: A variation of the ancient Sonnenrad (sunwheel), which was appropriated by Nazis during World War II.
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6

Eye of Horus

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  1. The eye of Horus is a symbol of healing and protection. As an ancient Egyptian symbol, it consists of a stylized human eye with falcon markings and a teardrop-shaped line with a spiral underneath. It originated with the ancient Egyptian god Horus, who had his eyes cut out and restored by the god Thoth. It is used in occult practices as a symbol for protection, healing, and spiritual insight, as well as a talisman against evil that links to the 3rd eye.[5]
    • Origin: Egypt
7

Eye of Providence

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  1. This symbol can signify divine oversight or inner enlightenment. Also known as the “all-seeing eye,” the eye of Providence appears as an eye within a triangle that is surrounded by a halo of rays. It was used as a symbol for God in religious Renaissance art, and famously appears on the U.S. dollar bill. The eye of Providence is used as a symbol of knowledge in Freemasonry and when casting spells in Wicca.[6]
    • Origin: Unknown
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8

Heptagram

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  1. The haptagram is associated with magical powers and the divine. Also known as a septagram, the heptagram is a 7-pointed star that is drawn using 7 straight strokes. It has unique meanings, depending on the tradition associated with it. For example, the heptagram wards off evil in Catholicism, has mystical significance in Kabbalism, and stands for the first 7 verses of the Quran in Islam. Occultists in Thelema use the heptagram to represent the great mother Babalon, while neo-pagans refer to it as an elven star.[7]
    • Origin: Catholicism, Kabbalah, Islam, and ancient pagan
9

Unicursal Hexagram

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  1. The hexagram signifies the interconnected energy of opposites. It is an unbroken 6-pointed star drawn in one continuous line to form an interlaced knot-like design. Along with an upward and downward pointing triangle, the points symbolize the sun, moon, and four elements. Hexagrams represent unity, interconnected energy, and the harmony of opposites, including heaven and earth, male and female, or light and dark. It’s used in Hermeticism, Thelema, and Wicca to invoke spiritual forces when performing rituals.[8]
    • Origin: Judaism (Kabbalah), Alchemy
    • The unicursal Hexagram has its roots in the hexagram (2 interlocking triangles) that resembles the Star of David once used by Solomon.
    • Occultist Aleister Crowley created his own variation of the hexagram with a 5-pointed flower in the center to signify the 5 elements.
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10

Icelandic staves (Galdrastafer)

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  1. These runes and sigils are believed to contain magical powers. The intricate symbols based on Icelandic folk magic are used when performing visual spells. Each rune is said to have a specific purpose, which ranges from breaking locks and providing protection to enhancing fertility and having better luck in fishing. The staves are connected to pagan traditions, Nordic gods, and Icelandic history.[9]
    • Origin: 7th-century Icelandic grimoire
11

I'itoi

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  1. The I’itoi symbolizes a maze of life decisions. Also known as the “man in the maze,” it appears as a single, winding labyrinth-like path with a human figure at the entrance and a goal or destiny at the center. The I'itoi ("EE-toy") is the creator deity within Tohono O'odham and Akimel O'odham folktales, described as a "little old man" with light hair and a beard.
    • Origin: Uto-Aztec (Native American)
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12

Inverted Cross

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  1. The inverted cross subverts the original meaning of the Christian cross. It is referred to as the cross of St. Peter in the Bible, because St. Peter didn’t feel worthy enough to be crucified like Christ was; in Christianity, the inverted cross represents humility. Wearing or using the upside-down cross as a Satanic symbol is said to reject Christianity.[10]
    • Origin: Christian Bible
13

Leviathan cross

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  1. The Leviathan cross represents both balance and the eternal. It features a double cross with an infinity symbol at the bottom. The double cross is associated with the harmony achieved between the physical and spiritual worlds, while the infinity symbol stands for the eternal cosmos. The Leviathan cross is also known as Satan’s cross, as well as the alchemical symbol for black sulfur, a part of the Philosopher’s Stone. Modern Satanists sometimes use the Leviathan cross; it appears in the Church of Satan’s Bible, created by Anton LaVey.[11]
    • Origin: The Secret Order of the Knights Templar
    • The Leviathan cross is also called the sulfur cross or the brimstone symbol.
    • The Philosopher’s Stone is a substance in alchemy that is said to turn base metals into gold, creating an"Elixir of Life" that grants immortality.[12]
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14

