The triangle has been used as a symbol of spiritualism and enlightenment since the dawn of human civilization. In this article let’s look at 28 spiritual triangle symbols and their meaning and their significance to cultures around the world. If any symbol(s) in this list resonates with you, you can use it in your life to help you in your own spiritual journey.
What do triangles represent?
Triangles are wide at the base and taper to a point at the tip. Therefore, they symbolize the stages of growth that ultimately lead to enlightenment.
The three points of a triangle are also significant but their meanings differ slightly between religions. The Christian holy trinity, which represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is perhaps the most well-known of these. Similar versions can be found in Hinduism and Paganism to represent the Divine in its threefold nature. Other popular meanings of the three triangle points include the mind, body, and spirit, as well as the past, present, and future.
Wherever you look, you will see the number three reflected in nature, making triangles the ultimate symbols of completeness.
28 spiritual triangle symbols
Equilateral triangle inside a circle
The equilateral triangle is a well-known Deity symbol that has been used by nearly every religion since Ancient Egyptian times. The addition of a complete circle is said to represent unity. As a whole, the symbol represents creation within the circle of eternity – it symbolizes life itself.
The Sri Yantra is an ancient Hindu symbol, composed of nine interlocking triangles. The four triangles pointing upwards represent Shiva (masculine energy), while the five triangles pointing downwards represent Shakti (feminine energy). Together, they form a powerful symbol that is said to help you fulfill your dreams. Simply sit and meditate in front of this symbol while focusing on your goals, to attract prosperity and abundance into your life.
In Hinduist cultures, the Shatkona is a six-pointed star that represents the union of male and female. The symbol also represents the Anahata (heart) chakra which stands for wisdom, love, and compassion. The dot in the center (Bindu) is believed to signify the highest level of consciousness that can be achieved, and the point from which all creation began.
The Manipura chakra symbol is an inverted red triangle surrounded by ten petals and enclosed in a bright yellow circle. It refers to the solar plexus which is closely associated with personal power and self-esteem. The ten petals (or pranas) symbolize the ten vital forces that nourish all functions in the human body. The Manipura chakra is a powerful symbol of purification and transformation that can help us find our true sense of purpose.
According to Tantra tradition, the Vishuddha chakra (Sanskrit for “throat”) is the fifth primary chakra. Its primary color is aquamarine, and it has 16 petals that represent human characteristics (Vrittis) such as compassion and pride. The throat chakra governs expression, communication, and personal growth. Its name means ‘purest’ as it is the energy center that is believed to purify our mind, body, and spirit.
The third eye symbol is revered in Indian spiritual traditions because it is regarded as the doorway to the Divine. Located between the eyebrows, this chakra can bring harmony to your mind, body, and spirit. The symbol consists of an OM (meaning universe and unity) atop an inverted triangle and a lotus flower (symbolizing enlightenment).
The Valknut (knot of the slain), is a mysterious Nordic symbol made up of three interlocking triangles. It is believed to represent fertility and rebirth. This symbol was also used to represent the power of Viking practitioners and shamanists, who were said to be able to control people’s minds and bind their fates.
The Heaven MU symbol is thought to have originated as an Ancient Mayan hieroglyph. Some scholars even believe Mu to be an island that was inhabited by a technologically advanced race. The Heaven MU symbol is said to represent heaven and the all-seeing eye of the Triune God.
The shield of trinity, (scutum Fidei), is a traditional Christian symbol that depicts the Holy Trinity. The classic shield consists of a downward triangle with the Latin words Pater (Father), Filius (Son), and Spus scus (Holy Spirit) on each point. In the center of the symbol is Deus (God). It is intended to represent each of the entities that comprise the ultimate deity, as well as the eternity of the Holy Trinity.
The Lakota symbol is revered in the indigenous cultures of North America. In fact, the name is derived from a powerful tribe that lived in the Great Plains.
The Lakota symbol represents the concept of earth-sky mirroring that was used to guide tribes on their travels. The top triangle is believed to represent the sun and the stars, while the bottom triangle represents the earth. It is actually a three-dimensional shape, as the earth was believed to be cone-shaped.
The sign of Tanit has been discovered on many ancient stone carvings. Its basic shape is a disk on top of a triangle, separated by a horizontal line. It was said to represent the mother Goddess of fertility, Tanit. She was revered as one of the most important Deities by Carthaginians and was frequently invoked for matters relating to fertility and children.
The Tetrad or Tetractys is composed of ten dots arranged in a triangle. It was created by the famous Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras. The Tetractys is thought to represent the sacred geometry that shapes our universe, particularly the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water. In Kabbalah, the Tetractys symbol is also closely associated with the tree of life.
