In paganism this symbol is used to show the goddess as she is represented by the phases of the moon.

THE MAIDEN - who is youthful and growing into a woman is represented by the waxing moon - ) - the phase between the new and the full moon. She represents enchantment, inception and expansion, the promise of new beginnings, birth, youth and youthful enthusiasm.

THE MOTHER - represented by the full moon - O, represents ripeness, fertility, sexuality, fulfillment, stability, power and life - the goddess in full bloom.

THE CRONE - the waning moon - ( - is the phase of the moon between the full and new moon and represents the crone, the goddess seen as an old, wise woman who guides the souls of the dead into the afterlife.

So all together the symbol - )O( - shows the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone.

The sign of the triple goddess is found in other cultures as well such as the Greek moon goddesses – Artemis, Selene and Hecate; or as the Hindu Triple Goddess – Tridevi (literally “three goddesses”) - Saraswati, Laksmi and Parvati (also known as Kali and Durga).