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Sigils as Art

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Hi Reader,

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Welcome to this edition of Artzlife.

And a big thank you to everyone who reached out to me in the past couple of weeks to share their ideas with me.

Doodling

When I find myself daydreaming, I often reach for a pen and start doing some doodles, maybe on the corner of the page or in a notebook which I happen to have to hand.

It really depends what's on my mind, or where I am, the type of doodles I'm likely to create.

My doodles frequently show up as daisy like flowers or leaves or something like that and on occasion I will do letter doodling.

And by letter doodling I mean monogramming.

So, I take the letter A, for Alison, and I will artistically weave some vines around it or create it into something special and make an art piece itself from the actual letter.

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Minimal

On some days I'll try and make the letter as minimalistic as I can.

I'll try things like:

• How many lines can I put on a page so that you can still see that it's an A?
• Do I need all three lines of the A?

Because you don't really need all of the lines but, it is easier to see when you've got them.

However, by making it reductive (less lines) you end up with less and less on the page.

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The blue symbol, which is now no longer a letter, can still be seen as one.

Additionally, you can get the meaning of the letter across and that it is the letter A.

Proto Alphabets

This process frequently gets me thinking back to when language started and with the early alphabet marks just simply being made to symbolize, for example, numbers, chickens, a bag of corn and what have you.

As things developed, and I'm thinking here, the medieval times where not everybody could read or write, but all could certainly make marks.

Back then you could put a mark on a gatepost to say something about the person who lives there.

People were well known for doing this as messages for other travellers.

What it boils down to is that a few marks made on a page can symbolize an idea or a thought or a message and this is where the idea of sigils come in.

Sigil Map Shapes

In general, sigils are based off a sigil map, and I'll be explaining about the basic circular sigil map later.

I do want you to know that you can write the alphabet in a square or an oblong as well.

The way you actually draw the map itself doesn't matter as long as you've got the map that you're encoding the word into, and the receiver has the same map so they can decode the message at the other end.

Circular Sigil Map

Today I'm just going to be showing you a basic circular sigil map which is the one that I've been toying with for quite a while.

It's an interesting way to think about sending almost coded messages with just a few lines which mean something.

I will explain in simple terms how to use this basic sigil map, and you can download a copy of the map (see lower down at the end) which I'm talking about if you'd like, so you can start to work with some sigil ideas of your own.

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Sigils as Art

The History of Sigils

Ancient Beginnings

Sigils are symbolic representations used to focus intention, store meaning or convey secret messages.

The word sigil comes from the Latin sigillum, meaning seal.

These mystical markings have evolved over time, weaving through ancient magic, religion, art and modern spirituality.

The Roots of Sigils

The roots of sigils can be traced back to the earliest human civilizations.

Ancient peoples used symbols and marks to represent divine beings, magical forces and protective energies.

Throughout earliest civilizations, people created symbolic languages to represent the unseen forces that shaped their world.

Though not called "sigils" at the time, these symbols functioned in similar ways to convey power, protection, identity and spiritual meaning.

I'm just going to take a closer look at three influential sources.

Mesopotamian Cylinder Seals

In ancient Mesopotamia (circa 3500 BCE), artisans carved intricate designs into small cylindrical stones.

These cylinder seals were then rolled across soft clay to stamp a unique imprint, often used to sign documents or secure goods.

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These cylinder seals are much like those fancy embossed rolling pins used for shortbread or pastry to add flowers, thistles and other simple designs.

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Each seal was personal, symbolic and sometimes featured deities, mythical creatures, or scenes of high ritual significance.

They functioned both practically, as legal signatures and magically, believed to invoke divine protection or authority.

The repeated use of these symbols did create a kind of ritualistic magic to embed intention and identity in the daily act of sealing (or baking).

These seals are some of the earliest known examples of humans using symbolic designs for both earthly and spiritual purposes.

Egyptian Hieroglyphs

The ancient Egyptians developed one of the most sophisticated symbolic languages in history in the hieroglyphs.

Hieroglyphs were used from around 3100 BCE and each hieroglyphic character holds multiple layers of meaning.

