Protection symbols: spiritual shields
A brief glance at history shows us that many peoples had a sense of protection as their guiding principle. Whether protecting the group, the family, the spirits of nature or the sense of the sacred, the peoples closest to the earth have acted with the great intelligence of nature to preserve balance, harmony and protect the divine, in the visible as well as the invisible.
Whether by respecting natural cycles, developing an art of living in tune with the seasons, practicing rituals, songs and ceremonies, lighting and protecting fires and hearths, or having a strong sense of community, sharing and mutual support, their actions bore witness to an innate and profound sense of protection.
In ancient Egypt, before our history books, everything was designed to protect Pharaoh and his covenant with God, to preserve civilization from the encroachment of the dark, and to maintain a living link with the higher worlds. The great mysteries were protected from unwanted eyes and preserved in the utmost secrecy. In temples accessible only to high initiates, great initiations were necessary before gaining access to the mysteries. The doors were kept secret.
Throughout history, and across many civilizations, there has been this desire to protect God, the sacred, the divine, mystery and wisdom, whether through temples, animal totems, pyramids, hieroglyphs, symbols, statues, representations, subtle invisible writings, memories transmitted in standing stones... On every continent, memories of ancient wisdom can be found, perpetuated to preserve awareness of humanity's divine origins.
Many peoples have turned to the sun to worship it, others to the animals, some have been peoples of the water, others of the earth. Many have captured the mysteries of the spirit, but the common thread that has linked humanity to the divine is this awareness of the universal, this aspiration to honor the divinity at the source of life and to protect that which is greater.
There was a time when talismans, symbols and certain words were powerful protections, because the wise knew how to enliven them by uniting heaven and earth. They knew how to consecrate and activate them by placing within them scriptures, magical and spiritual forces capable of acting even on the physical plane.
But today, wisdom no longer governs humanity and certain symbols have lost their value. So make up your own mind and experience about the symbols you use.
Let's discover 8 symbols of protection.
1- The Eye of Horus : Egyptian symbol of protection against the Evil Eye
According to myth, Horus, son of Isis and Osiris, lost an eye in a battle with his uncle Set to avenge his father's murder. During the fight, Set tore out his left eye, cut it up (into six pieces, according to one version of the legend) and threw the pieces into the Nile. Using a net, Thoth fished out all but one of the pieces. He miraculously replaced the missing 6th fragment to enable the eye to function again, thus restoring Horus' physical integrity.
The translation of the hieroglyph irt is "eye" and oudjat is a verb meaning "to preserve" or " protection ". Irt oudjat, or more commonly oudjat, therefore means "preserved eye".
This is why the eye is considered a powerful symbol of protection. It is said to have a magical function for most people in the Middle East.
It was depicted on the sarcophagi of embalmed people and on the pectoral decorations of breastplates for protection in battle.
In the past, the Oudjat eye was also painted on the prows of boats, enabling them to see and stay on course. These painted eyes can still be found on many fishing boats in Egypt and surrounding countries.
The countless blue and white eye-shaped amulets found everywhere in Middle Eastern bazaars have a reputation for protecting their wearers.
The protective eye is a blue talisman in the shape of an eye, made of glass in the shape of a drop of water. The origin of this symbol is generally Turkish or Greek. According to popular belief, it repels the evil eye and protects its owner from jealousy and health problems. Greeks and Turks wore this sign to protect themselves against the evil eye.
2- Fatma or Hamsa hand with protective eye symbol
The khamsa, khmissa, khomsa or tafust is a symbol used as an amulet, talisman and jewel by the inhabitants of North Africa (where it originated) and the Middle East to protect themselves against the evil eye. The name of this protective symbol is linked to the Prophet Mohammed's youngest daughter.
The hand pointing downwards is a symbol of blessing. Pointing upwards, it's a symbol of protection.
Basically, Fatma's hand is shaped like a human hand, but with a few peculiarities. Firstly, when viewed from the front, it appears to have two thumbs. What's more, if you take a cross-section of this hand, and join the two parts together, you get a perfect superposition: something impossible to achieve with a human hand.
In some representations, Fatma's hand is equipped with an eye called the " protective eye " or " lucky eye ".
It is located in the center of the symbol, just below the three vertical fingers. According to many books, this eye is not there by chance. Its mission is to watch over and protect all those who wear and believe in this symbol.
As with the Eye of Horus, the eye, the organ of sight and perception of the world, has a very strong symbolism. Human knowledge or divine omniscience, protective or punitive, it is used in all civilizations as a symbol to represent the invisible or the unspeakable.
