Ancient Symbols
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Renet aka Valhyr
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What do we know of ancient symbols?
The truth is that we know very little as there is no written sources for most of these symbols. Symbols from different cultures and even different tribes can mean different things, no one can say for sure what a dot or a circle on a rock means - like today we can draw one thing in many ways and it was true also back then.
In this article I will cover the most common interpretations and widely agreed upon meanings for these symbols but I also think it's important to keep in mind that no one person can claim to know what these meant to people back then. If someone claims to know or have some inside information on ancient symbols then I highly suggest disregarding their take on these cause it's likely they have an agenda. Hopefully this article will help you draw inspiration and ideas from the people in the past though, be it for your artwork, writing, tattoos or whatever you enjoy doing!
In this article I will cover the most common interpretations and widely agreed upon meanings for these symbols but I also think it's important to keep in mind that no one person can claim to know what these meant to people back then. If someone claims to know or have some inside information on ancient symbols then I highly suggest disregarding their take on these cause it's likely they have an agenda. Hopefully this article will help you draw inspiration and ideas from the people in the past though, be it for your artwork, writing, tattoos or whatever you enjoy doing!
Basic Shapes
Circle
Meaning:
Sun, Sprout, Moon and Eternity
Sun, Sprout, Moon and Eternity
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Used almost everywhere to symbolize the sun but sometimes the moon as well, with the sun being more decorated and moon being an empty circle or a half circle to symbolize the moon cycle. If the circle is added to a pole it could symbolize a human or a leaf/sprout as with the tree of life that I’ll explain further down, Later on in sigils and galdrastafir a ring around the symbol would mean to contain the powers of that symbol - this is probably from Solomons sigils where a circle around would contain the demon inside the sigil that is being summoned.
Used almost everywhere to symbolize the sun but sometimes the moon as well, with the sun being more decorated and moon being an empty circle or a half circle to symbolize the moon cycle. If the circle is added to a pole it could symbolize a human or a leaf/sprout as with the tree of life that I’ll explain further down, Later on in sigils and galdrastafir a ring around the symbol would mean to contain the powers of that symbol - this is probably from Solomons sigils where a circle around would contain the demon inside the sigil that is being summoned.
Dots (Cupmarks)
Meaning:
Landmarks, sacrificial area, population, the atom of any artwork as all begins with a dot
Landmarks, sacrificial area, population, the atom of any artwork as all begins with a dot
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Use is unknown but in tapestry it’s a substitute for lines. In petroglyph art it’s speculated that it could’ve been a measurement of some sorts for a distance between two objects, perhaps a grove and a village but it’s uncertain. It’s also plausible that stones were carved with sacred symbols and the dots were then used as a place to crush seeds or herbs in to empower them similar to how wheat and coffee powder are made. The dot is usually a supplementary symbol, meaning that other symbols are needed for it to give meaning to them. For example the dots on the letters ö and ä or the letter i and so on - the same is with symbols. If a dotted line is between two petroglyph warriors then it probably means a border. Dots could also be from constellations, as back then people would stare at the sky and draw symbols between the different stars and perhaps draw or carve them the next day on rocks.
Use is unknown but in tapestry it’s a substitute for lines. In petroglyph art it’s speculated that it could’ve been a measurement of some sorts for a distance between two objects, perhaps a grove and a village but it’s uncertain. It’s also plausible that stones were carved with sacred symbols and the dots were then used as a place to crush seeds or herbs in to empower them similar to how wheat and coffee powder are made. The dot is usually a supplementary symbol, meaning that other symbols are needed for it to give meaning to them. For example the dots on the letters ö and ä or the letter i and so on - the same is with symbols. If a dotted line is between two petroglyph warriors then it probably means a border. Dots could also be from constellations, as back then people would stare at the sky and draw symbols between the different stars and perhaps draw or carve them the next day on rocks.
Spiral
Meaning:
Creation, fertility, growth
Creation, fertility, growth
Time period:
-
-
Description:
It’s seen on burial sites and is associated with journey and perhaps the underworld or a journey into a new existence. The spiral is also associated with the magic of the Vikings (I use this word to turn up in search engines forgive me) called Seidr (seiðr). Seen on the trispiral of pre Celtic origin as well in Mexico there is a thing called sun dagger where the sun would shine upon a spiral and thus indicating what part of the year it is with equinoxes and solstices aligning with the spiral being marked. Spirals have been connected with sunrise and the moon phases as well but they are dominantly very positive symbols.