• Literal: a sound or word.
• Symbolic: a concept.
• Spiritual: an energy or deity.

These symbols were often used in tombs, temples and amulets to invoke blessings, guidance, or protection in the afterlife and they were encased in cartouches for people's names.

See Cleopatra's cartouche below.

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Hieroglyphs weren't just writing as they were seen as living symbols, infused with the creative power of the gods, particularly Thoth, the god of writing and magic.

Certain hieroglyphic combinations were crafted as protective spells or powerful names, acting much like modern sigils in their intent and energy.

Norse Runes

The runic alphabet used by Germanic and Norse peoples from around 150 CE consisted of little characters called runes.

Each rune represents both a sound and a spiritual concept.

Runes were carved into wood, stone, bone and metal for use in divination, magical protection and sacred communication.

Each rune was more than just a letter.

For example, Fehu (ᚠ) stood for "wealth" but also symbolized abundance, success and fertility.

For example, Fehu (ᚠ) stood for "wealth" but also symbolized abundance, success and fertility.

A rune you probably know is the one for Bluetooth which began as a code name for the software but stuck.

Runes were often arranged into bindrunes which are two or more runes combined into a single symbol, much like modern sigils, to concentrate and amplify their power.

Runes were used in rituals, worn as amulets and etched onto weapons or tools, imbuing everyday life with mystical significance and divine intention.

Common Threads

Though these ancient systems that I'm mentioning emerged in different cultures and continents, they share a deep, intuitive understanding with three highlights:

• Symbols have power.
• Shape and form can carry intention.
• Designs can act as a bridge between the seen and unseen worlds.

These early symbolic languages laid the foundation for sigil-making as we know it today.

Sigils is a way to transform ordinary letters or images into sacred signs which carry energy, will and wonder.

These early symbols were often used in ceremonies, rituals and written charms to invoke protection, prosperity or guidance.

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Medieval Magic

The Occult

In the Middle Ages, sigils took on a more formal role in some Western occult traditions.

They were sometimes used by magicians and alchemists to represent angels, demons, or spiritual entities.

Grimoires (magical textbooks), like the Lesser Key of Solomon, included elaborate sigils to summon and control spirits used sigils.

Herbalists and astrologers use sigils to encode rituals, names of power and cosmic forces.

These sigils were often believed to shrink divine or magical energy into a visible form.

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The Chaos Magic Movement

Statement of Intent

In the 20th century, sigils were revived and reimagined by modern occultists especially in the movement known as Chaos Magic.

Pioneered by practitioners like Austin Osman Spare, this new approach simplified sigil creation.

Spare taught that a sigil could be made by writing a statement of intent (like “I am confident”).

Repeating Letters

Another way is to remove the vowels and repeating letters, so Johanna becomes JHN and Alison becomes LSN.

Abstract Design

Additionally, you can rearrange the remaining letters into an abstract design.

At this point you can see the reflection in many business logos as well.

This design (the sigil) was then charged with energy through meditation, ritual, or focused visualization and left to work on the subconscious mind.

This method focused on personal intention and creative expression.

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Modern Use

Artful Expression

Today, sigils are experiencing a renaissance but not just in magical practices but also in art, design, tattoo culture and personal growth.

People create sigils to:

• Set intentions or goals.
• Represent their name or identity.
• Focus meditation or mindfulness.
• Add mystery and symbolism to artwork.

I like to use techniques like sigil maps to blend order (like the alphabet) with creativity and perhaps spiritual meaning.

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Sigil Maps

Turning Words into Symbols

A sigil map is a creative tool that transforms words into unique symbols by mapping letters onto a series of circles.

It's a simple yet magical system like a visual code where each letter of the alphabet has its own place, allowing you to draw a sigil (a symbolic design) that represents a word or phrase.

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The Structure

Three Concentric Circles

To start, draw three concentric circles, one inside the other, like a ripple in a pond.

• Outer Circle: Divide this circle into 13 equal segments (+/- 27.7°)
• Middle Circle: Divide into 8 equal segments (45°).
• Inner Circle: Divide into 5 equal parts (72°).

