Symbols and symbols, we find them everywhere, perhaps you are wearing one right now or have it near you on the table. In this post, I will write a bit on the world famous mystical and religious symbols…
*NOTE: Not all mystical and religious symbols have been included, you can suggest some as comment, thank you!
Ankh
The ancient Egyptians were among the most mysterious civilizations in our world, as you know, they were extremely different in their ways of living compared to other civilizations in that era. They had all kinds of Gods, rituals, prayers without forgetting symbols to represent a particular belief. Among their famous symbols used, there was the Ankh which is also known as the key of life. This symbol was mostly used when performing rituals, on tombs or to represent a deity. Pharaohs often wore it in special occasions. One thing is important is that until today, we do not know the real concept of this symbol.

Ankh Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Cross (Christian)
We all know the Christian cross which represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This symbol is the most used and present in our world, in fact, it is the most used by people in a religious concept. The Christian cross is also present on tombs, churches, etc… Something important here is, we often find many crosses designed similarly to the Christian cross but in context, they are different, these other crosses will be described in the post below to avoid confusion.

Christian Cross Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Celtic cross
Celtic cross is a bit different from the Christian cross and was introduced into a different concept other than the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Well, the Christian cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as stated earlier and we use also the Celtic cross to represent Christianity except it was introduced differently than the former. Normally, it is said that the Celtic cross was originated by Saint Patrick, to make the Pagans realized the importance of the related cross in Christian belief. As I mentioned, the concept is the same as the Christian cross but was designed and introduced differently. We find it on churches, necklace, tattoos, tombs, and so on just like the Christian cross.

Celtic Cross Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Saint Peter’s Cross
A religious symbol for some persons but a controversial for others, the Saint Peter’s cross is also known as the Inverted Cross. I bet you have seen this kind of cross somewhere, perhaps in Gothic rock video clips or concerts like Marilyn Man used it as cover on his album Antichrist Superstars (1996). The inverted cross generates a negative image to the Christian cross for many people because it gives a perception that you are against Christ for Satan. We must not forget it was used to represent a Christian symbol long time ago, the concept of anti-Christ was introduced recently in the 19th century. This symbol is also present on churches nowadays. I do not know what the Vatican thinks on this symbol but it seems some religious persons say we must not totally associated it with Satanism as there is nothing evil in it if we use it like this, however, to represent an inverted Christian cross with a Christ on it is considered disrespectful.

Saint Peter's Cross Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Eye of Providence
The Eye of Providence is also known as the Eye of God, to illustrate that God is watching us all the time. This symbol is often used in Christian which represents the trinity and you will find it in Freemasonry as well. Americans will know this symbol better as it is used to represent the Great Seal of the United States, and lastly, it is often used to represent the New World Order concept.

Eye of Providence Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Caduceus
Perhaps you have noticed it on your medicine packaging or painted on drug stores because Caduceus is used to represent the medical field. However, the origin of Caduceus was from the Greek mythology, illustrating the staff who was carried by Hermes. In addition, this symbol is also used in occultism and alchemy.

Caduceus Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Allah
Allah signifies ‘God’ in Arabic, and is used by Muslims. The name Allah is also used by Christians and Jews in Islamic countries in their respective sacred books. According to Islam, nobody has seen Allah and you cannot associate anything with God. Thus, Muslims use this name as a symbol to represent God. The name Allah was also used by the Pagans but they associated it with idolatry and so on before the advent of Islamic era.
(Corrected on August, 10, 2011)

Allah's Name Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Aum
Written Sanskrit, Aum is a sacred syllable in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. No doubt it is among the most popular symbols that you can find today. We often pronounce it in sacred rituals, prayers and in meditation. Personally, I often pronounce Aum when I meditate. Aum is written in many ways which you can see one of them below:

Aum Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Swastika
Swastika is a wonderful symbol for me, originated from the Indus civilizations, the Swastika is used in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. According to the Hindu religion, it is classified among the hundreds symbols of the God Vishnu to represent the sun. In Buddhism, it is said it was tattooed on Buddha’s chest and in Jainism, it represents the seventh Saints. The Swastika can be either right or left facing, personally, I have heard that if a Swastika is left-facing, it is considered as evil (If someone knows the Swastika well, please tell me if it is true or a legend). This symbol was also used by the Nazis to promote power.

Swastika Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Dharmachakra
The Dharmachakra is widely used by the Buddhists to represent the teaching to the right path, in other words the Dharma. It is a symbol known as the Wheel of Law.

Dharmachakra Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Star of David
The Star of David represents the Judaism. Until today, we still do not know its real origin, why this symbol is portrayed as a star. You can find it on Jewish religious places like the Synagogue and others…as well as on flags.

Star of David Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Taijitu
Sometimes it is represented the symbol of peace but the Taijitu is a Chinese symbol to represent the Taiji, or if you prefer the Yin and Yang. This symbol was also found in Roman and Celtic civilizations.

Taijitu Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Pentagram
This one you already know about it, the Pentagram was originated from the Greek civilizations, today, it represents the evil and also used by Wiccans. The Pentagram is sometimes used in occultism, or when performing witchcraft. This does not mean that the Pentagram is fully a bad symbol, do not forget other beliefs use it to promote goodness. The Pagans used it in their era, the Freemasonry still uses it, even Christians used it in certain periods. The concept of evil which is associated with Pentagram began in 1960s where Anton Lavey, a so-called Satanist declared in his books the Satanic Bible and Sigil of Baphomet that Pentagram can be referred as fallen angels, a symbol of rebellion or any related evil concepts. Furthermore, he introduced a new design of it where you will find a goat-head included in the Pentagram. Additionally, you can find the Pentagram on flags such as the Moroccan flag, in political symbols, etc…

Pentagram (Source: Google Images)
Zodiac Symbols
Do you believe in horoscope? Me not! As you know, there are 12 main astrological signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra. Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. You find them everyday on newspapers. Take a look on them below:

Zodiac Symbols (Source: Google Images)
Square and Compasses
Square and Compasses represent the Freemasonry symbol. I do not know why they use these symbols, after researching a bit, I have found that they are used to teach their followers the code of conduct.

Square and Compasses Symbol (Source: Google Images)
Star and Crescent
Star and Crescent symbols have been used since a long time particularly in the Mediterranean regions. You will find them on some countries flags like Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria and others… Some Muslim countries often put these symbols on mosques as decoration, etc…

Star and Crescent (Source: Google Images)
To conclude, symbols have been used since the cavemen era. We humans have associated our beliefs to them. For me, I strongly believe some of them are powerful to combat spirits, to provide luck or simply to associate ourselves with our creator (God).
NOTE: If you have found mistakes in the explanations of any symbols in this post, do contact me to correct! Thank you!
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