This eye is called the "protective eye" or "lucky eye". It is located in the center of the hand, in the palm, just below the three vertical fingers. According to many books, this eye is not there by chance. Its mission is to watch over and protect all people from negative energies. It is generally blue in color.
To find out more about this symbol, read " Hamsa hand: everything you need to know about this symbol "
3- The dreamcatcher: a Native American symbol of protection
In some Native North American cultures, a dreamcatcher is a handcrafted object consisting of a hoop, usually made of willow, and a net-like network of threads. The decorations on the hoop are different for each dreamcatcher.
According to popular belief, dreamcatchers prevent bad dreams and negative energies from invading the wearer's sleep. Acting like a filter, it captures the dreams sent by the spirits, preserves the beautiful images of the night and burns away the bad visions at first light.
In native culture, dreamcatchers are hung on the side where the sun rises, so that daylight can destroy the bad dreams that have settled in the beads and threads of the fabric.
Numerous legends from different tribes explain the origin and functioning of the dreamcatcher. They often have many points in common: the dreamcatcher was passed on to man during a dream; the spider, in the form of an animal or deity, often intervenes; the dreamcatcher's teachings are passed on in return for the protection of a spider's web, etc.
The dreamcatcher is now found in the handicrafts of most of North America's native cultures.
According to Huron culture, all humans are part of the Great Spirit, creator of nature and mankind. He suggests dreams to us so that we can better understand ourselves. The dream is the vehicle for exchange between Man and the Great Spirit. According to this culture, dreams are the expression of the soul's needs. It's just as important to satisfy the needs of the soul as those of the body. Dreams enable liberation. It ensures balance. If we listen to what dreams suggest, we can understand the needs of the soul much better.
You can hang your dreamcatcher from your bedroom window.
4- Angel Protection Mandalas
The Protection Mandala teaches us the qualities of awakening and vigilance.
If you don't know that in life, there are dark forces and influences that want to test you and get in your way, you're in danger. If you're wondering how to protect yourself from these forces, it's because you know they exist and have already taken the first step on your path with the virtue of protection.
This energy wants you to be discerning, alert and vigilant, and to choose your alliances consciously.
It's important to understand that life isn't without its dangers. You need to know how to protect yourself from certain thoughts, moods, feelings and influences, which are often far more real than the physical dangers we can see. The real danger comes from the subtle worlds, from what lies hidden.
We often mistakenly seek protection outside ourselves.
But if you live awake, with wisdom and discernment, if you know how to direct your thoughts, protect your heart, control your actions, act in harmony with the intelligence of a higher world, you naturally place the seals of protection on yourself.
Finding your own center is the best way to avoid being invaded by harmful influences. When you're at the center of your being, not on the periphery, nothing can touch you.
It's always within yourself that you'll draw the greatest strength, the best inspiration and the right guidance on your path. Not allowing yourself to be caught up or scattered by a multitude of influences, and knowing how to refocus and commune with your soul, your true being, is a great protection in life.
Mandalas are wonderful contemporary tools for achieving this.
Symbol of protection against evil and harmful influences
Be careful, because we tend to see harmful influences outside ourselves, whereas they may be hiding inside! Concentrating on this Mandala will reveal all hidden forces.
Symbol of home protection
To protect your home and your everyday life, you can place a small stone at the entrance and bless it every time you walk through the door. Choose an amethyst, for example, as its violet color is purifying. The more you bless it, the more it will radiate. In this way, many of the entities carried by people entering your home will be suppressed. These people will be temporarily cleared, but they will reclaim their tenants as soon as they leave your home.
This practice is like taking off your coat before entering a house. When you leave, you put it back on your shoulders.
Symbol of family protection
Vibrational mandalas in general are magnificent talismans, good-luck charms and universal symbols of protection, to radiate protective forces in your home, meditation temple or workplace.
Depending on the vibrations and colors that most appeal to you, you can place the Mandala of Protection or the mandalas of certain virtues associated with it, such as love, benevolence, vigilance, discernment, kindness, devotion, beauty, nobility...
Inside your home, you can create a powerful field of luminous life through the way you think, speak, eat and act in accordance with the laws of the beautiful life.
By decorating your home with vibratory Mandalas and connecting with them, you ensure constant protection by the Light.
It's essential to have objects and decorations that remind you of the omnipresence of the magical world and vibrate in harmony with it.
