Cross

A cross is an ancient amulet, predating Christianity by many centuries. The cross is an important symbol in magical work.

The most common cross has four equilateral arms. The cross has been associated with sun deities and the heavens and in ancient times may have represented divine protection and prosperity. Also, it is the world-axis in the center of the universe, the bridge between the Earth and the cosmos, the physical and the spiritual. In magic, an equilateral-armed cross represents the four elements and the union of the physical with the spiritual.

In Christianity, the cross represents the suffering of Christ’s crucifixion, but it also functions as an amulet, protecting against the forces of evil. Even before the crucifixion of Christ, the cross was a weapon against the dark forces. According to legend, when Lucifer declared war upon God in an attempt to usurp his power, his army scattered God’s angels twice. God sent to his angels a Cross of Light on which were inscribed the names of the Trinity. Seeing this cross, Lucifer’s forces lost strength and were driven into hell.

As the church grew in power, so did the cross. Its power is invoked by making the sign of the cross on the upper body, using hand motions to connect the forehead, the heart, and the two shoulders. According to tradition, nothing unholy can stand up to the cross. It exorcizes Demons, prevents bewitchment, and banishes evil presences and creatures. Inquisitors wore crosses or made the sign of a cross when dealing with accused witches to ward off any evil spells the witches might cast against them.

In magical work, a white cross is placed on an altar.

The Rose Cross is a cross with a rose at its intersection. The rose represents the unfolding of the soul and the evolution of spiritual consciousness.

See also

• Kabbalistic Cross;
• Ritual of the Rose Cross.

FURTHER READING:

• Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. Harper’s Encyclopedia of Mystical & Paranormal Experience. San Francisco: Harper SanFrancisco, 1991.
• Kraig, Donald Michael. Modern Magick: Eleven Lessons in the High Magickal Arts. 2d ed. St. Paul, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

From: The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley Copyright © 2006 by Visionary Living, Inc.