Sacred Voodoo symbols, often known as veves, are ceremonial designs and spiritual emblems used in Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo traditions. Many are connected to specific lwa (spirits) and are associated with love, protection, prosperity, healing, guidance, and ancestral connection. Symbols such as Papa Legba Veve, Damballah Veve, Erzulie Freda Veve, Ogou Veve, and Baron Samedi Veve remain among the most recognized Voodoo symbols today.
Voodoo symbols have been used for generations to honor lwa, mark sacred spaces, seek guidance, and strengthen spiritual connections. While some appear as intricate veves drawn during ceremonies, others are linked to ancestral traditions, protection, prosperity, healing, and love. Below are some of the most recognized sacred Voodoo symbols from Haitian and New Orleans traditions.
Related Post: Sacred Healing Symbols
Voodoo Symbols at a Glance
| Symbol | Associated With |
| Papa Legba Veve | Gateways & Communication |
| Damballah Veve | Creation & Wisdom |
| Erzulie Freda Veve | Love & Beauty |
| Ogou Veve | Courage & Leadership |
| Agwe Veve | Sea & Safe Journeys |
| Baron Samedi Veve | Transformation |
| Gran Bwa Veve | Nature & Healing |
| Azaka Veve | Prosperity |
| Gris-Gris Bag | Protection |
| Crossroads | Opportunity & Choice |
Haitian Vodou Veve Symbols
Papa Legba Veve
Often drawn before other veves, this sacred symbol is associated with opening pathways between the physical and spiritual worlds. Papa Legba is widely regarded as the guardian of gates and crossroads.
Damballah Veve
Its serpent-inspired design reflects creation, purity, wisdom, and divine order. Damballah remains one of the most respected lwa in Haitian Vodou.
Ayida Wedo Veve
Frequently linked with rainbow imagery, this veve is associated with harmony, blessings, fertility, and spiritual balance.
Erzulie Freda Veve
Elegant curves and heart-like elements make this one of the most recognizable symbols connected with love, beauty, affection, and luxury.
Erzulie Dantor Veve
Unlike Erzulie Freda’s softer symbolism, this veve is associated with fierce protection, motherhood, resilience, and strength.
Ogou Veve
Connected with warriors and leaders, this symbol reflects courage, authority, discipline, and determination.
Agwe Veve
Maritime elements often appear within this veve, reflecting safe journeys, navigation, and a strong connection to the sea.
Baron Samedi Veve
Known throughout Vodou traditions, this veve is associated with death, transformation, ancestry, and the cycle of renewal.
Maman Brigitte Veve
This symbol is commonly connected with healing, justice, protection, and guardianship of the dead.
Ghede Veve
Playful yet meaningful, the Ghede veve is linked with fertility, rebirth, ancestral wisdom, and celebration of life.
Loko Veve
Traditionally associated with sacred knowledge, this veve reflects wisdom, spiritual guidance, and ceremonial tradition.
Ayizan Veve
Often seen in initiation rites, this symbol is connected with learning, spiritual growth, and sacred teachings.
Simbi Veve
Flowing forms within this veve reflect its association with water spirits, intuition, hidden knowledge, and mystery.
Gran Bwa Veve
Forest-inspired symbolism connects this veve with nature, herbal healing, wilderness, and spiritual wisdom.
Marassa Veve
Created for the divine twins, this symbol reflects partnership, duality, balance, and unity.
Bosou Veve
Strong geometric features characterize this veve, which is associated with endurance, strength, and protective power.
Azaka Veve
Agricultural themes surround this symbol, linking it with harvests, prosperity, abundance, and the rewards of hard work.
Kalfou Veve
Crossroads imagery gives this veve a mysterious character. It is associated with choices, hidden paths, and spiritual power.
La Sirene Veve
Connected with the spirit of the sea, this symbol is often linked to beauty, wealth, creativity, and enchantment.
Ti Jean Petro Veve
Sharp lines and energetic forms reflect action, protection, courage, and spiritual force during difficult situations.