It’s seen on burial sites and is associated with journey and perhaps the underworld or a journey into a new existence. The spiral is also associated with the magic of the Vikings (I use this word to turn up in search engines forgive me) called Seidr (seiðr). Seen on the trispiral of pre Celtic origin as well in Mexico there is a thing called sun dagger where the sun would shine upon a spiral and thus indicating what part of the year it is with equinoxes and solstices aligning with the spiral being marked. Spirals have been connected with sunrise and the moon phases as well but they are dominantly very positive symbols.
Vertical Line
Meaning:
Connection
Connection
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Supporting the earth and the heavens, the road between the the ground and the skies. With the top part being connected to the sky with the polestar. On tapestries or between two different symbols it would mean the division of the two, subtracting the meanings and leaving only the unique parts of each symbol.
Supporting the earth and the heavens, the road between the the ground and the skies. With the top part being connected to the sky with the polestar. On tapestries or between two different symbols it would mean the division of the two, subtracting the meanings and leaving only the unique parts of each symbol.
Horizontal Line
Meaning:
Something distant, Empowering
Something distant, Empowering
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Many different meanings. Most common I’ve come across is that it symbolizes the meaning of the horizon something very far and unreachable thus having great power and mystery to it. In tapestry it could be just as a stylization element but there are survived meanings for this in Estonia and Finland, they are that a line above a symbol would increase its power and when it’s under it multiplies the symbols meaning and if the sign is between two symbols it joins their powers.
Many different meanings. Most common I’ve come across is that it symbolizes the meaning of the horizon something very far and unreachable thus having great power and mystery to it. In tapestry it could be just as a stylization element but there are survived meanings for this in Estonia and Finland, they are that a line above a symbol would increase its power and when it’s under it multiplies the symbols meaning and if the sign is between two symbols it joins their powers.
Triangle
Meaning:
A lot but mainly - Fire, Growth, Rebirth and Fertility, Sign of the gods
A lot but mainly - Fire, Growth, Rebirth and Fertility, Sign of the gods
Time period:
-
-
Description:
A triangle really depends on the context. In addition to those mentioned above it can mean a tent/home, symbolize movement and the cycle of the sun or moon. A triangle could mean royalty or heritage with two tips being the king and queen, mother and father and the single tip being the next ruler in line. A triangle pointing upwards could mean the sign of a god or gods since it was believed in most european cultures that gods lived above our world in the sky and the triangle pointing upwards was pointing at them. A triangle pointing downwards would instead mean earth spirits and earth itself as well as humans and villages.
A triangle really depends on the context. In addition to those mentioned above it can mean a tent/home, symbolize movement and the cycle of the sun or moon. A triangle could mean royalty or heritage with two tips being the king and queen, mother and father and the single tip being the next ruler in line. A triangle pointing upwards could mean the sign of a god or gods since it was believed in most european cultures that gods lived above our world in the sky and the triangle pointing upwards was pointing at them. A triangle pointing downwards would instead mean earth spirits and earth itself as well as humans and villages.
Row of Triangles
Meaning:
Water, Mountains, Transfering Energy, Motion
Water, Mountains, Transfering Energy, Motion
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Mostly based on tapestries and artwork, its most prominent meaning is water. It could also be just a decorative element or symbolize a forest with the triangles being the tip of the trees but this depends on which symbols surround the symbol.
Mostly based on tapestries and artwork, its most prominent meaning is water. It could also be just a decorative element or symbolize a forest with the triangles being the tip of the trees but this depends on which symbols surround the symbol.
Column of Triangles
Meaning:
Lightning, Sunray
Lightning, Sunray
Time period:
-
-
Description:
This also ties into the Swastika with that symbol being for thunder and the thunder god Thor. A column of triangles would depict lightning or a ray of sun and would later evolve to be the sōwilō rune which represents sun.
This also ties into the Swastika with that symbol being for thunder and the thunder god Thor. A column of triangles would depict lightning or a ray of sun and would later evolve to be the sōwilō rune which represents sun.