A portrait of someone you love can be a mandala that lets you touch the sublime depths of life. Objects, paintings and furniture also have a soul that can influence your life without you even knowing it.
That's why it's important to decorate your home only with positive, intelligent, harmonious and lucky things. Vibrational Mandalas, in particular, have been specially designed for this purpose.
This knowledge can greatly improve the quality of everyday life for yourself and others.
5- Esoteric Celtic and Wiccan protection symbols
Celtic knots, ancient artistic symbols, are also considered protective amulets. Their intertwined patterns represent eternity and symbolize the interconnectedness of life. As it has no beginning and no end, the intertwined knot represents a defensive protection that cannot be broken, and strengthens the wearer's connection with the unified divine.
As talismans, these knots are seen as spiritual guardians, offering protection against negative energies. Whether as jewelry or decorative objects, Celtic knots are worn with the intention of creating a symbolic barrier against unwanted influences, while celebrating Celtic cultural and spiritual heritage.
Contrary to what you may read on other sites, and according to some symbol specialists, the Triskel is not in itself a symbol of protection. It is indeed a good-luck charm, but it has more of a spiritual unifying power (this symbol being based on the law of the Holy Trinity).
On the other hand, there is a symbol close to the Triskel which is the Triquetra.
This Celtic symbol is very old. Over the course of time, various ways of representing it have consequently developed. For example, when the lines forming the Triquetra are doubled, it's known as a " trinity knot ".
In symbology, a triquetra (derived from the Latin tri-, "three" and quetrus, "provided with corners") is a symbol made up of three vesicae piscis, sometimes accompanied by an inner or outer circle.
Other Wicca symbols familiar to modern witches include the Triple Goddess, the Horned God, the Celtic Knot, the Witch's Knot and the Pentacle.
6- The Metatron's Cube: a symbol of magical protection
From time immemorial, human beings have linked vibratory energies to matter and form. Among the earliest manifestations of this connection are megalithic alignments and stone circles, such as the Carnac alignments in Brittany or Stonehenge.
But this relationship was also expressed in a more subtle way in geometric symbolism with the golden numbers.
The ancients understood the importance of harmonious proportions, and taught the knowledge of shapes through talismans, defense amulets and pentacles.
The Metatron's Cube is a highly representative example of this perfect harmony. This geometrical figure not only contains the sacred forms of the Flower of Life, the Seed of Life and the Merkaba, but also all the Platonic solids.
The very high vibration of the Metatron's Cube makes it a powerful symbol for warding off bad vibes.
7- Viking protection symbols
The Vegvisir
One of the most emblematic symbols of protection in Viking culture is the Vegvisir. This symbol, also known as the "Nordic compass" or "Viking compass", is often depicted as a circle surrounding eight arrowheads, sometimes with a dot in the center. Here's what the Vegvisir symbolizes and how it's used for protection:
1. Guidance and orientation: The Vegvisir was used as a talisman to guide Viking sailors through unknown seas and raging storms. It is supposed to offer safe orientation and a safe way home.
2. Protection: The Vegvisir was also considered a symbol of protection, offering a kind of "magical protection" against danger and misfortune, whether at sea or on land.
3. Inner strength: In addition to physical protection, the Vegvisir is often interpreted as a symbol of inner strength and self-confidence. It encourages the wearer to show courage and determination in the face of life's challenges.
4. Spirituality: On a spiritual level, Vegvisir is sometimes associated with concepts of destiny and connection with divine forces. It is seen as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, we are always guided and protected.
Today, Vegvisir is often used as a symbol of Viking pride and as a protective talisman in jewelry, tattoos and other forms of craftsmanship. It continues to represent bravery, determination and the ability to overcome obstacles, not only for descendants of the Vikings, but for all those who feel linked to the warrior and explorer spirit of this ancient civilization.
Runes
Runes, an ancient writing system used by the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples, are not only alphabetical characters, but also symbols charged with spiritual and magical meanings. In the context of protection, runic signs were often used to invoke beneficial forces, repel negative energies and guide those who used them to safety and security. Here are some of the runes most commonly associated with protection:
1. Algiz (ᛉ): Algiz is often considered the rune of protection and defense. It evokes connection with higher deities, offering an aura of security and spiritual guidance.
2. Tiwaz (ᛏ): Tiwaz symbolizes justice, courage and victory. Used in a protective context, it can strengthen the will and determination to overcome obstacles and face challenges with confidence.
3. Ehwaz (ᛖ): Ehwaz represents movement, partnership and protection during travel. It offers stable, harmonious energy and protection during physical or spiritual travel.
