Symbols of Protection and Their Meaning
When you need protection from something, it feels natural to reach for symbols of protection. Whether it’s a house full of salt or evil spirits that require a threshold to keep them out, what we’re looking for is some visible defense against whatever we fear.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how people have used signs and symbols of protection throughout history. These include protective amulets and home decorations, tattoos, and cleansing rituals. Each one of these things offers its unique blend of benefits, so no matter which one appeals to you most, you’ll find something helpful here.
Symbols for Protection Throughout History
Symbolism, or the use of symbols, is one of the most powerful tools we have as humans. It’s been used by virtually every ancient culture and religious group on Earth to communicate important ideas and concepts.
The practice has continued throughout history and into modern times, with many organizations using these symbols to represent their brands.
When it comes to personal protection, symbols can be especially useful. Below are just a few examples of protection symbols that you may find helpful in keeping yourself safe from harm in today’s world:
Symbols of Protection List
The Pentagram
![The Pentagram Symbols of Protection](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-1.jpg?resize=386%2C461&ssl=1)
One of the most well-known symbols of protection is the pentagram.
The pentagram has been used in many religions and cultures over the years, including Christianity and Judaism, as well as paganism. It is also used to represent Wicca, a modern Pagan religion.
The pentagram has five points and five lines in it, representing the elements: air, earth, water, fire, and spirit.
The pentagram was once considered evil because Satanists used it during their rituals, but this is not true. It’s one more example of how symbols have been misused over time by those who would use them for harm instead of good!
The pentagram is one of the oldest symbols in the world. The circle around the star is said to represent:
- unity,
- wholeness,
- infinity,
- the goddess,
- female power,
- and protection against evil spirits.
The Cross
![The Cross](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-2.jpg?resize=555%2C369&ssl=1)
The Cross, which represents divinity and spirituality, brings light into darkness.
It also offers protection against what we fear in life. When we feel like we need a little more protection, it’s good to remember that a symbol of protection is any object or image that helps us feel safe.
Whether it comes in the form of an amulet, pendant, or tattooed on your body, this symbol will help you keep loved ones close at heart while protecting you from harm.
If a necklace isn’t your thing, but you want something less permanent than a tattoo or piercing, then consider getting this symbol for yourself by getting some ink done!
You can find artists who specialize in both tattoos and piercings online with ease, so there’s no excuse not to get one if this is what floats your boat!
The Dreamcatcher
![The Dreamcatcher](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-3.jpg?resize=560%2C374&ssl=1)
Dreamcatchers are considered good luck charms all over the world. According to legend, they catch nightmares so that only positive dreams can enter the subconscious minds of individuals while they sleep.
Hanging up webbed dreamcatchers is a Native American tradition. It is an artifact used as a charm to protect children from nightmares.
You can hang it above the bed or over your door, and it will catch all the bad dreams and only allow good ones to pass through.
There aren’t many reservations in the U.S. or Canada that don’t have dreamcatchers, but different tribes have different stories about the lucky dreamcatcher.
The Algiz Rune
The Algiz rune was also known as Elhaz in Germanic languages used by the northern European, Scandinavian, Icelandic, and British peoples during the third and 16th centuries.
Since the term “rune” means “secret or mystery” in Old Norse, it is broadly accepted that the ancient symbol had mystical and religious meaning for those who used it.
The Alghiz is recognized as one of the most powerful runes. This means it is a powerful symbol of protection. It’s been recognized as one of the most powerful runes by many runemasters.
If you draw this rune on your body or carry it with you somehow, it will protect you from negative energy and keep destructive forces at bay. It can also bring good luck and prosperity into your life if that’s what you desire!
The Triquetra
![The Triquetra](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-5.jpg?resize=354%2C557&ssl=1)
The Triquetra is a symbol used by Celts to represent the Holy Trinity. But it also represents faith, love, eternal life, and unity among people.
The triquetra comprises three circles linked together in a triangle pattern. It’s an ancient symbol that has been used for thousands of years. It has been found on Pictish stones in Scotland dating back as far as 500 AD.
The word triquetra comes from Latin, meaning “three-cornered” or “triple-cornered.” This refers to its shape resembling a triangle with rounded corners (similar to how we think of a trinity).
The Triquetra symbol often represents protection because it looks like an interlocked figure eight. This is an ancient Celtic symbol for protection – the number eight was considered sacred by the Celts. This is because there were four seasons and four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. So this meant that nothing was left out when using materials such as wood or stone for building houses or furniture pieces made from these materials, such as tables.
The Eye of Horus
![The Eye of Horus](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-6.jpg?resize=624%2C441&ssl=1)
The Eye of Horus was an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power, and good health. The Eye of Horus was believed to be a protective amulet that could ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
The sun god Ra’s eye was sometimes called “the all-seeing eye”. The Eye of Horus is similar in form to a typical overseal eye. But it differs from the latter in the addition of a falcon representing Wadjet, protector of Lower Egypt.