Cross or X
Meaning:
Protection, sunshine, on land it would mean connection to the underworld
Protection, sunshine, on land it would mean connection to the underworld
Time period:
-
-
Description:
The cross has its origins probably in the sun most specifically the rays of sun. Crosses are most commonly associated with protection and the force of good and empowering positive outcomes. The protection against especially evil beings like werewolves, the undead(a combination of vampire and zombie today) and people who wish you harm. Combining a regular and diagonal cross we get one with 8 tips which would mean protection against all directions and against everything really. Crossroads themselves would be associated with the connection to the underworld and usually in these places sacrifices were made to speak to the spirits.
The cross has its origins probably in the sun most specifically the rays of sun. Crosses are most commonly associated with protection and the force of good and empowering positive outcomes. The protection against especially evil beings like werewolves, the undead(a combination of vampire and zombie today) and people who wish you harm. Combining a regular and diagonal cross we get one with 8 tips which would mean protection against all directions and against everything really. Crossroads themselves would be associated with the connection to the underworld and usually in these places sacrifices were made to speak to the spirits.
Square
Meaning:
Connection, Meeting place, Household
Connection, Meeting place, Household
Time period:
-
-
Description:
A square could mean a plethora of things. Most common I’ve seen are a meeting place or a center of a town or such as well as a connecting place. It could also mark belonging of people like a way to group up elements inside it. It’s always used as a complementary element rather than alone
A square could mean a plethora of things. Most common I’ve seen are a meeting place or a center of a town or such as well as a connecting place. It could also mark belonging of people like a way to group up elements inside it. It’s always used as a complementary element rather than alone
Rhomb or Diamond
Meaning:
Fertility, Womb, Crops
Fertility, Womb, Crops
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Most common representation for it is fertility both for women and the earth. A rhomb with a circle in the middle would mean a crop and when there are hooks on the end of the symbol then those probably meant sprouts. The meaning of this dates back to the neolithic age.
Most common representation for it is fertility both for women and the earth. A rhomb with a circle in the middle would mean a crop and when there are hooks on the end of the symbol then those probably meant sprouts. The meaning of this dates back to the neolithic age.
Looped Square (Valknute)
Meaning:
Unity, Protection, Infinity, Universe, Warning, Decoration
Unity, Protection, Infinity, Universe, Warning, Decoration
Time period:
-
-
Description:
The symbols meaning is kind of foggy and its origin as well, it is widely used for decorative purposes - filling in an empty space. But the loop is endless thus it’s likely related to infinity as with similar symbols and with this symbol it’s also important to see what other symbols surround it. It’s also drawn above doors or on gravestones so we can derive from that it protects against evil spirits or keeps evil at bay
The symbols meaning is kind of foggy and its origin as well, it is widely used for decorative purposes - filling in an empty space. But the loop is endless thus it’s likely related to infinity as with similar symbols and with this symbol it’s also important to see what other symbols surround it. It’s also drawn above doors or on gravestones so we can derive from that it protects against evil spirits or keeps evil at bay
Swastika (Thundercross)
Meaning:
Sunwheel, Movement, Progression, Lightning, Fertility, Thors hammer Mjölnir in motion
Sunwheel, Movement, Progression, Lightning, Fertility, Thors hammer Mjölnir in motion
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Probably the most butchered meaning and people still continue to butcher it today. Extremists on both sides have given this symbol a meaning that it no way deserves and it’s sadly banned in some countries thus both sides decide to keep that negative symbolism with it and give that negative meaning even more power when we could as well move past that horrible time. One of the most sacred symbols of our folk, it symbolized a sunwheel in motion. It was associated with the lightning deities of different cultures like Thor, Taranis, Taara, Ukko, Thunar and so on. Associated with the sun it was also a symbol tied in with fire, it’s said to help against sickness, the magic of your foes and evil spirits.
Probably the most butchered meaning and people still continue to butcher it today. Extremists on both sides have given this symbol a meaning that it no way deserves and it’s sadly banned in some countries thus both sides decide to keep that negative symbolism with it and give that negative meaning even more power when we could as well move past that horrible time. One of the most sacred symbols of our folk, it symbolized a sunwheel in motion. It was associated with the lightning deities of different cultures like Thor, Taranis, Taara, Ukko, Thunar and so on. Associated with the sun it was also a symbol tied in with fire, it’s said to help against sickness, the magic of your foes and evil spirits.
