

In modern Celtic reconstructionist groups, the shield knot is sometimes invoked as a ward to keep negative energy away. In other cultures, such as the early Mesopotamian era, the shield is simply a square with a loop at each of the four corners.įans of Celtic artwork occasionally get variations of this piece as tattoos or wear them as talismans of protection.
MYSTICAL MAGICAL TREE DRAWING SERIES
In the Celtic version, a series of knots is formed. They are almost universally square in shape, and the knotwork of the design ranges from simple to complex. Shield knots have appeared in cultures around the world and have taken a variety of different forms. The Celtic shield knot is used for warding and protection. It may be traced in the air to delineate sacred space, or used as a ward against evil. Today, many Kemetic recon groups and devotees of Isis invoke the ankh during rituals. Even Elvis Presley wore an ankh pendant among his other jewelry! Rosicrucians and Coptic Christians used it as a symbol, despite the fact that it was shrouded in mystery for centuries. Because the ankh is a powerful symbol - and because Egyptian influence spanned far beyond the country's current borders - the ankh has been found in many places other than Egypt. It is traditionally drawn in gold, which is the color of the sun. The ankh is featured on funerary artwork, in temple carvings, and in reliefs excavated from ancient Egypt. Regardless, it is seen universally as a symbol of life everlasting, and is often worn as a symbol of protection. Some researchers have indicated that it was used as a cartouche of a king's name, and others see it as a phallic symbol, due to its shape and structure. Other ideas are far more simple - that the ankh is a representation of a sandal strap. Together they combine to form a symbol of fertility and power. One theory is that the loop at the top symbolizes the rising sun, the horizontal bar represents feminine energy, and the vertical bar indicates masculine energy. According to The Egyptian Book of Living and Dying, the ankh is the key to life. The ankh is the ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life. It should be noted that the term “deva” in New Age and metaphysical studies are not the same as the Buddhist class of beings known as devas. In some belief systems, angels and devas are associated with air. Entities known as sylphs are typically connected with the air and the wind - these winged creatures are often related to powers of wisdom and intuition. In many magical traditions, air is associated with various spirits and elemental beings. Embrace the wind, and let its energy fill you and help you achieve your goals. Visualize air currents carrying away your troubles, blowing away strife, and carrying positive thoughts to those who are far away. Do an outdoors working on a windy day, and allow the powers of air to aid you. Air is associated with communication, wisdom or the power of the mind. In rituals, when the element of Air is called for, you can use this triangular symbol, or use a feather, incense, or a fan. In alchemy, this symbol is sometimes shown with the horizontal line extending beyond the sides of the triangle. In other traditions, the triangle is used to mark the association of degrees or initiation rank - typically first degree, but not necessarily. In some traditions of Wicca, Air is represented not by the triangle, but by either a circle with a point in the center or by a feather or leaf-like image. Interestingly, in some cultures, a triangle sitting on its base like this is considered masculine and is connected to the element of Fire rather than Air. Air is associated with the colors yellow and white. Air is the element of the East, connected to the soul and the breath of life. Air is associated with communication, wisdom or the power of the mind.Īir is one of the four classical elements and is often invoked in Wiccan ritual.