Sigil of Lilith

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  1. This sigil symbolizes Lilith’s darkly feminine independence and defiance. It is believed to be a stylized version of Lilith’s name in the Theban (or witch’s alphabet), and often features an upward-pointing triangle with a hook at the bottom, encircled or connected to crescent moons (for the feminine) and a serpent or owl. Lilith was thought to be Adam’s cursed first wife in the Bible; she also appears in ancient Mesopotamian texts as a demon goddess of the night. Early occultists and Wiccans often used this sigil in rituals and as a symbol of protection, and it has also become a goth symbol and an emblem for feminine power.[13]
    • Origin: Christian/Hebrew Bible, ancient Mesopotamia
15

Monas Hieroglyphica

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  1. This symbol represents spiritual growth and interconnectedness. It combines many elements into a universal hieroglyph: on top are a crescent moon and a circle with a central point (for the sun; below them is a cross standing for the 4 elements of earth, water, air, and fire; on the bottom are 2 semicircles symbolizing the Aries ram. The combination of symbols is used by occult traditions as a tool for meditation and as a key to unlock the hidden knowledge behind Hermetic philosophy.[14]
    • Origin: 16th-century occult philosopher John Dee
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16

Ouroboros

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  1. The ouroboros symbolizes the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. It depicts a serpent biting its own tail, which forms a circle to represent renewal and the harmony of opposites. Dating back to Tutankhamun's tomb, the ouroborus is a part of gnostic beliefs, where the head and tail of the serpent stand for the connection of the earthly to the divine.[15]
    • Origin: Greece, Egypt
17

Pentagram

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  1. Pentagrams are 5-pointed stars that represent the 5 elements. When the 5-pointed star is enclosed in a circle, it becomes a pentacle. Pentagrams originally symbolized the 5 elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras also viewed it as a symbol of health and protection, which led to its use in occult practices to protect and provide balance.[16]
    • Origin: Mesopotamia, Greece
    • The inverted pentagram became more associated with goth symbols and darker occult practices, while the regular pentagram remains a Wicca symbol that is also used in ceremonial magic.
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18

Rose Cross

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  1. The rose cross stands for divine love and spiritual transformation. The cross is said to represent the human body, while the rose signifies human consciousness. It’s employed by various occult practices, including Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Ordo Templi Orientis, and Rosicrucianism, for spiritual protection and meditation.[17]
    • Origin: 15th-century founder of the Rosicrucian order, Christian Rosenkreuz
19

Runes

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  1. Runes are stone-carved symbols of an ancient Norse alphabet. In addition to being used for writing, they became tools for divination, spiritual insight, and magic. Each rune symbol (24 total) represents sounds or concepts. Some examples include wealth (Fehu), strength (Uruz), or communication (Ansuz), and are still used in divination and magic today by various occult groups.[18]
    • Origin: Norse mythology
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20

Seal of Solomon

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  1. The Seal of Solomon is a hexagram that symbolizes opposites. The 6-pointed star consists of 2 layered interlocking triangles to reflect the harmony of opposites, including heaven and earth, male and female, or light and dark. Legend has it that Solomon used the hexagram to control spirits and create miracles. It’s also used to invoke spiritual forces within ceremonial magic, and is a sign of protection.[19]
    • Origin: Judaism (Kabbalah), alchemy
21

Seal of the Theosophical Society

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  1. This symbol represents the unity of life and the spiritual journey. It’s made up of multiple symbols that include the Sanskrit AUM (Om) on top (the divine), a whirling swastika within a circle (creation), a ouroborus (serpent swallowing its tail, which signifies eternity), a 6-pointed Star of David (spirit and matter), and an Ankh (life) in the center. The seal includes the motto, "There is no religion higher than truth,” and is used as an emblem of the Theosophical Society.[20]
    • Origin: Theosophy
    • Theosophy was a mystical spiritual movement founded by Helena Blavatsky in 1875 that blended Eastern and Western esoteric traditions.
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22