4. Fehu (ᚠ): Fehu is associated with material wealth and abundance, as well as financial security and prosperity. It can be used to attract financial security and success in material life.
5. Othala (ᛟ): Othala symbolizes heritage, tradition and home security. It offers protection for family, home and ancestral roots, fostering a sense of security and stability.
6. Ansuz (ᚨ): Ansuz is the rune of divine communication and intuitive wisdom. As a symbol of protection, it promotes connection with spirit guides and offers intuitive guidance for staying safe and making informed decisions.
Runes can be used as symbols of protection in a variety of ways, including engraving them on amulets, painting them on objects or invoking them in protection rituals. Before using runes in a magical context, it is important to study them and understand their individual meanings, as well as their associations with protection and other aspects of Nordic spirituality.
8- The Pentagram or Pentacle: a powerful symbol of protection
What is the significance of the Pentagram?
It symbolizes the universe based on the 4 elements (fire, air, water, earth), and the fifth, spirit. It has always been a symbol of protection against negative energies. Since ancient times, this star has been found in the main feminine cults linked to the Great Mother Goddess and in all religions of Europe, Asia and Africa.
It also symbolizes theperfect man who has balanced his 5 senses.
The pentagram with the head pointing upwards represents the consciousness and intelligence that govern the world and the 4 elements. This star is the upright man, with his head above water, who can act in his own ray, his true being, and thus balance, heal and ennoble all unbalanced, anarchic forces, who can bring order through a higher power that he captures with his thoughts.
On the other hand, the inverted pentagram is the symbol of unleashed forces, which can no longer be controlled and which fight each other.
To find out more about this symbol, read "The Power of the Pentagram "
How to use the pentagram for protection
You can attach a harmonizing disc above your front door, for example, or hang a printed canvas in your home to protect it and its inhabitants from the evil eye.
We often think of using symbols in a very external way, and there's nothing wrong with that. But symbols are powerful tools for awakening, and they help us to move towards who we really are. They are tools of concentration, fixity and spiritual elevation.
The Pentagram is an impersonal structure that lives within the body. All men are the pentagram; the real question is: "What do they do with it?"
The pentagram symbol teaches us that absolutely everything is alive, that everything is spirit and that man is a creator, because he has the 4 elemental bodies and intelligence, which is the creative spirit. You are a creator through the pentagram. Many things depend on the way you look at them and the impressions they create in you.
Concentrate on this symbol and develop a living understanding of the Pentagram.
9- The Hexagram: a sign of love and protection
Often associated with the authority of God, the six-pointed star is a very ancient symbol sometimes called the Seal of Solomon. King Solomon, the name of the third king of Israel, is said to have worn a hexagram as an energy shield, hence the name given to this powerful symbol of protection ever since. It has also been called the Star or Shield of David when depicted without the surrounding circle (Magen David). It is a symbol of magical protection.
The surrounding circle is very important, reinforcing the protective aspect of the symbol by sealing it with an aura of control.
Since ancient times, the Hexagram has been found throughout the Orient, in Phoenicia, Armenia, where it is the wheel of Eternity, and in India, where it is traditionally the symbol of Shiva/Shakti, harmony and the heart chakra.
Wearing a Hexagram or placing a Hexagram in your home will protect you all the more if you have established a psychic link with this symbol. It's the interaction we create with it that becomes a precious help, not the other way around.
10- Symbol of divine protection
The Seal of the 7 Archangels is a powerful symbol of divine protection. Composed of the seven archangels, including Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, it creates a barrier of light and love against the forces of evil. The various symbols represent the unity of the archangels and their constant presence, offering believers a sacred amulet for spiritual security and connection with benevolent energies. Whether engraved on a pendant or meditated on visually, this seal recalls heavenly guidance and divine protection in everyday life.
What's the best protection symbol? The most powerful?
Determining the "most powerful protection symbol" can be subjective, as it depends on individual beliefs, cultural traditions and spiritual contexts.
However, we have condensed 3 highly significant symbols into a single symbol. It's a Pentagram inscribed in a Hexagram and surrounded by an Ouroboros. This creation is extremely powerful and full of profound meaning. Here's why this symbol can be considered one of the most powerful in terms of protection:
The Pentagram is an ancient symbol with many magical and spiritual associations. It is often used as a protective talisman against negative energies, and as a symbol of power and balance between the elements.
The hexagram, also known as Solomon's Seal, is a symbol of unity, harmony and balance between opposing forces. It represents the union of masculine and feminine aspects, of heaven and earth, and is often used to promote protection and spirituality.
