For each mark or shape, I’ve left room for you to make notes. Feel free to write down your gut reaction to each item as we go over it. We’re going to start by looking at the most basic of marks and shapes. Then we’ll consider some more complex signs, established symbols, letters, and other pictorial systems for your vocabulary. Next we’ll explore how numbers as well as colors come into play when designing sigils. You can make increasingly complex sigils or opt for the simplest possible design. What matters most is answering this question: What works best for you?
Basic Shapes and Signs
We’re going to start with the most simple of marks and shapes and build our way up to more complex signs. For each element I have included a name, an illustration, and a suggestion of its meaning, as well as possible applications for it, depending on context and composition. Remember, there’s a lot of power and meaning to be found in the most basic of marks, so don’t rush through or overlook them to get to the more complicated ones.
There are many more symbols that you can use than I have listed here—these are the ones that I find are the most common and universal in usage. I’ve provided a list of excellent books in the “Bibliography and Suggestions for Further Research” section if you wish to pursue a deeper exploration of symbols.
Point (Closed Dot): This is such a simple mark, yet it can hold so much meaning. The point, or closed dot, literally is the beginning of all marks we make. It can be a monad, a seed, a center mark, or an atom—the representation of energy itself. It can be a point of origin, where everything starts, or a point of destination, where something ends. It can represent a stop along the way, a place of rest—consider what the period means at the end of a sentence. It can be grouped with other dots to signify a number, mark a constellation, show a lightly defined trail, or create the feeling of an aura of energy.
Open Dot: Not much bigger in size than the closed dot, the open dot is a tiny empty circle. It can be seen as a point to be achieved, a seed, the smallest possible container, the nucleus of a cell or atom. This symbol talks of possibilities, options to be defined, and choices to be made.
Circle: Larger than the open dot is the circle. Most simply, a circle is a container and can symbolize protection—creating sacred space within it—or it can be a holder to prevent something from getting out. It can represent wholeness, completion, sacredness, purity, or potential. It may also be a sphere, standing in for the sun or the full phase of the moon. It can also represent divinity, as in deity or spirit, or the source of knowledge and commands, referencing the brain or nucleus. Circle variations: with a chevron to represent ouroboros, or with a line across it to indicate “prohibited” or “stop.”
Horizontal Line: The horizontal line, traveling east-west, can represent the ground, the baseline, the foundation, or the horizon. It can also be the middle divide—marking the difference between above and below, acting as a border. It can delineate a step or a hurdle to overcome. As a short line, it can be the concept of minus (to subtract or remove). Two short parallel horizontal lines can show the sign for equal or mark equality. Extended parallel lines can represent a canal, channel, chute, or road.
Vertical Line: The vertical line travels north-south, connecting above and below or heaven and earth, or forming a border between left and right spaces. It can represent a phallus (erect or at rest), a tree, a tower, or an elevator. Grouped together, vertical lines can symbolize walls, pillars, or tally marks (especially when crossed with a diagonal line).
Dotted or Dashed Line: A dotted line (a line made up of separated dots) tends to have a more fanciful feeling to it—the path of an animal going about its business, like a bee buzzing from flower to flower, a squirrel collecting nuts, or a child at play. A dashed line (a line made up of minus symbols) tends to have more of a sense of intentional focus or a planned trajectory. Think of the marked lines on a highway or road. The spaces and patterns indicate when it’s safe to pass, turn, or leave your lane. Either type of line can be used to connect points or indicate a sense of movement.
Diagonal Line: The diagonal line is dynamic, depicting moving energy in an increasing or decreasing fashion. It can also be the path of something rising or falling. The severity of the angle will affect the sense of how quickly or slowly something is moving. The diagonal line can speak to challenges to overcome, or sliding downward smoothly.
Cross: The cross is a perpendicular intersection of a horizontal and a vertical line. Most simply, it is a meeting place or crossroads, where two different ideas interact. In terms of math, a small cross is a plus sign (addition). In science, it is the symbol for a proton or positive ion, marking energy. If all of the “arms” of the cross are equal, it represents balance.
Chevron: A chevron is a V-shaped mark. Chevrons are most commonly recognized as the “greater than” and “less than” symbols when pointing east or west—and as “up” and “down” buttons when pointing north or south, as well as a mountain or valley. Because they feature a convergence of lines, they can be used for capturing or dispelling energy. Another way to think of chevrons is that they are “open mouths,” like an alligator opening its jaws wide to consume something. They combine with other shapes to make many influential symbols such as triangles, stars, and arrows. The chevron is also the Roman numeral for five (see the “Numbers” section later in this chapter).
