30 Magical Wiccan Symbols & Their Uses in Modern Witchcraft

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Add intention to your practice with these magical symbols

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Aether

2 Air

3 Ankh

4 Athame

5 Besom

6 Cauldron

7 Chalice

8 Cimaruta

9 Earth

10 Eye of Horus

11 Eye of Ra

12 Fairy Star

13 Fire

14 Hamsa

15 Hecate’s Wheel

16 Horned God

17 Infinity Knot

18 Key

19 Lilith Sigil

20 Pentacle

21 Solar Cross

22 Spiral Goddess

23 Tree of Life

24 Triple Moon

25 Triskelion

26 Triquetra (Celtic Shield)

27 Universal Hexagram

28 Water

29 Wheel of the Year

30 Witches Knot

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Co-authored by Rieka Lambert and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: March 11, 2026 Fact Checked

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Modern-day witches who practice Wicca or their own unique brand of witchcraft often use symbols to better connect to energies around them or to inform their rituals. Want to embrace your mythical side? This article's for you: we’ve broken down 30 powerful witch symbols and their meanings, from the ankh and pentacle to more esoteric symbols, including the Eye of Horus, triqueta, and Wheel of the Year.

Witch Signs & Symbols

Tarot reader, astrologer, and intuitive psychic Paige Ferris says some powerful and important symbols include the evil eye, the cross, and the tree of life. Some other witch symbols include:

• Ankh: Signifies life force and vitality.
• Eye of Horus: Represents life, health, and spirituality.
• Hecate’s wheel: Stands for rebirth and renewal.
• Pentacle: A 5-pointed star with protective properties.
• Solar cross: Signifies the solar calendar.
• Spiral goddess: Symbolizes the divine feminine.
• Witch’s knot: Keeps away negative energy, evil spirits, and hexes.

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1

Aether

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1. 
   Aether is the element of spirit within Wiccan tradition. It connects both the physical and spiritual realms and appears as an 8-spoked wheel, sometimes using spirals. Aether is considered the 5th element, in addition to air, water, earth, and fire. It represents the interconnectedness of all things, along with unseen forces in the universe.

   • Spiritual meaning: Element of spirit, unity.
   • Characteristics: 8-spoke wheel.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use to invoke a spirit or to better connect to spiritual realms.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Connecting to the spiritual realms.
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2

Air

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1. Air is an element that helps connect the physical and spiritual worlds. As a symbol, it looks like a triangle with a thick horizontal line through its top third. It is said to raise everyday consciousness into a mystical, divine realm for a deeper spiritual connection. Air also relates to the mind, intellect, and divination.

   • Spiritual meaning: Connection to the spirit world, mind/intellect, and divination.
   • Characteristics: Triangle with thick horizontal line through the top third.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Incorporate bells, feathers, incense, and wind chimes into rituals to represent air.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Freedom, intellect, inspiration, and life energy.

3

Ankh

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1. 
   The ankh signifies life force and vitality. Although the ankh is traditionally an Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol of life, it’s commonly used in Wiccan practices as a means of protection. It looks like a cross with a loop on top, and is often called the “key of life.”

   • Spiritual meaning: Life and vitality.
   • Characteristics: A cross with a loop on top (t-shaped cross).
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Wear as jewelry and as a talisman for protection.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Life, spirituality, and immortality.
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4

Athame

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1. The athame is a ceremonial dagger that represents the divine masculine. It looks like a knife with a black handle and a double-edged blade. In addition to the masculine energy, the athame is sometimes linked to the elements of fire and air; it’s also a symbol of protection.

   • Spiritual meaning: Masculine principle, fire and air elements, protection.
   • Characteristics: Black-handled double-blade dagger.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Direct energy and attention during rituals.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Willpower, masculine energy, and spiritual protection.

5

Besom

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1. 
   A besom stands for spiritual cleansing, purification, and protection. It is also known as a witch’s broom and looks like a traditional broom, which is made with a straw base and a wooden handle. Using a besom is thought to “sweep away” negativity and energetically clear an environment.