Triskele
Meaning:
Ward against evil, the moon or the sun, Odin, fertility
Ward against evil, the moon or the sun, Odin, fertility
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Close relative to the swastika, this was to symbolise the moon and the three stages of our moon. It could also represent the sun or the stead of the sun. It’s believed the triskele wards off evil spirits.
Close relative to the swastika, this was to symbolise the moon and the three stages of our moon. It could also represent the sun or the stead of the sun. It’s believed the triskele wards off evil spirits.
Triquetra
Meaning:
Dynamic energy, flow
Dynamic energy, flow
Time period:
-
-
Description:
This symbol has it’s similarities with the Valknut and perhaps it’s often sharing the meaning. It is often used with other symbols rather than alone and added into rock carvings and tapestries to fill spaces so it’s often used as a decorative element.
This symbol has it’s similarities with the Valknut and perhaps it’s often sharing the meaning. It is often used with other symbols rather than alone and added into rock carvings and tapestries to fill spaces so it’s often used as a decorative element.
Pentagram
Meaning:
Fire, life power
Fire, life power
Time period:
-
-
Description:
To protect against fire and evil spirits, it was associated with the rowan berries since they have a pentagram at their tip. The rowan berries were spilled around the yard of a farmstead to protect against fire breaking out.
To protect against fire and evil spirits, it was associated with the rowan berries since they have a pentagram at their tip. The rowan berries were spilled around the yard of a farmstead to protect against fire breaking out.
Octagram
Meaning:
Luck, Protect against mistakes, repair wrong doings, empower containing symbols
Luck, Protect against mistakes, repair wrong doings, empower containing symbols
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Often the insides are decorated with other symbols or patterns, the symbols inside the hexagram would then be set in motion and empowered. The symbol is connected to the winter and especially Yule and it’s most likely a representation of the Polestar and called the star of luck.
Often the insides are decorated with other symbols or patterns, the symbols inside the hexagram would then be set in motion and empowered. The symbol is connected to the winter and especially Yule and it’s most likely a representation of the Polestar and called the star of luck.
Octothorpe (Hashtag)
Meaning:
A door to somewhere, home/farmstead , field fertility
A door to somewhere, home/farmstead , field fertility
Time period:
-
-
Description:
This symbolises the cells of a well or a plan of wood planks on a house or farmstead thus symbolizing home, it depends on the surrounding elements and was almost always used as a complimentary piece rather than alone. The word thorpe meant field or farm in Old Norse so the todays word for it means eight fields.
This symbolises the cells of a well or a plan of wood planks on a house or farmstead thus symbolizing home, it depends on the surrounding elements and was almost always used as a complimentary piece rather than alone. The word thorpe meant field or farm in Old Norse so the todays word for it means eight fields.
Ring, Orb, Sõõr
Meaning:
Universe, Sun, the whole, harmony
Universe, Sun, the whole, harmony
Time period:
-
-
Description:
It’s universally the symbol for the sun and the earth/nature, in some northern and eastern parts of europe it’s symbol is more developed into harmony and meaning the whole in a sense that it emcompasses the existing. Some of these are very similar to the petroglyph solar wheel.
It’s universally the symbol for the sun and the earth/nature, in some northern and eastern parts of europe it’s symbol is more developed into harmony and meaning the whole in a sense that it emcompasses the existing. Some of these are very similar to the petroglyph solar wheel.
Flower
Meaning:
Many meanings, it depends on the number of spikes it has
Many meanings, it depends on the number of spikes it has
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Not much has remained from these but considering different artworks have a certain number of spikes then we can say it meant something. Some verbally remained meanings are that 5 spikes meant to stay silent and to listen, 6 spikes meant unity, community, luck and fortune, 7 spikes meant the whole and belonging.
Not much has remained from these but considering different artworks have a certain number of spikes then we can say it meant something. Some verbally remained meanings are that 5 spikes meant to stay silent and to listen, 6 spikes meant unity, community, luck and fortune, 7 spikes meant the whole and belonging.