Haitian Vodou Veve Symbols Overview
| Symbol | Common Association |
| Papa Legba Veve | Gateways |
| Damballah Veve | Creation |
| Ayida Wedo Veve | Harmony |
| Erzulie Freda Veve | Love |
| Erzulie Dantor Veve | Protection |
| Ogou Veve | Courage |
| Agwe Veve | Safe Journeys |
| Baron Samedi Veve | Transformation |
| Gran Bwa Veve | Healing |
| Azaka Veve | Prosperity |
Voodoo Symbols for Love
Love occupies an important place within Vodou traditions, particularly through spirits associated with affection, beauty, relationships, attraction, and emotional fulfillment. The symbols below are connected to lwa and traditions that have long been associated with these themes.
Erzulie Freda Veve
Among all Vodou symbols, this veve is most strongly associated with romance, beauty, affection, and emotional devotion. It remains one of the most recognized symbols connected to love.
Sacred Heart
Frequently associated with Erzulie Freda, the Sacred Heart reflects deep affection, devotion, compassion, and emotional connection.
Mirror
Mirrors often appear among offerings dedicated to Erzulie Freda. They are linked with beauty, attraction, self-worth, and personal reflection.
Perfume Bottle
Perfume is a traditional offering connected with Erzulie Freda. This symbol reflects elegance, desire, romance, and admiration.
Jewelry Offering
Rings, necklaces, and decorative jewelry are commonly associated with Erzulie’s luxurious nature and symbolize affection, commitment, and appreciation.
Pink Candle
Used in devotional and ceremonial settings, pink candles are associated with affection, emotional harmony, and loving intentions.
Love Altar
Created to honor spirits connected with relationships, love altars symbolize devotion, gratitude, and emotional bonds.
Rose Offering
Roses are among the most common offerings associated with Erzulie Freda and are linked with romance, admiration, and beauty.
Decorative Fan
Often depicted alongside Erzulie imagery, decorative fans symbolize charm, grace, elegance, and attraction.
Heart Veve Motif
Heart-shaped elements frequently appear in symbols associated with Erzulie Freda, reinforcing themes of love, affection, and emotional fulfillment.
Love Symbols Overview
| Symbol | Common Association |
| Erzulie Freda Veve | Romance |
| Sacred Heart | Devotion |
| Mirror | Beauty |
| Perfume Bottle | Desire |
| Jewelry Offering | Commitment |
| Pink Candle | Affection |
| Love Altar | Devotion |
| Rose Offering | Romance |
| Decorative Fan | Charm |
| Heart Veve Motif | Emotional Connection |
Voodoo Symbols for Good Luck and Prosperity
Prosperity symbols in Vodou are often connected with abundance, successful harvests, favorable opportunities, blessings, and material well-being. Many are associated with agricultural spirits, offerings, and traditional symbols of fortune.
Azaka Veve
As the lwa of agriculture and farming, Azaka’s veve is strongly associated with abundance, harvests, prosperity, and the rewards of hard work.
Cowrie Shell
Historically valued throughout West Africa, cowrie shells became enduring symbols of prosperity, wealth, blessings, and good fortune.
Crossroads
The crossroads represents opportunities, decisions, and new directions. It remains one of the most important symbols in both Haitian Vodou and New Orleans traditions.
Harvest Basket
Filled baskets symbolize abundance, successful harvests, prosperity, and material security.
Corn Bundle
Bundles of harvested corn reflect productivity, nourishment, growth, and agricultural success.
Prosperity Gourd
Traditionally used for storing resources, the gourd became associated with abundance, preservation, and well-being.
Offering Calabash
Calabash vessels are frequently used for offerings and symbolize blessings, generosity, and spiritual abundance.
Agricultural Tools
Tools connected with farming and cultivation represent effort, productivity, self-reliance, and prosperity.
Prosperity Altar
Altars dedicated to blessings and abundance symbolize gratitude, success, and the attraction of positive opportunities.
Gold Coin Offering
Coins placed as offerings represent financial blessings, prosperity, gratitude, and material fortune.
