Symbols play a significant role in witches runes, as they are used to convey meaning and serve as a form of communication. Witches runes are a set of symbols that are often used in divination and magic. Each symbol has its own unique meaning and can provide insights into various aspects of life. **One of the primary reasons for the significance of symbols in witches runes is their ability to tap into the subconscious mind**. Symbols have a powerful impact on our psyche and can evoke emotions, memories, and thoughts that are not easily accessible through language or logic. By using symbols, witches can access the deeper layers of the mind and gain insights and guidance.
Although confusing, it’s not that uncommon to find pagan symbols alongside Christian ones. Sheela-na-gigs, for instance, are often found carved into the stonework of churches, particularly from the Norman era. As in the cave, they are depicted as crude representations of a female figure, naked and displaying their genitals. They are linked with fertility because of the sexual nature of their image, but though some do have enlarged breasts or sit beside men with erections, many are flat chested and hag like, and none are ever shown pregnant or with a child. These differences have made it difficult to determine their original meaning. Their presence on churches may have been to warn the parish against lust or sin, or used as a protection symbol against evil spirits, while some suggest it was to promote the fertility of the land in the area, which the community would have relied on for food and money.
Technically, a pagan is a person holding any religious beliefs contrary to those of the main world religions, although today it is more often associated with people who worship the Earth. The horse beside the Sheela-na-gig in Royston Cave is shown with a phallus and has been compared to the 360 foot Uffington White Horse, a prehistoric hill figure made from chalk.
By using symbols, witches can access the deeper layers of the mind and gain insights and guidance. **Symbols also serve as a universal language**. Regardless of cultural or linguistic differences, symbols can convey meaning and understanding.
Pagan Fertility Symbols
Originally, the term pagan was used as an insult for those who continued to worship the old Greek and Roman gods, rather than embracing Christianity. Technically, a pagan is a person holding any religious beliefs contrary to those of the main world religions, although today it is more often associated with people who worship the Earth.
On the western side of Royston Cave are the carvings of a horse and an earth goddess, known as a Sheela-na-gig. These are said to be pagan fertility symbols and are thought to be the only non-Christian carvings in the cave. Their style appears to be contemporary with the rest of the site but their presence has never been explained.
The carvings of horse and an Earth Goddess, known as a Sheela-na-gig. © Royston CaveAlthough confusing, it’s not that uncommon to find pagan symbols alongside Christian ones. Sheela-na-gigs, for instance, are often found carved into the stonework of churches, particularly from the Norman era. As in the cave, they are depicted as crude representations of a female figure, naked and displaying their genitals. They are linked with fertility because of the sexual nature of their image, but though some do have enlarged breasts or sit beside men with erections, many are flat chested and hag like, and none are ever shown pregnant or with a child. These differences have made it difficult to determine their original meaning. Their presence on churches may have been to warn the parish against lust or sin, or used as a protection symbol against evil spirits, while some suggest it was to promote the fertility of the land in the area, which the community would have relied on for food and money.
Although assumed to be, there is actually no definitive proof that Sheela-na-gigs are pagan. There were very few Celtic symbols left to study, and those that do exist do not have any resemblance to this crude figure. Their attribution to paganism may have come from the Victorians, whose prudish morals would have rejected them even being considered Christian.
The horse beside the Sheela-na-gig in Royston Cave is shown with a phallus and has been compared to the 360 foot Uffington White Horse, a prehistoric hill figure made from chalk. Horses, particularly those that were white, have been revered by many civilisations, including the ancient Greeks, who associated them with warfare, and the Romans, for whom horses were symbols of strength and power. With the rise of Christianity, horse worship declined but the new saints were still sometimes depicted with one.
Both the horse's and Sheela-na-gig’s genitals do not appear in drawings of the cave made by William Stukeley in 1742, or by Joseph Beldam in 1858. This may be because they were later additions or, more likely, because the carvings were censored. Stukeley believed the scene represents the conversion of St Paul instead, depicting the moment that he fell from his horse after being blinded by the sight of God. Rev. Charles Parkin argued that these carvings show the martyrdom of St Hippolite, who was torn apart by wild horses.