Sigil of Lucifer

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  1. The sigil symbolizes enlightenment through Lucifer as the “light bringer.” It consists of a chalice-like shape with an “X” that symbolizes physical power, an inverted triangle as a sign of water and knowledge, and a “V” that represents duality. Also called the “seal of Satan,” it’s associated with Lucifer’s freedom, knowledge, and rebellion, and is linked to the balance of creation and earthly existence. It’s used in rituals to invoke Lucifer and as a symbol of protection.[21]
    • Origin: 16th-century Italian grimoires (the Grimorium Verum or “Grimoire of Truth,” which were used to invoke Lucifer as the "light-bringer" or "morning star.”[22]
    • Sigil: Any magical symbol thought to have mystical properties.
    • Lucifer is a name for the devil, and appeared in the Bible as a fallen angel who challenged God.
23

Seal of God (Sigillum Dei)

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  1. The Seal of God is a magical diagram used to connect to the divine. It consists of 2 circles, with a pentagram in the center and 2 hexagons surrounding it. The Seal of God is inscribed with the name of God, along with 7 angels, and is activated in order to connect with angels and archangels, master the element, and hold power over others and life itself.[23]
    • Origin: 16th-century occultist John Dee
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24

Squared circle

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  1. The squared circle seeks to unite opposites. As a symbol of alchemy, it’s shown as a circle containing a square (sometimes with a triangle) to signify the transformation of the imperfect into the perfect; the circle represents spirit, while the square stands for matter. Linked to the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone, the squared circle is said to connect the earthly and divine, and is used [24]
    • Origin: Alchemy
25

Sriramachakra

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  1. This symbol is a sacred Hindu diagram representing the cosmos. It consists of a complex geometric symbol symbolizing the cosmos, the divine feminine (Shakti), and the human body. It’s a map of the universe and the body that includes upward triangles to signify the masculine and downward triangles for the feminine, which unify around a central point (Bindu). The sriramachakra is used as a tool for meditation and occult rituals.[25]
    • Origin: Tamil mysticism
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26

Sri Yantra

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  1. The Sri Yantra stands for the cosmos, divine union, and the Tripura Sundari goddess. It includes 9 intersecting triangles coming from a central point (bindu) to symbolize universal creation and both masculine and feminine energies. It also represents spiritual awakening through meditation and is used to channel energy, attract abundance, receive protection, and guide the soul's journey.
    • Origin: Shri Vidya Hinduism
27

Supreme Polarity (Taijitu)

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  1. The supreme polarity illustrates the harmony of yin-yang opposites. Better known as the yin-yang symbol, it includes 2 sides (one white for yang and one black for yin), creating a whole; within each half is a dot of the opposite color, so each contains a seed of the other. It’s an important part of Chinese Taoism and other esoteric traditions, including alchemy, to achieve balance and transformation.
    • Origin: Taoism
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28

Symbol of Chaos

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  1. The chaos symbol represents possibility and self-governed change. Also called the chaos star, the chaos symbol is an 8-pointed star with arrows at the tips. It’s linked to the idea of the unpredictable nature of reality and is used in chaos magic to encourage practitioners to shape their reality through focus and will.
    • Origin: Eternal Champion, written by Michael Moorcock
    • Chaos magic is a modern magical practice without dogma that focuses on achieving goals through the power of the mind.
29

Tetractys (Tetrad)

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  1. The Tetractys is a Pythagorean symbol of the divine cosmos. It appears as an equilateral triangle of 10 dots in four rows (•, ••, •••, ••••), adding up to 10 to reflect the “decad" (1+2+3+4=10), which signifies creation, harmony, and divine principle. It’s utilized by some occult groups when initiates take oaths, and is also associated with the 4 elements, music, and the unified "All" from the divine One.[26]
    • Origin: Greek
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30

Tetragrammaton

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  1. The Tetragrammaton is a protective talisman representing God and the universe. As a sacred geometry symbol, it consists of a pentagram (five-pointed star) surrounded by a circle, which contains the Hebrew letters YHWH (Yod, He, Vav, He) inside the points. It often includes other divine names or symbols like seraphic wings, eyes, or planetary emblems. It has been used in Judeo-Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, alchemy, and astrology as a symbol of protection that also represents the microcosm of the universe.
    • Origin: Judaism (Kabbalah)
31

