Grimoire of symbols
Decoding esoteric symbols
From ancient signs to contemporary emblems, explore their history, forms and meanings across different traditions.
Understanding the context
Symbols in their original context
This grimoire explores the original meanings of symbols and their documented uses within different traditions. We indicate when an origin or interpretation is debated. Some signs have unfortunately been appropriated for hateful, political or violent purposes: we identify these appropriations and distinguish them from earlier uses, without minimising the history now attached to them.
An A–Z directory
Which symbol would you like to understand?
Alphabetical index
Ancient traditions
What does the Phoenix mean?
Alchemy
What does the Rebis mean in alchemy?
Ancient traditions
What does the Rose Cross mean?
Alchemy
What does John Dee's Hieroglyphic Monad mean?
Ancient traditions
What does the ouroboros mean?
Alchemy
What is the symbol of the philosopher's stone?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for earth mean?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for air mean?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for water mean?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for fire mean?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for Mercury mean?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for salt mean?
Alchemy
What does the alchemical symbol for sulfur mean?
Ancient traditions
What does the caduceus mean?
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