The celtic symbols they represent one of the great legacies of a culture strongly connected to its spirituality. In a broad sense, we refer to all those symbols associated with the mythology of the Celtic peoples, developed by them during the Iron Age.
These are symbols that were an important part of their culture and with which they decorated everything from utensils and weapons to their own bodies. And they were even used as amulets and in magical and sacred rituals.
However, at this time in history when Celtic mythology was developed, writing was not known. And the transmission of knowledge and Celtic culture was done orally from generation to generation. So it is impossible to know exactly what these symbols mean.
However, thanks to Roman and Greek writers and some manuscripts found in the British Isles, it is possible to reconstruct the mythology and understand how these peoples conceived their life and reality. Join us to discover the magic and the meaning behind the main celtic symbols.
the spiral
Between the celtic symbols this is one of the most recurring and one of the oldest. It symbolizes spiritual growth, reincarnation and life force. It is linked to the sun and also represents the cycle of sunset and sunrise. If the spiral is turning to the right, it symbolizes the winter solstice and if it is turning to the left, the summer solstice.
It is a symbol that has no beginning and no end. Therefore, it also represents the cycles that end when others begin, the immortality of the spirit and the passage of time that constantly begins and ends. In addition to symbolizing the movement of the stars, space, the Universe and Creation. Being used for the elaboration of incredibly exact calendars for the time.
Trisquel, the best known among the Celtic symbols
Also called triskel, triskelion or triple spiral, it is the most common symbol in Celtic art and was used for centuries for ornamental purposes. Although this was a sacred symbol that could only be carried by the druids, since healing powers were attributed to it. His name comes from the Greek “Triskeles”, which means three legs.
The number three was for the Celts a sacred number, as it represented the number of balance and internal balance. In addition, it is the number that is related to the triangle and the relationship of the three planes of existence.
The Celtic triskel consists of three spirals that are joined together at a central point. It is a symbol that represents enlightenment, cosmic consciousness, movements between the inner and outer world. The eternal evolution, the absolute balance and the three stages of the human being: childhood, maturity and old age.
As for time, it represents the past, present and future. And in general it represents the union of the three main elements: earth, water and air. While on the more spiritual plane, each spiral of this symbol represented a different aspect of the person. That is, the body, the mind and the soul.
The Celtic cross, the oldest of the Celtic symbols
The Celtic cross is one of the celtic symbols known and oldest and it is a cross with a ring that surrounds its intersection. And whose ornaments or knots inside symbolize infinity and eternal life. The first Celtic crosses were found 10,000 years ago BC, so it has been thought that the symbol of the cross is not of Christian origin.
For the Celts, this was the symbol of the four cardinal points, that is, north, south, east and west, and of the four gods who lived in them. Likewise, it represented the four seasons of the year and the intersection of two paths, the path of the living and the path of the dead.
In the same way it can be interpreted as the fourth elements of nature: air, water, earth and fire. United to the universal energy that is represented by a circle, which intertwines and connects them. Constituting a bridge between man and divine energies.
the triquetra
This symbol is also known as triquetra, its name comes from the Latin «tri-ket-ra», which can be translated as «three corners». It is a Celtic symbol built from three arches in a triangular shape. This symbol for the Celts represented life, death and reincarnation.
Similarly, it is known by the name of the Celtic trinity. Well, it represents eternity, equality and indivisibility of everything that affects the universe. It also symbolizes that everything has three levels, physical, mental and spiritual.
On the other hand, it represents the feminine part of the universe and the three main elements of nature: earth, water and air. She additionally represents the divinity woman in the three facets of her maiden, mother and old woman.
The Tree of Life
In Celtic culture, nature was sacred and of course trees were no exception. Well, its meaning went beyond the functional to something deeper and spiritual. For this reason, the Celtic tree of life, known as “Crann Bethadh”, is one of the celtic symbols most important and a central element of their mythology.
For the Celts, the tree was a symbol of the gods and represented the strength, wisdom and life of nature. This is how the tree of life represented the union between heaven and earth, between the living and the dead, the invisible connection that exists between the world and everything that inhabits it. It also represented reincarnation.
Another possible meaning associated with this symbol is life in complete evolution, in a permanent ascent to the sky and that is in connection with the subterranean depths. However, it was also considered the essence of life and a means by which the druids could predict the future.
Perennial knot, the Celtic symbol of love
Symbols without beginning or end are a constant in Celtic culture. And as with others celtic symbols this is infinite and closed. A knot that never comes undone and that represents eternal union. A symbol of the eternal union of souls in love beyond space and time. A bond of love that cannot be undone.
The perennial knot is also credited with the gift of eternity, of infinite lives obtained through reincarnation. Being also a symbol of the connection with the ancestors, and of the way in which the past, the present and the future are intertwined to form part of the same whole.
It was a custom in Celtic families, to pass this symbol from parents to children generation after generation, as a way to infinitely perpetuate their lineage. Thus becoming a family heirloom and a protective amulet against negative energies and evil.
Without a doubt, these are very old, fascinating symbols with a mystical and magical air. Whose power has always been closely related to the nature and energy of the Druids. Therefore, it is not surprising that they were used in different ways, including as protection, to attract love, or defeat enemies. So, we invite you to fill yourself with all your energy and magic by wearing one of them.