Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - Scott Cunningham 1993

Wiccan Symbols
Your Own Tradition

SYMBOLS ARE AN important part of many Wiccan traditions. They’re used as magical shorthand in the Book of Shadows; as a graphic representation of Wicca or a specific Wiccan tradition (on correspondence, perhaps); and to empower magical tools and jewelry.

The first ritual symbols used in Wicca stemmed largely from ceremonial magic (particularly those found in The Key of Solomon; see bibliography) and alchemy. Their number soon increased and became more specifically Wiccan, such as symbols for levels of initiation, the circle, the Goddess, and the God. Traditions shared symbols among their adherents. They began to be published, further widening their usage.

Your tradition should probably utilize some symbols. Symbols (which are, in a sense, a compact alphabet) trigger powerful psychological responses, if their observer is aware of their meanings, because they speak to the subconscious mind.

You can create your own symbols or choose ones from those lists given below. I have only one warning: never use an unfamiliar symbol. If you don’t know a symbol’s meaning, it’s best not to utilize it in any way. Here are some specific types of symbols:

Symbols of Our Religion

The most famous of these is the pentagram, an interlaced, five-pointed star. With one point upward, it represents Wicca. The pentagram’s connection with our religion seems to be fairly modern (though the symbol itself has been in use since at least 2,400 B.C.E., when it appeared on Middle Eastern pottery). Other symbols include small representations (usually in jewelry form) of goddesses, particularly the so-called Venus statuettes such as the famous Venus of Willendorf. (One recent symbol of Wicca was a plain green button, without lettering or signs, that was worn by Wiccans in public places so that they could greet each other. The practice has, as far as I know, died out on a national basis.)

Tradition Symbols

Many Wiccan traditions use a specific symbol. Though it may be of any design, most include one or more of the following parts, which can be arranged in a number of unusual and striking ways:

As can be seen from the illustrations, there are many potential combinations of these elements.

Such a symbol need not be created for your tradition. However, if you do design one, it can be copied into the Book of Shadows; stitched onto robes; painted onto tools; and otherwise used in ritual ways.

Book of Shadows Symbols and Shorthand

Following are some symbols used in various Wiccan traditions, with a few variations and quite a few of my own. Once you’re comfortable with them, using them in writing rituals or in the Book of Shadows is quite convenient. For example, it’s much easier to write “Cast O” than it is to write “Cast the magic circle.”

Here are some traditional (and new) symbols:

Use the above symbols to create your own rituals. You can tailor your spells to your specific need. The following are a few of my own. Refer to chapter 19 of Earth, Air, Fire & Water (Llewellyn Publications) for more information on creating your own rituals.

Personal Wiccan Symbols

Many Wiccans place a special symbol next to their signature as a sign of their religion and also, sometimes, for protective reasons. In some traditions, the symbol signifies the initiatory degree that she or he has reached.

I usually place a pentagram near my signature. You may use this or create your own symbol. It might be connected with the Goddess or God; it may be something entirely personal and unique. Call upon your imagination and creativity.

Runic Alphabets

Some Wiccans write their rituals in runes. Many don’t, for complete familiarity with runes is necessary before they can be read at will, and few persons today are willing to learn a new alphabet. Still, most Wiccan traditions include a runic alphabet in their Book of Shadows.

Why? Runes may be used in specific magical rites for their symbolism and their inherent power. Additionally, runes are often painted or carved onto tools to enhance their effectiveness. Besides, it’s traditional for Wiccans to use runes in one way or another.

Many runic alphabets have been published. (At one time, while these were still considered to be secret, entire runic alphabets could be found in many dictionaries.) Today, the wide range of books available on this subject allows us to choose the system best suited to our purposes.

There’s so much disagreement concerning the precise form of runic alphabets (let alone their meanings) that I won’t add to it here by including yet another variation. I suggest, if you’re interested, to read the books listed below.

Suggested Reading

(For additional publication information regarding these books, see the bibliography.)

Howard, Michael,The Magic of Runes.

Koch, Rudolf,The Book of Signs.

Tyson, Donald, Rune Magic.