Merkaba is derived from the Hebrew word for “chariot”. When activated, the three-dimensional star shape of this symbol is said to act as a vehicle of light that can provide protection and transport your mind, body, and spirit to a higher dimension.
The Kali Yanta is a Hindu symbol used to focus the mind by channeling the energies of the Divine Mother Goddess Kali. The symbol is surrounded by two circles that represent life and death. The lotus petals inside the symbol represent the eight chakras, and the inverted triangle represents the power of the sacred feminine.
Pyramids
Pyramids are thought to be powerful energy centers. Many scholars believe that the Egyptian pyramids were built as healing chambers rather than tombs because they can channel energy from higher realms. Sitting inside a pyramid (or holding a pyramid-shaped crystal), is said to help balance your energies and recharge your aura.
Radegast is the Slavic God of strength, hospitality, and honor. He was the main God worshipped by the West Slavic tribe of the Redarians and is usually depicted as a black figure with a bird on his head. He is credited with being the reason behind the legendary Slavic hospitality, in which everyone who crossed the threshold was welcomed inside.
Veles is the Slavic God of livestock and the underworld. His symbol is an upside-down triangle with a horizontal line running above it, representing cattle horns. According to Slavic mythology, Veles is also considered to be the guardian of the gates to heaven, which separate the physical world from the spiritual world. He is closely associated with personal accountability, wisdom, and determination.
The Trojan symbol represents the three Slavic Gods; Svarog, Perun, and Veles, who rule the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. This symbol is also believed to represent the three elements of air, water, and earth, or symbolize the past, present, and future.
The Dagaz rune, meaning ‘day’, is the last rune of Elder Futhark. It is a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. This rune is considered extremely positive because it represents bold change, opportunities, and the cycle of life. If you are going through a difficult time, this rune serves as a reminder that life is in constant flux – things will improve!
Double triangle symbols have become incredibly popular as tattoos. The three points represent your spiritual journey as well as your, past, present, and future. For Pagans, the three points can also represent the three phases of the moon. Triangles pointing downwards are a universal symbol of fertility and female empowerment. Triangles pointing upwards represent masculinity and the fire element.
The philosopher’s stone is one of the most significant concepts in alchemy. The legendary substance is believed to be able to turn any base metal into gold and has even been hailed as the elixir of life, capable of granting immortality. The symbol itself contains the four basic elements; earth, air, fire, and water. The surrounding circle is thought to symbolize the fifth element, which is formed by combining the other four.
The unclosed delta symbol is a representation of change. It reminds us that life is in constant motion, that new opportunities will present themselves, and that we should strive to move forward rather than look to the past.
The Thunderbird is a Native American symbol of protection, strength, and power. It is said to be a representation of a mythical creature that could cause thunderous waves with a clap of its wings. It could also create rainstorms that watered the earth, so it was linked to the concept of life. According to legend, a great flood threatened to engulf the earth. After four flashes of lightning, the thunderbird appeared before the Great Chief Namoquayalis and was asked to find survivors. The Great Chief then instructed the thunderbird to invite everyone to the celebratory thunderbird dance.
The Dragon’s eye is an ancient Germanic 2D symbol that consists of an equilateral triangle and a ‘Y’ in the middle connecting the three points of the triangle. The triangle represents life and the ‘Y’ represents the choice between good and evil.
Zhiva is an ancient Slavic Goddess of life, love, marriage, relationships and fertility. The symbol of the Goddess consists of two opposing triangles signifying the heaven and earth.
When you shine white light through a prism, it gets scattered and you get to see all the seven colors which were hidden in the white light. This way, a prism is a spiritual symbol that represents enlightenment or seeing through the illusion.
Triangles are also used to represent the four elements (in Medieval alchemy) – Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
Earth and Water are represented using downward facing triangles as they are traditionally feminine whereas Air and Fire are represented using the upward facing triangle as they are traditionally masculine (and raise upwards). The downward facing triangle symbolizes staying grounded, and the upward facing triangle symbolizes raising your consciousness. When the four elements combine they form a perfect balance which is what existence is all about
The Saraswati Yantra is an auspicious symbol associated with Hindu Goddess Saraswati who is the Goddess of Wisdom, Education and Intelligence. The symbol consists of a series of triangles that represent her vast knowledge of the universe. The symbol that starts with a single upward facing triangle and goes into infinite triangles representing the infinite knowledge present in the universe and the fact that learning is endless. Meditating on this symbol is said to enhance memory power, concentration, creativity, intuition and wisdom.
Kanatitsa is an ancient Bulgarian symbol that features a set of three standing triangles and three inverted triangles. The symbol represents longevity, eternal life and protection from negative energy.
