Ancient Egyptian Occult Signs: Their Origins and Interpretations

Occult signs have always held a mysterious and intriguing allure, captivating many individuals throughout history. These signs often reveal hidden meanings and represent esoteric knowledge and spiritual symbolism. While they are not universally understood and interpreted, they hold significance within various occult practices and belief systems. One commonly recognized occult sign is the Pentagram, a five-pointed star, often enclosed within a circle. The Pentagram has a long history and is associated with various interpretations depending on the perspective. In Wicca and modern pagan practices, the Pentagram represents the five elements – earth, air, fire, water, and spirit – combining to create a spiritual connection to the universe.

From the influence of Ouija boards to the mystical experiences of black leaders such as Frederick Douglass and Marcus Garvey, as well as the American-grown religions Mormonism, Christian Science and Seventh Day Adventism, “Occult America” treats esoteric ideas and movements with an even-handed intellectual studiousness that is too often lost in today’s raised-voice discussions about religion and belief systems.

These were communities of belief that formed around a certain idea, that may be provable or that may be disprovable, but they had a theology, they had an ethics, they had a psychology, they had an outlook. I thought, with the passage of time, it was appropriate to look at occult religions and occult ideas in America as religious ideas, which is what they really are.

In Wicca and modern pagan practices, the Pentagram represents the five elements – earth, air, fire, water, and spirit – combining to create a spiritual connection to the universe. It can also symbolize protection and balance. However, in occultism, the inverted Pentagram, with two points facing upward, is often associated with darker aspects such as rebellion, the devil, and the occult.

The Found Symbols: Mitch Horowitz, 'Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation'

YOU CARRY AN OCCULT symbol in your pocket every day.

The “all-seeing eye” and broken pyramid on the back of the dollar bill is a Masonic image, placed there in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a Freemason.

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But this combination of the occult — which really means “secret” and not “Satan” — and the U.S. government is nothing new. Politics and mysticism have long been bedfellows, from Ronald Regan‘s reliance on astrology to Vice President Henry A. Wallace‘s deep devotion to being a self-described “practical mystic.” In fact, Wallace was the one who encouraged Roosevelt to use the eye and pyramid, which he found on the Great Seal of the United States, a ceremonial insignia used on official government documents and treaties.

Even though its influence has reached deep into the commonalities of American life, Freemasonry, the secretive organization that is a target in Dan Brown‘s latest novel, “The Lost Symbol,” isn’t a power-hungry society bent on controlling politics and the world’s financial systems, said Mitch Horowitz, author of “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation.”

“For the past hundred years or so, at least in this country, Freemasonry has largely been a charitable organization,” Horowitz said. “The Shriners, which are wing of Freemasonry, run a network of free children’s hospitals around the country.”

In fact, Horowitz said, Freemasonry’s roots are liberal in nature, likely founded around 400 years ago during a brutally repressive era in Europe for those professing beliefs that didn’t tow the line for the government or the church.

“Freemasonry in its early days, was an organization that held firm principles of religious toleration, religious liberty,” Horowitz said.

That’s one of the reasons why the organization’s ideals appealed to America’s founding fathers.

“Freemasonry held within it that the new republic needed to break with the sectarianism of the Old World,” Horowtiz said. “So, the fact that people like Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, George Washington were Freemasons is an altogether positive thing.”

From the influence of Ouija boards to the mystical experiences of black leaders such as Frederick Douglass and Marcus Garvey, as well as the American-grown religions Mormonism, Christian Science and Seventh Day Adventism, “Occult America” treats esoteric ideas and movements with an even-handed intellectual studiousness that is too often lost in today’s raised-voice discussions about religion and belief systems.

Express spoke to Horowitz about the human need to believe, the influence of Freemasonry on America and whether he has been touched by the supernatural.

It’s also very easy to get carried away with that because people use these things, and sometimes they find something insightful, and many other times they find nothing of any use but they keep going back to the well in hopes that they’re going to get another drink of water. But sometimes all it takes is just the suggestion that, even if it’s strictly psychological, there may be something there.

That, hand in glove with an intellectual interest in the topic, is what drives me.