Tree of Life

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  1. The tree of life is said to depict the structure of the universe. It appears as a geometric diagram with 10 interconnected circles (Sephiroth) linked by 22 paths; they form 3 pillars, each one symbolizing divine consciousness in Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. In Celtic traditions, the tree of life is also depicted as a physical tree within a circle with mirrored roots and branches, which stands for universal connection and harmony. Various occult practices use the tree of life to connect the material world with the divine.[27]
    • Origin: Judaism (Kabbalah)
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32

Vishvarupa (Cosmic Man)

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  1. The Vishvarupa symbolizes humanity’s connection with the divine. First appearing in Hinduism, it represented the cosmic form of Vishnu (or Krishna), with endless heads, arms, and faces. Within Western esoteric and occult traditions (like Kabbalah), the cosmic man symbol reflects similar themes of the macrocosm (universe) and microcosm (world within) as used in the Hermetic phrase, "As above, so below.”[28]
    • Origin: Hinduism, Judaism (Kabbalah)
33

Zodiac Man

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  1. The zodiac man depicts the human body as a microcosm of the universe. A diagram linking the body to zodiac signs, it features a naked androgynous human figure that has each body part labeled or connected by lines to the 12 signs of the zodiac, as well as planets. It’s said to represent the celestial influence on humanity, and was mostly historically used to guide medical procedures, so they aligned with the lunar calendar.[29]
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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=i9pcCHkBoJdRj6UG&t=732
  2. ↑ https://www.scribd.com/document/460606633/List-of-occult-symbols-pdf
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=I0i-PrOzRhd7uXQj&t=66
  4. ↑ https://solar-center.stanford.edu/folklore/symbolism.html
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=9dqlEexNDnSVVNdX&t=783
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=haeRAKzak-ed9C9M&t=607
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=jhgnHlvoKHXYxtpL&t=379
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=VwX9fNZ7eHXcji-u&t=699
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=kZo7KMn0WKUkXR6j&t=422
  1. ↑ https://solar-center.stanford.edu/folklore/symbolism.html
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=XSutDufFeCXVn5ar&t=322
  3. ↑ https://www.history.com/articles/what-was-the-philosophers-stone
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=H4MURNzKodh_gJ-h&t=261
  5. ↑ https://www.scribd.com/document/460606633/List-of-occult-symbols-pdf
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=3r6DCLF9P4U3l9SO&t=461
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=lo3FOUnkdtd7S6wO&t=515
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=DCPKhW0wN0imvRbZ&t=807
  9. ↑ https://www.scribd.com/document/460606633/List-of-occult-symbols-pdf
  10. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=P7C8A6gBpI3_Byow&t=570
  11. ↑ https://www.scribd.com/document/460606633/List-of-occult-symbols-pdf
  12. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=cKpHLXmtCJuhWZCK
  13. ↑ https://www.ancient-symbols.com/symbols-directory/the-sigil-of-lucifer.html
  14. ↑ https://youtu.be/kKa6irQ980o?si=BpwMN_tDnwPE2-w2&t=649
  15. ↑ https://news.artnet.com/art-world/5-occult-symbols-decoded-2704827
  16. ↑ https://www.scribd.com/document/460606633/List-of-occult-symbols-pdf
  17. ↑ https://news.artnet.com/art-world/5-occult-symbols-decoded-2704827
  18. ↑ https://spells8.com/10-common-occult-symbols-do-you-know-them-all/
  19. ↑ https://shamtam.com/blogs/magazine/30-most-powerful-esoteric-symbols
  20. ↑ https://news.artnet.com/art-world/5-occult-symbols-decoded-2704827

About This Article

Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.
Co-authored by:
Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.. Maryana Lucia Vestic is a staff writer at wikiHow. She holds a BFA in Film and TV Production from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, an M.Phil. in Irish Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin, and an MFA in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) from The New School. She has published articles for online publications, including Vice (Tonic), Porridge Magazine, and Tasting Table. Maryana writes and edits for the wikiHow content team on a number of topics she loves learning more about while helping others become more knowledgeable. Maryana is an expert in food, drink, cooking, and baking everything under the sun.
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