In Alchemy, the kneph variously represented the holy spirit, the state of volatility (mercury), or the creative force.

In Freemasonry, the kneph was the cosmic egg, the state of potentiality.

In Aleister Crowley’s Thelemic symbolism, the kneph represents Hadit, the “fire in the heart of matter,” the upward-rising force of kundalini.

Masonic Kneph

Kneph in Alchemy

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Maori amulets are traditionally carved from whale-bone or nephrite (a jade-like stone), although modern copies in jadeite and cow-bone are common.  Some of the more popular motifs are illustrated below:

The images below are popular representations of mythical bird-headed beings from Maori mythology called Manaia. Manaia are spirit guardians and messengers of the gods, and are depicted in many forms, from large wood-carvings to small amulets.

This design is called Hei Matau, after traditional heirloom fish hooks. It is worn as an amulet of protection, especially on water. The hei matau (literally, ‘fish hook necklace’) and Manaia figures have some overlap and are often indistinguishable:

The figures below are varieties of the koru, which represents the unfurling shoots of the koru, a vine native to New Zealand. The latter intertwined is called pikorua:

These generally have meanings of renewal, interrelatedness, growth, and kinship. The pikorua is sometimes given as a friendship gift.

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The particular eight-pointed star (or octogram) pictured here is unusual in that it has multiple meanings, depending on context. The original emblem of two overlapping squares, often with a circular ornament, is called a rub el hisb (Arabic, quarter-group), an ornament used to mark the end of passages in the Q’uran. This symbol, like all symbols related to Islam, is not official nor heavily symbolic.

An identical glyph serves as the emblem of the Melchizedek priesthood of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, who view it as a continuation of the priesthood of biblical patriarchs. The emblem is patterned after a similar glyph found in a medieval depiction of Melchizedek, but is of relatively recent usage in Mormonism. The star in this context would most likely have been a symbol of renewal and rebirth through baptism.

A mosaic illustration of Melchizedek with eight-pointed star

A Mormon commemorative badge

Decorated Roub al Hizb from the arms of Turkmenistan

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In Brazilian Candomble and Umbanda religious practices, Pontos Riscados are sigils used in ritual to invoke the Orixas (gods). There are different riscados for each aspect of an Orixa.

These symbols are drawn on the ground during an invocation of an Orixa with colored chalks called pembes. The symbols bear a strong resemblance to the Goetic sigils used in Ritual magick, from which they are derived. They are related to the Veves of Vodoun and the Firmas of Palo. The emblem above is one of many belonging to Exu, the Orixa of the Crossroads.

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An Akua’ba is a carved figure used by the African Ashanti tribe as a talisman to promote fertility and and to protect pregnant women.

A woman who hopes to become pregnant will keep such a blessed doll on her person, and dresses and cares for it as one would a real child.

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The Chi-wara headdress honors the mythical antelope who introduced agriculture to the Bamana people of Mali. An important ritual implement, the Chiwara headdress is worn in ritual dances, always in male/female pairs. The Chiwara symbolizes harmony between men and women, and is believed to promote the abundance of the Bamana’s staple millet crop.

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Palo Myombe, Palo Monte Palo Myombe is traditional African religion from the Congo region (rather than Yoruban or Dahomeyan), blended with emphasis on aspects of spiritism and catholicism. Palo is practiced primarily in Brazil and Cuba, and is similar to Umbanda.

The Seven African powers In the Yoruban tradition that is parent to the Lukumi and Palo faiths, the Orishas are emissaries of God, ruling the forces of nature and the fortunes of mankind. The Seven African powers are the primary deities of this tradition.

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In the Rastafarian religion, the Lion of Judah is an emblem of Ras Tafari, otherwise known as former Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. According to Rastafarian belief, Selassie was the Messiah, the second coming of Christ referenced in the Book of Revelation:

“the hair of whose head was like wool, whose feet were like unto burning brass.”

Taken from the heraldic symbol of the biblical Tribe of Judah (from which Selassie is believed to have descended), the lion represents to Rastafarians Selassie as the “King of Kings,” as the lion is King; representing the lineage of the King from the Tribes of Israel. The emblem was once worn by the Emperor as a signet.

The standard carried in the lion’s mouth is the flag of Ethiopia, the crown that of the Emperor.

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• Rastafarianism Explore Rastafarianism, one of the least understood religions of the twentieth century.
• Vodoun, the real Voodoo Vodoun, the traditional religion of Haiti, is one of the most misunderstood religions of all time. Learn more about this ancient ancestral tradition.
• The Seven African powers In the Yoruban tradition that is parent to the Lukumi and Palo faiths, the Orishas are emissaries of God, ruling the forces of nature and the fortunes of mankind. The Seven African powers are the primary deities of this tradition.

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A variation of the oshe Shango, a symbolic double-bladed axe representing the divine weapon Yoruban Orisha Shango (Chango).

Shango is the Orisha of thunder, and one of the Seven African Powers, revered in Santeria, Candomble, and Palo.

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A fetish head representing Eleggua, the Santeria

To learn more about Eleggua: Eleggua

Eleggua Image Gallery

Pronunciation: Vayv or vay-vay • (noun)

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This seemingly ancient symbol is actually the logo of the German industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten. The emblem combines an ancient Toltec petroglyphic symbol of a man with the alchemical symbol of the sun.

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