There are two sets of concentric circles in the cave; one by the pagan symbols, the other by St George. © Royston Cave
Beside the Sheela-na-gig are the carvings of a sword and a set of concentric circles, another example of which can be seen on the southern side of the cave by the carving of St George. Concentric circles have carried various meanings throughout history. To Druids, who were leaders in the ancient Celtic religion, concentric circles represented three different worlds: Annwn, Arbred and Gwynvyd. The middle ring, Arbred, symbolised the physical world we live in, and the outer ring, Gwynvyd, was a shining realm, a place only glimpsed when in a state of superconsciousness or bliss. At the end of life, the soul may spiral inwards to Annwn, the inner ring, to be reborn, or spiral out to the realm of wisdom or light. Perhaps this carving was to represent a portal to these other worlds. The geomantic and physical position of the cave, situated on the crossing of two ancient highways, has leant itself to the theory that the cave itself was a sacred entrance to the underworld.
To Ley line enthusiasts, patterns such as these, carved onto surfaces, can affect the flow of earth energies in the area. They believe that people used these techniques to manipulate the landscape and concentrate the forces. To others, the positioning of the concentric circles next to swords in the cave suggests a military connection or protection symbol. Similar markings have been found in Chateau Chinon, in France, a prison known to have held Knights Templar.
On the western side of Royston Cave are the carvings of a horse and an earth goddess, known as a Sheela-na-gig. These are said to be pagan fertility symbols and are thought to be the only non-Christian carvings in the cave. Their style appears to be contemporary with the rest of the site but their presence has never been explained.
This makes witches runes accessible to people from various backgrounds and allows the practice of witchcraft to transcend barriers. **In addition, symbols in witches runes represent archetypes and universal concepts**. These archetypes are patterns or motifs that are found in various mythologies, religions, and cultures. By using symbols associated with archetypes, witches tap into a collective consciousness and connect with ancient wisdom and knowledge. **Symbols in witches runes also have specific meanings and interpretations**. Each symbol represents a particular aspect of life, such as love, protection, healing, or wealth. By studying and understanding the meanings of these symbols, witches can gain insights into various aspects of life and make informed decisions. **Furthermore, symbols in witches runes can be used for spellcasting and manifestation**. By combining different symbols, witches can create sigils or symbols charged with specific intentions or desires. These sigils act as focal points of energy and help manifest the desired outcomes. **Overall, symbols play a vital role in witches runes**, as they have the power to access the subconscious mind, serve as a universal language, represent archetypes and concepts, have specific meanings and interpretations, and aid in spellcasting and manifestation. By working with symbols, witches can tap into ancient wisdom, gain insights, and harness their intentions and desires..
Reviews for "The Language of the Craft: Deciphering the Messages in Witches Runes Symbols"
- John - 2 stars - I found "Significance of symbols in witches runes" to be overly complicated and inaccessible. The author dives into an abundance of symbols without providing enough context or explanation, making it difficult for someone unfamiliar with the subject to understand. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacking in enthusiasm, which made it hard for me to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking an introduction to the topic.
- Sarah - 1 star - This book was a complete letdown. The author claims to discuss the significance of symbols in witches runes, but instead provides only superficial and generic explanations. There was no in-depth exploration of the symbols or their historical context, which left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. The author also made sweeping generalizations without backing them up with evidence or examples. I was left confused and frustrated, as this book promised so much more than it ultimately delivered.
- Mark - 2 stars - I was expecting a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the symbols used in witches runes, but this book fell short of my expectations. The explanations were shallow and lacked depth, making it hard to grasp the true significance of the symbols. Additionally, the book lacked visual illustrations or diagrams, which would have greatly enhanced the understanding of the runes. While it had some potential, "Significance of symbols in witches runes" failed to deliver the comprehensive exploration I was hoping for. I would suggest looking elsewhere for a more thorough examination of the topic.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was quite disappointed with "Significance of symbols in witches runes". The author seems to assume that the reader already possesses a certain level of knowledge about the subject, as there is little explanation provided for key concepts and symbols. The writing style was also dry and lacked excitement, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be lacking in substance and would recommend seeking alternative resources for a more comprehensive understanding of witches runes and their symbols.
- Alex - 1 star - This book was a waste of time. I was hoping for an in-depth exploration of the significance of symbols in witches runes, but instead, I found a shallow and basic overview. The author failed to provide any new insights or deeper analysis, making it feel like a rehash of commonly known information. The lack of visual aids or examples also made it harder to understand and connect with the topic. Overall, a disappointing read that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.