The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol representing a snake or dragon biting its own tail, forming an endless circle. It symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth, as well as the continuity and unity of all things.
Overall power:
By combining these three symbols into one, you have an extremely powerful representation of protection and spirituality. The pentagram and hexagram offer protection against negative influences and black magic, and promote balance and harmony, while the Ouroboros symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and the continuity of existence.
Practical use:
This symbol can be used in magical practices, protection rituals, meditation or even simply as a talisman to wear to invoke protection and spiritual guidance. Its power lies in its ability to symbolize holistic protection and connection with the primordial forces of the universe.
How to choose your protection symbol?
Choosing a personal protection symbol can be a meaningful and personal process. Here are a few steps to help you find the symbol that best resonates with you:
1. Personal reflection: Take time to think about your needs and what you're looking for in a protection symbol. What aspects of your life do you want to protect? What are your spiritual or religious beliefs?
2. Symbol research: Explore different cultures, traditions and belief systems to discover protective symbols that resonate with you. These could be religious, mythological, esoteric or even personal symbols that hold meaning for you.
3. Listen to your intuition: When you come across different symbols, pay attention to your intuition. Which symbols attract your attention? Which ones give you a sense of security, comfort or connection?
4. Test and observe: Wear or place the symbol you've chosen in your environment for a while. Observe how you feel in its presence and whether you notice any changes in your perception or well-being.
Take the time to find the symbol that resonates best with you and brings you the most comfort and support in your daily life. The power of symbols is not to be overlooked; they are tools for connecting with the world and discovering yourself.
Which tattoo for protection?
As each symbol emits a very particular vibration, I advise you to find out more before choosing your tattoo.
For a tattoo symbolizing protection, you can choose from a variety of designs that have profound meanings and associations with security and strength. Here are some tattoo ideas for protection:
1. Protective eye: A tattoo depicting a protective eye, such as the Eye of Horus or Nazar, is often used as a protective talisman against the evil eye and negative energies.
2. Sacred symbols: Sacred symbols such as the solar cross, the Pentacle, runes or a Mandala can be tattooed to symbolize spiritual protection and connection with the divine.
3. Guardian animals: Animals considered to be protectors, such as wolves, lions, dragons or phoenixes, can be represented in a tattoo to symbolize strength and vigilance.
4. Talismans and amulets : Traditional talismans and amulets from different cultures can inspire protective tattoos, such as the four-leaf clover, the Egyptian scarab, or the horn of plenty.
5. Mantras or phrases of protection: Mantras or phrases of protection in different languages or written in artistic scripts can be tattooed to invoke security and inner peace.
Spontaneously, my choice would be the Triquetra, as it is a symbol of both protection and extreme harmony and purity. The Triquetra is certainly one of the most beautiful symbols representing the Holy Trinity. In this knot formed by three circular arches, we have a complex expression of equality, eternity, unity and glory in what is essentially a simple form.
Before choosing your protection tattoo, take time to consider its personal meaning and what you want it to represent for you. Also consult an experienced tattoo artist to discuss your ideas and create a unique design that matches your vision and style.
A final word
The law of universal harmony tells us that everything is important. Every detail counts, but for the well-being of the whole. Every form, symbol, color, smell, sound, intelligence has its role, its value, its utility. It's a law found everywhere: the law of correspondences, on which all the precepts of magical science are based.
This law is real and active. It's not something to be practised mechanically or superstitiously, saying to yourself: "If I place something here or there, I'll get a certain result". Of course it works, because fixed forms - such as furniture, carpets, decorative objects, colors... - are nourished and enlivened by the people who live with them.
Know that in everything, man is the source of his own world. If we place a Mandala for good luck or an esoteric symbol for harmony, protection, etc., and all around it furniture and colors create the corresponding atmosphere, a force and positive waves will be generated.
But if we ourselves are totally agitated and disordered, we'll depolarize everything we've previously put in place and dedicated to this or that virtue, energy or intention.
We've come to the end of this article. I hope you enjoyed it.
Please feel free to comment, share and subscribe to our newsletter to be informed of future releases.
Sources :
Le pouvoir des symboles, Ed Trajectoire
Wikipedia - Dreamcatcher
Does our astrological chart influence our destiny? 
Behind the scenes of Mandalashop's creative process 
Is the world under hypnosis? 
Pentacle of protection: all about this powerful symbol 
Essential books on Sacred Geometry 
