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1) Monad
Created by John Dee, occultist and astrologer famous for advising Queen Elizabeth I in 1583, the Monad is a combination of four symbols representing the Sun, Moon and elements of nature. In essence, verticality refers to the one, to god and to intellect. The root of the word monad is Greek, with the same origin as the word monastery. Because it is a symbol that carries a very specific logical meaning, it was widely used by alchemists and Rosicrucians.
2) Crescent moon
Like all types of moons, this symbol is related to the feminine and virginity. Goddesses like Artemis (from Greek mythology) and Diana (Roman) are always portrayed with a crescent moon nearby, as well as the Virgin Mary, in Christianity. The crescent moon next to a star is the strongest symbol of Islam (Muslims follow the lunar calendar, in which the months begin with the crescent moon). The origin of this relationship dates back to the Ottoman Empire, which followed Islam and had the moon and star as its main icons.
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3) Triquetra
Formed by a continuous line in the shape of triple fish, in the middle of a circle, the Triquetra is an ancient symbol, found in runes over 2,000 years old. In Latin, Triquetra means “three points”. It brings the sense of protection, along the same lines as the Nordic Valknut. And, even though it predates Christianity, this design has been used as a sign of the Holy Trinity, in addition to other occasions when it is necessary to connect three items or three concepts.
4) Triple Goddess
In Wicca, the Moon is always related to the goddess, female deity of pagan religions. In this symbol, the central circle represents the full moon and the side semicircles are the waning and waxing moons, signaling the natural changes in three moments of a woman’s life: maiden (which represents purity), mother (which would be protection) and old woman. (which means wisdom).
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5) Infinity
The infinity symbol, the number 8 and the lemniscate algebraic curve have the same shape and multiple meanings in their flowing lines. Originating from Arabic numerals, infinity can be drawn with just one line moving on a seesaw clockwise and counterclockwise. The bond formed reflects the balance of opposites, such as feminine and masculine, day and night, light and dark… And, as the two sides are equal, it also refers to the equality between these dualities. The converging point in the center represents the idea of sexual union, two becoming one.
6) Troll Cross
This symbol is present in amulets that would bring protection against trolls, imaginary ogres from Scandinavian folklore. Most of the time, the amulet is made of iron, which reinforces the protection aspect of the symbol, as this metal is believed to be avoided by evil entities. Despite its name, it is not exactly a cross, but a circle with a curved base.
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7) Indalo
Found in caves in the region of Almeria, Spain, this prehistoric emblem (there are indications that it was created over 5,000 years ago) bears symbolic meanings, reminiscent of doctrines of contemporary religions. The design represents a man holding a bow over his head. The image would be the rainbow (or a vault of heaven) and would function as a bridge between the divine and man. Drawn in a very simple way, it would contrast the complexity between the micro (of the human being) and macro (of the cosmos) aspects.
8) Khanda
Formed by the union of four sacred weapons, this symbol belongs to Sikhism, a monotheistic religion created in the region between Afghanistan and India in the 15th century. The Khanda represents the four symbolic aspects of the Sikh faith. The double-edged sword at the center of the design symbolizes the power of God and the wisdom of the deity. The circle around it is called chakkar, a medieval weapon, which, like other circular signs, means eternity and unity. The daggers on the sides are known as kirpans, which symbolize the balance between spirit and matter.