Good Luck and Prosperity Symbols Overview
| Symbol | Common Association |
| Azaka Veve | Prosperity |
| Cowrie Shell | Wealth |
| Crossroads | Opportunity |
| Harvest Basket | Abundance |
| Corn Bundle | Growth |
| Prosperity Gourd | Well-Being |
| Offering Calabash | Blessings |
| Agricultural Tools | Productivity |
| Prosperity Altar | Success |
| Gold Coin Offering | Fortune |
Voodoo Symbols for Protection
Protection has always been an important theme in both Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo. Many symbols are associated with spiritual defense, sacred boundaries, ancestral guidance, and protection from harmful influences.
Erzulie Dantor Veve
Known for its association with fierce maternal protection, this veve reflects resilience, guardianship, and the strength to defend loved ones.
Kalfou Veve
Often connected with crossroads and hidden forces, this veve is associated with spiritual power, vigilance, and navigating uncertain paths.
Gris-Gris Bag
One of the most recognized New Orleans Voodoo symbols, a Gris-Gris Bag is traditionally carried for protection, blessings, and spiritual support.
Asson Rattle
Used by Vodou priests and priestesses, the sacred Asson symbolizes spiritual authority, protection, and ceremonial power.
Ritual Knife
Ceremonial blades are associated with sacred rites, spiritual strength, and the protection of ritual spaces.
Protective Veve Circle
Drawn around ceremonial symbols, these circles help establish sacred boundaries and define protected spiritual space.
Ancestor Altar
Honoring ancestors is a central part of Vodou practice. Ancestor altars symbolize guidance, protection, remembrance, and spiritual continuity.
Cemetery Cross
Frequently associated with ancestral spirits and the Ghede family, this symbol reflects guardianship, remembrance, and spiritual connection.
Black Rooster
Used in various ceremonial traditions, the black rooster is associated with vigilance, protection, and spiritual strength.
Guardian Seal
Protective seals are traditionally linked with safeguarding sacred spaces and invoking spiritual guardianship.
Protection Symbols Overview
| Symbol | Common Association |
| Erzulie Dantor Veve | Protection |
| Kalfou Veve | Spiritual Power |
| Gris-Gris Bag | Safeguarding |
| Asson Rattle | Authority |
| Ritual Knife | Strength |
| Protective Veve Circle | Sacred Boundaries |
| Ancestor Altar | Guidance |
| Cemetery Cross | Guardianship |
| Black Rooster | Vigilance |
| Guardian Seal | Protection |
New Orleans Voodoo Symbols
New Orleans Voodoo developed through a blend of African spiritual traditions, Catholic influences, local folklore, and ancestral practices. Several symbols became closely associated with this unique tradition.
Crossroads
Few symbols are more important in New Orleans Voodoo than the crossroads. It represents opportunity, spiritual access, decisions, and communication with unseen forces.
Gris-Gris Bag
Carried as a personal charm, the Gris-Gris Bag remains one of the most recognizable symbols associated with New Orleans Voodoo.
Snake
The serpent is closely connected with Damballah and symbolizes wisdom, renewal, spiritual power, and creation.
Skull
Rather than representing fear alone, skull imagery often reflects ancestral connection, transformation, remembrance, and mortality.
Ritual Bell
The ringing of bells marks sacred moments and is associated with attracting spiritual attention during ceremonies.
Spirit Drum
Drums play an essential role in Vodou gatherings and symbolize rhythm, communication, community, and spiritual connection.
Asson Rattle
This sacred ritual object remains one of the most important symbols of priestly authority and ceremonial leadership.
Cemetery Gate
Associated with ancestral spirits and the Ghede family, cemetery gates symbolize passage, transition, and connection between worlds.
Top Hat
Frequently connected with Baron Samedi imagery, the top hat has become one of the most recognizable symbols in New Orleans Voodoo culture.
Cane
Another symbol associated with Baron Samedi, the cane reflects authority, status, and connection with ancestral traditions.