Heart
Meaning:
Sexuality, Healing, Fertility
Sexuality, Healing, Fertility
Time period:
-
-
Description:
The meaning of love was later attested to this symbol, it’s speculated that the symbol derives from a now extinct plant called Silphium, it was used as a spice but also as a medicine and birth control. The symbol comes from the seed of the plant that was said to resemble the shape of the heart symbol and it’s recorded by many ancient texts. Due to the plant being extinct we can tell the ancestors liked it, another possible meaning for this could be the breasts of a woman, the behind or like the Venus of Lespugue the breasts and the stomach section down to the legs and thus rather being associated with fertility and sexuality. The meaning of romantic love was probably given to this symbol around the 10th to 12th century.
The meaning of love was later attested to this symbol, it’s speculated that the symbol derives from a now extinct plant called Silphium, it was used as a spice but also as a medicine and birth control. The symbol comes from the seed of the plant that was said to resemble the shape of the heart symbol and it’s recorded by many ancient texts. Due to the plant being extinct we can tell the ancestors liked it, another possible meaning for this could be the breasts of a woman, the behind or like the Venus of Lespugue the breasts and the stomach section down to the legs and thus rather being associated with fertility and sexuality. The meaning of romantic love was probably given to this symbol around the 10th to 12th century.
Apple
Meaning:
Fertility, Sweet, Beauty, Youth
Fertility, Sweet, Beauty, Youth
Time period:
-
-
Description:
A very ancient symbol, apples are associated with several gods afterwards and they serve the same meaning as youthfulness and beauty.
A very ancient symbol, apples are associated with several gods afterwards and they serve the same meaning as youthfulness and beauty.
Tree
Meaning:
Nature, calm, rest or a landmark
Nature, calm, rest or a landmark
Time period:
-
-
Description:
This one again depends on the surrounding elements a lot, most of the time it was decorative with perhaps meaning resting or to soothe the magic of the elements around it so it would not get too crowded. It was probably also used to mark where great hunting/gathering grounds are or something similar - these are very ancient and hard to tell for sure, we can only guess based on the elements around it.
This one again depends on the surrounding elements a lot, most of the time it was decorative with perhaps meaning resting or to soothe the magic of the elements around it so it would not get too crowded. It was probably also used to mark where great hunting/gathering grounds are or something similar - these are very ancient and hard to tell for sure, we can only guess based on the elements around it.
Tree of Life
Meaning:
To connect worlds, mystery, fertility, the tree of life and all its meanings
To connect worlds, mystery, fertility, the tree of life and all its meanings
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Very ancient symbol as well, since our ancestors were very keen of groves then this is a very prominent symbol across all of europe. To the vikings it symbolized the connection between the nine worlds and was to them the combination of two algiz runes, it’s also speculated that the algiz rune developed from this symbol as a lot of runes have come from earlier symbols. One variation of this symbol shares its visual with the Donderbezem that was very popular around the area of the Netherlands.
Very ancient symbol as well, since our ancestors were very keen of groves then this is a very prominent symbol across all of europe. To the vikings it symbolized the connection between the nine worlds and was to them the combination of two algiz runes, it’s also speculated that the algiz rune developed from this symbol as a lot of runes have come from earlier symbols. One variation of this symbol shares its visual with the Donderbezem that was very popular around the area of the Netherlands.
Thunderbloom (Donderbezem)
Meaning:
Protect against lightning strikes and evil spirits
Protect against lightning strikes and evil spirits
Time period:
-
-
Description:
It symbolizes visually the end of a broom. Mostly found around the Netherlands and parts of Germany and Poland. There was a tradition to leave a broom at the door to not let spirits in when leaving the house, this was practiced around a lot of places but the symbol is mostly from the previously mentioned places. Later on the symbol evolved into a mill or a variation of the tree of life. It was associated with the god Thor and could be the ancestor of the hagalaz rune as well.
It symbolizes visually the end of a broom. Mostly found around the Netherlands and parts of Germany and Poland. There was a tradition to leave a broom at the door to not let spirits in when leaving the house, this was practiced around a lot of places but the symbol is mostly from the previously mentioned places. Later on the symbol evolved into a mill or a variation of the tree of life. It was associated with the god Thor and could be the ancestor of the hagalaz rune as well.
Petroglyphs, Cave Paintings and Artwork
Ship
Meaning:
War, Fertility, Death and the afterlife
War, Fertility, Death and the afterlife
Time period:
-
-
Description:
Most of the ships depicted are full
Most of the ships depicted are full