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Celtic art and culture date back as far as the 8th century B.C. Until recently, much was unknown about this fascinating culture. But thanks to recent archaeological excavation and findings, a greater understand of the Celtic people has been developed. Tribes were bound together by speech, customs, and religion, rather than a centralized government. Because of this, the art of the culture contained specific designs for spiritual meaning. |
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KnotworkFor the Celts life was seen as a riddle or the "eternal journey" so to say. They believed in reincarnation: continuous rebirth until complete spiritual fulfillment is achieved. These knots symbolized their maze through eternity, and their understanding of the various spiritual levels in the search of purification of the soul. |
The SpiralThe spiral symbolizes the continuity of life and spiritual growth. It is the constant flow of nature's processes moving outward then back inward as Heaven and Earth are joined. The tri-sceal (or three stories) represents the nature, human and divine aspects of life. |
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Celtic CrossThe cross symbolizes the bridge to other worlds and to higher energy and knowledge. This is realized by the vertical axis (celestial world) and horizontal axis (Earthly world). They are also considered solar symbols, sources of light and ultimate energy. |
Serpent and DragonsComing from inside the Earth, the serpent was believed to be all knowing of the world's secrets and having divine wisdom. The ram-headed serpent is named Cerrunos, who is lord of the underworld, and king of all animals. Cerrunos is the symbol of strength and virility. Dragons are the combination of the forces of the depths. The serpent, the wings of a bird, and horns, represent regeneration and grown. The dragon is the gatekeeper to other worlds. |
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