Peacock In The Garden Wall Art Print – Vintage Botanical Garden Illustration - Old Town Magick

Symbolism in art

Symbols have always carried meaning beyond what is immediately seen. Across art, religion, folklore and decorative objects, certain forms repeat - quietly shaping how we interpret beauty, power, mortality and devotion.

Within Old Town Magick, these symbols form a visual language. Each object becomes more than decoration, it holds suggestion, memory and meaning. What appears simple at first glance often carries something deeper beneath the surface.

This archive explores that language. A collection of recurring forms, each with its own history, presence and quiet significance.

Symbols of Nature & Instinct

Nature-based symbols reflect the raw, untamed aspects of existence — instinct, survival, and the rhythms of the natural world. Often embodied through animals and organic forms, they connect human experience to something older and less controlled, where behaviour is guided by impulse rather than logic.

Air
Air

thought, spirit, movement

Bee
Bee

industry, devotion, community, sacred work

Earth
Earth

grounding, stability, the physical world

Goat
Goat

defiance, instinct, untamed nature

Hare
Hare

intuition, swiftness, mystery, lunar energy

Horse
Horse

power, movement, freedom

Peacock
Peacock

pride, beauty, watchfulness

Scorpion
Scorpion

danger, defence, controlled power

Spider
Spider

creation, patience, intricate design

Stag
Stag

strength, nobility, wild nature

Rabbit
Rabbit

fertility, gentleness, luck, abundance

Tree of Life
Tree of Life

growth, connection, the cycle of existence

Water
Water

emotion, depth, fluidity

Wolf
Wolf

instinct, loyalty, survival

Symbols of Death & Mortality

Symbols of death and mortality serve as reminders of life’s impermanence. Rather than purely macabre, they often carry a reflective quality — urging awareness of time, existence, and legacy. These forms appear across cultures as meditations on decay, remembrance, and the fragile nature of life itself.

Bones
Bones

mortality, structure, legacy, what remains

Hourglass
Hourglass

time, impermanence, the passing of life

Pomegranate
Pomegranate

fertility, life, death and renewal

Raven
Raven

death, prophecy, intelligence

Skull
Skull

mortality, time, the inevitability of death

Symbols of Love & Devotion

Love and devotion appear throughout art as forces that bind, transform, and endure beyond reason. These symbols often reflect both tenderness and sacrifice — a willingness to give, to suffer, and to remain connected despite distance or time. From sacred imagery to romantic motifs, they speak to emotional depth, loyalty, and the quiet intensity of human attachment.

Rose
Rose

beauty, love, fragility and decay

Sacred Heart Sacred Heart

devotion, sacrifice, enduring love

Symbols of Protection

Protective symbols are rooted in the desire to shield — physically, spiritually, or psychologically. Found in religious, folkloric, and decorative contexts, they act as barriers against harm or misfortune. These forms embody reassurance, resilience, and the human instinct to guard what is valued.

Angel Wings
Angel Wings

protection, transcendence, guidance

Archangel
Archangel

protection, authority, divine intervention

Crab
Crab

protection, retreat, emotional defence

Lobster
Lobster

protection, resilience, renewal, hidden vulnerability

Pentacle
Pentacle

balance, protection, elemental harmony

Symbols of Power & Authority

Throughout history, symbols of power have signified status, command, and influence. Whether regal, militaristic, or ceremonial, these forms represent structures of control and the ability to shape outcomes. They often carry an imposing presence, reflecting both the allure and weight of authority.

Armour
Armour

protection, defence, resilience

Chains
Chains

restraint, control, limitation

Crown
Crown

authority, sovereignty, power

Griffin
Griffin

guardianship, strength, mythic power

Rams Head
Rams Head

force, determination, primal energy

Sceptre
Sceptre

command, legitimacy, control

Sun
Sun

vitality, power, illumination

Sword
Sword

conflict, truth, decisive action

Throne
Throne

rule, dominance, authority

Tower
Tower

isolation, power, watchfulness

Wand/Staff
Wand/Staff

direction, will, creative force

Symbols of Transformation

Transformation is a central theme in symbolic imagery, representing cycles of change and renewal. These symbols often reflect growth through difficulty, the shedding of old forms, and the emergence of something new. They carry a sense of movement, suggesting that identity and form are never fixed, but constantly evolving.

