Theta-Delta

Theta-Delta is the most widely used symbol in representing Therianthropy. It is featured in the favicon of this wiki. The symbol consists of two Greek letters layered on top of each other: the Delta and the Theta characters. Both characters are typically depicted in the same colour against a contrasting single colour background, and may be styled further by intertwining the letters.

The Theta Delta

History as a Therian Symbol

Theta Delta was invented in 2003 in an early version of The Werelist forums. In one of the threads the topic of creating a representational symbol was raised, and after considering various ideas, the Theta Delta was selected. The symbol was seen as appropriate due to a number of reasons, including logo simplicity and appropriate symbolism. Theta, being a T, represented the word "Therian" and Delta represented change, as in a shift. ^{(citation needed)}. Afterwards a Werelist member made a web page detailing the Theta Delta logo, distributing image files to be customized and used freely. Unfortunately the original forum thread disappeared in a server crash a few months later and nearly all the web pages explaining the theta-delta symbol were lost, having not been archived.

Historical Symbolism & Meanings

Delta (uppercase Δ, lowercase δ; Greek: Δέλτα [ðelta: Dhelta]) is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals it has a value of 4. Delta was derived from the Phoenician letter Dalet, and in the Ancient Greek language it represented a voiced dental plosive /d̪/. The upper-case letter Δ often denotes difference and can symbolize a change. For example:

${y_{2}-y_{1} \over x_{2}-x_{1}}={\Delta y \over \Delta x}$

In legal shorthand an uppercase Delta represents a defendant. The American Dental Association cites it (together with omicron for "odont") as the symbol of dentistry as well.

Theta (uppercase Θ, lowercase θ or ϑ; Greek: Θήτα [Theta]) is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from the Phoenician letter Teth. In has a value of 9 in the Greek numeric system.

In classical Athens Theta was used as an abbreviation for the Greek θάνατος (thanatos, death), as it vaguely resembled a human skull. Theta was also used as a warning symbol of death just like the universal "skull and crossbones" symbol is used today. It still survives on as a symbol used by Athenians when voting for the death penalty. A document from 1291 relates the idea that theta was also used to brand criminals as empty ciphers, and the branding rod was affixed to the crossbar spanning the circle. Another esoteric/spiritual/occult group which uses the symbol today is the Church of Scientology. In Scientology the word "theta" is often used as an adjective to express or convey a sense of spirituality, or to describe an uplifting feeling. The word thetan is the Scientology term for someone’s spirit.

Non-Use of the Theta-Delta

Although being common Theta Delta is not used by some therians for various reasons. Some may not wish to use visual symbols to represent their Therianthropy. Some, including the Therian Temple protest the use of the symbol due to it's historical usage in branding criminals. Subsequently many have developed or selected their own symbols/sigils, including the ancient Wolfsangel (for Wolf Therians) and the Theriogram (for the Therian Temple).