X: Similar to the cross, the X is an intersection of diagonal lines, which makes for more dynamic/active energy. In maps and myth, X often marks the spot. In basic math, the x can be a symbol for multiplication, while in algebra it’s often the variable or unknown value in the equation we’re trying to solve. X is also used to mark a place for a signature, or to take the place of one. In a similar vein, X (now more commonly seen as XOXO) has been used to signify a kiss—as in love, or a declaration of truth or loyalty. Yet it can also mark something that is forbidden or prohibited, as well as a hazard—think of the stereotypical moonshine jug with three Xs inscribed on it. It is also the Roman numeral for ten (see the “Numbers” section later in this chapter).
Arrow: Most simply, an arrow is a line with a chevron at one end. The other end could be unmarked (for continuous energy), end in a point (origin mark) or a parallel chevron (emphasizing the direction of the first chevron), or meet a perpendicular line at its base (foundation). An arrow can also have opposing chevrons at each endpoint facing outward, depicting energy shooting in two directions or a choice of directions. When the chevrons point inward toward the line, the arrow becomes rooted. When the arrow is vertical and paired with two inward-facing chevrons, it can depict a tree, with the branches reaching upward and the roots going down into the ground. But when this same arrow is positioned horizontally or diagonally, it becomes evocative of a snake tongue, testing the air around itself.
Wavy Line: The wavy line gives a feeling of flowing movement. When positioned horizontally, it can represent water (streams, rivers, waves), fluidity, rolling hills, flexibility, snakes or snakelike motion (especially with an inward-pointing chevron head), and vibrations. When in the vertical position, it can symbolize rays of light, divinity, serenity, and vines (growth). The wavy line can also be a thread, as in weaving, sewing, or a spider web. The overall sense of a wavy line is change and transformation.
Zigzag Line: The zigzag line is similar to the wavy line, but its sharp convening lines create a different, more dynamic energy flow—like static versus a hum. It essentially is made up of laterally connected chevrons, giving a feeling of opposition. It can represent snake energy, rays of light, divine touch, and especially lightning. Zigzags also depict rocky or rough terrain, such as a mountain range or a choppy ocean—indicating a dangerous area to overcome.
Triangle: The triangle is a closed chevron or, most simply, a contained shape made up of three angles. It can be equal on all sides or be uneven. Most commonly we associate the triangle with the pyramid or mountain, representing a pinnacle or sense of enlightenment and wis
dom. The triangle can also represent a tooth or thorn. The longer two of its sides are (even or not), the more the triangle becomes like a dagger, spike, or spearhead. All of these sharp, pointy things give a sense of warning or danger, of being fierce, armed, powerful, or highly protected. The triangle can also be like a sail or an arrowhead, giving a sense of direction or guidance.
Square: The square is two sets of parallel lines overlapping to form an equal-sided box. The square can be a container of holding or can refer to setting aside a specific territory or area to be protected. It can set boundaries from outside influences or bind what’s inside of it. The box can be a brick or building block, to signify structure and foundation. Or it could contain mystery or hold secrets, like Pandora’s box.
Rectangle: The rectangle has similar properties to the square, its main variation being that its two sets of sides are not equal—one set will be longer. If the two horizontal lines are longer, it could represent a coffin (death or regeneration), a bed (rest, sleep, hidden potential for growth), or money (like a bill). If the vertical lines are longer, it can be a building or tower, a document or contract, a book, or a doorway.
Diamond: The diamond is typically a square set on one of its points instead of resting on its side, or two matching chevrons (or triangles) merged butt to butt. The rotation immediately makes the shape more dynamic and hints at a hidden crossroads at the center of it. The diamond can represent prestige, a goal, a shield, or a financial focus. It can be interpreted as yonic in nature, signify the womb, or represent an entire female form. It can also be a source of light or refraction of light, to magnify the power of something else.
Crescent: A crescent is essentially a half-circle, whether you make a closed form or draw one with a single curved line. Crescents are most commonly associated with lunar energy, especially the waxing and waning phases of the moon. They can also represent divine energy (a god or goddess). A crescent’s meaning can change depending on which direction it’s facing:
Waxing Crescent: Faces west or left: increasing energy, building up, growing, youth, beginnings
Waning Crescent: Faces east or right: decreasing energy, vanishing, departing, age, cutting (sickle), endings
Upward-Facing Crescent: Facing north: a basket for collecting energy, horns or antlers, a crown, luck (as in an upright horseshoe)
Downward-Facing Crescent: Faces south: draining away, overreaching, or guarding, or a balance of energy when paired with the upward-facing crescent
Spiral: Everyone loves a spiral! It’s the shape of life and how things grow—from DNA’s helix, to fern fiddleheads and snail shells, to hurricanes and the whorls of galaxies. It’s important to note that you can draw a spiral from the outside moving to the center or from a center point moving outward. The spiral symbolizes inspiration and the mythic journey—moving toward the center as well as going away from it, as with labyrinths and mazes. The tail of the spiral can be made to face any direction, which may influence how it flows in your sigil, and can be capped with a chevron—pointing out to direct the energy out of the spiral, or pointing in to pull the energy inward. We can see the modified spiral as energetically slow, like a snail, or fast, like a coiled snake about to spring. Spirals can be used to extend the energy of another symbol as well.