   • Spiritual meaning: Spiritual cleansing and purification, protection.
   • Characteristics: A broom made from straw and wood.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use in rituals like “jumping the broom,” a wedding practice that mirrors “crossing the threshold,” only over a witch’s broom. Besoms are also used when clearing out ritual spaces by sweeping the broom.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Self-discovery, determination, and warding off negative energy.
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6

Cauldron

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1. A cauldron signifies transformation. It’s also said to represent the divine feminine and the womb of the earth. Cauldrons are traditionally large, round pots or kettles used for cooking. They’ve often been depicted in witchcraft as vessels where witches brew potions and conduct rituals, and also symbolize creation, destruction, and the life cycles.

   • Spiritual meaning: Transformation, the divine feminine.
   • Characteristics: A Large pot or kettle used for cooking and in rituals.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Mix herbs or incense for spells or scrying (divination through a reflective surface).
   • Tattoo symbolism: Magic and transformation.

7

Chalice

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1. 
   A chalice symbolizes the water element and the divine feminine. A chalice appears as an ornate cup or goblet that is often used in Wiccan rituals. It’s also linked to the concept of creation, along with emotion, intuition, the goddess, and fertility. Chalices can also represent the womb of the divine feminine.

   • Spiritual meaning: Divine feminine, water element, fertility.
   • Characteristics: Ornate cup or goblet.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Hold wine or liquid during a ritual to receive spiritual energies and blessings.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Joy, celebration, and abundance.
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8

Cimaruta

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1. The cimaruta is an amulet that protects against the evil eye. The symbol consists of a sprig of rue with 3 stems. It’s based on Italian witchcraft, and is often associated with the goddess Diana. The cimaruta is a representation of Diana’s triple form: moon (Diana), serpent (Proserpina), and key (Hecate).

   • Spiritual meaning: Protection against the evil eye, the goddess Diana.
   • Characteristics: A sprig of rue with 3 stems.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Wear as jewelry or hang in the home as protection.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Protection against evil and/or negativity.

9

Earth

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1. 
   The symbol for Earth signifies grounding, practicality, and wisdom. As a symbol, it consists of an upside-down triangle with a horizontal line through the bottom third of the image. The earth element is one of the 5 elements of nature. Its unchanging nature also stands for the wisdom of experience.

   • Spiritual meaning: Grounding, wisdom, and practicality.
   • Characteristics: An upside-down triangle with a line through it.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Ground magical workings within Wiccan rituals.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Nature, the environment, and unity.
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10

Eye of Horus

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1. The Eye of Horus is a sign of life, health, and spirituality. It dates back to Egyptian mythology and appears as a stylized eye used as a symbol of protection associated with the god Horus. The Eye of Horus is sometimes seen as a third eye that reflects psychic abilities. Like some Celtic symbols, the Eye of Horus isn’t a traditional Wiccan symbol, but one that has become a part of witchcraft.

   • Spiritual meaning: Life, health, and spirituality.
   • Characteristics: A stylized eye with falcon markings.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Wear as an amulet for safety and protection during ritual and spiritual work.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Health and protection.

11

Eye of Ra

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1. 
   The Eye of Ra symbolizes protection and the power of the sun. Like the Eye of Horus, it originated in ancient Egypt, associated with the sun god, Ra. It’s a stylized eye that contains a sun disc and a cobra to represent Ra. The Eye of Ra is similar to an all-seeing eye and can be used to connect to divine energy for various types of witches.

   • Spiritual meaning: Protection, power, the sun.
   • Characteristics: A stylized eye with a sun disc and cobra.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use when working with Egyptian deities or when asking for protection against negative energy.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Protection, power, and divine authority.
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12

Fairy Star

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1. The fairy star symbolizes the realm of faeries. It appears as a 7-pointed star used to focus during meditation; it’s also referred to as the Elven Star or Septagram. The fairy star is a favorite when doing white magic for specific witchcraft practices, is used for protection, and is a symbol of divine perfection.

   • Spiritual meaning: Faeries, protection.
   • Characteristics: 7-pointed star.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Connect to the fae realm or wear for protection.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Fairies, magic, and interconnectedness of all things.

13

Fire

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1. 
   Fire symbolizes passion and intensity. It appears as a triangle with very thick borders. Fire is one of the 5 elements of nature, and is associated with the concept of will and manifestation. The fire element drives desire, strength, and passion.

