Occult icons and explanations: The occult, also known as esotericism or the occult sciences, refers to hidden or secret knowledge that is beyond the realm of ordinary human understanding. Occult icons are symbolic representations that are used to convey this esoteric knowledge and to invoke specific energies or forces. One such occult icon is the pentagram, a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. In occult symbolism, the pentagram represents the five elements - earth, air, fire, water, and spirit - and is believed to be a symbol of protection and power. It is often associated with Wicca and pagan traditions. Another common occult icon is the all-seeing eye, also known as the Eye of Providence.
Whenever we see the skull and bones symbol, a few things come to mind: warning labels on poisonous substances, pirate ships, Halloween, death and mortality.
Meaning unknown or hidden , the occult refers to supernatural phenomena and the paranormal; in essence, all that transcends the limits of human reason. Including signs from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as Aztec, Celtic, Slavic, Native American, and Hindu societies, Symbols of the Occult examines more than 500 symbols from history, art, and culture by decoding their iconography and exploring their historical significance.
Another common occult icon is the all-seeing eye, also known as the Eye of Providence. This eye, usually depicted within a triangle, is believed to represent divine guidance and omniscience. It has been used in various cultures and religions throughout history, including Freemasonry and the Illuminati.
40 Common Symbols and Meanings (& How to Use Them)
In this list, you’ll find some of the most prominent symbols as well as learn about what each of them means.
You can check out our visual summary below or skip ahead to read a detailed description of each symbol and its origins.
Create visual summaries like this in minutes with this drag-and-drop tool. Try It for FreeThe triquetra, a three-pointed symbol often associated with Celtic culture, is also used in occult symbolism. It represents the threefold nature of existence - body, mind, and spirit - and is believed to symbolize the interconnectedness of all things. The pentacle, a five-pointed star within a circle, is another occult icon that represents the five elements as well as the four cardinal directions and the spirit within. It is often used in ritual magic and ceremonial practices. In addition to these symbols, numerology and astrology are also important aspects of occult knowledge. Numerology is the belief in the mystical significance of numbers, while astrology is the study of the positions and movements of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs. The explanations behind these occult icons vary depending on the specific tradition or belief system. Some may interpret them as literal representations of metaphysical concepts, while others may see them as tools for focusing intent and accessing hidden energies or forces. Overall, occult icons play a significant role in esoteric traditions and practices. They serve as visual representations of complex ideas and concepts and are used to invoke and channel specific energies or forces. Whether taken literally or symbolically, they have a profound impact on the understanding and practice of the occult..
Reviews for "Occultism and Ancient Civilizations: The Universal Language of Iconic Symbols"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn about occult icons and their explanations, but this book was a major disappointment. The author presented the information in a confusing and scattered manner, making it incredibly difficult to follow. Additionally, the explanations provided were shallow and lacked depth. I was hoping for a comprehensive exploration of the subject, but instead, I got a superficial overview. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for in-depth knowledge on occult icons.
- Mark - 1 star - "Occult icons and explanations" was a waste of time and money. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their artistic skills than providing accurate information. The illustrations were beautiful, but the explanations felt like an afterthought. I found the writing style to be pretentious and overly verbose, making it a chore to read through. Overall, I found this book to be lacking substance and would not recommend it to anyone interested in truly understanding occult icons.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to expanding my knowledge on occult icons, but this book didn't deliver. The explanations provided were overly simplistic and lacked any real depth. It felt like a rushed project rather than a well-researched and comprehensive book. The organization of the information was also confusing, making it difficult to follow along. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed with my purchase.