Tree Worshiping & Paganism
Illustrated research handbook
Contents Pagan Symbols...................................................................................................................1. General Tools.....................................................................................................................3. Earth Element.....................................................................................................................8. Air Element........................................................................................................................14. Fire Element.....................................................................................................................20. Water Element..................................................................................................................26.
Pentacle Spirit
Air
Water
Earth
1.
Fire
The circle around pentacle symbolises eternity and infinity, the cycles of life and nature. The circle touching all 5 points indicates that the spirit, earth, air, water and fire are all connected.
Circle
Known as the ritual circle, it’s a symbol of unity, wholeness, infinity, the goddess, female power, and the sun. To many ancient and contemporary pagans, it represents Mother Earth, and a sacred space.
2.
Besom
3.
It is symbolic of purification with its use for cleaning sacred places and sweeping negative energies. It forms a part of a Pagan handfasting ceremony in which the newlyweds jump over it to strengthen their vows.
Rope
Ropes or cords are commonly used to mark the infinity circle or other ritual space. Furthermore in handfasting ceremonies they are used to tie the hands of both the bride and the groom as a symbol of coming together.
4.
Book of Shadows
5.
Book of shadows is one of the most important altar/shrine tools, and is used in every ceremony/ ritual. It contains religious texts and instructions for magical rituals found within the Pagan religion.
6.
7.
Earth
The symbol of earth is also sometimes used to symbolise Mother Earth. The element of earth is associated with the colours of brown and green, abundance, prosperity, and fertility.
8.
Salt
9.
Often, salt is used in purification spells. It can be incorporated into smudging and asperging, and in some pagan traditions it is used on the altar to represent the element of earth.
Stake
The stake could also be a branch that ends by dividing into a “Y� shape. Used by some Pagan traditions to symbolize the Goddess. Also represents duality and the vagina as a fertility symbol.
10.
Stone
11.
For the Earth element, in the North, stones and sometimes crystals are used in pagan rituals. These bring in Earth energy, which helps with grounding, invoking and summoning.
Wolf
Wolves are considered by many to be the highest animal in the spiritual plane. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family. Wolves are associated with the Earth element.
12.
13.
Air
Air is one of the four classical elements, and is often invoked in Pagan rituals. Air is the element of the East, connected to the soul and the breath of life. Air is associated with the colours yellow and white.
14.
Feather
15.
Feathers can symbolize air, for an altar or ritual requiring that symbol. They can also be used in cleansing by using air, like waving a feather around to “air out� the room of any unwanted energy.
Bell
Bell is the Air tool of the East, it creates loud noise that drives away evil spirits, and the bell is a prime example of a good noisemaker. The ringing of a bell causes vibrations, which are the source of great power.
16.
Incense
17.
Just like the herbs and spices, incense is used for cleansing, clearing, calling in energies. Burning incense has a symbolic meaning that helps pagans focus their attention on the purpose of a ritual or magical working.
Bird
Birds ation void sees
and especially crows are symbols of creand spiritual strength. Crow lives in the and has no sense of time; therefore, it past, present and future simultaneously.
18.
19.
Fire
The element of fire is regarded as strong and masculine. Although fire can destroy anything in it’s path it can also be an aid to life; enabling us to cook food and keep warm through the winter.
20.
Candle
21.
A candle is used to represent the God and another used for the Goddess. A candle is simply used to indicate the element of Fire. Candle is often a tool in sympathetic magic rites.
Wand
The wand represents the element of Air and the Male East. The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations.
22.
Athame
23.
The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, call the elements, and is part of many opening rituals such as handfasting or initiation rite. It is associated with the element of Fire and the South.
Serpent
Serpent mythology is strongly tied to the cycle of life, death and rebirth. The serpent is a symbol of secret knowledge and transformation. Summoned by the sun, this animal has association with fire element.
24.
25.
Water
Water is a healing and purifying element that is connected to the west. Water can be used in rituals involving love. Flowing water in a river or the sea can carry away negativity or other unwanted aspects of life.
26.
Cauldron
27.
One of the most common symbols of Witchcraft, the cauldron was once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. The cauldron represents bounty and blessings and is the element of water.
Chalice
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water, placed in the West. The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup.
28.
Bowl
29.
This is used to give back to the God what he has given us. The wine used in the ceremonial is placed in the bowl during the ritual. Afterwards the contents of the bowl are poured on the earth to complete the offering.
Fish
Fish symbolize love, fertility, victory over death, pregnancy and bringing love into your life. They are connected to the Water element. The fish symbol represents woman’s womb or vagina.
30.
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