#pagan symbol

[nocnitsa]

Franz Stassen- The Norns, 1917.

[tessawinterbourne]

[astra-ravana]

Sigil Magick: Illustrating Your Intent

Sigils are a cornerstone of contemporary and chaos magick and function as keys to unlock the doors of reality and bend it to one’s will. These potent symbols serve as physical embodiments of one’s intentions, cast into existence through the fusion of art and willpower.

The crafting of a sigil begins with a clear and focused intention, which is then worked into a unique symbol through a creative magickal process. The magick practitioner inscribes deep personal meaning and style into their designs, making each unique to its artist. Sigils are ideal tools for manifesting your desires, imbuing objects with specific purpose and energy, protecting spaces, and communicating with the spirit world and should be used responsibly.

Origins

The practice of crafting sigils traces its roots to the ancient world but was modernized in the early 20th century by the works of Austin Osman Spare, an occultist and artist. He introduced the method of creating magical symbols by condensing letters of a desire into an abstract design. Aleister Crowley, too, influenced the practice by intertwining sigils with ceremonial magick, embedding them with a rich esoteric significance.

Some occult grimoires employ sigils as a means of contacting spirits, for example; Ars Goetia, The Book of Oberon, and Pseudomonarchia Daemonum.

Basics of Sigil Magick

Sigil magick emerges from the belief in one’s ability to manifest their focus into reality. Through a process of creation, a sigil becomes much more than mere ink on paper—it is the illustrated essence of desire. Individuals can use sigils as focal points for their will, empowering these symbols through meditation or ritual to enact change. The universe of sigils is vast and varied, types of sigils include:

• Pictorial Sigils: Intuitive symbols drawn from the subconscious

• Runic Sigils: Combinations of runic alphabets that resonate with specific energies

• Word Sigils: Derived from statements of intention, where letters are crafted into a unique symbol

Correspondences also serve a purpose in this class of magick, in order to help align one's intent to universal energies. As an artist crafts their sigil, they intertwine traditional symbols with personal significance, creating a bridge to the metaphysical world. Some relevant correspondences are:

• Numerology: Numbers carry vibrations that can enhance a sigil’s purpose.

• Zodiac Signs: Celestial influences infused to fine-tune the focus.

• Elements: The classic forces of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water lend their power to sigils, grounding them in natural harmony.

Sigil Creation

Before you take pen to paper, first envision your intent with clarity and purpose This may involve some deep introspection into the true nature of your desires. A precise intention lays the foundation for the sigil's power. Once ready, write out your intention and cross out any duplicate letters. From here a couple different methods can be utilized. Naturally you could always draw your sigils from pure instinct, creating spontaneous shapes to represent your intentions, but there are other techniques available.

The Wheel

This method employs a wheel to be used as a map for drawing your sigil. Simply start at the first letter of your intent and draw lines to each subsequent letter. Example:

My Method

I make my sigils by breaking up the letters to create shapes. I will often decorate with extra shapes, symbols, and pictures as well. Here is a simplified example of my sigil creation process:

Next you must charge your sigil. Charging is the act of infusing the sigil with energy. The creator might enter a meditative state, focusing intently on the sigil while envisioning their intentions intertwining with the design. This act of focused concentration serves to embed the intention within the sigil, making it a beacon for the desired change.

Passive and Active Sigils

Intentioned sigils fall into either the passive or active sigil category based on how that sigil's energy is best utilized. Passive sigils are usually drawn on the body, item, or surface and then left alone to release their power over time. Active sigils involve some action to trigger the release of the sigil's energy, such as burning, burying, soaking with water/oil, and more. Some sigils can be used both passively and actively, but most will fall into one category.

Spirit Sigils

Many spirits and deities have sigils that represent them and these can be powerful catalysts for interacting with these beings. If the spirit you're working with doesn't have a sigil made for them (or even if they do) you can design your own symbol to connect with that spirit. Follow the same process, but instead of focusing on your intent, focus on the spirit/deity and connecting with it. You can even perform a ritual and provide an offering to invite the spirit into your space. This will allow you to draw divine inspiration straight from the source. Here are some examples of spirit/deity sigils, as well as some I created:

[thejournallo]

Explain the basic: sigils.

I genuinely can’t remember if I’ve already talked about sigils, but I couldn’t find any post where I did. So, here we go again (maybe it’s time-shifted—who knows?).

What Are Sigils?

Sigils are symbols created to represent a specific intention or desire in witchcraft. They are often unique, crafted by combining letters, shapes, or personal designs that resonate with the practitioner’s goal. Once charged with energy and intent, they act as a focus for manifesting that goal.

How Are Sigils Used?

Creation: A sigil is designed through a process that typically involves writing down the intent, simplifying it into symbols, and arranging the symbols into a unique design.

Activation: The sigil is "charged" with energy by methods like meditation, visualization, or burning. This sets the intent into motion.

Placement: Sigils are placed in meaningful locations where they can align with their purpose, such as on personal items, in living spaces, or even drawn invisibly.

