Abstract Symbols

       There are some writing systems particular to certain genres of occult influence. Remember that for the purposes of this set of postings the definition of occult lies broadly across heterodox methods of worship, ritual magic and so forth.

      The first brand of these scribbles that comes to my mind is the alphabet of Runes, Ancient sigils each possessing their own personalities, powers and sounds corresponding to various ideals and constructs of ancient cultures. A readily available and advanced work on the subject of Runes and their use can be found here.

       Often used with talismans, tokens of spiritual power, runes could combine together to form memes like any other alphabet while carrying significant nuanced characteristics. Another alphabet that is associated with talismanic magicians is the Alphabet Of The Magi.

       Some abstract symbols are made up of constituent pieces in a less linear way, yet are used for syncretic purposes to those featured above. My true first love of this variety is the Emblems of Shamanistic Drums.

       A similar sort of construction can be found in Haitian Vodou's Veve, heraldry associated with the summoning of helping spirits. All of the above can be argued as forms of Theurgy, methods of atoning and facilitating the presence of gods, helping spirits and so forth. Theurgy is a common feature of mysticism, religion and other systems. A more publicly available sort of this is the practice of Summoning. Detailed accounts of these practices are disseminated across the web but I assert the more pure, quintessential work on the matter is the Key of Solomon, featuring summoning circles such as This one. A less common and more archaic version can be found here.


Many words in this post will become hypertext links to further reading as the blog grows. This post will also be added to gradually with symbols not mentioned. To be honest the subject of symbolisms is so completely vast I do not hope to publish any extensive work upon it. For those of you eager for symbolism try The Illustrated Signs and Symbols Sourcebook, an extensive illustrated encyclopedia of innumerable symbols and contexts. This book is a heuristic introduction to symbols that is genuinely fun to flip through and show to house guests.