   • Spiritual meaning: Passion and intensity, the concept of will.
   • Characteristics: A triangle with thick borders.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use in fire rituals as well as in purification, manifestation, and healing rituals.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Passion, transformation, and destruction.
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14

Hamsa

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1. The hamsa is said to protect against the evil eye. It’s shaped like an open hand with an eye in the center. Its 5 fingers symbolize love, money, health, wisdom, and power. Well-known in the Middle East and Africa, the hamsa is also known as the hand of Fatima, who was the daughter of Muhammad, and as the hand of Miriam. The hamsa isn’t traditionally Wiccan, but is used by many new age spiritual belief systems to ward off evil.

   • Spiritual meaning: Protection against the evil eye.
   • Characteristics: Open palm with an eye in the center.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Protect against evil by placing over a home’s entrance or on an altar.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Protection and good luck.

15

Hecate’s Wheel

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1. 
   Hecate’s wheel symbolizes rebirth and renewal. It consists of a circular, maze-like serpent surrounding a spiral in the middle. The goddess Hecate is a minor Greek goddess of magic; she’s depicted as having 3 faces and rules over the underworld. Magic and manifestation expert Leza Labrador specifically states that “Hecate represents witches in the crossroads.” The wheel is also associated with the triple goddess elements of maiden, mother, and crone.

   • Spiritual meaning: Rebirth and renewal, the triple goddess.
   • Characteristics: A serpent winding around a central spiral.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Connect to Hecate’s divine power in rituals.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Empowerment, protection, and female strength and courage
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16

Horned God

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1. The horned god is the primary Wiccan male deity. The symbol appears as a face with horns at the top, but can also be interpreted as a crescent moon resting on top of a full moon, or a sliver of the moon resting on the sun. The horned god is traditionally associated with the masculine energy of the sun; he’s linked to nature, sexuality, hunting, and the life cycle.

   • Spiritual meaning: The masculine aspect of the divine, dual nature.
   • Characteristics: A circle with a crescent shape (appearing as horns) on top.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Adorn altars dedicated to nature or display to enhance the connection to the natural world.
   • Tattoo symbolism: The life cycles, masculine energy, and nature.

17

Infinity Knot

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1. 
   The infinity knot represents protection and the interconnectedness of things. Like many other Wiccan symbols, it’s believed to ward off negative or evil energies, bind spells, and unite the believer to the divine. The infinity knot consists of multiple interwoven loops with no visible start or end to represent the infinite nature of things.

   • Spiritual meaning: Protection, interconnectedness.
   • Characteristics: Interwoven loop design without beginning or end.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Visualize magic and spells during rituals.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Interconnectedness of the universe.
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18

Key

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1. The key signifies unlocking good luck and fortune. It looks like a traditional key, and is a symbol of opening and closing. The key represents manifesting new opportunities and desires into the world. It often appears in a set of 3 when used in Wiccan ritual work.

   • Spiritual meaning: Unlocking good luck and fortune.
   • Characteristics: Traditional key shape.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Place on an altar during a ritual, use as a pendulum, or guard homes or spaces.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Knowledge, mystery, freedom, and overcoming obstacles.

19

Lilith Sigil

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1. 
   Lilith represents feminine power and rebellion. Lilith is a feminine figure in Jewish mythology known as the first wife of Adam, who came to represent independence and the darker parts of the feminine. While she can appear as a serpent, an owl, or the moon, the Lilith sigil is represented by a stylized version of Lilith’s name in various alphabets. It often resembles the crescent moon, a cross, and the symbol of Saturn.

   • Spiritual meaning: Feminine power, rebellion, independence.
   • Characteristics: Varies, but can appear as the crescent moon, a cross, and the symbol of Saturn.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use as a visual representation of intention and a focal point for manifestation. It’s possible to make sigils to stand for specific intentions or desires, or to use sigils for protection.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Femininity, strength, freedom, rebellion, and courage.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Paige Ferris

   Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic

   Paige Ferris is a Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic based in Jackson County, MI. With over 6 years of experience, Paige is the founder of Catalyst Healer and specializes in practical occultism and psychological astrology. Paige offers astrology and tarot readings designed to empower her clients and help them achieve their goals. She provides 1:1 in-person and virtual readings to clients, appears at galas, expos, and other events, and shares readings and insights to her over 18k followers on social media.

