The primary symbol for healing is the Rod of Asclepius, a single snake entwined around a staff, representing the Greek god of medicine, while the Red Cross signifies humanitarian aid, and other symbols like the Lotus (new beginnings) or the Caduceus (often misused for medicine) also appear.
A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing.
The Rod of Asclepius is the true nursing symbol of healing and features on the logo of the World Health Organization. Asclepius, son of Apollo in Greek mythology, is the one who held the Rod of Asclepius.
Lavender. With its enthralling blue-violet hue, Lavender is a revered symbol of healing, strength, and resilience, its history steeped in centuries of admiration and use for its various beneficial properties.
Our Favorite Symbols of Personal Growth & Healing
One of the most widely used symbols in healing today is the Rod of Asclepius. It shows a staff or stick with a single snake coiled around it. Its origins are tied to three different people – Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing; Vediovis, the Roman god of healing; and Moses, a biblical prophet.
The rod of Asclepius is the historically correct symbol of the medical profession and is employed worldwide. Asclepius was the Greek god of medicine or healing.
The Phoenix
This powerful symbol represents overcoming adversity and emerging stronger. It's a reminder that no matter how bad things get, you can rise again.
Peony: Often considered a symbol of healing, the peony is believed to bring good health and prosperity. Its lush, full blooms represent a full recovery and are a popular choice in wellness bouquets.
The Rod of Asclepius takes its name from the Greek god Asclepius, a deity associated with healing and medicinal arts in ancient Greek religion and mythology. Asclepius' attributes, the snake and the staff, sometimes depicted separately in antiquity, are combined in this symbol.
The color green has healing power and is the most relaxing color for the human eye to view. Green helps alleviate anxiety, depression, and nervousness. Green is new growth, rebirth, and harmony.
For example, taking a shower may help me to wash away the shame that is held in the body. Pulling weeds can help to eradicate negative thoughts that keep “popping up.” Simply locking the front door to one's house is a symbolic gesture that offers a sense of safety.
In folklore medicine, cornflower's image is a symbol of healing, adding to its significance as a flower that symbolises hope. Their use in traditional remedies highlights their association with recovery and well-being, reinforcing their meaning as emblems of optimism and resilience.
Most of the Symbols used to denote someone as a healer are generally based around a religion. For instance, the red cross is blatantly Christian in origin while the Caduceus is based on Greek mythology.
The Core Elements of Self-Healing
The butterfly is a timeless symbol of transformation, and in psychotraumatology, it perfectly captures the journey from suffering to healing. Much like a caterpillar entering the still darkness of a cocoon, those who experience trauma often descend into a space of confusion, pain, and inner fragmentation.
Let's take a look at some of the best flowers with healing powers.
Lotus Flowers – Getting Over Obstacles
A lotus flower has spiritual and cultural meaning. It thrives in muddy waters and symbolizes overcoming difficulties and blooming with success.
Prunella vulgaris, the common self-heal, heal-all, woundwort, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort or blue curls, is an herbaceous flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae).
A three-dot triangle tattoo often means "Mi Vida Loca" (My Crazy Life), symbolizing a life lived on the edge or a chaotic lifestyle, commonly associated with gang culture, though it can also signify resilience and overcoming challenges. Alternatively, it can hold spiritual meanings like the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) or represent past, present, and future, depending on the triangle's orientation and cultural context, but its strong gang link makes placement important.
444 tattoo symbolizes angelic guidance and support from Archangels Chamuel and Jophiel. Represents determination, hard work, love, and embracing change in life. Choose from various designs like 444 on the chest, wrist, with angel wings, or infinity symbol.
Equilateral triangle.
This is a popular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) symbol. It represents the three pillars of AA: unity, recovery, and service. The triangle is often enclosed in a circle to communicate wholeness.
Iaso (/aɪˈeɪsoʊ/; Greek: Ἰασώ, Iāsō) or Ieso (/aɪˈiːsoʊ/; Greek: Ἰησώ, Iēsō) was the Greek goddess of recuperation from illness. The daughter of Asclepius, she had four sisters: Aceso, Aegle, Hygieia, and Panacea. All five were associated with some aspect of health or healing.
Rod of Asclepius with a snake, representing medicine, healthcare, and medical symbol. Rod of Asclepius staff medical symbol. Intertwined snake around a rod or wooden staff. Often mistakenly called a Caduceus.
30 Most Powerful Esoteric Symbols 🧿