Published : 05/22/2025

The power of symbols: from spirituality to their misuse

By : Veronique - Categories : Sacred geometry & symbols

Symbols have always played a central role in human history. Whether spiritual signs, cultural representations or communication tools, they carry profound meaning and energy. However, over the centuries, certain symbols have been diverted from their original meaning, transforming their role. From the swastika, once a symbol of luck and eternity, to the ankh, hijacked in more political or commercial contexts, these transformations have profoundly altered the perception of symbols in our societies.

In this article, we explore the power of symbols, tracing their history and analyzing the reasons why some have been recuperated for purposes of manipulation or power. We'll see how, despite these misappropriations, many symbols remain anchored in our minds and continue to inspire, guide and sometimes even heal. But we'll also look at how these symbols can be restored to their true meaning, and used for spirituality and well-being.

Hijacking symbols

Symbols have always played a central role in human history, conveying profound meanings and spiritual values. However, over time, some have been hijacked, transformed and reinterpreted, becoming instruments of manipulation or power. These misappropriations have not only altered the meaning of these symbols, but also their relationship with the egregores (collective, energetic forces) attached to them. When a symbol is co-opted by ideological or political movements, it can lose its original purity and become a vehicle for negative or polluted energies.

In his writings, Éliphas Lévi explored at length the idea that symbols, particularly those associated with spiritual forces, can be hijacked and altered. According to him, a symbol is linked to an egregore, a collective thought-form, which can be manipulated by those seeking to hijack the symbol's power for personal or destructive ends. In his book Dogme et rituel de la haute magie, Lévi explains how some people, by using symbols unintentionally or maliciously, can pervert their essence and change their meaning. This results in a degradation of the egregore associated with the symbol, which begins to carry negative energies.

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov, for his part, emphasizes the importance of symbols as vectors of light and spiritual energy. However, he also points out that symbols can be distorted by people's intentions. He discusses how positive symbols can be co-opted by forces contrary to their nature, creating negative egregores. Aïvanhov taught that symbols that bring harmony and peace can be perverted if the intention behind their use is not pure.

Peter Deunov, while not directly addressing the misuse of symbols, taught that collective thought and thought-forms create an influence on symbols. According to him, a symbol is a concentration of collective energy, and if used incorrectly or maliciously, it can generate polluted egregores, carrying harmful energies for those who use it or are exposed to it.

The reasons behind these hijackings are manifold. Often, they are strategies aimed at conferring legitimacy or power on a group, by redirecting a symbol from its spiritual or sacred use to more mundane, even violent, objectives. A striking example of this process is the use of the swastika, once a symbol of good fortune and eternity in many cultures, which was perverted by the Nazi regime to embody hatred and domination. This radical change of meaning has not only affected the way the symbol is perceived in the collective imagination, but also the associated egregore, which is now marked by the harmful ideology that appropriated it.

It is therefore essential to be aware of the impact of these misappropriations on symbols, and to understand that reintegrating them into a healthy spiritual practice requires work to purify the associated egregore. To restore their original power, it is necessary to reconnect with the pure intention behind them, rehabilitating their symbolism and energy within a positive, enlightened framework.

Hijacked symbols in history

Throughout the ages, many powerful symbols have been recuperated, distorted or manipulated by movements or regimes to serve their own interests. These hijackings have often altered the perception of these symbols in the collective imagination, changing their deeper meaning and spiritual impact. We're going to explore some striking historical examples of how symbols have been transformed, and analyze the consequences of these manipulations.

The Swastika: from sacred symbol to instrument of hatred

The Swastika, or swastika, is one of the most famous symbols of appropriation and misappropriation. Originally, it was a powerful spiritual symbol in many ancient cultures, representing good fortune, eternity and the cosmic cycle. It was used in traditions as diverse as Hinduism, Buddhism and Celtic cultures.

However, in the XXᵉ century, under the Nazi regime, the swastika was transformed into an emblem of hatred, racism and domination. Adolf Hitler chose this symbol for its evocative power and strong visual impact. This hijacking radically altered the egregore associated with the symbol, which, instead of conveying an energy of good fortune and prosperity, became linked to destructive ideologies and the violence of the Second World War. You can read a detailed article on Why Hitler used the swastika on our blog.