New Orleans Voodoo Symbols Overview
| Symbol | Common Association |
| Crossroads | Opportunity |
| Gris-Gris Bag | Protection |
| Snake | Renewal |
| Skull | Transformation |
| Ritual Bell | Spirit Communication |
| Spirit Drum | Community |
| Asson Rattle | Authority |
| Cemetery Gate | Transition |
| Top Hat | Baron Samedi |
| Cane | Ancestral Tradition |
Voodoo Symbols by Meaning
| Meaning | Symbol |
| Love | Erzulie Freda Veve |
| Beauty | Mirror |
| Romance | Rose Offering |
| Prosperity | Azaka Veve |
| Wealth | Cowrie Shell |
| Opportunity | Crossroads |
| Protection | Gris-Gris Bag |
| Guidance | Ancestor Altar |
| Courage | Ogou Veve |
| Healing | Gran Bwa Veve |
| Wisdom | Damballah Veve |
| Creation | Damballah Veve |
| Harmony | Ayida Wedo Veve |
| Transformation | Baron Samedi Veve |
| Spiritual Power | Kalfou Veve |
Voodoo Symbols in Tattoos
Voodoo symbols occasionally appear in tattoo designs because of their spiritual, cultural, and artistic significance. Veves connected with Papa Legba, Damballah, Erzulie Freda, Ogou, and Baron Samedi are among the most recognizable choices. Some people choose these symbols to honor ancestral traditions, while others appreciate their connection to guidance, protection, resilience, or personal transformation.
Before getting a Voodoo-inspired tattoo, it is worth understanding the symbol’s cultural and spiritual background, especially when the design is directly connected to a specific lwa or ceremonial tradition.
See Also
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- 72+ Timeless Leadership Symbols From Royalty and History
- Sacred Healing Symbols From Ancient Traditions Around the World
FAQs
What are Voodoo symbols called?
Most sacred Voodoo symbols are known as veves. These ceremonial designs are associated with specific lwa and are traditionally drawn during rituals and ceremonies.
What is the most recognized Voodoo symbol?
The Papa Legba Veve is often considered one of the most recognizable Voodoo symbols because of its connection to gateways, crossroads, and spiritual communication.
Which Voodoo symbol is associated with love?
The Erzulie Freda Veve is most closely associated with love, beauty, affection, romance, and emotional fulfillment.
What are Voodoo symbols for protection?
Common protective symbols include the Erzulie Dantor Veve, Gris-Gris Bag, Protective Veve Circle, Ancestor Altar, and Guardian Seal.
What symbol represents prosperity in Vodou?
Azaka Veve is strongly associated with abundance, agriculture, harvests, and prosperity.
What is a veve?
A veve is a sacred ceremonial design used to honor or invoke a specific lwa during Vodou rituals.
What does the Crossroads symbolize?
The Crossroads represents opportunity, decision-making, spiritual access, and communication between worlds.
What is the meaning of the Damballah Veve?
The Damballah Veve is associated with creation, wisdom, purity, spiritual harmony, and divine order.
Which Voodoo symbol represents strength?
The Ogou Veve is commonly associated with courage, authority, leadership, discipline, and strength.
What does the Baron Samedi Veve represent?
Baron Samedi’s veve is connected with death, transformation, ancestry, and the cycle of renewal.
What is the significance of Gris-Gris Bags?
Gris-Gris Bags are protective charms traditionally carried for blessings, protection, and spiritual support.
Are Voodoo symbols used in New Orleans Voodoo?
Yes. Symbols such as Crossroads, Gris-Gris Bags, Spirit Drums, Ritual Bells, and Ancestor Altars are closely associated with New Orleans Voodoo traditions.
What is the difference between Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo symbols?
Haitian Vodou focuses heavily on veves connected to lwa, while New Orleans Voodoo blends African traditions with local folklore, ancestral practices, and Catholic influences.
Which Voodoo symbol is linked to healing?
Gran Bwa Veve is commonly associated with nature, herbal knowledge, healing traditions, and spiritual restoration.
Which Voodoo symbol is associated with the sea?
Agwe Veve and La Sirene Veve are both connected with the sea, navigation, water spirits, and maritime traditions.
Conclusion
Sacred Voodoo symbols remain an important part of Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo traditions. From the ceremonial veves of Papa Legba, Damballah, Erzulie Freda, and Ogou to symbols such as Gris-Gris Bags, Crossroads, Ancestor Altars, and Spirit Drums, each design carries its own cultural and spiritual significance.
Whether associated with love, prosperity, protection, healing, transformation, or spiritual guidance, these symbols offer valuable insight into the beliefs, practices, and traditions that continue to shape Vodou communities today.