According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, "symbol" can be defined as "a mark or character taken as the conventional sign of some object, idea, function, or process." The New Age movement and the occult–which, in many ways, are one and the same–have greatly employed the use of symbolism. I find it disturbing that while the historical and contemporary "marks" of occultism can be found throughout our modern culture, we no longer recognize their spiritual significance. However, just because the average person no longer knows the meaning of occult symbols, it in no way negates their significance. The fact remains that these symbols have never lost their meaning, and occultists today still recognize their power and influence–and use it.

This article is Part 4 in a multipart series on occult symbols.

Goat of Mendes: See "Baphomet" in the first article of this series.

Grail (aka, Holy Grail): Legend has it that the Holy Grail was the cup Jesus Christ used during the last supper. Within the world of western esoteric teachings, the Grail, variously symbolized by an elaborately decorated cup, represents perfection or purity. It is also emblematic of discovering one’s deeper level of existence – the quest for the deification of man. The Holy Grail is symbolically linked to the mystical history of the Knights Templar and other secret orders.

Halo: In the Christian world, halos are depicted as adorning circles of light resting on God’s saints. Halos are also found in the New Age movement, the occult, and eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. In one occult dictionary, halos are described as "a radiant, luminous, glowing circle of light surrounding the head of a deity, or highly evolved soul-mind." To New Agers, this "circle of light" denotes cosmic understanding and enlightenment.

Hand of Fatima: This Persian symbol represents healing and strength. It is considered a portal to mystical visions.

Hexagram (Star of David): The six-pointed star is found throughout the world. It adorns books, clothing, jewelry, and a variety of religious articles. For the past number of decades, this symbol has appeared on Christian churches and is worn by believers around the world. Years ago it was referred to as the "Seal of Solomon," today it’s called the "Star of David." Strangely, however, there is no Biblical support for this symbol belonging to David. Instead, there is scriptural evidence showing that a religiously affiliated "star" symbol was brought out of Egypt by the Israelites, and was viewed by God as idolatry (see Amos 5:25-26 and Acts 7:43).

Although there is no Christian basis for this symbol, there is a controversial Jewish connection. It’s based, not on the Old Testament, but on an occult Hebrew text called the Kabbalah (also spelled Qabalah and Cabala). The Kabbalah and its religious system is a mystical division of Judaism. Some have referred to as an occult parallel to the Old Testament. The hexagram has often been used in conjunction with its teachings on the "Tree of Life."

In the mid-1990s, I had a chance to discuss this issue with two rabbis during a synagogue open house. These two gentlemen admitted the hexagram’s mystical significance and its association with the Kabbalah. In fact, they had placed an explanation of this symbol inside the synagogue for the benefit of visitors–referring directly to its esoteric meaning.

Beyond the Kabbalistic interpretation, the hexagram has had a long history of occult usage going back to Chinese and Egyptian mystery religions. Throughout this time the meaning of the Star of David has always remained the same–it represents the cosmic union of good and evil, of light and darkness, of destruction and creativity. Freemasonry uses it to portray the male and female generative powers of the universe, and Rosicrucians embrace the symbol for its esoteric properties. Other western occult societies claim that rituals which incorporate the Star of David are extremely potent. And within witchcraft the hexagram is viewed as having a high degree of magic and of being one of its most important emblems.

We may think of certain patterns and designs as being ornamentally attractive, but keep in mind that many symbols portray more than what is initially perceived. Some symbols, such as the hexagram, have been incorporated into Christianity without believers really knowing what is represented. In this day of grand deceptions, we need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We need to put on the full armor of God, and stand firmly against the works of Satan.