Most Hindu Gods especially Shiva are shown carrying a pitchfork called the Trishul with which they slay their enemies. What is interesting is that Shiva is also considered as the deity who taught the Tamil language to his people and hence increased their knowledge which resonantes with the Greek meaning of 'Psi'.

Adam and Eve were thrown out of Eden because Eve tasted the fruit from the tree of knowledge and later on the pitchfork became associated with the devil, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and they gave him Pandora's box as punishment. All these myths and symbols lead me to believe that perhaps knowledge and the awakening of the mind is a double edged sword, it can slay the enemy of darkness and evil within us as well as set us off on a never ending quest - the more we ask the less we know. Perhaps that is why ignorance is bliss??

Well I always thought that there was a special meaning to the symbol, but I never got around to asking the question. I think it is a very important question to everyone on this site to know what it represents, and I am enlightened by Simon’s answer. Thank you Simon!

In my opinion, I do not see the symbol as a pitchfork in fact: it appears to me more like a Brass Candle Holder. But on the contrary, ever pair of eyes can see something different!

Nice picture of the symbol Simon!