10 Symbols in Geomancy and Their Meanings

Geomancy, often referred to as “divinatory geomancy,” is an ancient form of fortune-telling that utilizes the Earth’s energies to derive insights about various aspects of life. The practice involves interpreting a set of symbols created by casting or marking points in sand, soil, or any surface. These symbols, also called “figures,” represent various archetypes and energies that can provide guidance for decisions and future events. In this article, we’ll explore ten key symbols in geomancy and their meanings.

1. The Shield (or Carcer)

The Shield symbol is characterized by its angular shape with hard lines. It stands for protection and security but can also indicate confinement or limitation. When this symbol appears in a reading, it often suggests that the querent may be feeling trapped or restricted by external circumstances or internal fears. Conversely, it can also signify a need for boundaries, urging the querent to create protective barriers in their life.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Safety, stability, defense.
• Negative Aspects: Confinement, restriction, stagnation.

2. The House (or Domus)

The House is one of the most straightforward geomantic symbols and represents domestic matters, family dynamics, and personal sanctuary. This symbol signifies the home environment and can reflect the querent’s relationships with family members or their sense of belonging.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Harmony at home, comfort, stability.
• Negative Aspects: Domestic conflict, instability, disconnection from family.

3. The Tower (or Puer)

The Tower symbol consists of vertical lines that represent ambition and aspirations. It embodies the drive to achieve goals and can signify youthfulness and vigor. However, it can also indicate recklessness or chaos when misinterpreted.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Ambition, determination, progress.
• Negative Aspects: Impulsiveness, disarray, lack of direction.

4. The Field (or Via)

Symbolized by flowing lines reminiscent of a field or terrain, the Field represents growth and potential. This symbol evokes feelings of fertility and development in various aspects—be it personal relationships or professional endeavors. It encourages the querent to embrace opportunities for growth.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Growth, opportunity, potential.
• Negative Aspects: Stagnation, lost opportunities.

5. The Star (or Cauda Draconis)

The Star symbolizes aspiration and enlightenment. It represents higher consciousness and often indicates a sense of purpose or spiritual journey. This figure may suggest that the querent is reaching out for guidance or developing their intuitive abilities.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Inspiration, spirituality, clarity.
• Negative Aspects: Confusion, lack of direction.

6. The Winged Man (or Albus)

The Winged Man symbolizes balance and harmony between various dualities—such as work and play or mind and body. This figure indicates a time for introspection and self-assessment to achieve equilibrium in daily life.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Harmony, balance, duality.
• Negative Aspects: Imbalance, inner turmoil.

7. The Serpent (or Amissio)

The Serpent represents transformation through change—often speaking to periods of loss or grief but with an eventual return to renewal and rebirth. This symbol serves as a reminder that endings can lead to new beginnings.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Transformation, renewal.
• Negative Aspects: Loss, betrayal.

8. The Cross (or Tristitia)

The Cross symbolizes burdens and trials but also endurance through hardship. This figure may indicate that the querent is currently navigating difficulties but has the strength to overcome them if they remain steadfast.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Resilience, endurance.
• Negative Aspects: Struggle, hardship.

9. The Anvil (or Caput Draconis)

The Anvil symbolizes creation and manifestation; it speaks to the processes of shaping one’s reality through effort and intention. When this figure appears in a geomantic reading, it often suggests that now is the time for active participation in bringing dreams into fruition.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Creativity, manifestation.
• Negative Aspects: Stagnation due to indecision.

10. The Wheel (or Fortuna)

The Wheel represents fate’s cyclical nature—emphasizing that life consists of highs and lows that are ever-turning. When this symbol shows up during a reading, it could indicate upcoming changes or shifts that are part of a larger cycle—reminding the querent that both good fortune and challenges are temporary.

Meaning in a Reading:

• Positive Aspects: Change, cycles of life.
• Negative Aspects: Uncertainty regarding future outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding the ten fundamental symbols used in geomancy allows individuals to tap into deep-rooted spiritual truths about their lives and circumstances. Each symbol holds unique meanings that can guide decisions and illuminate paths toward self-discovery and transformation. Whether you seek insight into personal relationships or professional endeavors, these geomantic symbols serve as tools for reflection and growth.

Geomancy’s power lies not just in understanding individual symbols but also in how they interact with one another during readings to create a narrative—an intricate tapestry reflecting your life’s current state or future possibilities.

As you engage with these symbols thoughtfully through your own interpretations or consultations with geomancers, consider how each figure resonates with your experiences, guiding you toward clarity amid uncertainty while nurturing personal growth along your life’s journey.