The Pentagram: from protective symbol to occult symbol

The pentagram, another ancient symbol, has also been hijacked throughout history. Originally a symbol of balance and protection, it was used by cultures such as the Pythagoreans and in some Christian traditions to represent the five wounds of Christ. It also embodies the five fundamental elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit.

However, in the Middle Ages, the pentagram became associated with occult practices and witchcraft, and later, in the following centuries, it became a symbol of Satanism in popular culture. This transformation was partly fuelled by misrepresentations in the media and mystical rituals, causing the pentagram to lose its protective significance. The symbol, once pure and protective, is now seen by many as associated with dark forces. Find out more about the pentagram in the article Secrets of the Pentagram: power and meaning on our blog.

The Ouroboros: from regeneration symbol to mystical symbol

The ouroboros, the serpent or dragon that bites its own tail, is another symbol that has survived the ages with a variety of meanings. Deeply rooted in spiritual idealism, this symbol represents eternity, the cycle of life, regeneration and unity. Used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and in the alchemical tradition, it embodies the process of continuous transformation, where the end is also a new beginning.

However, the ouroboros has also been recuperated in certain occult and esoteric contexts, sometimes symbolizing mysterious forces and hidden secrets. Although its original meaning of cycle and regeneration remains intact in certain traditions, the ouroboros has also been hijacked in contexts where it represents closed systems or self-consumption processes. This detour may have altered its interpretation and introduced darker nuances into its meaning. For a more in-depth exploration, see our article the Ouroboros, an enigmatic symbol on our blog.

The Celtic cross: from spiritual to nationalistic symbol

The Celtic cross is another ancient symbol, deeply rooted in both pagan and Christian traditions. Originally, it represents the union between earthly and celestial elements, the cross symbolizing the axis of the world, and the circle representing eternity and divine harmony. It was often used by Druids in pagan rites, before being integrated by Christians, notably in Ireland, where it symbolizes faith and connection with the divine.

However, in the 20th century, this symbol was hijacked by nationalist and supremacist groups, notably in Europe, where it was used as an emblem of racial "purity" and resistance to modernity and integration. The association of the Celtic cross with extremist ideologies has radically changed its perception, transforming it into a symbol of division and confrontation, far removed from its spiritual roots. This misappropriation has created a negative association with the symbol, which was once a symbol of peace and harmony.

The Fleur de Lis: from royal to controversial symbol

The fleur-de-lis, the royal emblem par excellence, is a symbol of purity, sanctity and nobility. It has been used by the French monarchy since the Middle Ages, when it symbolized divine royalty and protection of the kingdom. In Christian history, it has also been associated with the purity of the Virgin Mary and redemption.

Over the centuries, however, the fleur-de-lis has been co-opted by extreme right-wing movements, notably in the context of nationalism and political propaganda. During the Second World War, it became associated with the Vichy regime in France, tarnishing its original meaning and linking it to ideologies of collaboration and authoritarianism. This misappropriation led to a negative association in the collective mind, despite its deep spiritual roots.

The serpent of Asclepius: from symbol of healing to instrument of manipulation

The Serpent of Asclepius, an ancient symbol of healing and regeneration, represents the union of opposing forces, notably through the snake wrapped around a stick. It is associated with Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, and embodies vital energy, transformation and inner balance. It is also a symbol of hidden wisdom, linked to both physical and spiritual healing.

However, like other symbols, the Serpent of Asclepius has been misappropriated over time. Although it is a symbol of healing, some have used it in occult or esoteric contexts to manipulate invisible forces, transforming it into an instrument of control rather than healing.

In Dogme et rituel de la haute magie, Éliphas Lévi associates the serpent with Kundalini, the spiritual energy that symbolizes inner transformation. For him, the serpent embodies initiation and spiritual ascent, but when used for selfish ends, it can become an instrument of manipulation and spiritual degradation. The hijacking of the Serpent of Asclepius by malicious intent creates a negative egregore, altering its healing and regenerative power.

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov sees the serpent as a symbol of vital energy and spiritual ascension. According to him, this energy, when used with purity, leads to the elevation of consciousness. He teaches that the serpent must be mastered to heal and balance the inner being, but that its misuse for domination can lead to imbalance. The snake, in its purity, is a vehicle for transformation, but loses its spiritual function if manipulated selfishly.

