Being an empath can be a gift and a curse. The ability to feel and become influenced by the energies around you can be incredibly draining which is why it is super essential to protect yourself. There are various shielding techniques you can use to achieve this which we have discussed in previous articles. In this article let’s look at 24 powerful symbols that you can use in your life to protect yourself.
Why symbols? Symbols carry energy and they speak directly to your subconscious mind. Simply looking at a symbol can help you realign yourself and bring yourself into balance. This is why symbols are so valuable.
28 Empath protection symbols
Here’s our list of 24 powerful protective symbols for empaths and highly sensitive people.
1. Trident or Trishul
The trident is a powerful symbol of protection found across many ancient cultures. For instance, in Hinduism, it is known as the Trishul and is wielded by various Gods and Goddesses, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance and the awakening of higher consciousness.
At its core, the Trident represents divine balance and connection to the source energy. The left and right prongs symbolize the divine masculine and divine feminine energies, while the central prong represents oneness and alignment when these two forces come into harmony.
The Trident helps you achieve physical, emotional, and ethereal balance so you can handle aspects of your life with more clarity and spiritual empowerment.
2. Lotus with Unalome
The lotus flower is a universal symbol of rebirth and self-regeneration because it emerges from murky waters with beautiful, clean flowers. When combined with the Unalome, it represents the ability to overcome life’s obstacles.
It is a symbol that is commonly worn especially by empaths, as a reminder of your personal strength, balance, and inner power.
3. TriShakti
The Trishakti (three powers) is an ancient Hindu symbol that combines three sacred symbols: the Om, the Swastik, and the Trishul. It is considered to be a powerful symbol of protection that can purify the whole atmosphere.
It can be displayed in your office, or home, or worn as a pendant to cleanse your aura and keep negativity at bay.
4. Celtic Shield Knot
In Celtic traditions, the Celtic shield knot is highly regarded as a protection symbol. It was often worn by soldiers on the battlefield to protect them from harm.
The Celtic shield knot is believed to ward off evil spirits and all forms of negativity, making it a very effective tool for empaths!
5. Hopi healing hand
The Hopi healing hand depicts a hand with a spiral in its palm. The spiral represents the universe and when combined with the hand, it is a strong symbol of healing that is believed to have therapeutic powers.
If you are feeling drained, this popular talisman can help you to heal emotional wounds and attract happiness into your life.
6. Triquetra
The Triquetra is an ancient symbol found across various cultures. It primarily represents the sacred trinity of Mind, Body, and Spirit, and the balance between them.
For empaths, it serves as a reminder to stay centered, energetically protected, and emotionally grounded amidst external energies.
7. Triskelion
Another similar ancient symbol is the Triskelion, a symbol strongly associated with Celtic culture. Depicted as three spirals or three legs in motion, it symbolizes continuous movement, personal growth, spiritual evolution, and the balance between different aspects of existence.
For empaths, it can serve as a reminder to keep moving forward while staying balanced in mind, body, and spirit.
8. OM Symbol
In Hinduism & Buddhism, Om represents the sacred sound believed to be the foundation of the entire universe and the source from which all creation emerges.
By chanting Om as a mantra (and consciously feeling its vibrations in your body), you can elevate your consciousness, deepen your concentration, release negative energy, balance your emotions, and raise your vibration – very helpful if you are a powerful empath!
9. Solar Cross
The solar cross is an ancient symbol that represents power and positive energy due to its connection to the sun.
The two intersecting lines, one horizontal and one vertical, also represent the divine masculine and divine feminine energies. Their intersection symbolizes divine balance, unity, and higher consciousness. Because of this, the symbol is seen as powerful for empaths, serving as a reminder to remain grounded, balanced, and spiritually aligned.
10. Algiz Rune
Runes are ancient symbolic characters used in Germanic and Norse cultures for writing, spirituality, and divination. They are believed to carry mystical energy and protective power.
One of the most powerful runes is the Algiz rune. It represents protection and spiritual connection. The word Algiz translates to ‘elk’ which is thought to represent the white elk; a Nordic symbol of divine protection. It reminds us to be courageous in the face of fear and that we are always surrounded by divine protection. As an empath, it can give you the strength to embrace your gift and live life to the fullest.
