The world in which we live is a beautiful place. However, it also comes with its fair share of dangers and threats. Throughout history, humans have searched for ways to keep themselves safe and protected from harm’s way. One way of doing this has been the use of symbols for protection.
There are a variety of ancient symbols that have been used since the dawn of time to provide humans with a sense of security, and these symbols have amazingly stood the test of time.
Even today, we still use these symbols as a way to ease our superstitions, and protect our body and spirit from negative or dark energies. Symbols vary throughout countries and cultures, but they all work to provide defense against evil.
Many symbols from around the world can be employed to keep us protected and safe. Which one you choose to use will depend on your individualized beliefs and needs. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most protective and powerful symbols worldwide.
Table of Contents
Protective Symbols from Around the Globe
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The Vikings
The ancient viking symbol for protection is known as Gungnir and Aegishjalmr. Gungnir, also Odin's spear, was a powerful, protective, and authoritative emblem. Its name means "the swaying one" because it is responsible for bringing people to Odin. Gungnir, like Mjolnir, is a dwarven weapon that Odin used to demonstrate his power. It is said that Odin pierced himself with Gungnir while clinging to Yggdrasil in his quest for enlightenment.
From the 9th century until the triumph of Christianity in Scandinavia, the image of Odin's spear appeared on ceramics and cremation urns. The point of the spear is etched with magical runes, increasing its power. It represents the belief that those who die will be taken to Odin and Valhalla.
The Helm of Awe, Aegishjalmur, is another one of the most potent Norse emblems. The Helm of Awe is made up of eight spiky tridents in a circular formation. It symbolizes protection and victory over adversaries.
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The Greeks
The belief in the evil eye can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was believed that the evil eye was the biggest threat to anyone who possessed more wealth, fame, or power than they deserved, as well as those who were highly praised.
An evil eye is thought to induce physical and mental illness, as well as unexplained illness. The Greeks believed that their gods and goddesses utilized the evil eye to punish individuals who were overly-proud of their accomplishments. It would quickly shatter their pride and relegate them back to mortal status.
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The Celts
The shield knot is a protective ancient Celtic symbol. In an attempt to ward away evil spirits and other dangers, it was placed near sick individuals or on battle shields. The Celts utilized shields as their primary defensive weapon in warfare and are frequently found buried within graveyards. The shield knot varies slightly in design, but always features four distinct corners.
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The Egyptians
In ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus was a sign of protection, health, and restoration. The eye is the ultimate symbol of protection, and was used to ward away evil and danger. This defensive symbol is said to be an outline of Horus's eye, who was ancient Egypt's supreme divinity. Even today and throughout the world, the round blue rings of the "evil eye" can be found on everything from doorknobs to earrings. By wearing the Eye of Horus, you can feel the powerful force of spiritual protection.
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The Japanese
The lion has long been associated with power, strength, and protection. As a symbol in Japanese culture, the lion is frequently connected with places of worship. It is common to find a pair of lion statues guarding shrines or temple doors. These are commonly known as 'lion dogs' and are thought to fend off evil spirits.
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The Chinese
Foo Dogs are Chinese feng shui protective emblems that are said to guard the entrance to buildings and houses. Although they are called dogs, they are actually pictured as lions. They are always represented in pairs and are generally carved out of granite, marble, or other durable stones.
11 of the Most Powerful Protection Symbols
Throughout history, a variety of symbols have been used to offer protection from evil. For instance, in Christianity, wearing a cross protects a child from forces of evil, welcomes the mercy of Christ, and draws Spiritual grace on the bearer. On the other hand, the hamsa is similarly used in the Islamic faith, while the Star of David is employed by the Jewish religion. The use of protection symbols spans across countries, cultures, and faiths.
Let’s look at eleven of the most well-known and highly-revered protection symbols throughout the world.
#1 The Tree Of Life
This sacred protective emblem has different meanings in many religions and ideologies. This symbol often represents unity and serves as a reminder that you are never alone. The tree of life is also associated with ancestry, family, and fertility. This is regarded as a symbol of humanity in Christianity. In Celtic culture, the root represents the other realm, the trunk represents our mortal world, and the tree branches are said to represent heaven. In Islamic culture, it is seen as a sign of immortality.
