The Latvian signs are observed as early as Stone Age, when simple lines were used to represent signs for protection, power and health. Through the ages, these ornaments evolved and were being used as decorative (yet still magical) elements in clothing, musical instruments and other important possessions of the household. This shift happened around 6th-7th century AD, and came into full blown ornamental elements from 8th century onwards. Though straight lines were now stylistically painted and became more fluid.
Throughout these ages, some symbols were lost, some remained, but their meaning had changed, and some new elements were introduced. It is also important to note, that the regional differences in the symbols and signs are observed throughout Latvia, however their meanings are largely the same.
The signs did not have particularly complex names, and relied upon visual cues for naming, however with the evolution of language, some were given names to reflect the Patrons they represent, or the qualities of the sign.
It is interesting to me, to see how some symbols are very rune-like, yet completely different in a sense that Latvian signs do not form an alphabet, and would not have been used in fortune telling. Rather, the signs were engraved or otherwise added to clothing, tools, musical instruments etc to give the wearer/user the attributes of this sign.
In recent years, the Latvian Signs have been an object of renewed interest, and has also returned to mainstream folk traditions.
In this chapter, I will not be looking into the Patrons, deities etc. I will be dedicating a blog post to the Latvian Mythology and pantheon of deities. Instead, I will show you some of the Signs and their properties and uses.
So, without further ado, here are some of Latvian Signs:
Dieva Zīme – God’s Sign Light, the good, male, shelter, spirituality, non-mundane world. This sign attracts the good, the divine, the creative. Helps find the best solution by receiving divine advice. Māras zīme – Mara’s Sign Mundane world, Earth, darkness, unknown, female, safety. This sign is responsible for life and death. It protects and looks after people and family. Krusts – Cross World order, unity, life, fortune, energy, stillness, passiveness, static energy, Otherworld. This sign is good to guard against illnesses and jealous eyes.
Slīpais Krusts – Slanted Cross World order, world of the living, dynamics, motion, doing, evolution, ideal balance between old-new and past-present. Māras Krusts – Mara’s Cross Introvert, wholeness, dynamic material world, guards against bad luck, carrier of blessing, protects the wellbeing of the family. Female sign, best suited for young women, or to protect female drivers. Sudraba Krusts – Silver Cross Maintains and amplifies life force
Zvaigzne – Star Infinity, world in motion, harmony of life and death, repellent of darkness and Otherworld powers, protects from evil. Female sign, however is also suited for men. Useful sign for people working with energies. Rits – Wheel Renews the correct sequence of events in nature and in people. Auseklis – Morning Star Victory of light over darkness, protects from evil people, male sign of protection. Regulates the correct working of general affairs.
Ūsiņš – Moustachey Light, new beginning, power, journeyman’s luck, protection, gives strength to the weak, fortifies, ancesors’ blessings and wisdom. This sign cleanses and re-organises nature, work and people. Zalktis – Adder Wisdom, alternative medicine, changing, life energy, renewal, waxing and waning moon, cunning. This sign positively impacts one’s health, and balances all aspects of a person’s life. Saules Zīme – Sun Sign Harmony, wholeness, completeness, unity, safety, light, forever, closed off, repetitiveness, recurring, all seeing. This sign helps to hold on to things, concentrate on something, or stop something from happening. This sign protects all that is good, and protects your entire clan. The sign holds the bond between life’s flow. Female sign. Sign of family blessing. Works well against colds and flu.
Ugunskrusts, Pa Saulei – Firecross, Deosil Positively impacts on life’s flow, and gives energy. Blessing, health, fortune, eternal flame, active energy (charging and release), meditation, protection from evil. Ugunskrusts, Pret Sauli – Firecross, Widdershins Spiritual, strengthens the mind and soul, creative energy. Mēness Zīme – Moon Sign Process (waxing or waning), life or extinction, male protection sign. Sign for the prosperity and crop wellbeing. Protects soldiers and athletes.
Meteņa Zīme – Sign of Metenis Symbol of all new beginnings, protects from negativity. Māras Zeme – Mara’s Land Peace, border, threshold, stability, passiveness, material. Līklocis – Zigzag Ever changing, untamed, busy time, aiming for the top, protection of life, fortifies spirit, water and life symbol.
Laidene Gives clarity about the true purpose behind current affairs. Jumis Fertility, protection, wellbeing, fortune, luck, blessing, things will go according to plan, helps work go twice as well, makes things and doings turn positive. Austras Koks – Austra’s Tree World order, ties with past-present-future, protector of beautiful and valuable, gives brightness and prosperity. Opens up attractiveness and charisma. Ensures the correct flow of Nature’s energies. Sign for married women – it protects the entire family.
Laimes Zīme – Lady Luck’s Sign Fate, lifetime, order in a rhythmical time, luck, blessing, happiness. Shows a person’s correct life path. Helps to remain resilient. Promotes working to targets at work. Harmonizes relationships between people.
Laimas Slotiņa – Lady Luck’s Broom Brushes away all negative and evil. Helps to end one part of life and begin next one. Laimas Slotiņa 2 – Lady Luck’s Broom 2 A broom drawn in this way both cleanses and attracts positivity in its place.
Jāņa Zīme – John’s Sign Male power and fertility sign. Regulates character. Jāņa Zīme 2 – John’s Sign 2
Akas Zīme – Well Sign Experience, knowledge, wisdom, unity, world order, farmers’ year, opens up creative forces. Fire, home and hearth guardian. Helps make courageous decisions. Concentrates and balances powers. Good sign for married women and mothers – helps regulate relationships in the family. Krupītis – Toad Sign Consciousness, intuition, power, wisdom, ties with the Otherworld, alternative medicine, takes away negative energy.