Triple Goddess Symbol – What Does It Really Mean?
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The Triple Goddess is a deity with significance in many spiritual and Neopagan groups. The symbol is often featured on the headdresses of High Priestesses and is revered for its associations with the divine feminine and the stages of life.
What is the Triple Goddess Symbol?
The triple moon symbol, also called the triple goddess symbol, is represented by two crescent moons flanking a full moon. The left side of the symbol features a waxing moon, the center features a full moon, while the right side depicts a waning moon. The symbol is a representation of the changing phases of the moon which also correspond with the stages of womanhood. It can also symbolize the endless cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
The moon can be seen as a representation of the Triple Goddess and the three phases of womanhood: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. As the symbol suggests, women share the same rhythm as the moon, with the female body typically corresponding to a 28-day cycle. Likewise, the three main phases of a woman’s life correspond with the three phases of the moon.
- The Maiden – this is represented by the waxing moon. The Maiden is a symbol of youth, purity, pleasure, new beginnings, wildness, freedom and innocence. As a spiritual symbol, the Maiden is an invitation to explore spirituality and desires.
- The Mother – the mother is represented by the full moon. The Mother symbolizes love, fertility, maturity, sexuality, abundance growth and creativity.
- The Crone – this is the wise woman, represented by the waning moon. This phase embodies both the previous stages, including courage, independence, freedom, sexuality, fertility, creative energy and culmination. The crone represents the fulness of a lived life, embodying the wisdom gathered by living through both the ups and the downs of life.
When Did the Triple Goddess Symbol Originate?
There have been instances of triple goddesses, i.e. a single goddess appearing in groupings of three, in ancient cultures. Some examples include Horae, Moirai and Stymphalos of Hellenistic origins. However, the most significant Triple Goddess of ancient times is Diana, also known as Hecate in the underworld.
In the 3rd century AD, the philosopher Porphyry mentions that the three aspects of Diana (Diana as Huntress, Diana as the moon, and Diana of the underworld) represent the three phases of the moon, marking the first time that this association was made.
The term Triple Goddess was popularized by the poet Robert Graves in the mid-20th century, who claimed this triplicity to be Maiden, Mother and Crone in his book The White Goddess. The modern view of the Triple Goddess emerged from this work.
The Triple Moon in Jewelry
The triple moon is a popular design in jewelry, and is often crafted into pendants, rings and charms. Sometimes it’s set with a moonstone to strengthen its association with the moon. For those who believe in the power of this symbol, the moonstone is believed to enhance its magical properties. Below is a list of the editor’s top picks featuring the triple moon symbol.
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However, you don’t have to be a Wiccan or Neopagan to enjoy the triple moon symbol. It’s often worn as a representation of the divine feminine or as a reminder of the cycle of life.
Triple Moon Symbol FAQs
The triple moon tattoo is a popular design, especially by those following the Wiccan faith. It can be stylized in a number of ways, with different images filling up the outline.
The Triple Goddess symbolizes many positive aspects of femininity and the life cycle, however, for those unfamiliar with the symbol, it may appear mystical or even threatening. It’s revered as a sacred and positive symbol in Neopagan and Wiccan groups.
While the reverence of the Triple Goddess has its origins in the 20th century, there are many ancient deities that were revered in groups of three. However, placing an exact date for the origin of the symbol is impossible to do.
The symbol is used in rituals such as the Drawing Down of the Moon or in other workings that involve the lunar goddesses. Additionally, those who worship the Triple Goddess, often make offerings of natural items, such as seashells, flowers, fruits and milk.
Yes, no single group can claim the triple moon symbol for itself. It’s a universal symbol that represents various triplicities, including lifecycles, the phases of the moon or the phases of a woman’s life. However, the symbol is most commonly associated with Wiccan traditions.
Wrapping Up
The Triple Goddess, or the triple moon, is an ancient symbol that’s recently found renewed interest and popularity. To learn more about other similar symbols, check out our related articles.