11. Bind Runes
When using runes, one especially powerful practice is combining multiple runes to create personalized symbols known as bind runes.
In Nordic cultures, bindrunes were commonly used as protective amulets and to cast spells. Bindrunes can be incredibly potent symbols for empaths because they can be tailored to represent your personal goals.
Here’s an example of a bind rune created by combining the Algiz rune, which represents protection and higher awareness, with the Ingwaz rune, which symbolizes growth, inner potential, and spiritual energy.
To make your own bindrune, think about what you would like to achieve. Then carefully choose the runes that best represent your goals. Take some time drawing out different versions of your symbol. Then, when you are happy, carve your symbol onto wood or stone, whilst focusing on your intent. Your bindrune is now ready to wear!
12. Hamsa
The Hamsa symbol is widely used across the Middle East to represent good luck. It is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt and was used to ward off evil and attract prosperity. You can use this symbol as a talisman to promote healing, attract happiness, and repel negativity.
13. Helm of Awe
The Helm of Awe is one of the most mysterious symbols in Norse mythology. It is thought to be a strong symbol of protection and personal power that can give you the strength to beat your enemies.
The symbol contains eight trident-like arms radiating outward from a central point, that offers protection in all eight directions: north, south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest.
As an empath, you can wear this symbol to protect yourself against those who wish you harm or to keep negative energies at bay.
14. Cimaruta
The Cimaruta (sprig of rue) is a Roman amulet commonly worn around the neck or hung on a baby’s crib to ward off the evil eye. Also known as the witch’s charm, this symbol is traditionally made from the sprig of a cleansing herb known as rue. You can wear this amulet for spiritual and emotional protection if you are an empath.
15. Vegvísir
The Vegvisir, or runic compass, is an Icelandic symbol composed of eight Viking rune staves. It is a protective symbol that was used to guide voyages during the Viking era. Wear this symbol when you are feeling lost or overwhelmed, to get you back on track.
16. Mystic Knot
The Mystic Knot is one of the eight sacred symbols in Buddhism, representing harmony, protection, interconnectedness, and the endless flow of energy. In Feng Shui, it is believed to attract balance, peace, good fortune, and positive energy.
For empaths, the Mystic Knot symbolizes emotional stability and connection to endless source energy. Many people keep it in their homes or wear it as a charm to encourage inner harmony, spiritual protection, and a calmer, more balanced energy field.
17. Nazar beads
Nazar beads, also known as evil-eye beads, are ancient protective symbols that originated in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, especially in Turkey and Greece. Traditionally made from blue glass, they were believed to ward off the “evil eye,” negative intentions, jealousy, and harmful energy.
They are perfect for empaths as they are believed to ward off negativity and protect your energy. Nazar beads can be fashioned into various types of jewelry to provide you with spiritual protection.
18. Rudraksha bead
Rudraksha are natural beads that come from the Rudraksha tree and are sacred in Hinduism. Believed to be tears of Lord Shiva, they’re thought to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Wearing a Rudraksha mala (necklace) is said to reduce stress, block negativity, and attract positive energy. Rudraksha beads are sorted by the number of natural lines (called mukhis) on them. Each type is believed to offer specific benefits and connect to certain planetary energies.
If you travel frequently and are concerned about absorbing the negativity of others, you can wear these beads to provide you with support, emotional stability, and protection.
19. Nyame Dua
The Nyame Dua (meaning Tree of God) is an Adrinka symbol that symbolizes God’s protection and presence. It reminds us that we are always being watched over and protected, no matter what life throws at us.
For empaths, this can be a powerful symbol of positivity, helping them stay centered and protected while moving through the energies of the world.
20. Jeweled parasol
The jeweled parasol is a popular protective symbol in Buddhism. The parasol is believed to protect you from illness and harmful influences, just as an umbrella would shelter you from the rain. Empaths can use this symbol to create a protective shield around themselves to repel the negativity of others.
21. Ankh
The Ankh (Key of Life) is an ancient Egyptian symbol of life, protection, and divine energy. It was commonly held by gods such as Isis, Osiris, and Ra as a symbol of healing, spiritual power, and eternal life.
Spiritually, the ankh represents the union of opposites: masculine and feminine energy, logic and intuition, and the left and right hemispheres of the mind.