#2 Single Arrow
Arrow symbols hold a large amount of cultural significance for many Native American tribes, as they were viewed as the primary tool for gathering food and the ultimate defense against attacks. Arrow symbols can have a variety of meanings depending on how they are portrayed. A single arrow, for example, indicates protection and defense, whereas a shattered arrow, symbolizes peace.
#3 Eye Of Horus
This ancient Egyptian protective emblem represents sacrifice, healing, and regal authority. It is believed to protect both the living and the dead from dangers. The ancient Egyptians thought this emblem to have extraordinary powers of protection, energy, and fury. As a means to defend themselves on their journey to the underworld, this symbol was often used as an ornament to bury with the dead. People today use this emblem to reclaim their health and defend against dark or evil forces.
#4 Lotus
This beautiful and resilient flower is an integral part of both Buddhist and Egyptian culture. It signifies the healing power of the human mind and soul. The lotus helps you to blossom and bloom in life, and remain unharmed while traveling towards eternal life. It can help to cultivate forgiveness, compassion, and enlightenment.
#5 Hamsa
The hamsa is an ancient amulet that is a representation of God's hand. It is believed to be a protective symbol that provides good fortune, happiness, and health to those who use it. In different cultural contexts this symbol has varied connotations, however the reigning significance is of protection. The origins of this sign can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was primarily used as a shield from the evil eye.
#6 Yin Yang
In ancient Chinese philosophy, the yin yang is a defensive symbol that represents both protection and the spiritual unity of couples. The white half represents male energy, while the black half represents feminine energy. They wrap around each other to represent their infinite and intertwined connection, as well as their fertile, life-giving powers. The two dots nestled in each half represent the seeds of one within the other and their inability to live without the other.
#7 Pentagram
The pentagram was once a Christian sign in ancient times. It represented the five wounds inflicted on Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. It was widely regarded as a symbol of good and protection against evil.
#8 Om
Om is said to be a state of oneness with the universe. Om is made up of three Sanskrit letters with three curves, one semicircle, and a dot. The heavens, earth, and underworld, as well as the waking, dreaming, and dreamless states, are represented by these three components. This symbol is commonly associated with Ganesh, the Hindu half-elephant god who eliminates barriers with his rotund curves and graceful trunk. Wear the om symbol as a means to embrace universal consciousness.
#9 Hexagram
The origins of this protective emblem can be traced back to Jewish culture in Israel. It is thought that King Soloman was the first to wear the hexagram signet ring, which granted him magical abilities. This emblem is depicted as a god's symbol, and it was commonly worn for protection during the Middle Ages. It has a varied meaning throughout different religions. For instance, in Hinduism it symbolizes the beginning of time, whereas in Judaism, it represents God’s rule over the six directions.
#10 Swastika
This historical emblem, which was employed for consecration and blessing by Vikings and Indo-Europeans in a manner similar to Mjölnir, was disappointingly seized by Hitler and the Nazi party, and now is associated with negative connotations. A once holy and sacred symbol is often viewed now with distaste. However, many individuals consider the swastika to be the most powerful good luck symbol and blessing. It was said to transform a person who was in a desperate, chaotic state into one of power, prosperity, and order.
#11 Evil Eye
The evil eye, also referred to as mati in Greek, is a quasi-universal emblem of protection. The evil eye represents a glance that is said to cause serious harm to the person who receives it due to envy or hatred. Its significance and meaning vary by country and culture, however its general theme of protection remains stable throughout the world. The evil eye is a relic that keeps you safe from harmful forces and is one of the most well-known and widely-used ancient symbols in the world.
How Will You Protect Yourself?
Whether you are looking to protect yourself spiritually or physically, the use of ancient symbols can serve as exceptional defensive shields. These symbols have stood the test of time and have proved their validity and power for centuries. Still used today, protection symbols can be showcased on jewelry as an ideal way to harness their powers and properties. If you would like to incorporate one of these symbols into your own life, check out our website today! Featuring these iconic and legendary symbols, we offer a wide range of beautiful, high-quality necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. You are sure to find your new protector!
