Healing is a natural process and is happening all the time. But sometimes we need to make a deliberate and conscious effort to heal ourselves.
Central to the healing journey is self awareness and achieving inner balance. It also involves practicing relaxation, self acceptance, aligning with your authentic self, releasing the past, shedding negative subconscious beliefs, connecting with your inner self, and reconciling your dark and light nature.
Symbols can play a significant role in this healing process as they communicate directly with the subconscious mind. It’s no wonder that healing symbols have been utilized for centuries as powerful tools in the journey of self-healing and transformation.
In this article, let’s explore 22 powerful healing symbols from various cultures and civilizations that can assist you in your path to well-being and transformation. Let’s take a look.
22 Ancient Healing Symbols to Help You in Your Healing Journey
1. Sri Yantra
The Sri Yantra is an ancient healing symbol in Hinduism. It’s a remarkable pattern composed of nine interlocking triangles: four facing upwards and five facing downwards.
These 9 triangles are believed to correspond to the chakras (energy centers) in the body. Meditating by focusing on the central dot of the Sri Yantra is said to bring balance and alignment to these energy centers promoting physical, mental, and emotional healing.
Sri Yantra also helps clear energetic blockages, block negative energy, and promote inner peace.
2. Healing Hand
The Healer’s Hand (Shaman’s Hand) is an ancient Native American symbol of healing and protection. It consists of a hand with a spiral palm. The five fingers of the hand represent the five elements and the spiral represents connection with your inner self which is required for bringing all these elements into balance.
It is believed that the Healer’s Hand symbol has therapeutic energy and wearing it or keeping it in your home brings healing, good health, and happiness. Additionally, it serves as a protective symbol, guarding against negative influences and harm in both the physical and spiritual realms.
3. OM (AUM) symbol
OM is one of the oldest Hindu symbols, deeply intertwined with concepts of healing, balance, and enlightenment. It is often referred to as the primal sound — the sound from which all other vibrations originate.
OM is composed of three distinct syllables: “Ahh,” “Ouu,” and “Mmm.” When these syllables are chanted together, they form the sacred sound of OM. This amalgamation symbolizes the creation of all other sounds and vibrations.
Chanting OM is believed to have a healing influence on the mind, body, and spirit, resonating with the core essence of one’s being. It elevates one’s vibrational frequency and facilitates the journey to higher states of existence and consciousness.
4. Yin Yang
The Yin Yang symbol, or Taijitu, represents balance and harmony in Chinese philosophy and is a significant symbol of healing. At its core, the Yin Yang symbol signifies the delicate balance between opposites. Yin embodies qualities like darkness, receptivity, and the feminine, while Yang represents light, activity, and the masculine. Healing, as suggested by this symbol, involves finding equilibrium within oneself by integrating these opposing forces.
This symbol encourages you to become aware of the duality within yourself and bring inner harmony by embracing both the dark and light aspects of your nature. This inner harmony is believed to be essential for emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Meditating by focusing on the central dot (Wu Ji stillness point) of the symbol is believed to help you achieve this state of balance.
5. Vesica Piscis
The Vesica Piscis, is the lens-like shape {known as the Mandorla} formed by the intersection of two circles of equal radius. The circles represent the divine masculine and divine feminine energies and the space formed by their intersection is often seen as the womb of the universe, where all creation originates.
Thus the Vesica Piscis is a powerful symbol of creation just like the Yin Yang (that we discussed earlier). Mediating on the symbol can help balance these dual aspects of light (masculine) and dark (feminine) within your own self which is the basis of all healing.
6. Six-Pointed Star
Another symbol closely related to the Vesica Piscis and Yin Yang is the Six-Pointed Star (also known as the Hexagram). This star is created by the intersection of two equilateral triangles—one pointing upward, symbolizing masculine energy and the spiritual realm, and the other pointing downward, representing feminine energy and the material realm. Their intersection signifies perfect harmony between these opposing forces.
Like the Yin Yang and Vesica Piscis, the Six-Pointed Star is a potent symbol of creation, healing, balance, and unity. Throughout history, individuals have employed this symbol in meditation to attain inner equilibrium, harmony, and ultimately, healing.
7. Mandalas
Mandalas are sacred geometric circles symbolizing completeness, unity, and life’s cyclical nature. They are powerful symbols of healing, used to evoke inner balance, spiritual growth and well-being. It is believed that creating or meditating on mandalas can foster a sense of interconnectedness and aid in the healing process.
