Celtic Symbols and Celtic Spirals

CELTIC SYMBOLS AND CELTIC SPIRALS

Some of the oldest symbols associated with the Celtic culture are Celtic Spirals. Prominently displayed on ancient artifacts dating long before the written word in Ireland, Celtic Spirals are second only to Knotwork Designs as the symbols most associated with Celtic art. These mythical spirals are among the oldest celtic symbols. They are believed to represent the spiritual balance between inner and outer consciousness.

The Triskele, or the Triskelion

The Triskele, otherwise known as the triskelion, is a three-pronged spiral, and is often used as a basis for more complex spirals. Some suggest ancient Celtic triskeles represented the Triple Goddess of the three ages of womanhood. It later came to represent the Holy Trinity in Christianity - God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Whatever its’ meaning, it is interesting that the motif is based around The Number 3- regarded as a highly sacred number in many ancient cultures, not least The Druids.

The Spiral of Life

The Triple-Spiral, otherwise known as the "Spiral of Life", is found on many ancient Irish stone carvings - the most famous of which is Newgrange, found in County Meath, Ireland, which dates back to 2500 BC. Most scholars believe the spiral of life represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Others say this deeply mystical symbol represents the male, female, and child on the path of life. Another interpretation is that it also represents the Triple Goddess.

Trinity-Celtic-Knot or Triquetra

The Triquetra, commonly known as The Trinity Knot, takes an individual strand and wraps it into and onto itself, such that it becomes a three-lobed, yet singular design. This design symbolized the connection of the three planes of existence: mind, body, and spirit. To Christians, it illustrated the essential core of Christian belief wherein one God was Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For both beliefs, the Trinity knot symbolized the way in which three separate essences were vitally interconnected.