If I were to get a new pendant, which design will say most about me?

Of course, I can wear a cross, but which version?

There is the simple +, a symbol of the distant planet Nibiru, which crosses the orbits of many of the planets in our solar system as it approaches the sun every 3 600 years. The design may be significant, but a bit boring, I think.

Then there is the T or Tau, which was used as a symbol of divinity on the sculptures of Isis and Osiris.  This is also the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, signifying the last word of God. The Tau cross is also a symbol of immortality - but do I want to be immortal and outlive my granddaughter?

I could choose the ‘Jesus cross’, ✝.  This had nothing to do with Jesus until long after Christianity came along.  This cross was a symbol of consecration of holy objects, but around 1 700 years ago, it became the symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus.    Did you know that the Mormons (a version of the Christian faith) do not even allow this type of cross in their churches?  Do I want to wear something that represents pain and suffering?  I suppose it is in the eye of the beholder.

But how about the ankh, ☥, known as the "knot of eternity", which has been used by both the ancient Egyptians and the Koi San for healing purposes?   Many of the Nguni-speaking people such as the Zulu, Xhosa and Swazi believe that the ankh represents their sun god.   I was told that the ankh also represents the Nile river with its seven deltas. Either way, it looks beautiful as a piece of jewelry.

I also like the visual image of the extra twist in the swastika, which is an ancient Hindu and Buddhist symbol of peace and completion of four principles working together.  The Chinese use the swastika as a symbol of good luck - tempting!  However, the swastika was taken over and abused by Hitler and his cronies - a real pity, because they turned a beautiful symbol of sacred fire into a symbol of evil.  I like to think that I make up my own mind about things, but would I want to be a target of other people's ignorance?  Sad.

Maybe I should consider a pentacle. . .

I have come across this illustration of the pentacle, explaining its Wiccan meaning.

 (Acknowledgement to Wiccan Parents on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=499565270130956&set=a.350988751655276.87248.350985608322257&type=1&relevant_count=1)

OK, so it is not quite a cross, but I like what it symbolizes.  Did you notice the five vowels (a, e, i, o, u)? Some Wiccans also believe that the circle around the star represents unity and wholeness, or mankind surrounded by Divinity (I like that).

 I am undecided between a pentacle and an ankh … 

 

What symbols represent your faith?  What do you know about the history of the symbols?