8. Intertwined Twin Kundalini Serpents
Symbols featuring intertwined serpents have a rich history across various cultures and civilizations. In Hinduism, for instance, these twin serpents hold great significance as symbols of healing. They represent the ‘nadis’ or channels through which the life force energy, known as “prana,” flows within the body.
The two snakes represent the Ida Nadi (Lunar or Cooling Nadi) and the Pingala Nadi (Solar or Heating Nadi). The central staff represents the Sushumna Nadi that runs around the spinal column. Intersections of the Ida and Pingala nadis at various points form the energy centers called chakras.
Balance between the nadis allows for the harmonious flow of prana throughout the body which is believed to be essential for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This concept is central to practices like yoga and Kundalini meditation.
Another popular depiction of the twin serpents symbol is the Caduceus which is often linked to Hermes (or Mercury in Roman mythology), the messenger of the gods. It is used to symbolize peace, balance, guidance, and healing.
9. Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a powerful symbol for healing our entire system. It represents the concept of “As Above, So Below.” This concept is also applicable to healing because what exists within you is what manifests outside.
Just like the tree, you too have a trunk, branches, leaves, and roots. While you can observe the tree’s trunk, leaves, and branches, its foundation lies hidden beneath the soil in the form of roots. These roots symbolize the spiritual aspect and your inner reality, while the trunk, branches, and leaves signify the material aspect and your outer reality. The Tree of Life is a reminder that your healing journey begins from within and manifests outward.
Thus, meditating on the Tree of Life can bring more balance, harmony, and healing into your life.
10. Flower of Life
The Seed of Life and the Flower of Life that is created from the Seed of Life are sacred geometry symbols that represent the interconnectedness of all life with the source energy. Meditating on these symbols is said to promote healing, harmony, and spiritual growth.
11. Metatron’s Cube
The Metatron’s Cube is a powerful sacred geometry symbol that is formed out of the Flower of Life that we discussed earlier. This symbol contains within it the five platonic solids which are unique geometric shapes with identical faces and angles. They represent the ideal, symmetrical forms in three-dimensional space and are considered to be the building blocks of the universe. They are also believed to be the gateway into higher dimensions.
Meditating on the Metatron’s Cube is believed to help you connect with the spiritual wisdom of the universe, raise your vibration and consciousness and lead to healing on a soul level.
12. Water
Water has been a symbol of healing, purification, and renewal for centuries, carrying deep spiritual and emotional significance across diverse cultures. This is because water’s purifying power extends beyond the material realm to the spiritual realm. It is believed to cleanse not only the outer body but also one’s aura and the spiritual body. This is why many traditions advocate taking a cleansing bath before participating in spiritual rituals or traditions.
In Christian traditions, for instance, water is central to the sacrament of baptism. It represents spiritual rebirth and the cleansing of the soul.
Similarly, across Asia and the Middle East, bathing in holy water is a sacred practice, going beyond physical cleansing to clear sins and heal bodily ailments. In essence, water serves as a powerful symbol of healing, reminding us of the profound interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual dimensions of our existence.
13. Coconuts
In Shamanism, coconut is considered an important symbol for spiritual healing. It’s believed to absorb and neutralize negative energies and protect against evil spirits. Shamanic rituals use both coconut shells and water for cleansing the body and spirit, while the shells also serve in divination.
Additionally, coconut oil is valued for its healing properties in practices like massage and aromatherapy, aiding in energy healing. Thus, the coconut symbolizes spiritual healing and protection in Shamanism, connecting the physical and metaphysical realms.
14. Asclepius Wand
The Asclepius Wand is an ancient Greek symbol of healing. It is very similar to the ‘twin serpents symbol’ that we discussed earlier, except that this symbol has only one snake wrapped around a rod as opposed to two. The snake wrapped around the staff forms a wavy structure which represents the two opposing energies that vibrate together to create existence. The rod represents the material realm and the snake the spiritual realm. In essence the Wand represents balance and harmony that is essential for healing.
15. Spiral Sun
The Sun Spiral is an ancient Native American symbol of healing, inner power, and magic. The Native Americans considered the Sun to be the First Healer and the First Shaman. The Spiral Sun represents the healing powers of the Sun.
Just like the Sun exists outside, it also exists within you. The spiral sun helps you connect with your inner center, inner sun, or your inner healing energy. In addition to healing, this sun symbol is also believed to help you recover from setbacks and guide you to a natural rhythm and healthy harmony with life.
16. Solar Cross & the 4 Elements
The solar cross is a sun symbol that features a vertical line symbolizing the masculine elements of Fire and Air, while the horizontal line represents the feminine elements of Water and Earth. Many ancient cultures believe that the human body and everything in this universe is made of these four elements and healing begins once you bring these four elements into balance.
