Goddess Crest

The predecessor to the Royal Crest and the Hylian Crest, the Goddess Crest is a recurring symbol in Skyward Sword that represents the goddess Hylia It has multiple functions, all of which are activated by a Skyward Strike.

Temples and the Ancient Tablet
Glowing, levitating Goddess Crests are found in the Statue of the Goddess in Skyloft, Skyview Spring in Skyview Temple, and the Earth Spring in the Earth Temple. Triggering the first with a Skyward Strike raises the altar on which the Ancient Tablet is to be assembled, while the latter two grant recorded messages from Hylia and access to the Ruby and Amber Tablets.

Goddess Cubes
Goddess Cubes are cubes of an unknown metal with the Goddess Crest embossed on them. A Skyward Strike converts them to a beam of light that shoots into the sky and activates a corresponding Goddess Cube Chest.

Goddess Wall
The Goddess Crest also sometimes appears on the walls of dungeons. Charging up a Skyward Strike and then drawing the form of a consumable item (e.g. Recovery Hearts, Rupees, Bombs, Arrows) where the symbol is will lead to that item appearing. Drawing the Triforce will produce Fairies.