These numbers 13, 8 and 5 are part of the Fibonacci sequence which I've spoken about before and is a pattern found throughout nature, from flower petals to pinecones.

Using this natural sequence brings an organic and natural harmony component to your sigils.

Mapping the Alphabet

Now, assign the 26 letters of the English alphabet to these segments:

• Outer Circle: Start at the top right and move clockwise, placing the letters A to M (13 letters).
• Middle Circle: Continue from N to U (8 letters).
• Inner Circle: Complete the alphabet with V to Z (5 letters).

Each letter now has a unique place on the map.

You can check your diagram against my sigil map.

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Drawing a Sigil

From a Word

To create a sigil from a word:

• Lay a sheet of tracing paper over the sigil map.
• Plot the first letter of the word on the map and mark with an open dot.
• Draw a straight line from that letter to the next.
• Continue connecting each letter in the word until you reach the last letter, now mark with a short line or arrowhead.
• The resulting shape is your sigil which is a visual symbol of your word.

You can keep it simple with lines, or add curves, dots, or embellishments for a more artistic touch.

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Intention or Meditation

Focus Points for Inner Work

Sigils are powerful additions to spiritual or meditative rituals.

They can help you focus your intention and anchor your energy.

In intention work, a sigil can be drawn on paper, carved into a candle, or written with herbs or water as part of a ritual.

In meditation, you can gaze at the sigil to quiet your buzzing mind and tune in to the frequency of your intention.

You might burn, bury, or release the sigil after the ritual by symbolically letting go and trusting the universe to carry your message.

Hidden Messages

Write in a Visual Code Just for You

Because sigils are abstract, they make excellent secret symbols.

Maybe you can weave them into your life in subtle ways that others won’t recognize.

Leave a sigil in a letter, a notebook margin, or even on a wall as your mark.

Perhaps you could stitch one into your favorite clothing or write it in invisible ink.

Possibly you can use sigils to encode affirmations, memories, or even your computer passwords in visual form.

This is a beautiful way to embed meaning into the mundane, turning everyday life into a personal ritual.

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One Phrase Sigil

I Love You

Where to Use Sigils

Everyday Life and Spiritual Practice

Sigils are not just abstract symbols, but rather they are tools of intention, creative expression, and personal power.

Once you've created a sigil, you can place it in meaningful spaces to amplify its purpose or keep it close as a quiet reminder of your inner magic.

Here are some inspired ways to use your sigils:

Tattoos

A sigil tattoo can easily serve you as a permanent affirmation, a protective charm, or a hidden mantra that lives on your skin.

Because sigils are abstract, only you (or those whom you choose) may know what they mean.

You might ink a sigil tattoo for strength, self-love, healing, or a deeply personal word that’s transformed into art.

Placing the sigil on a meaningful part of your body can enhance its symbolic value over the heart, the wrist, the spine, or anywhere that feels significant.

Art Signatures

Instead of signing your name in the usual way, you can use a sigil as your artistic monogram.

This creates a unique identity for yourself and adds a layer of mystique to your work.

It allows your energy or message to be embedded in your creations without revealing everything to the viewer.

Whether on canvas, digital art, sculpture, or craftwork, a sigil-signature makes your work feel more intentional and sacred.

Journals and Sketchbooks

Use your sigils to decorate or mark your journal pages, sketchbooks, or planners.

You can draw a sigil at the top of a page to set an intention for the day.

Perhaps add one to an art journal entry to seal your thoughts, like an energetic lock.

Include sigils in your vision boards or creative brainstorms to direct the energy you want to silently call in.

This quiet, consistent practice adds can offer depth to your self-reflection and creative life.

Download

Download your ARTZLIFE Sigils Template.pdf so you can get started with sigils.

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Read the full SIGILS story

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Overarch

Why Sigils Endure

Sigils have been, and are still, kept alive across the centuries is likely their powerful combination of meaning and mystery.

They allow us to hide something precious in plain sight like a word, a wish, a truth and turn it into something beautiful and uniquely ours.

Perhaps you can bring a sigil into your art practice.

Above is the sigil for Alison Hazel can you read it?