Empaths can use this as a symbol of energetic balance and protection, to strengthen the aura, ground emotions, and shield against negative energy while keeping the heart spiritually open.
22. Komainu (Lion Dogs)
The komainu (meaning, Lion Dogs) are a pair of lion-like statues that protect the Japanese Shinto shrines against evil spirits. People often get tattoos of these mythical creatures as symbols of protection, guardianship, and prosperity.
23. Sri Yantra
In Hinduism, yantras (meaning “divine tools” or sacred instruments) are geometric energy diagrams used for protection, meditation, manifestation, and connection to higher consciousness.
Among the many yantras, the most revered is the Sri Yantra, often called the king of all yantras. It is believed to represent all the energy centers, or chakras, within the human body, and is therefore associated with healing, energetic balance, spiritual protection, and higher vibration.
Meditating on the Sri Yantra for just a few minutes each day by focusing on its central point, known as the Bindu or Zero Point, is said to help bring the mind and energy field into alignment.
Many empaths and spiritually sensitive people use it as a tool for grounding, releasing negative energy, strengthening inner clarity, and energetic protection.
24. Maha Sudarshan Yantra
Another powerful yantra for Empaths is the Maha Sudarshan Yantra. This yantra refers to the discus, or spinning wheel, of Lord Vishnu. According to Vedic scriptures, it was forged from the pure flame of the sun and can repel all forms of negativity, misfortune, and illness. People display this symbol in a prominent area of their home to shield themselves and their living space from negative influences.
25. 9 Dot Shield Knot
The 9 Dot Shield Knot is an ancient symbol also found in Hindu traditions. It contains a set of nine dots arranged in the shape of an X. The four arms of the X represent the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth, while the central dot symbolizes ether or source energy.
When drawn into a knot symbol, it represents protection, balance, and personal power, making it a meaningful symbol for empaths and spiritually sensitive individuals.
26. Looped Square
The Looped Square is a sacred geometric symbol associated with protection, grounding, and balance. It appears across multiple cultures, including the Swedish Sankthanskors, the Danish Johanneskors, the Celtic Bowen’s Knot, the Finnish Hannunvaakuna, and the Adinkra symbol Mpatapo. Across these traditions, it has been associated with protection and good luck.
The square represents stability, structure, and the physical world, while the continuous loops symbolize flowing life force and interconnected energy.
Spiritually, the symbol is believed to create a protective energetic boundary that allows energy to flow without becoming chaotic or draining. For empaths and highly sensitive people, it can help with emotional grounding, mental clarity, and maintaining strong energetic boundaries while remaining open and compassionate.
27. Brigid’s Cross
The Brigid’s Cross is an ancient Celtic symbol of protection, healing, and blessing associated with Brigid – the goddess of healing, poetry, wisdom, fertility, and sacred fire..
Traditionally, it was placed above doorways and was believed to protect against harm, illness, and negative energy. For empaths, the Brigid’s Cross symbolizes emotional grounding, inner peace, and energetic protection. Its four arms radiating from the center represent balance between the spiritual and physical worlds, helping sensitive people stay centered without absorbing the energy around them.
28. Hexagram
Another symbol that helps you as an empath to stay grounded, centered, and energetically protected is the Hexagram.
The hexagram is formed by two interlocking equilateral triangles, one pointing upward and the other downward. Together, they symbolize the union of opposing forces such as mind and body, spirit and matter, masculine and feminine, and the conscious and subconscious mind.
Because of this balance of energies, the hexagram is associated with harmony, protection, inner alignment, and spiritual stability, making it a powerful symbol for empaths and highly sensitive people.
How can you use these symbols in your life for protection as an Empath?
All of the above protection symbols can be worn as pendants or other forms of jewelry to shield you from negative influences. If you are concerned that negativity is entering your home, you can also find statues and ornaments of many of these symbols that you can display on a windowsill to cleanse your living space of bad vibes.
Conclusion
All of us can benefit from using protection symbols to cleanse our auras and balance our emotions. However, they are particularly powerful for empaths who often struggle to discern their own feelings from the mass of emotions taken on by others. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try using these symbols to bring balance and personal power back into your life.