It is sometimes represented by a single teardrop or dip in the lower eyelid associated with destruction through water (i.e., drowning). The right side represents Upper Egypt while the left side represents Lower Egypt. North and south respectively.
The Symbol of Om
![The Symbol of Om](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-7.jpg?resize=383%2C414&ssl=1)
The symbol of Om is a sacred sound, a holy syllable, and a spiritual symbol. It is believed that the sound “Om” has the power to create, preserve and destroy all things in this world.
The symbol of Om represents creation and destruction through the beginning and end of all existence.
The ancient Hindu scriptures describe how Lord Brahma created this symbol while he was in deep meditation. It is said that Brahma used the seed syllables from his four heads to form this powerful symbol.
The Pyramids
![The Pyramids](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-8.jpg?resize=590%2C334&ssl=1)
The pyramid is considered to be a sacred sign in virtually all cultures around the globe. It represents fire, water, air, and earth elements. Each side of the pyramid is associated with one element. For example, the southwest corner symbolizes fire, and the northeast corner is earth. The Egyptian pyramids were built following these laws.
The pyramid structure was used as a model for many architectural constructions, such as churches and cathedrals. But it was also used as an ornament or decoration on many objects, such as jewelry pieces or scarves.
The Symbol of the Lotus Flower
![The Symbol of the Lotus Flower](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-9.jpg?resize=566%2C345&ssl=1)
There are a wide variety of meanings associated with the lotus flower, depending on the culture. The lotus, however, is typically associated with purity, rebirth, and strength.
Lotuses are considered pure because they rise from the mud without stains. In addition to being a symbol of strength, resilience, and rebirth, lotus flowers return to the murky water each evening and bloom at sunrise.
The lotus also symbolizes transcendence since it blooms from the underworld, representing man’s spirit transcending worldly matters. The lotus flower opens your heart and fills it with love and compassion.
There are many references to the lotus in sacred texts and spiritual imagery from ancient Egypt to some early Buddhist texts. As a result, it should come as no surprise that the lotus flower symbolizes and represents the Divine.
Among Hindus, the lotus flower carries a wealth of meaning. Vedic texts dating back to 1400 BC mention the lotus! Numerous Hindu deities are depicted with lotus flowers (or are somehow associated with the flower).
The lotus is the national flower of India, serving as a symbol of its arts, culture, philosophy, and religion.
For more information about the symbol of the lotus, check out this post.
Solomon’s Seal
Another popular symbol with similar properties is called Solomon’s Seal. It is believed that Solomon’s Seal was a magical seal he owned as a king. This seal is also known as the Ring of Solomon. In addition to its Jewish roots, the symbol has gained importance among Islamic and Western occult groups.
This symbol consists of two interlocking triangles pointing upwards toward heaven, with two downward-facing triangles below them pointing back toward earth. This means that those who are protected by this seal can go back down from heaven where they came from without any problems whatsoever!
The Ankh
![The Ankh](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-10.jpg?resize=534%2C534&ssl=1)
The Ankh is known as the key to life and represents immortality, prosperity, and health. It’s also one of the most recognized Egyptian symbols today due to its popularity during ancient times. The Egyptians used it as a symbol of protection against evil forces (also known as demons or evil spirits).
The Ankh is an Egyptian hieroglyph meaning “life”. It is used as a symbol of life after death, immortality, eternity, and fertility. It symbolizes the union between male and female energies. It was also used as an amulet for protection.
It can be worn on a charm necklace or you can make an Ankh yourself by buying the right materials and sewing them together. If you want to buy one ready-made, they’re available in many stores. Try stores that sell religious items such as Christian bookstores or even eBay or Amazon.
It is found in many ancient Egyptian artifacts but was most notably used as a symbol for life after death. The symbol can be seen on sarcophagi and coffins, worn around the neck by royalty and commoners alike to ensure immortality or eternal life. The ankh was also used as part of Egyptian funerary rites.
The Ankh is thought to have been derived from the tau symbol. The symbol represents life in many cultures around the world (including ancient Egypt). The loop at the top of the tau represents a stylized loop that forms part of many Egyptian hieroglyphs.
The Horseshoe
![The Horseshoe](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-11.jpg?resize=345%2C519&ssl=1)
The horseshoe, a symbol of protection associated with a Christian legend that dates back to 959 AD, is one of the most commonly seen good luck charms.
The story goes that St Dunstan was so strong-willed and virtuous that God decided to make him Archbishop of Canterbury. However, there was a group of monks who didn’t like this idea. They tried to kill Dunstan by burning his monastery down. But he managed to escape and save his people from the fire through prayer and hard work (in other words: he pulled out some kind of miracle).
The next day when they were hunting for him, they found an angel holding a pair of red hot horseshoes over their heads. This scene made them turn back because they knew they couldn’t beat Dunstan if he had an angel watching over him!
