Meaning of symbols of fate

The concept of fate is a recurring theme in many different cultures and mythologies around the world. Is life and fate predetermined, or do we have a choice? Since each culture has its own interpretation of fate, there are many symbols that represent different aspects of fate. Here are some notable fate symbols and their meanings as depicted in art, literature, and more.

Things you need to know

1. The Moirai were a trio of Greek goddesses who were believed to have the power to spin and control the fate of humans. They were associated with symbols such as threads, scissors, and spindles.
2. The Web of Wyrd is a Norse symbol associated with the Norns, goddesses of fate. Meanwhile, the Wheel of Fortune is a symbol of the cycle of life and destiny.
3. The red thread of fate is a Chinese concept; it is believed that people whose fates intertwine are connected by a red thread.

Symbol of fate

Moirai

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The Moirai (also known as the Fates) were a trio of sisters or goddesses in ancient Greek mythology who were said to control the fate of humans. The first, Clotho ('the Spinner'), spun the threads of life. The second, Lachesis ('the Divider'), measured each thread. The third, Atropos ('the Inflexible'), cut each thread. Together, they represented the idea that fate and destiny were predetermined from birth.

Things like spindles, thread, scissors, and doves were all used as symbols representing the Moirai (and in turn, fate).

In fact, the idea of ​​threads or yarn representing fate and life paths is a common motif—it's not just limited to Greek mythology! Likewise, cutting those threads can represent death or a turning point in your destiny.

The Web of Wyrd

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In Norse mythology, 'wyrd' is the concept of destiny. Therefore, the Web of Wyrd is a symbol that represents the idea of ​​the connection between the past, present and future. According to Norse mythology, the Norns are three goddesses who control the fate of gods and humans and are responsible for weaving the Web of Wyrd.

1. The 3 Norns are Urd (relating to the past), Verondi (relating to the present), and Skuld (relating to the future).
2. The Web of Wyrd is sometimes called 'Skuld's Net', associated with the Norns because like the Greek Fates, they weave the threads of destiny for all beings.
3. In Norse mythology, the Norns are often depicted as living by the well Urðr at the foot of the world tree (Yggdrasil).

The Wheel of Fortune

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The Wheel of Fortune, or Rota Fortunae, is a symbol often depicted as a spinning wheel. It is said to represent the cyclical nature of life, fate, and fortune. It is a reminder that your life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye — so you need to be prepared for both positive and negative changes.

1. The wheel is associated with the ancient Roman goddess of luck and fortune, Fortuna.
2. In Roman mythology, Fortuna would spin a wheel to change a person's fate—some would gain incredible fortunes, while others would lose everything.
3. The concept of the Wheel of Fortune originated in Babylon and was used by the ancient Greeks before it reached Rome. Over time, the Wheel of Fortune also became more popular, no longer limited to Roman mythology.

Red thread

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In Chinese and Japanese folklore, it is believed that individuals whose fates intertwine are connected by a red thread. Thus, the red thread of fate has become a symbol of destiny, representing the idea that every encounter in life is predestined.

1. In Chinese legend, a red thread is tied around each person's ankle.
2. In Japanese folklore, the threat is tied around the thumb of men and the pinky finger of women.
3. In Chinese culture, red also symbolizes happiness!

Ankh

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The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and immortality, with the wheel at the top of the symbol representing the endless cycle of life and death. It also symbolizes the life-giving power of the gods with the idea that all life is connected to the divine—which, in turn, has led to the ankh being associated with the concept of fate.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, a person's journey through life and the afterlife was part of their destiny.

Owuo Atwedee

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The Owuo atwedee is an Adinkra symbol from Africa. It does not directly symbolize the idea of ​​fate; rather, it is a symbol of the certainty of death. Its name literally means 'death ladder,' and it is inspired by the belief that death is inevitable for all individuals. Therefore, it can also be a reminder of the fact that death is natural and inevitable for all people.

Ouroboros

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The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol that depicts a snake (or dragon) forming an endless circle by eating its own tail. In fact, it symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that many ancient cultures believed in, some of which also associated its meaning with the concept of fate and eternity.

Marvin Fry

Update 09 December 2024