ῄ(ei)

Name: GREEK SMALL LETTER ETA WITH OXIA AND YPOGEGRAMMENI
Unicode: U+8132
Number: 5
Translit: ei
Language: el
Readable: e
Description:

The symbol ῄ is a combination of two Greek letters, the eta (Η) and iota (Ι), with a rough breathing mark (῾) on the eta. In ancient Greek, this combination represented the diphthong /ɛi̯/, roughly similar to the "ay" sound in "say." In terms of esoteric or spiritual meanings, the diphthong represented by ῄ could symbolize a union of opposites, as it combines the sounds of two distinct vowels. This union could be interpreted as a symbol of harmony or balance. While the specific symbol ῄ may not have been widely used in ancient or modern spiritual traditions, the concept of combining symbols or letters to represent deeper meanings is common in various mystical traditions. The idea of union or synthesis reflected in this symbol could potentially resonate with esoteric teachings that emphasize unity or transcendence of dualities. Overall, the linguistic history of the symbol ῄ points to its function as a representation of a specific sound in the Greek language, but its potential symbolic significance lies in its combination of letters and the broader interpretations of unity and balance that this combination could suggest in esoteric or spiritual contexts.