Symbols can be powerful tools to use in our spiritual practice or to bring positive energy into our lives.
Symbols of strength and growth have been used by different cultures throughout history to represent various qualities such as resilience, perseverance, and personal development. These symbols are often visual representations of abstract concepts that can be difficult to express in words. They can be found in art, literature, and even in everyday objects.
There are some universal symbols that are well known as well as some specific to different cultures that may be lesser known but are still powerful.
Here are the 16 symbols of strength and growth that you should know!
Hamsa
The Hamsa symbol is a palm-shaped amulet with an eye in the center that’s originally from the Middle East and North Africa.
It’s a protective symbol that’s said to thwart negative energy and bring good luck and fortune to the person who wears it or hangs it in their home.
It’s often used in jewelry (necklaces and bracelets are most common) and art (in paintings, wall hangings, tile, and ceramics).
It can be displayed with the palm up (banishing negativity) or with the palm down (inviting in good fortune).
Lotus
The lotus flower is a powerful symbol of enlightenment and spiritual growth in Buddhism and Hinduism.
A lotus grows in water out of the murky, bottom of a pond – this is used as a metaphor for the human journey of enlightenment and rebirth.
It’s often used in art and other decorations around the home and can be used in meditation to center your mind.
“If you know how to make good use of the mud, you can grow beautiful lotuses.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Lion
A lion usually symbolizes strength, courage, royalty, and valor. Lions were widely used throughout Europe on crests and coats of arms.
They also have strong Judeo-Christian roots as they are the symbol of King David’s tribe, Judah.
Sometimes lion statues are used in front of buildings to symbolize the protection of a person or a place of importance.
Lions are often used in tattoos to symbolize strength, bravery, or fearlessness.
Koi Fish
The koi fish is a symbol of friendship and love. In Japanese the word ‘koi’ is a homophone for a word that means ‘affection’.
Koi fish are known for their ability to swim upstream and overcome adversity, making them a wonderful symbol of persistence and resistance.
Koi are also a symbol of peace around the world.
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a symbol that has been used by many cultures throughout history to represent growth and strength.
The tree is seen as a powerful symbol of life, with its roots representing the foundation of life and its branches reaching toward the sky, symbolizing growth and expansion.
In many cultures, the Tree of Life is also seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.
Butterfly
Butterflies symbolize transformation, rebirth, and metamorphosis.
They’re delicate, beautiful creatures that inspire hope in us – as they go through a grueling process from a caterpillar into a butterfly.
Monarch butterflies, with their vibrant orange color, symbolize hope and positivity.
If you’re seeing the symbol of a butterfly it could mean a period of great change and a transformation in your life.
Scarab Beetle
The scarab beetle is an ancient Egyptian symbol of rebirth and renewal, representing the ability to transform and grow through life’s challenges.
Winged scarabs were included in Egyptian funeral preparations to guarantee rebirth.
In Ancient China, scarabs represented new life and were considered sacred.
Triskelion
The Triskelion is a Celtic symbol representing the three worlds – the physical, spirit, and celestial.
There are a variety of meanings represented by the triskele, which include life, death, and rebirth; as well as past, present, and future.
It’s a versatile symbol that can be used to encourage a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of our lives.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a symbol of growth and vitality, representing the power of the sun and the ability to thrive in all conditions.
Sunflower heads move with the sun and literally track the sun across the sky throughout the day.
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.” – Helen Keller
Dara Knot
The Dara Knot is a Celtic symbol representing the root of an oak tree and its robust strength.
It comes from the word ‘Doire’, which means ‘Oak Tree’. Because oak trees are so long-lived, they also represent immortality and wisdom.
Robin
The robin is a symbol of spring and new life. This beloved bird also symbolizes good luck and happiness.
Robins are an optimistic and cheerful symbol with the warmth of spring.
Griffin
The griffin is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle that symbolizes protection.
They may guard treasure or possessions but also protect against evil.
Griffons are strong and ferocious while still being regal.
Lilac
The lilac flower is a symbol of love, family, and marriage. They are an early spring flower with a sweet and aromatic bloom.
They also symbolize a renewal of spirit as they bloom anew each spring.
Acorn
The acorn is a beautiful symbol of potential and a reminder that big things can come from small beginnings. Even the smallest seed can grow into a mighty oak tree with time, patience, and care.
It also symbolizes fertility, growth, and good luck.
Akhet
The Akhet is an ancient Egyptian symbol sun cresting on the horizon. It represents the cyclical nature of life and the constant renewal of the day.
It is a reminder that even in times of darkness, there is always the potential for new beginnings and growth.
Yin Yang
The Yin Yang symbol represents the balance of opposing forces in the universe.
It is a reminder that strength comes from finding harmony and balance between opposing forces, such as light and dark, good and evil, and masculine and feminine.
“The dance between darkness and light will always remain— the stars and the moon will always need the darkness to be seen, the darkness will just not be worth having without the moon and the stars.” ― C. JoyBell C.
Conclusion
Symbols of strength and growth have been used throughout history to represent various concepts, including resilience, stability, endurance, personal and spiritual development, abundance, and interconnectedness of life.
They are powerful tools that can inspire and motivate us to overcome challenges, achieve our goals, reach our full potential, and make positive changes. By incorporating these symbols into our lives, we can tap into our inner strength and resilience, and embrace the journey of personal and spiritual growth.