SCORPION

The art of Celtic symbols has in recent years enjoyed great popularity whereas it was once the realm of scholars. Today Celtic symbolism is often easily recognized as such and understood by many. Out of all Celtic symbols perhaps the two most popular are the Cross and the Spiral.

The Celtic Cross

Consisting of four arms which are intersected by a central ring the cross offers both a functional structure as well as a powerful symbol of Celtic heritage, beliefs and folklore. Having its roots in ancient paganism the central ring stood for the sun. The four arms depicted either the four seasons or the four directions. Initially called the Sun Cross, its image is reflected in many ancient artefacts dating before Christianity.

Only since the arrival of St. Patrick and the almost extinction by the Romans of pagan practice has the Celtic Cross been associated with Christian practice.

Christian monks attributed the four arms of the sun cross to that of Christianity and from the 7th century began erecting gigantic "High" crosses around Britain. Many of these early high crosses still exist today and show elaborate artwork wrought into the central ring and four arms. These geometric patterns are said to symbolize man's journey through life.

Celtic Crosses waned in interest from about the 15th century and remained so until the revival began in mid 19th century. It became a fashionable grave marker by those who bore Celtic heritage and took on significant symbolism as well as religious connotation.

Many Celtic Crosses found today are today considered of important archaeological value and the modern Celts today wear them as either a sign of their Christian belief or by those who wish to symbolize their ancient pagan roots.

Spirals

Along with the Sun Cross the spiral is perhaps the oldest of all Celtic symbols. Before the written word was formed, ancient Celts used symbolism to represent meaning and today many ancient artefacts are found illustrating this. Spirals are mythical and are meant to represent the balance between inner and outer consciousness. Celtic Spirals take many forms with each form representing or illustrating a different meaning.

1. The Spiral of Life

This symbol is found on many ancient carvings some dating back to about 2500 BCE. Scholars believe that this symbol represented the cycle of life, death and rebirth which others believe it represents the Triple Goddess.

2. The Triskele

Also known as the Triskelion this symbol consists of a three pronged spiral which is used as the basis of more complex spirals. They are said to represent the Triple Goddess or the three stages of womanhood namely maid, mother and crone. Christian believers attach the meaning of the Holy Trinity to it.

This is a symbol that represents the most sacred number in Celtic mythology, the number three.

3. The Trinity Celtic Knot

Also known as the Triquestra this symbol comprises a single strand that wraps into, around and onto itself with no noticeable beginning or ending. When complete it becomes a three lobed design that symbolizes the connection of the three planes of existence: mind, body, and spirit. Christians hold this symbol in high regard by attributing the trinity as that of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit instead. The Trinity Knot is able to satisfy both beliefs in the way it illustrates how three separate entities are interconnected.

The Number Three in Celtic beliefs

The number three for the ancient Celtics was very powerful. Pagan Celts believed in three worlds; they believed in the world above where happiness was assured while the world below was filled with misery. The present world was believed to provide a balance between good and evil. Transmigration between worlds was necessary in order to mete out punishments, bestow rewards or to purify the soul.

The Druids also believed that there were three objects of metempsychosis that is the ability to collect the state of all being in the soul, to acquire knowledge of all things, and to have the power to overcome evil. They also believed that there were three types of knowledge: the ability to name each thing in the world, the cause of knowledge, and what influenced it. They also believed there were three things that grew less, darkness, death and falsehood while there were three things that constantly increased life, truth and light.