| The art of Celtic symbols has in recent years | | | | are found illustrating this. Spirals are mythical and are |
| enjoyed great popularity whereas it was once the | | | | meant to represent the balance between inner and |
| realm of scholars. Today Celtic symbolism is often | | | | outer consciousness. Celtic Spirals take many forms |
| easily recognized as such and understood by many. | | | | with each form representing or illustrating a different |
| Out of all Celtic symbols perhaps the two most | | | | meaning. |
| popular are the Cross and the Spiral. | | | | 1. The Spiral of Life |
| The Celtic Cross | | | | This symbol is found on many ancient carvings some |
| Consisting of four arms which are intersected by a | | | | dating back to about 2500 BCE. Scholars believe that |
| central ring the cross offers both a functional | | | | this symbol represented the cycle of life, death and |
| structure as well as a powerful symbol of Celtic | | | | rebirth which others believe it represents the Triple |
| heritage, beliefs and folklore. Having its roots in | | | | Goddess. |
| ancient paganism the central ring stood for the sun. | | | | 2. The Triskele |
| The four arms depicted either the four seasons or | | | | Also known as the Triskelion this symbol consists of |
| the four directions. Initially called the Sun Cross, its | | | | a three pronged spiral which is used as the basis of |
| image is reflected in many ancient artefacts dating | | | | more complex spirals. They are said to represent the |
| before Christianity. | | | | Triple Goddess or the three stages of womanhood |
| Only since the arrival of St. Patrick and the almost | | | | namely maid, mother and crone. Christian believers |
| extinction by the Romans of pagan practice has the | | | | attach the meaning of the Holy Trinity to it. |
| Celtic Cross been associated with Christian practice. | | | | This is a symbol that represents the most sacred |
| Christian monks attributed the four arms of the sun | | | | number in Celtic mythology, the number three. |
| cross to that of Christianity and from the 7th | | | | 3. The Trinity Celtic Knot |
| century began erecting gigantic "High" crosses around | | | | Also known as the Triquestra this symbol comprises |
| Britain. Many of these early high crosses still exist | | | | a single strand that wraps into, around and onto itself |
| today and show elaborate artwork wrought into the | | | | with no noticeable beginning or ending. When |
| central ring and four arms. These geometric patterns | | | | complete it becomes a three lobed design that |
| are said to symbolize man's journey through life. | | | | symbolizes the connection of the three planes of |
| Celtic Crosses waned in interest from about the 15th | | | | existence: mind, body, and spirit. Christians hold this |
| century and remained so until the revival began in mid | | | | symbol in high regard by attributing the trinity as that |
| 19th century. It became a fashionable grave marker | | | | of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit instead. The Trinity |
| by those who bore Celtic heritage and took on | | | | Knot is able to satisfy both beliefs in the way it |
| significant symbolism as well as religious connotation. | | | | illustrates how three separate entities are |
| Many Celtic Crosses found today are today | | | | interconnected. |
| considered of important archaeological value and the | | | | The Number Three in Celtic beliefs |
| modern Celts today wear them as either a sign of | | | | The number three for the ancient Celtics was very |
| their Christian belief or by those who wish to | | | | powerful. Pagan Celts believed in three worlds; they |
| symbolize their ancient pagan roots. | | | | believed in the world above where happiness was |
| Spirals | | | | assured while the world below was filled with misery. |
| Along with the Sun Cross the spiral is perhaps the | | | | The present world was believed to provide a balance |
| oldest of all Celtic symbols. Before the written word | | | | between good and evil. Transmigration between |
| was formed, ancient Celts used symbolism to | | | | worlds was necessary in order to mete out |
| represent meaning and today many ancient artefacts | | | | punishments, bestow rewards or to purify the soul. |