   

   Paige Ferris
   Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic

   Witchcraft is focused on being a co-creator of your life. It’s about aligning your will and desires with a larger cosmic force. It’s spiritual, but also practical—it brings intentionality to your emotions, thoughts, and actions. You're intertwining the spiritual and physical aspects of your existence.
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20

Pentacle

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1. A pentacle is believed to have protective properties. It consists of a pentagram (a 5-pointed star) enclosed in a circle. The bottom 4 points of the star represent the interconnectedness of the 4 elements of earth, water, air, and fire, explains Dream Interpreter, Witch, and Shaman Rieka Lambert. The top point of the pentacle symbolizes the divine, while the circle signifies unity or wholeness.

   • Spiritual meaning: Interconnectedness of the 5 elements and unity of the universe.
   • Characteristics: A pentagram (5-pointed star) enclosed in a circle.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use as a symbol of protection to cast spells, focus energy, and invoke spirits.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Faith within the Wiccan practice and the balance of the universe’s energies.

21

Solar Cross

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1. 
   The solar cross symbolizes the solar calendar. It consists of an equilateral cross within a circle; each of the 4 parts stands for one of the four seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring. It’s a representation of the changing seasons within the life cycle. The solar cross also signifies balance, unity, and the interconnectedness of life.

   • Spiritual meaning: Symbol for the solar calendar, also balance and unity.
   • Characteristics: An equilateral cross within a circle.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use as a focal point during meditation or a sign of protection.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Sun, life, cycles of nature, and divinity.
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22

Spiral Goddess

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1. The spiral goddess symbolizes the divine feminine. Spirals originally appeared on tombs in the late Paleolithic period, and can also stand for the creation, death, and rebirth, as well as how everything is connected. As a symbol, they consist of a woman’s silhouette with a spiral located within the body. Throughout history, it’s been associated with fertility and the creative divine magic of life.

   • Spiritual meaning: The divine feminine.
   • Characteristics: A woman’s silhouette with a spiral inside.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Place on altars as talismans to focus energy on the greater energy of the goddess.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Feminine, fertility, and the life cycle.

23

Tree of Life

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1. 
   The Tree of Life signifies transformation and the life cycle. Like many witchcraft symbols, it’s associated with the interconnectedness of all things and is a symbol that connects the earthly realm with the spiritual one. The tree of life consists of a tree, usually enclosed in a circle, with its roots reaching down and its branches reaching upwards. It also represents wisdom, strength, and longevity, and has appeared in Norse, Celtic, and Jewish Kabbalah mysticism.

   • Spiritual meaning: Transformation and cycles of life and death, wisdom, strength, longevity.
   • Characteristics: A tree enclosed in a circle with roots and branches reaching in opposite directions.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Focus on the tree of life image when performing spells or during meditation.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Growth, family, immortality, and the cycle of life.
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24

Triple Moon

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1. The triple moon represents the 3 main phases of the moon. The 3 main phases of the moon are waxing, full, and waning. The phases in the triple moon symbol are believed to mirror the phases of birth, life, death, and rebirth, as well as the triple goddess, the Wiccan symbol of feminine divinity. Lambert mentioned her 3 main phases are maiden, mother, and crone.

   • Spiritual meaning: 3 moon phases, life cycle, and triple goddess phases.
   • Characteristics: A full circular moon, with a crescent moon on either side, each facing the opposite direction.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Invoke the goddess’s presence during rituals or wear as jewelry.
   • Tattoo symbolism: A way to connect to goddess energy, life cycles, or feminine power.

25

Triskelion

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1. 
   The triskelion represents growth and balance. The triskelion (or triskele) is primarily a Celtic symbol that is made up of 3 spirals to stand for life, death, and rebirth. It can also signify body, mind, and soul, or the triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone). The triskelion is also linked to the ancient druids and can stand for the past, present, and future, but always in 3’s.

   • Spiritual meaning: Various trifectas (life cycle, triple goddess).
   • Characteristics: 3 interconnected spirals.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use in rituals for personal growth, healing, and connecting to the divine.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Movement, progress, and the interconnectedness of life.
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26

Triquetra (Celtic Shield)

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1. Wiccans use the triquetra as a protective symbol. Both Wiccans and Celtic pagans considered the 3-cornered knot with 3 interconnected knots or loops that make up a triangular shape with rounded sides as a representation of eternity when split into 3 realms: land, sea, and sky. Others have used the triquetra to symbolize the triple goddess symbol or the Holy Trinity.