In the Solar Cross, the point where the two lines intersect signifies the balance point, and focusing on it is believed to help restore this equilibrium within oneself.
17. Merkabah
and Merkabah (Star Tetrahedorn)
The Merkabah is a 3D representation of the Six-Pointed star that we discussed earlier. It consists of an upward-facing tetrahedron symbolizing masculine energy (the body) rotating clockwise and a downward-facing tetrahedron symbolizing feminine energy (spirit) rotating anti-clockwise. The interaction of these tetrahedrons is believed to generate a healing light. In-fact, the term “Merkaba” comprises “mer” for light, “ka” for spirit, and “ba” for body.
This sacred symbol is thought to bridge the connection between body and spirit, facilitating healing and the realization of one’s innate power. To tap into its potential, visualize your body within the Merkaba and the surrounding light during meditation. This is believed to expand your consciousness and enable a profound connection with your inner strength.
18. Dream Catcher
The Dream Catcher is an important shamanic symbol associated with healing, protection, and positive energy. Its intricate design consists of a circular frame with a woven net or web inside. It’s believed to have the power to filter dreams and energies.
According to legend, the Dream Catcher acts as a protective talisman. It’s said to capture negative energy, nightmares, and bad dreams while allowing positive energy and good dreams to pass through its center. This process is believed to promote emotional and mental well-being, ensuring restful and peaceful sleep.
In essence, the Dream Catcher serves as a symbol of healing by purifying one’s dreams and thoughts, offering a sense of security and tranquility.
19. Meditating Buddha
The meditating Buddha is in a state of deep calm which is the state where healing begins. Just gazing at a meditating Buddha statue can soothe your mind, allowing you to connect with this inner peace and facilitate your body’s healing.
20. Spirals
Spiral symbols have been used since ancient times for meditation and energetic healing. They are often used in shamanic rituals to connect with inner power and healing energy.
Meditators usually visualize themselves at the outer end of the spiral and make their way through to the center. This helps them connect with their inner center or inner power which can help in their healing journey. Similarly, one can start from the center and spiral outward to connect with the universe.
21. Rattles and Drums
Rattles and drums have since ancient times been used as healing tools by shamans. The repetitive drumming patterns and vibrations produced by rattles are thought to remove negative energies, synchronize brainwaves, and facilitate deep relaxation and altered states of consciousness. This can aid in self-discovery, emotional healing, and accessing the shaman’s inner guidance.
22. Medicine Wheel (Sacred Hoop)
The Medicine Wheel, is a sacred Native American symbol that represents holistic healing. The four quadrants of the wheel represent the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of human existence. The center of the wheel symbolizes harmony and balance. By aligning with the Medicine Wheel, individuals seek healing, unity, and a deeper understanding of their place in the universe.
How to Use Healing Symbols in Your Healing Journey?
Here’s how you can effectively use these symbols in your healing journey.
- Choose a Symbol: Start by selecting a healing symbol that resonate with you. It could be a symbol from a specific tradition, culture, or one that intuitively feels right.
- Meditation and Visualization: Begin by meditating on the chosen symbol. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize the symbol in your mind. Imagine its energy surrounding and enveloping you.
- Focus and Intent: Concentrate on your specific healing intent or goal. Whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual healing, set a clear intention for the healing process.
- Affirmations: Create affirmations related to your healing goal and repeat them while visualizing the healing symbol.
- Create a Healing Space: You can place physical representations of the symbol in your healing space, such as images, sculptures, or objects. These serve as reminders and focal points for your healing journey.
- Journaling: Maintain a journal to document your experiences during meditation and healing sessions. Record any insights, feelings, or changes you notice over time.
- Trust Your Intuition: Trust your inner guidance and intuition. Your connection with the symbol is a personal and unique experience.
- Reevaluate and Adjust: Periodically assess your progress and healing journey. Adjust your approach or choose a different symbol if needed based on your evolving needs.
Remember that healing is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey. Healing symbols are tools to assist and amplify your intentions, but your inner belief, commitment, and receptivity are essential elements in the process.
Conclusion
Symbols can be powerful tools on your healing journey. They communicate directly with your subconscious mind, aiding in shedding limiting beliefs and promoting inner balance, alignment, connection, and self-awareness. As already discussed, you can integrate symbols into your healing process through meditation, visualization, prayer, and altar work. Always remember that the power to heal resides within you, and use these symbols as valuable allies on your healing path.
