Journey into the mysteries of esoteric symbols

We start with Egyptian mythology. Egyptian mythology is full of esoteric symbols that were used in the religious, mystical and esoteric practices of ancient Egypt. Among these we can cite:

1. The Eye of Horus: also called Udjat eye. This stylized eye, with an eyebrow above and a curl below, represents the omnipresent vision of the Sun God Horus and is an important symbol in Western magical tradition where it represents, among other things, secret or occult wisdom. This eye was painted on the sides of Egyptian burial coffins in the hope that it would allow the corpse to see its way through the journey to the afterlife.

2. The Ankh Cross: It symbolizes immortality and the Universe. What does the Ankh look like? Its resemblance to a key gives a clue to another meaning of this magical symbol. The Egyptians believed that the afterlife was as meaningful as this present life, and that the ankh provided the key to the gates of death and what was beyond. Powerful symbols are frequently found in other cultures despite their origins, and the ankh is no exception.

3. The Scarab: For the Egyptians, the scarab was a sacred creature representing death and rebirth, which was also the sign of the God Khepera.

4. The Ba and the Ka: The Ba was represented in the form of a bird with a human head, symbolizing the individual soul. The Ka, for its part, was represented as a pair of raised arms, symbolizing the vital force. Together they represented the spiritual aspects of being human.

5. Hieroglyphics: The pyramid texts are considered one of the first examples of symbols used for magical purposes, to inscribe spells that would guide the soul of the deceased to the afterlife. Hieroglyphics are still widely used in magical writings at least five thousand years later.

The word comes from Greek and means "sacred sculptures" and the symbols were called "speech of the gods" by the Egyptians. Hieroglyphics consist of pictorial designs originally used for magical purposes, as described above, hence their name.

Chinese philosophy is full of esoteric symbols that are deeply rooted in its spiritual and philosophical traditions. Here are some of the most significant symbols:

1. Yin and Yang : This symbol represents the interdependence and harmony between the opposing and complementary forces of the universe. Yin, black in color, symbolizes femininity, darkness and receptivity, while Yang, white in color, represents masculinity, light and activity. Together they embody the dynamic balance between cosmic forces.

2. Taijitu: Also known as the Taiji diagram, this symbol is a visual representation of the concept of Yin and Yang. It shows the two forces in balance, rotating in continuous motion, symbolizing interdependence and perpetual transformation.

3. The Bagua: These eight symbols are used in Feng Shui and other divinatory practices to represent different aspects of life and the universe. Each Bagua is associated with a specific set of qualities, natural elements and cardinal directions.

4. The Dragon and the Phoenix: These two mythical creatures are often used as symbols of power, success and good fortune in Chinese tradition. The dragon represents strength, power and authority, while the phoenix symbolizes beauty, rebirth and immortality.

5. The Trigram and the Hexagram: Used in the I Ching (Book of Changes), these symbols are arrangements of continuous and broken lines that represent different combinations of Yin and Yang. They are used to interpret hexagrams which provide divinatory guidance and teachings on the wisdom of living in harmony with the cycles of nature.

In Hinduism, symbols play an important role and they serve as supports for meditation, reflection and connection with the divine.

1. Chakras: Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "circle" and in this case refers to a series of subtle energy centers that rise along the spine. The chakras are said to rotate and are considered lotus flowers (another name for them is "lotus centers"). Each chakra/lotus is a different color and has a different number of petals depending on the particular meaning and function of each chakra, relating not only to the body, but also to the mind and spirit. Meditation and yoga are believed to help balance the chakras, which promotes good health. Any representation of the chakras contains the symbol of the large Kundalini serpent coiled three and a half times at the base of the spine, which relates to the primordial creative energy that rises through the healthy chakras when a person is ready to awaken to such an experience.

2. The Om: Aum, or Om, is a living symbol and exists, in different forms and names, in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Sikhism. Sometimes it translates as "So be it" and in this it is similar to the Hebrew "Amen" or "Awen" of modern Druidry. Aum is the symbol of the Word, the sound that was present at the Creation of the Universe. This concept is expressed in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, which state "the voice of God is Aum." The Aum is used at the beginning and end of the prayer and is a chant that, when used consciously, helps the cantor become a part of the Whole. The notion of such a primal sound is universal.

3. The Lingam and the Yoni: The Lingam, representing the divine masculine principle (Shiva), is often associated with the Yoni, representing the divine feminine principle (Shakti). Together they symbolize cosmic union and creation.

4. The Lotus: Symbolizes the purity of mind, body, action and speech. The lotus flower rises above the metaphorical muddy water of attachment and desire.

5. The Yantra: The yantra is a linear geometric figure which effectively embodies, in the form of a symbol, the chant or spoken mantra. Essentially, it is a symbol of the cosmos. The tradition of drawing and contemplating yantras dates back over 2000 years and is the Hindu equivalent of the Buddhist mandala. The yantra is used as a focus of concentration and meditation and contains a few basic elements which are rich symbols in themselves.

6. Deities: Hindu deities, such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga, Kali, Ganesh, and others, are often depicted with symbolic attributes that carry deep esoteric meanings.

Buddhism is full of esoteric symbols that play an important role in spiritual practice and in the transmission of teachings.

1. Buddha: The image of the Buddha, whether the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, or symbolic representations, is a central symbol of Buddhism. The Buddha represents spiritual awakening, compassion and ultimate wisdom.

2. Dharma-Chakra: Also known as the Dharma Wheel, this symbol represents the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. It is often depicted with eight rays, symbolizing the Eight Noble Paths.

