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If you enjoyed reading the article, be sure to share it with others as well. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. (37) Over to Youĭo you know of any other ancient symbols of protection that you would like us to add to the list? The symbol was often curved on various items and objects to invoke its protective power for the owner. Shaped like a human with their arms raised upwards, the Algiz rune signifies divine consciousness, spiritual awakening, and protection. Dreamcatcher (Native Americans)Īmong the ancient Nordic and Germanic tribes, runes were more than just a form of a writing system each letter itself served a representation of various cosmological principles. Likely it may have also been the influence behind the Mano Pantea, a similar protection amulet popular among the ancient Egyptians. It is also a sacred symbol among the Jews, although associated with religion itself rather than a goddess or an important religious figure. (5) Over time, the hamsa symbol and its association as a divine protection charm would eventually be syncretized into other cultures as well, including the Romans (Hand of Venus), the early Christians (Hand of Mary), and among the Arabs and Berbers (Hand of Fatima). The history of this symbol goes all the way back to the time of Ancient Mesopotamia, where it served as a depiction of the right hand of the Inanna, the goddess of love, war, and justice. Hamsa / Middle-Eastern symbol of protectionĪlso known as the ‘Hand of the goddess,’ the hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet that has, since ancient times, been widely employed in Middle Eastern societies as a symbol of protection and to ward off the negative influences of the evil eye.