The elemental cross is a little-used (or little-referenced) symbol in popular Pagan literature. One usually finds the pentacle in use—for devotion, quarter-calls, altar equipage, magic, and decoration—at the cost of any other symbol.Thus it was with surprise that I first heard the idea that the elemental cross might fulfill a sacred purpose in Pagan practice. In Essential Wicca, authors Paul Tuitéan and Estelle Daniels suggest the elemental cross might replace the invoking and banishing pentagrams in quarter-call use, with each spoke representing a different element. The symbolism made sense; I liked it.I was also reminded of a favorite book in which the elemental cross wasfeatured prominently.
In Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising, the elemental cross is a “sign of power.” Why, I now ask, would she choose this shape?
Certainly it
is more accessible to the general public than is the pentacle, and
perhaps there is mythological significance that I have forgotten, but
could the reason be more intrinsic to the shape? Perhaps its elementary
structure gives it universal appeal, or its layered yet flexible
meanings make it so common cross-culture. Whether out of love for
Cooper’s story or for some other reason, the elemental cross remained a
powerful symbol in my memory. Drawn to it as others are to certain
deities, I selected it as my personal sacred symbol.
The Symbol
This sign is composed of an
equal-armed cross, arms terminated by the surroundingcircle; thus it
resembles a wheel with four spokes. The circle and cross are often two
of the first symbols drawn by children of all cultures. The circle is
perhaps our most basic symbol, representative of the sun and the
eternal nature of life. Circles unite thoughts on paper and people in
ceremony. The equal-armed cross represents four seasons, four
directions, four archangels, four winds, and four quarters to many
neo-Pagans. Many things come in fours, and the equal-armed cross is
very naturally a significant symbol.
The combined symbol, too,
is very natural. It appeared in rock carvings and in the earliest
systems of writing—including those used by the Egyptians, Etruscans,
Hittites, and more. It today symbolizes both the planet Earth and the
element earth. Often is also represents the Sun. Other meanings, past
and present, include thunder, power, energy,head,......
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Magical Symbols and Alphabets
Sacred geometry
Stonehenge amulets worn by elite
The mysterious history of tattoos
Pagan Symbolism in Christianity
Turtle Symbolism
Egyptology Researcher Explains Biological Meaning of Ankh, Ouroboros, Star of David and the Cross
Elemental Cauldrons
Symbology used in Secret Societies