3. Lotus: The lotus is a symbol of purity, awakening and rebirth in Buddhism. It is often depicted emerging from muddy water, but remaining intact and pure. This represents the ability to transcend the sufferings of the material world to achieve enlightenment.

4. Mandala: The word “mandala” is Sanskrit and means “circle”. The mandala itself may be enclosed within a square or contain squares and other shapes, such as the triangle. They can also contain animals, flowers and plants. Despite its name, it is not always necessary for the mandala to be circular in shape. Important symbol used in meditation and visualization to represent the universe, the structure of the mind and the path to awakening.

The following symbols, among others, are used in Wiccan practices to connect with the forces of nature, honor deities, and celebrate the seasonal cycles of life. They are also used as tools of meditation and magick to cultivate spiritual growth and self-awareness.

1. The Pentagram: We no longer present the five-pointed star which represents the five elements - earth, air, fire, water and spirit - as well as the aspects of divinity in nature. It is used to protect and purify spaces, chase away evil spirits and negative influences, as well as to represent balance and harmony.

2. The Moon: The crescent Moon is probably the most distinctive lunar symbol; it shows the changing shape of the Moon and also the return to the same shape. Like the Moon, it is linked to the feminine principle and the water element. It is also linked to virginity. Goddesses with a strong connection to the Moon, such as Diana or Artemis, are often depicted with the unmistakable shape of the crescent Moon nearby.

3. The Triple Moon: It symbolizes the notion of the triple aspect of the Goddess, with the circle (representing the full Moon), flanked on each side by a crescent circle. and the waning crescent moon. This symbol not only associates the Goddess with her Moon, but shows the changing nature of her three aspects as maiden, mother and crone.

4. The Wheel of the Year: The Wheel of the Year is found, particularly among Druids, Wiccans and other neo-pagan groups. Indeed, the Wheel of the Year is the name given to the continuous cycle of festivals that take place during the year.

The symbolism of the wheel perfectly reflects the cyclical movement of the seasons and the orbits of the stars and planets. The seasons of human life mirror each other in the same way, its key events corresponding to the changing seasons.

5. The Triskelion: This symbol, composed of three intertwined spirals or three moving legs, represents several important concepts in Wiccan spirituality:
• The three spirals of the Triskelion may represent the three aspects of the Wiccan goddess - the Maiden, the Mother and the Wise.
• In some Wiccan traditions, the Triskele is associated with the three cosmic worlds – the underworld, the earthly world, and the heavenly world – representing the unity of these interconnected realities.
• The Triskelion can also symbolize the three stages of life – birth, death and rebirth – emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence.

This symbol, often considered a lucky symbol, is associated with growth, movement and luck in Celtic tradition.

In Kabbalah, a Jewish esoteric tradition, symbols are used to represent profound concepts regarding the universe, God, and the nature of reality.

1. The Tree of Life: Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Kabbalah, the Tree of Life is a diagram composed of ten divine emanations, called the Sephiroth, and twenty-two paths that connect them. A symbol of wisdom and knowledge, it represents the structure of the universe, the descent of divine light into creation and the soul's path back to God. These ten divine emanations are considered the main aspects of God, each representing a particular aspect of divinity and creation. Each Sephira is associated with specific attributes, deities, colors, numbers and Hebrew letters.

The symbol of the Tree of Life has very ancient origins and has been used since the dawn of time in many esoteric traditions. It is generally associated with the harmony, unity, creation and interconnectedness of all things in the universe.

2. The Tetragrammaton: In Kabbalah, Hebrew letters are considered sacred and are often used to form divine names. These names are used in meditation, prayer and magick to invoke different divine qualities and connect with divine light. The Tetragrammaton is considered a very powerful divine name, representing the eternal, immeasurable and omnipotent nature of God. In Kabbalah, the Hebrew letters that make up the Tetragrammaton are studied and meditated on to reveal profound aspects of creation and divinity.

Symbols are an integral part of Freemasonry practices. I'm sure you know some of them.

1. The Compass and the Square: The compass and the square are mathematical tools, used for precise measurements in disciplines that leave no room for error: building, construction and architecture. There is a natural symbiosis between these tools, since the circle is used to form the square, and the square can be used to give shape to the circle; This is called squaring the circle and is a fundamental rule applied to geometry, sacred or otherwise. All instruments used to measure must, therefore, be symbols of judgment and definition.

2. The All-Seeing Eye: In Freemasonry, God is known as the architect of the universe. The first reference to the All-Seeing Eye as a Masonic symbol appeared in 1797. Also known as the Eye of Providence, this eye surrounded by a triangle is a symbol of divine vigilance, knowledge and spiritual consciousness.

3. The rough stone and the cubic stone: These two stones symbolize the process of personal and spiritual transformation that Freemasons undertake. The rough stone represents the individual before initiation, while the cubic stone represents the individual after being shaped by Masonic teachings and rituals.

4. The apron: The Masonic apron is a symbol of purity, work and dedication. It is worn by Freemasons during meetings and ceremonies and represents commitment to the ideals of Freemasonry.

5. The Triangle and the number three: The triangle is a symbol of perfection, harmony and divinity. In Freemasonry, it is often associated with the Holy Trinity, as well as the three principles of Freemasonry: Fraternity, Unity and Brotherly Love.

6. The G: Be aware that there is ambivalence about its meaning. Some say it represents God, others support geometry. Other interpretations include the idea that the G stands for Generation or possibly Government or even the Big Dipper, the star which signifies the celestial pole or center, not only a physical but a philosophical center. However, Masons agree that there is no definitive answer.