The equal-armed-cross is sometimes called the Greek Cross, Minoan Cross, Celtic Cross, the square cross or the balanced cross. Exactly what it sounds like, this cross is made of two equal lines, crossed at the center. The ends of the lines are often flared.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Equal-Armed Cross, also known as the Greek Cross or Cross of Lorraine, holds deep spiritual significance across various cultures and religions, including Christianity, witchcraft, and ancient pagan traditions.
This symbol represents balance and equilibrium, with its four arms symbolizing the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. It is often associated with harmony in the natural world and the pursuit of inner balance in spiritual practices.
In Christianity, the Equal-Armed Cross signifies Christ’s teachings of love, compassion, and the unity of all creation. In witchcraft, it is a symbol of protection, grounding, and the integration of elemental energies within rituals and spells.
Variations of the Equal-Armed Cross can be found in different traditions, such as the Ankh in ancient Egypt, the solar cross in indigenous cultures, and the astrological cross in astrology.
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Cultural and Religious Representations
| Culture/Religion | Name | Symbolic Representation |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | Greek Cross | Crucifixion of Jesus, salvation, faith |
| Hinduism | Swastika | Auspiciousness, prosperity, spiritual power |
| Buddhism | Dharmachakra | Buddha’s teachings, the Eightfold Path |
| Paganism | Sun Wheel | Sun’s journey, cyclical nature of life |
| Celtic Tradition | Brigid’s Cross | Protection, fire, fertility |
| Native American | Medicine Wheel | Harmony, balance, connection to the Earth |
Meaning of the Equal Armed Cross symbol
This symbol predates Christianity and the Roman tradition of crucifixion. Crosses of this sort have been found far and wide throughout Eurasia and the Americas. We can’t know for sure what the cross symbolized to these disparate cultures, as it surely didn’t mean the same thing to all of them.
| Symbolic Meaning | Description |
|---|---|
| Balance and Harmony | The Equal-Armed Cross represents balance and the harmonious union of opposing forces or elements. It signifies the equilibrium between different aspects of existence. |
| Intersection of Paths | The crossroads created by the equal arms symbolize the meeting point of various paths, both physical and spiritual. It signifies choices, decisions, and opportunities for growth. |
| Sacred Center | The center of the Equal-Armed Cross represents the divine or the sacred. It is the focal point where spiritual energies converge and can be seen as a representation of the divine presence. |
| Cosmic Axis | The vertical and horizontal arms of the cross symbolize the connection between the earthly and the divine realms. It represents the axis mundi, the bridge between heaven and earth. |
| Unity and Wholeness | The Equal-Armed Cross signifies the integration and unity of different aspects of existence, such as mind, body, spirit, and the four elements. It represents the concept of wholeness and completeness. |
Modern Pagans also give this cross many different meanings: The four cardinal directions; the four elements; the union of male and female; as above, so below; the sun; fire; balance.
Similar symbols include: the staff of Apollo; Brigid‘s Cross; the Sun cross; Coptic cross
Variations of the Equal-Armed Cross:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ankh | The Egyptian Ankh combines the Equal-Armed Cross with a loop at the top, symbolizing eternal life and divine energy. |
| Maltese Cross | The Maltese Cross features arms that taper towards the center and often includes additional decorative elements. It is associated with knights, chivalry, and Christian symbolism. |
| Iron Cross | The Iron Cross, originating from Prussia, is characterized by a bold, symmetrical design with slightly flared arms. It has historical and military associations. |
| Gammadion Cross | Also known as the Fylfot Cross or the Swastika, the Gammadion Cross features arms that bend at right angles in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It holds various cultural and religious meanings. |
| Celtic Cross | The Celtic Cross combines a circle and the Equal-Armed Cross. It represents the intersection of the divine and the earthly, as well as the fusion of Christianity with Celtic traditions. |
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The Sign of the Cross at hermetic.com
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