Have you ever watched a movie, music video, or TV show and noticed strange symbols—like a triangle with an eye in the middle, a goat’s head, or weird hand signs? Maybe you thought it was just part of the design, or maybe it made you wonder if there’s a hidden meaning. The truth is, a lot of modern media includes symbols from something called the occult.
The word "occult" simply means hidden. It refers to ancient knowledge, spiritual practices, and symbols that are not usually taught in schools or talked about openly. But even though they’re “hidden,” these symbols are everywhere—in films, music, fashion, and even logos. This article explains what occult symbols are, where we see them, and why they’re used in today’s media.
What Does "Occult Symbolism" Mean?
Occult symbolism is all about using pictures, shapes, and signs to communicate deep or secret messages. These messages are often related to spiritual ideas, personal transformation, hidden wisdom, or the connection between the physical and the spiritual world.
Some well-known occult symbols include:
The Eye inside a Triangle (All-Seeing Eye): Often seen on money or art, it represents knowledge or a higher power watching over us.
Pentagram (Five-pointed Star): Used in magic, it can represent protection or the elements—earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
Ankh: An Egyptian cross with a loop at the top, symbolizing life and immortality.
Serpent Eating Its Tail (Ouroboros): A symbol of infinity or rebirth.
Baphomet: A goat-headed figure often misunderstood, but originally meant to show balance—like male and female, dark and light, heaven and earth.
These symbols come from old traditions like alchemy, ancient Egypt, Freemasonry, and mysticism. They’re not necessarily evil—they just carry meanings that aren’t obvious unless you study them.
Where Do We See Occult Symbols Today?
Let’s look at how these ancient signs have made their way into today’s popular culture.
Movies and TV Shows
Hollywood loves mystery and symbolism. You might not notice them at first, but many movies and shows are filled with occult visuals.
All-Seeing Eye: Shows up in films like National Treasure, The Da Vinci Code, and The Simpsons. It’s often linked to secret societies like the Illuminati.
Secret Rituals: Films like Eyes Wide Shut or Rosemary’s Baby show hidden groups doing strange rituals. These scenes often use real occult signs to create a sense of mystery or danger.
Magic and Transformation: In movies like Doctor Strange, The Matrix, or Harry Potter, you’ll see symbols on doors, scrolls, or clothes that are inspired by real spiritual or magical systems.
Filmmakers use these symbols not just to decorate, but to tell deeper stories about awakening, power, and change.
Music Videos and Performances
Many music artists also use occult themes to create bold, unforgettable visuals.
Madonna: She’s known for mixing religious and occult symbols in her shows.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z: They’ve both been accused (rightly or wrongly) of using Illuminati-related symbols like triangles, hidden eyes, and checkerboard floors in their videos.
Lady Gaga: Her music videos are full of symbols about identity, control, and rebirth—sometimes using masks, goat heads, or all-seeing eyes to add drama and mystery.
Sometimes these choices are meant to shock or make a statement. Other times, they could be pointing to deeper meanings, like the struggle for freedom or inner transformation.
Fashion and Branding
They show up in clothes, accessories, and even company logos.
Fashion Designers: Brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Givenchy often use symbols like snakes, crosses, or ancient Egyptian signs in their designs.
Company Logos: Some believe that certain company logos hide occult ideas.
The CBS logo is a clear example of the all-seeing eye.
Apple logo, with a bite taken out, is sometimes seen as a symbol of forbidden knowledge (like the story of Adam and Eve).
Some car logos and tech symbols also use circles, triangles, or stars, which can have occult meanings.
Are these just coincidences or clever branding? It depends on who you ask. But the pattern is hard to ignore.
Why Are These Symbols Used?
There are a few reasons why so many creators and companies use these symbols.
Visual Power
Occult symbols look cool. They have a strong visual impact and can instantly give a design or scene a mysterious or powerful feel.
Hidden Layers
Symbolism adds depth. A filmmaker might use a certain symbol to suggest that something deeper is happening without having to explain it with words. It gives viewers something to think about or research later.
Marketing and Attention
Let’s face it—strange or mystical images get people talking. Whether they attract fans, create controversy, or spark conspiracy theories, they help artists and brands stand out.
Spiritual or Artistic Expression
Some creators truly believe in what these symbols represent—spiritual awakening, balance, transformation, etc. Including them in their work is a way to express those beliefs or guide others to think more deeply.
How Does This Affect Us?
Seeing these symbols all the time can have different effects on people, depending on how aware or sensitive they are.
People Stop Noticing
When something is shown too often, it becomes normal. Occult symbols might lose their original meaning and become just a style.
Curiosity Grows
On the flip side, some people start digging into the meanings and discover the world of metaphysics, alchemy, or ancient wisdom. This can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
Fear and Suspicion
Some viewers get worried that these symbols are part of a secret plan to influence people’s thoughts or control society. While that may sound extreme, it shows how powerful these signs can be, especially when we don’t fully understand them.
Are Occult Symbols Evil?
Not at all. A symbol is just a symbol—it only has the meaning we give to it. Many occult traditions are focused on spiritual development, healing, inner balance, and wisdom. They’re not about evil or control. However, when used without context—or just for shock value—they can be misunderstood.
It’s important to educate ourselves, so we’re not blindly accepting or rejecting something based only on fear or fashion.
Final Thoughts
Occult symbols have found a home in our modern media, and they’re not going away anytime soon. Whether they’re used in films, music, fashion, or advertising, they speak a hidden language—one that’s ancient, mysterious, and often misunderstood.
The best thing we can do is to become more aware. The more we understand what these symbols mean and where they come from, the more control we have over how they influence us. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or just fascinated by the mystery, one thing’s for sure: the symbols are all around us. The question is—are we really seeing them?