Butterfly
Butterfly

transformation, rebirth, fleeting beauty

Dragonfly
Dragonfly

transformation, lightness, change, illusion

Fire
Fire

destruction, passion, transformation

Moth
Moth

attraction to light, vulnerability, transformation

Mushroom
Mushroom

decay, regeneration, hidden networks

Serpent
Serpent

rebirth, transformation, primal instinct

Symbols of Wisdom & Insight

Symbols of wisdom and insight point toward deeper awareness — both intellectual and intuitive. Often associated with observation, learning, and clarity, they represent the ability to perceive beyond the obvious. These forms suggest quiet intelligence, reflection, and the uncovering of hidden truths.

Eyes
Eyes

perception, awareness, inner vision

Key
Key

access, unlocking, hidden knowledge

Octopus
Octopus

intelligence, adaptability, complexity

Owl
Owl

wisdom, night, hidden knowledge

Symbols of Mystery & Illusion

Mystery and illusion are woven into symbolic language as reminders that not everything is visible or understood. These symbols evoke ambiguity, secrecy, and layered meaning. They invite interpretation while resisting full explanation, creating a sense of intrigue and unease.

All-Seeing Eye
All-Seeing Eye

awareness, divine observation, hidden truth

Bat
Bat

darkness, rebirth, the unseen

Cat
Cat

independence, mystery, quiet observation

Doorway/Threshold
Doorway/Threshold

transition, crossing, new states

Jellyfish
Jellyfish

fragility, flow, quiet danger

Mask
Mask

identity, concealment, duality

Mirror
Mirror

reflection, self-awareness, illusion

Stars
Stars

Guidance, fate and distant possibility

Stone Circle
Stone Circle

ancient presence, ritual, permanence

Spiritual & Religious Symbols

Spiritual symbols express humanity’s search for meaning beyond the physical world. Rooted in religion, ritual, and philosophy, they represent belief systems, sacred practices, and the idea of something greater than oneself. These forms often carry a sense of reverence, purpose, and transcendence.

Cherub
Cherub

innocence, divine presence, celestial order

Cross
Cross

faith, sacrifice, spiritual alignment

Crucifix
Crucifix

suffering, redemption, divine sacrifice

Halo
Halo

sanctity, divine presence, spiritual light

Hands
Hands

creation, connection, human agency

Symbols of Cycles & Renewal

Cycles and renewal appear in symbolic form as expressions of continuity — the idea that endings and beginnings are interconnected. These symbols reflect patterns found in nature, time, and existence itself, suggesting that transformation is not linear, but part of an ongoing, repeating process.

Full Moon
Full Moon

illumination, culmination, heightened emotion

Crescent Moon
Crescent Moon

cycles, intuition, quiet transformation

Egg
Egg

origin, potential, new life

Ouroboros
Ouroboros

eternity, cycles, self-renewal

The World
The World

wholeness, completion, totality, connection

symbolism faqs

What is symbolism in art?

Symbolism in art refers to the use of objects, motifs, colours, animals, religious imagery, and recurring visual forms to communicate deeper meaning. Artists use symbolism to express ideas about love, mortality, power, transformation, faith, and human experience beyond what is shown on the surface.

Why do artists use symbols in art?

Artists use symbols to add layers of meaning to their work. A symbol can suggest emotion, belief, memory, spirituality, or cultural association in a way that feels immediate and evocative. Symbolism allows a work of art to communicate more than its literal subject.

What are common symbols in art and what do they mean?

Common symbols in art include the Sacred Heart for devotion and sacrifice, the skull for mortality, the serpent for temptation, rebirth, or wisdom depending on context, the rose for love and beauty, the eye for perception and insight, and stars or celestial forms for destiny and guidance. Meaning always depends on context.

Does the meaning of a symbol change depending on context?

Yes. The meaning of a symbol in art can change depending on the time period, culture, religion, and the artist’s intention. A serpent, for example, may represent danger, healing, seduction, or transformation depending on how it is used.

What is religious symbolism in art?

Religious symbolism in art uses sacred imagery to communicate spiritual belief, divine presence, sacrifice, suffering, redemption, and protection. Common examples include halos, crosses, hearts, flames, stars, lilies, and other devotional motifs.

What is the difference between symbolism and iconography in art?

Symbolism refers to the deeper meaning behind an image or object. Iconography is the study and identification of those symbols, especially in religious or historical art. The two are closely related and often overlap.

How can I identify symbols in a painting or print?

Look for recurring objects, animals, gestures, colours, or motifs that seem intentionally placed. Consider the historical context, subject matter, and emotional tone of the piece. Symbolism often becomes clearer when viewed alongside cultural or religious references.

Can the same symbol have different meanings?

Yes. Many symbols carry multiple meanings. Fire can represent destruction or purification. A crown can symbolise power or burden. A heart can represent love, suffering, or devotion. The meaning depends on context and interpretation.