An overview of symbols and their meanings in the Atumist faith. To begin, it should be explained that the name of Atum is used for God in Atumism due to its early historical use as the name for the God of All creation, and specifically, the God of All lesser creations (semi-deities). Below will be a list of both new and historic symbols and their symbolism and meaning to the Atumist. Which symbols, and to what extent, an Atumist may choose to incorporate these symbols into their lives is entirely their own. Atumists do not hold the belief that symbols contain any power other than that of inspiration, motivation, and spiritual comfort and expansion which their meaning holds for each individual soul.
Sun
Symbolizes God’s Light, and all that is associated with Him such as Goodness, Truth, Righteousness, Justice, as well as the creation of life.
-Earliest form c. 26,000 BCE
Sun of Life
Represents God and His Light from which All life was created. Associated with life and creation, and specifically, eternal life.
-2022 CE
Eye of Ra
The eye in its various forms since ancient times symbolizes Atum’s care and protection over All of His creation. It represents that although He may seem far from us He is actually always near and can help and guide us if we are willing to let Him. Specifically, the golden/yellow eye represents Atum’s true form of Light.
-Earliest form c. 1550 BCE
Ankh
Ancient symbol of life and specifically of the creation of life in the physical world.
-Earliest form c. 3150 BCE
Pyramid
Triangles/pyramids represent the Light which came down from Atum that created All. Symbolizes God’s Light, creation, and our strength through a connection with him.
-Earliest form c. 9000 BCE
Power of Three
Symbolizes the power of three. An extension of the three-sided triangle itself and the power and connection of three in creation. This is a connection which can be seen in religions throughout the ancient world. In it’s most obvious context it stands for the basic creative family unit: Father, Mother, and Child, a mirror image of the original creative unit of God and His two children: Semi-deities and Humans which are equal in His eyes at the bottom of the pyramid.
-Earliest form c. 3200 BCE
Doorway to Eternity
Image of the doorway to heaven or aaru (by whichever name you prefer). This is where souls in the physical world can closely connect with Atum in prayer and from where He watches over us. Only the physically dead’s souls can enter through the doorway within, which leads to eternity. Represents heaven/aaru, eternity, Atum’s Kingdom, the eternal Light of God, and His watchful eye, care, and love over creation. Sometimes incorporates the eye of ra symbol in addition.
-2022 CE
Scarab
Ancient symbol signifying the constant need for renewal, movement, rebirth, and growth of human souls within the physical world in order to rise against the ever spreading corruption. Symbolizes the constant fight against evil and corruption and represents endurance and strength through adversity.
-Earliest form c. 2649 BCE
Wings
Used all throughout the ancient world in various symbols. Wings symbolize the semi-divine beings/semi-deities, by whichever name you may know them, as well as divinity, devotion, and closeness to God.
-Earliest form c. 6000 BCE
Winged Scarab
Ancient symbol which represents the divine task of rising above the corruption of the world, the endurance of good over evil, and it’s divine importance.
-Earliest form c. 2000 BCE
Winged Sun Scarab
Ancient symbol for the divine Light of God which gives us strength to rise above evil and endure. Represents divine strength in the constant battle against evil, corruption, and darkness. With God Lighting our way we can endure and rise above the darkness of this world. Each day is a new gift and opportunity for soul growth, learning, and betterment.
-Earliest form c. 2000 BCE
Winged Sun
Ancient symbol for the Light of God, divinity, divine protection, and devotion to the path. It symbolizes the importance of focusing on God’s divine Light and a relationship with Him, and what is eternal, over the material and fleeting. Represents the divine task of rising to God’s side and following the path of Light.
-Earliest form c. 3100 BCE
Sun Cross
One of the earliest known symbols of the sun which stands for God and His Light. This early representation specifically focuses on Light as it relates to creation and the earth. The cross being widely understood to represent the four elements of the earth in prehistory. Represents God, and His Light, as the ultimate creative force of the universe.
-Earliest form c. 8,000 BCE
Latin Cross
Widely used in Christian symbolism (along with many other variations throughout modern times) to symbolize the death of Jesus, a central figure in modern world history. In Atumism, the cross symbol is a reminder that we must endure on the path of God, Good, and Light in spite of the suffering and targeting by evil that one will receive for doing so. It symbolizes overcoming evil and the more important eternal nature of free will and the choices we make in this life which ripple out into eternity.
-Earliest form c. 300 BCE
Sacred Geometry
Symbols such as the flower of life shown here express the beauty and intricacy of creation, and the greatness of Atum our God. Stands for the interconnectedness of all of God’s creation, the cycle of life, and the beauty of creation.
-Earliest form c. 12,000 BCE
Meander
Continuous pattern symbols such as the meander (greek key), celtic knot and spiral, etc. are found all throughout the ancient world and symbolize the eternal and immortal soul, the connectiveness of all things, the infinite nature of God, and the eternal flow of life.
-Earliest form c. 10,000 BCE
*All dates are best approximations based on current known archeological evidence available. All Images Drawn by K. Ahset Aldaya. “Doorway to Eternity” and “Sun of Life” symbols drawn and created by K. Ahset Aldaya.
The Temple of Atum 