» EXPRESS: The book is very evenhanded in its approach toward esoteric beliefs that are now considered kooky — even though mainstream religions are just as tricky with their notions of what is true and what is false, what is good and what is evil.
» HOROWITZ: I made a point in the book to stay away from the questions of the truth or the falsity of some of these supernatural claims. I had a very specific reason for doing that. I thought, with the passage of time, it was appropriate to look at occult religions and occult ideas in America as religious ideas, which is what they really are. These were communities of belief that formed around a certain idea, that may be provable or that may be disprovable, but they had a theology, they had an ethics, they had a psychology, they had an outlook.

I often say if any religion, including the historic-based, [such as] Judaism, Christianity, were held up to the mirror of truth or falsehood, almost none could pass. The question of whether Moses really parted the Dead Sea, or whether Christ really rose from the grave, doesn’t detract one way or another from the ethical and theological traditions that those religions are.

In this country, we have new religions — religions that really started in the 19th century, that were found on supernatural claims. These include Mormonism, Christian Science, Seventh Day Adventism. These were all homegrown American faiths that were founded be people who believed them had some kind of divine visitation or supernatural experience, and they created a whole theology around it. In many cases, that theology really touched people’s lives and continues to.

In a sense, that’s how religions always begin, so many of thew New Age beliefs, whether they grow out of spiritualism or talking to the dead, or the idea that you can engage in positive thinking and change your world — these are really religious beliefs.

Express spoke to Horowitz about the human need to believe, the influence of Freemasonry on America and whether he has been touched by the supernatural.

Another significant occult sign is the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol representing protection and power. The Eye of Horus is associated with the goddess Ma'at, bringing balance, wisdom, and insight. It is also linked to the concepts of healing and protection from evil. This symbol has gained widespread recognition beyond Egyptian mythology and can often be found in modern occult practices and rituals. The Ouroboros, a snake or dragon eating its tail, is yet another intriguing occult sign. It is an ancient symbol depicting eternity, the cycle of life, and the unity of opposites. The Ouroboros showcases the interconnectedness and cyclical nature of existence, representing the continual renewal and transformation experienced in life and the universe. Furthermore, the Triskelion, a triple spiral symbol, is often associated with various spiritual and mystical beliefs. It originated in Celtic culture and represents the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The Triskelion also signifies the eternal movement of life forces, as well as the stages of human life and personal development. Finally, the Sigil, a unique symbol created through the combination of different letters or symbols, is a common occult sign used for manifestation, magical purposes, and personal empowerment. Each Sigil is individualized and unique to the practitioner, representing their desires, intentions, and connection to the divine. In conclusion, occult signs hold deep meanings and significant symbolism within various esoteric practices and belief systems. From the Pentagram to the Eye of Horus, the Ouroboros, Triskelion, and Sigils, these signs provide a gateway to hidden knowledge and spiritual insight. Understanding their interpretations can deepen one's understanding of the occult and the mystical realm..

Reviews for "The Occult and Nature: Exploring the Symbolism of Plants and Animals"

1. John Smith - 1 star

I found "Occult signs explanations" to be highly disappointing. The author made no effort to provide any credible explanations or evidence for the claims made. It felt like a collection of random theories thrown together without any coherence or logical argument. I was hoping to gain some insight into occult signs, but instead, I was left confused and frustrated by the lack of substance in this book. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking genuine understanding in this subject matter.

2. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars

I had high hopes for "Occult signs explanations" as I am fascinated by the occult, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The author's explanations seemed superficial and lacked depth. Instead of delving into the historical origins and cultural significance of occult signs, the book simply presented them at face value without any meaningful analysis. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout the book. Overall, I was left unimpressed and unsatisfied with the content provided.

3. Robert Thompson - 1 star

"Occult signs explanations" was a complete waste of time and money. The author's attempts to explain occult signs felt more like conjecture and personal opinions rather than well-researched information. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide, but instead, I found myself questioning the credibility of the author's claims. It lacked substance, historical context, and critical analysis. I would advise anyone interested in understanding occult signs to seek out more reputable sources that offer a more well-rounded and evidence-based approach.

4. Jennifer Davis - 2 stars

While "Occult signs explanations" did provide some basic information about various occult signs, I was left wanting more. The author brushed over the significance and deeper meanings behind these signs, failing to provide any real insight or analysis. The content felt rushed and lacking depth. It appeared to be a mere overview rather than a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. I was disappointed by the lack of substance and would not recommend this book to those seeking a thorough understanding of occult signs.

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