The Rune of Protection
The Rune of Protection or Aegishjalmur protects you from hazards. It is also believed to be able to help you achieve victory over your opponents. It is a rune of protection and can be used as a talisman or amulet. It is also known as the Helm of Awe and represents the Norse god Thor, who wears it in his fights against Jotunheim (the realm of giants).
The runes in this set symbolize powers that do not belong to you but are willing to lend their strength for as long as they are needed. They are not bound by any conditions and will not fail if aid is requested for the wrong reasons. The only condition for receiving their help is that you must believe in them. Otherwise, their intervention will be useless and could even cause injury due to a lack of faith on your part! This belief should manifest itself through practices such as meditation, prayer, or chanting mantras daily. Until positive results start appearing gradually over time with regular practice.
Symbols Are More Than Just Representations of Elements
Symbols have a long history of being used as a means of communication, dating back to the time before written language was common. In some cases, symbols are used to convey meaning in the absence of words. Also they represented abstract concepts that may have been impossible to describe verbally.
In other cases, symbols served as representations for physical objects or ideas that were more familiar to people at the time (such as animals). Often these symbols would be encoded into everyday life through various mediums such as art and architecture.
Today we are still able to see examples of these ancient forms of communication on our street signs and clothing labels. However, their meanings may be lost on us if we do not understand their origins or the context in which they were created. With this in mind, it’s important for us today to use these visual devices with care. So that we can continue the long traditions while also adding something new!
Amulets
![Amulets](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-12.jpg?resize=343%2C514&ssl=1)
If there’s one thing everybody wants in their protective arsenal, it’s something they can wear. And amulets are one of the oldest methods of creating a portable, wearable protection charm.
The earliest examples of amulets come from the ancient Egyptians. They viewed them as protective objects that could be placed or worn. These amulets were often small, portable objects that were carved or inscribed with symbols or prayers. Examples include pendants (worn around the neck), scarabs (used as keychains), and scarab beetles (carved into jewelry).
The types of amulets people use can vary based on culture and personal preference. But most people do something to make the charm more distinctive. Some examples include painting the charm, attaching a string to it so you can wear it around the neck, or adding a label or other written description. Regardless of the method, making an amulet is usually pretty simple. Plus almost any material can be used.
Paintings and Artwork
![Paintings and Artwork](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-13.jpg?resize=529%2C352&ssl=1)
Like amulets, paintings and artwork have been used as protective objects for thousands of years. Unlike the smaller amulets, portable objects, paintings, and artwork were large and used to hang on walls or doors as a form of decoration. Some of the earliest paintings were likely used for protection.
These images were likely kept in homes and a place of worship, where they acted as a safeguard against evil spirits. With time, these paintings evolved into artworks that served a more secular function.
Paintings can be used in many ways, depending on the image you choose. Traditionally, paintings have been used to ward off negative energy, such as those created to ward off bad health or money. They can also help to support positive energy, such as those used to promote a happy, healthy lifestyle.
Tattoos and Body Art
![Tattoos and Body Art](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-14.jpg?resize=563%2C375&ssl=1)
If you’re looking for a permanent symbol of protection, consider getting a tattoo or body art. Tattoos can be used in a variety of ways, from adorning one’s body as a sign of commitment to handing one over to a loved one as a sign of protection. Body art can be used in much the same way.
For example, if you’re looking to ward off financial problems, you can paint your favorite symbol on your body to help passers-by remember you. You can also draw a symbol on your body or paint a symbol on your home to protect it. In this way, body art is similar to amulets and paintings, in that it can be used as a portable, wearable protection charm.
Smells and Incense
![Smells and Incense](https://i0.wp.com/symbolhippo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Protection-Symbol-15.jpg?resize=374%2C561&ssl=1)
When you’re looking for something more natural than a tattoo or a painting, try scented candles or incense. Incense is often made with fragrant plant materials that have been combined with oils to produce a pleasant fragrance.
The appeal of incense comes from its use as a low-impact, natural protection charm. For example, you can burn incense during your day to ward off bad vibes, release positive energy, or both. You can also use incense in a similar way to amulets and paintings, by painting a protective image on the incense for a portable, wearable charm.
House Decorations
If you’re looking for something a little more unconventional than incense or tattoos, consider decorating your home with symbols of protection. Many cultures have used paintings and other decorations as protection charms.
The Chinese Yin Yang symbol is one of the most common decorations used for this purpose. It is typically painted on the roof of a house or other building.
Yin Yang is a symbol used in many cultures as a visual representation of the opposite forces that create balance in the universe. In this way, it can act as a metaphor for protection, helping to ward off anything that would disrupt that balance.
Conclusion
When you feel threatened, it can be comforting to grab onto symbols of protection.
These can take many different forms, from incense to amulets to painted images on the walls of your home.
It helps to remember that these are just symbols and don’t provide total protection. Instead, they remind you that you’re not alone and can rely on something bigger than yourself.