Paragraphs beginning with double astricks contain artwork by Cari. Please visit her site through my personal page .
Spirals - The Cosmic Symbol
The spiral symbolizes the natural form of growth and immortality. Created by Celtic monks, spirals represented the continuous creation and destruction of Earth, imitating water movement and the cosmos. Passages between spirals represent divisions between birth, death, and rebirth. These labyrinths both create and protect the center, symbolizing knowledge. Before one can obtain knowledge (or enter the center) past beliefs and concepts must be discarded and the person must enter a "preformal state of the womb". The center is a complete balance between Heaven and Earth.
"In the sacred dance, we mirror the macrocosmic order of the heavens, the gyratory movement representing the whirling of the stars above the fixed earth. As we wind, we create within ourselves a still center and apprehend the being of the universe into being; as we unwind, we turn our spirit back to its divine source." (Quoted from book on Celtic symbols)
Celtic Cross - Catholic/Pagan Influences
The Celtic cross had origins in Celtic practices long before Catholisicm was introduced into society. Originally, the cross personified the man while the circle behind the cross resembled the woman. After the arrival of St. Patrick, Catholisicm changed the cross into a mixture of both Christian and Pagan tones. It is a reminder of what the Celtic people once were, and what they are today.
** Celtic Key
** Celtic Maze
** Animals
Dragons A majority of Celtic art focuses on the importance of dragons. While these creatures are no doubt mythical, they possessed great importance by representing the four elements. The breath equaled fire, the dragon's cave, earth; his wings, wind, . . .(water). Dragons swallowing themselves were the equivalant of "effinity".
Add note:
The above definitions do not reflect my own beliefs (born-again Christian), but are designed to understand the meanings behind known Celtic symbols. These definitions are for historical research purposes, not religious ones.