Look around you, and you'll realize that symbols are present everywhere you turn. Even in today's world, you'll notice recognizable signs on consumer packages, billboards, buildings, and even in the clouds in the sky. The wide presence of symbols is a clear testament to the significance of what they represent in societies then and now.
One area in life where symbols continue to hold influence is in healing. By observing nature and the experience of past generations, ancient cultures have imbued restorative and therapeutic qualities to particular signs that modern societies acknowledge and use. That’s why it's no longer surprising to see people wearing or using ancient healing and spiritual protection symbols in everyday things like pendants, business logos, religious objects, as well as flags and icons used by many countries all over the world.
For better understanding and appreciation, here are four things to know about healing symbols:
There Are Healing Symbols In Math
As mentioned above, healing symbols are everywhere. So, it's not that surprising to find them even in everyday numbers and geometric shapes. Here are examples of mathematical symbols that have associations with regeneration and healing:
- 1212 is a spiritual sign in numerology that encourages a person to trust in the power of positive thinking to heal and spiritually, mentally, and physically improve their lives.
- The circle is believed to alleviate physical tension and improve bioenergy, thereby encouraging the better circulation of energy and chi. The Tibetan mandala is an excellent example of the rejuvenating and reinvigorating properties of circles.
- The triangle represents stimulation of the regular functions of organs and cells. To activate its healing properties, you can gaze, hold, or wear this symbol. In past years, some people wore triangular hats to promote healing and wellness. With its connected triangles, the Star of David is also an excellent example of this geometrical shape's power.
Snakes Represent Healing
If you’re confronted by a snake while walking in the woods, you probably won't probably think of health and wellness. For many, this animal elicits fear and danger. In some religious beliefs, the snake is even considered sly and evil.
So, you might wonder why the snake is incorporated in the symbol of medicine and is used by health-related private and government organizations. The reason behind it is the snake's ability to shed its old skin, which is considered a symbol of regeneration and immortality. Also, the snake's ability to transform from a state of seeming idleness into an attack mode that’s full of energy and vigor is a good representation of recovery from illness.
Here are two of the most prominent snake healing symbols used in modern medicine:
- The Rod of Asclepius is represented by a staff with a single snake coiled around it. This symbol is connected to medicine even during ancient times because Asclepius is the Greek god of healing and medicine. Medical organizations that use this symbol include the World Health Organization, The American Medical Association, The Medical Protection Society, and the Star of Life Emergency Services.
- The Caduceus symbolizes the Roman god Mercury, and is characterized as a staff with two snakes entwined around it. You’ve probably seen this symbol in the official emblems of the Public Health Service, the United States Medical Corps, and the US Marine Hospital.
Some Religious Emblems Are Healing Symbols Too
Healing symbols aren’t merely used to represent physical healing. Often, they’re also adapted into human spirituality and beliefs.
Many healing symbols are still used by a lot of religious groups even today. For the devout, it seems that physical healing would only come after spiritual healing.
Here are healing symbols that are still a part of religious practices today:
- Om is a sacred Hindu symbol that represents the essence of the soul and the whole universe. Both the sign and the sound are used in relaxation and meditation for emotional and mental healing.
- Hamsa is a middle eastern symbol associated with both Jewish and Muslim beliefs. This open right hand with an eye in the middle represents protection from harm, illness, and even death. Some pregnant women still place a red hamsa on their doors to ensure both the mother's and the baby's health.
- The Cross is a general representation of Jesus Christ by Christians. This symbol can mean Jesus as a savior to provide believers with spiritual redemption. It can also mean Jesus as a healer.
You Can Find Healing Symbols In Nature
If there’s one place where healing abounds, it’s in nature. Even during ancient times, people used heavenly bodies, plants, animals, and bodies of water to represent wellness, health, and regeneration.
So, if you feel a bit under the weather and you want to boost your energy or feel better, perhaps gazing, touching, and connecting with these things in nature will do the trick:
- River – There’s nothing more relaxing than seeing the flowing of the river. Some people say that wading in the river's water can immediately boost one's mood. Hindus see the Ganges River in India as a sacred river, so many people flock to its banks to bathe and even drink its water to cure illness. A serene river's power is so strong that just by gazing at its representation or picture already elicits tranquility and peace in those who are feeling sad and down.
- Tree – A lot of cultures believe in the healing power of trees. Some even believe that trees have the potential to heal you from head to toe. It’s no wonder that there is a Tree of Life symbol for many ancient cultures, such as the Celts, the Mayans, and even the Norse.
- For Buddhists, the Bodhi tree is a symbol of enlightenment and rebirth. In ancient Europe, the oak tree is considered the king of the forest and symbolizes luck, survival, and healing of the heart, soul, and body. Meanwhile, some Jewish sects believe the palm tree is the symbol of healing. Early Jewish physicians used palm leaves as the representation of their profession.
Bottom Line
Humans have always depended on symbols for a lot of things, including protection and healing. If you think that healing symbols are so old school and are no longer relevant today, you may be wrong. Many still believe in the power of symbols to provide healing for both the body and soul. Even mundane objects, like decors in your house or the logos you see in hospitals, may incorporate some healing symbols.
