Labrys is the term for a symmetrical double headed axe and is one of the oldest symbols in the Western World. It comes from the Minoan Civilization of ancient Crete. The word Labrys is derived from the word Labyrinth which originally referred to the complex many-roomed palace of the monarch of Minos. Many scholars agree that the Minoan people were matriarchal, and that they were ruled by a Queen and a caste of Priestesses. The Labrys was a symbol of their power. Today, it means the reclaiming the power of women over their own lives, in both personal and political dimensions.The Labrys traces its connection to lesbianism and women from thousands of years ago. It was resurrected as a female symbol in the 1970s by a number of lesbian and feminist organizations. Its popularity grew when articles about its origins were published in feminist literature of the time. Today, the Labrys has been superseded by other symbols, but can still be seen adorning jewelry.
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