How the misuse of symbols alters their power

Symbol misappropriation has a profound and lasting impact, not only on the way symbols are perceived, but also on the energetic egregores associated with them. When a symbol is manipulated or reinterpreted for purposes opposite to its original essence, its power and influence are significantly altered. The impact of this detour is often invisible in the short term, but can manifest itself in psychological, social and spiritual effects over the long term.

Alteration of the energy associated with the symbol

Each symbol carries a particular energy, linked to the intention that gave rise to it. When a symbol is appropriated by a group or movement for reasons contrary to its original meaning, this energy changes. For example, the Swastika, originally symbolizing luck and prosperity, saw its egregore deeply polluted by its use by the Nazi regime. This transformation of the egregore created a lasting association of the symbol with ideologies of hatred and violence.

Thus, when a symbol is hijacked, the egregore it conveys becomes polluted, charged with negative forces that can influence the individuals who use it or are exposed to it. This alteration can create a discordant and disruptive energy, not only for those directly involved, but also for the community as a whole.

Transformation of collective perception

One of the major impacts of symbol hijacking is the modification of their perception in the collective imagination. Take the pentagram, for example: once a symbol of protection and harmony, it is now widely perceived as a sign of witchcraft and the occult. This change in perception, although based on historical misappropriations, affects the way people react to the symbol today. Even if a person has no direct connection with occult practices, the effect of the negative egregore can still influence how they feel about the symbol.

The hijacking affects not only the energy associated with the symbol, but also the emotional reaction and collective thinking associated with it. This can lead to rejection, fear and even stigmatization of symbols that originally carried positive messages.

Psychological and spiritual effects

Symbol hijacking also affects individuals on a psychological and spiritual level. When symbols are perverted, those who continue to use them without understanding their implications can be influenced by polluted egregores, which can lead to emotional or spiritual imbalances. For example, a person who uses a perverted symbol such as the swastika without being aware of its hijacking may unconsciously attract negative energies, thus disturbing their inner well-being.

Similarly, those who connect to symbols transformed for manipulative purposes may be influenced by an energetic force contrary to their own spiritual aspirations. Symbols, as carriers of powerful vibrations, have the power to condition the state of mind and consciousness of individuals. When the energy that accompanies them is diverted, it can contribute to feeding destructive emotions and thoughts.

Social and political effect

Beyond individuals, the detour of symbols has a profound impact on society. When symbols are associated with negative ideologies, they become instruments of social and political control. The Tetragrammaton, the sacred symbol of divinity in Judaism, has been reused in esoteric rituals and by certain extremist movements, distorting its spiritual significance. This kind of manipulation can fuel tension and conflict, by creating divisions on the basis of symbols which, in principle, are supposed to unite.

The misuse of symbols is often used to impose a reductionist and dogmatic worldview, and to oppress those who do not adhere to this vision. Symbols, which used to be instruments of harmony and solidarity, then become weapons of division and domination, exacerbating social and ideological divides.

Reconnecting with and purifying symbols

One of the positive effects of hijacking symbols is that it prompts us to reflect consciously and deeply on their true meaning. When a symbol is hijacked, it becomes crucial to return to its origin, purify its egregore and restore its original power. Purification involves the spiritual work of reconnecting with the symbol's original intention, whether through meditation, purification rituals or the study of the ancient teachings associated with it.

This work brings symbols back to light in their pure form, and reintegrates them into a healthy, enlightened spiritual practice capable of contributing to individual and collective evolution.

A final word

The misappropriation of symbols is not without consequence. It not only affects our personal perception, but also modifies the collective energy associated with them. When these powerful vectors of meaning are manipulated, they carry polluted egregores, creating negative influences on our inner lives and our environment. But there is a way to restore their original power. This work involves purification, reconnecting with their true essence and the pure intention behind them.

On the Mandalashop blog, we strive to offer you a different, alternative view of symbols. We're moving away from the stereotyped, one-size-fits-all discourse that can all too often be found elsewhere. Our articles are here to invite you to a deeper exploration, away from simplistic interpretations, in order to reconnect with the true energy of symbols and their positive power.

In this way, each symbol can find its place in your life, as a spiritual guide and a source of inner transformation. Take the time to understand, purify and integrate these symbols into your conscious practice. Only by adopting this enlightened approach can you truly experience the benefits they have to offer.