How to do a sigil?

Define Your Intention

Clearly state what you want to achieve.

Use positive and specific language (e.g., “I attract abundance,” not “I don’t want to be poor”).

Simplify the Phrase

Write down your intention as a short phrase.

Remove vowels and duplicate letters.

Example:

Intention: “I attract abundance.”

Letters remaining: "IATRCBND"

Create the Sigil Design

Use the remaining letters to form a unique symbol.

Combine, stylize, and overlap the shapes until the letters become unrecognizable.

Focus on making the design feel meaningful and visually appealing to you.

You can even use a simple chart with letters to create your personal sigil.

Charge the Sigil

Infuse the sigil with your energy and intention using one or more methods:

Meditation: Visualize your goal while focusing on the sigil.

Physical Action: Trace or redraw it with intent.

Elemental Release: Burn, bury, or submerge the sigil to activate it.

Place or Use the Sigil

Decide where to put the sigil for it to fulfill its purpose:

On objects you use daily (e.g., a water bottle, wallet, or phone).

Hidden in meaningful places (e.g., under your pillow, in a journal).

Where can you place a sigil?

On Your Body

Draw it on your skin with makeup, henna, or washable markers.

Wear jewelry or clothing with the sigil inscribed or sewn in.

Personal Belongings

Inside your wallet or purse (e.g., for abundance or protection).

On your phone case or inside the phone cover.

On your keys, keychain, or a charm.

At Home

On mirrors or windows for protection or clarity.

Under your bed, mattress, or pillow for restful sleep.

Near your front door for protection and inviting positive energy.

On Daily Items

On water bottles, food containers, or your coffee mug (e.g., for self-love, health, or energy).

On your planner, notebook, or laptop for focus and creativity.

On cosmetics or perfume bottles to enhance beauty or self-esteem.

Workspace or Study Area

Under your desk or chair for focus and productivity.

On your computer or work tools for success in tasks.

Outdoors or Public Spaces

Etched in dirt or sand for temporary, natural effects.

Drawn on stones, leaves, or other natural items and left in meaningful places.

[aqua-regia009]

Bill Mayer (American, b.1951)

https://www.thebillmayer.com/

[illustratus]

The Plague in Rome by Jules-Élie Delaunay

[violetmoondaughter]

The star of Ishtar

The Octagram symbol is a star ideogram that commonly appears in ancient Babylonian iconography. The eight-pointed star is usually associated with ancient goddesses such as Ishtar, Innana, Isis and Venus. These goddesses were all seen as protectress of love, fertility, beauty, divine law and power.

The symbol was originally seen as a representation of the seven heavens ruled by the goddess and later became a representation of the planet Venus associated with fertility goddesses. The planet is the third brightest object in Earth's sky after the Sun and the Moon and in the past, it was referred to as the morning or evening star. In the Old Babylonian period, the planet Venus was known as Ninsi'anna translates to "divine lady, illumination of heaven".

In many myths, Inanna’s descend into the netherworld and return to the heavens may correspond with the movements of the planet Venus in the sky, setting in the West and then rising again in the East.

The discontinuous movements of Venus relate to both to the myth as well as Inanna's dual nature. Other theories recognize the story of Inanna's descent into the underworld as a reference to an astronomical phenomenon associated with retrograde Venus.

The symbol refers to the cosmic power of the goddess as ruler of sky and heavens and connected with the transcendental world. Her power stands in the mystery of magic and creation of the universe itself and for this reason the octagram became a powerful sigil used in antiquity as a devotional iconography connected with the goddess worshippers.

[keysatthecrossroad]

What are the symbols and attributes of Hekáte?

Hekáte’s primary symbols include torches, keys, and dogs. She is frequently depicted holding torches, which symbolize Her role as a guide through darkness and the underworld. Dogs are sacred to Her, often appearing as Her companions. As a Goddess of boundaries, keys represent Her control over the crossing points between the physical and spiritual worlds.

[roseofmaygreece]

Orange Sun Granny Square crochet pattern, now available on my Etsy, RoseOfMayGreece! Easy instructions in US terms with photos of every step!

[lunasarcanum]

The Sun rots and the Spirits open their Eyes.

Sigil for the dark and restful season.

[moonandserpent]

Croatian Fir Tree and Ear of Wheat Pendants by Moon and Serpent

[castilestateofmind]

"In Tradition, every authority is fraudulent, every law is unjust and barbarous, every institution is vain and ephemeral unless they are ordained to the superior principle of Being, and unless they are derived from the above and oriented 'upward'".

-Julius Evola.

[tessawinterbourne]

[astra-ravana]

hi, im a fan of your sigils. i was hoping you could share more of them with me please? your symbology pages are my new obsession x

Yes!! I am also obsessed with sigils, runes, symbols, all of it. I have a dedicated notebook for the sigils I collect and draw. I'll post some of the pages. 🖤

[occultesotericart]

1600’s celestial engraving by Athanasius Kircher

[thesilicontribesman]

Viking Brooch, Jorvik Viking Centre, York