Pentagon: The regular pentagon is a five-sided closed shape with equal sides and interior angles of 108 degrees each. It can be seen as a symbol of power and protection, reminiscent of a shield and a defensive strategy. It is also commonly found in nature—in fruit, flowers, and sea life. An easy way to draw a pentagon is to draw a five-pointed star (see “Pentagram”) and connect the points along the outside of the star.
Hexagon: A regular hexagon is a six-sided closed shape with equal sides. Like the spiral and pentagon, it can be found in nature, most notably in the honeycomb of a beehive. The hexagon can represent a tribe, unity, or being part of a group or collective, as well as sweetness (honey), a place to store or hold something, and being industrious.
Other Polygons: I’ve included these here in case you’re wondering about irregular pentagons, hexagons, or any other shape with a number prefix in its name followed by “gon.” A polygon is essentially a plane figure with a minimum of three straight sides and angles, and generally has five or more. All of the sides and angles do not have to be equal, and you can have as many sides as you’d like. They can be convex or concave. It’s actually very easy to build a polygon inadvertently while crafting a sigil, after layering shapes and lines on top of each other. It could be a happy accident (something that works out well without planning), or you could deliberately build a certain style or number of polygons because of an association with that shape or number. (See the “Numbers” section later in this chapter for suggestions of meanings to consider.)
Star: There are a variety of articulated star shapes you can use in sigils. They all collectively have celestial symbolism, being points of light, balls of energy, something to be guided by—which also brings in the concepts of divinity and sovereignty. All stars made by intersecting lines speak of connecting and interconnectivity, making them excellent symbols of protection and blessing. (See tips on how to draw stars in Chapter 4: Design Guidance.)
Pentagram
The five-pointed star is one of my favorites to use in sigils. The five points can represent the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit) or the human body (legs, arms, and head). The upright pentagram is an ascending star, while the inverted pentagram is a descending star. When a pentagram alludes to the human body, there are conflicting opinions on which is “masculine” and which is “feminine.” I’ve heard the ascending star called masculine, because the top is pointed, like an erect phallus, which makes the descending star feminine because of the valley. But if you’re looking at it like a human being, the top point is the head of the body, making it female. And well, inversely, the descending star may have a large phallus hanging down, but it lacks a head then. So it is really best not to get hung up on equipment—because it’s a star. I don’t see either direction as negative or positive in terms of good or evil; they’re simply kinds of energy. An ascending star can signify heavenly direction, birth, and creating energy. Inversely, the descending star can represent energy moving to the underworld, death, and rebirth. You can also draw them pointing left/east or right/west if you wish to push energy in that direction.
Hexagram
Most commonly recognized as the Star of David in the Jewish faith (though it does show up in other cultures), the hexagram is formed by two overlapping equilateral triangles—or a hexagon adorned with a smaller triangle pointing out from each of its sides. Whereas the pentagram has a “head” that directs it, the hexagram points equally in all directions. It is the perfect union of above and below, or left and right, depending on how you draw it. It has a feeling of all gender/non-binary structure to it.
Septagram
As its name implies, this star has seven points and is found in many diverse traditions that hold the number seven to be sacred, from Faery paths, alchemy, and Thelema to Christianity and Native American beliefs. It embodies magical power, wards off evil, and can symbolize the seven days of the week, creation, etc.
Asterisk
The asterisk (*) can vary in the number of points it has, depending on the font and cultural reference. The most common asterisk is the six-pointed one, formed by three intersecting lines (one vertical line, plus two diagonals that form an X), and the more densely compact eight-pointed one, formed by four intersecting lines (a perpendicular set, and an X set of diagonals). In theory, you could crisscross as many lines as you’d like; the overall effect will depend on the physical size of the star. Because they are not closed shapes like the other stars, asterisks are the most energetic, bursting outward, adding a sense of sparkle to a design. In language, they call attention to additional details and information and they hide words and letters (such as passwords and expletives).
In this context, they symbolize secrets, privacy, and hidden knowledge waiting to be discovered.
Heart: In terms of the body, the heart is the organ through which everything gets filtered, the core of our being. We associate it with love, romance, passion, loyalty, devotion, compassion, and joy. A whole heart is a happy or content heart, whereas a heart that is bisected may be divided, broken, or reforming. An inverted heart can symbolize sadness, but it can also call for introspection, grounding, thoughtfulness, and deeper consideration as it becomes spade-shaped, for digging deep. Two spirals entwined at the bottom and circling toward each other to form an open heart signify partnership and developing relationships, as well as opposites coming together in harmony and balance. Two hearts mirrored at the tip signify the joining of two individuals as one, with a sense of infinite energy circulating between them. Three hearts joined together at the base form a club, representing creativity, responsive action, or a triad of lovers. Four hearts similarly joined give us the shape of the shamrock, a common symbol for good luck and prosperity.
Sigil Witchery Page 5