   • Spiritual meaning: Protection, eternity.
   • Characteristics: 3-cornered interconnected knot making up a triangular shape.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Connect to the divine by focusing on the symbol during meditation.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Eternity, the divine, the Holy Trinity, and Celtic traditions.

27

Universal Hexagram

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1. 
   The universal hexagram represents unity and the harmony of opposites. It appears as a 6-pointed star drawn with one continuous line. Within the practice of witchcraft, the universal hexagram is often thought of as a connection between the divine and the earthly and is also associated with spiritual ascension and self-discovery.

   • Spiritual meaning: Unity, the harmony of opposites.
   • Characteristics: 6-pointed star drawn in one line.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Adorn a sacred space for rituals and during ceremonial magick (specifically Thelema, a practice founded by Aleister Crowley).
   • Tattoo symbolism: Life flow of energy, duality, soul’s journey, and spiritual enlightenment.
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28

Water

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1. Water stands for quiet strength and perseverance. It consists of an upside-down triangle with thin borders. Water is associated with a power that builds over time, as well as emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Water is also one of the 5 elements and is linked to purification, the feminine, and healing.

   • Spiritual meaning: Quiet strength, perseverance, emotions, intuition, and the feminine.
   • Characteristics: An upside-down triangle with thin borders.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Use for cleansing, purification, and feminine-focused rituals and spells.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Flexibility, purification, intuition, and resilience.

29

Wheel of the Year

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1. 
   The wheel of the year is a Wiccan calendar. To be a witch often means using the wheel of the year symbol to honor the changing seasons and the passage of time. It appears as a circle divided into 8 sections, each representing a holiday on the Wiccan calendar. These special days include Yule (the winter solstice), Imbolg, Ostara (the spring equinox), Beltane, Litha (the summer solstice), Lammas, Mabon (the fall equinox), and Samhain.

   • Spiritual meaning: The passing of time, the ongoing cycle of life.
   • Characteristics: A circle divided into 8 sections.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Keep track of the 8 shabbats, or seasonal holidays.
   • Tattoo symbolism: The cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, similar to the wheel of fortune.
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30

Witches Knot

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1. The witches’ knot is associated with protection. It’s also called the magic knot or witches’ charm and appears as a 4-pointed knot consisting of 4 half-circles. The witches’ knot is known for warding off negative energy, evil spirits, and hexes, and is a symbol of infinity. It was also used in early Celtic pagan traditions, and is a representation of the 4 cardinal directions.

   • Spiritual meaning: A symbol used to protect against evil spirits; a symbol of infinity.
   • Characteristics: A 4-pointed knot made up of 4 half-circles.
   • Use in Wiccan practice: Focus intention during spells or wear as an amulet and talisman.
   • Tattoo symbolism: Protection and power.

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What is the most misunderstood symbol associated with witchcraft?

  

  Rieka Lambert
  Dream Interpreter, Witch, and Shaman

  Rieka Lambert is a dream interpreter and pagan shamanic witch based in Colorado. Rieka has always been intuitive but has over 8 years of practical experience and is a Pagan High Priestess and mesa-carrying, Andean Tradition-trained Shaman. She offers one-on-one consultations, providing her clients with divination, healing, soul work, and more. She has published 4 metaphysical books and writes for two metaphysical and witchcraft publications, Witchology Magazine and The Witches Magazine.

  

  Rieka Lambert

  Dream Interpreter, Witch, and Shaman

  Expert Answer

  I would have to say the pentacle or the pentagram. A lot of people see it as a sign of devil worship based on how it’s represented in TV and movies nowadays, but the pentacle and pentagram predate Christianity and were a symbol of earth or reverence. The five-pointed star represents earth, air, fire, water, and the fifth point at the top of the circle is protection. The pentacle and pentagram are symbols of protection. Even if you invert the pentacle or pentagram, it doesn’t represent devil worship. Inverting the pentacle or the pentagram simply means that you're working with energies in a different way. It's like the shadow work; when it's inverted, you’re diving into the darkness, which is not evil, but shadow work.

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