CELTIC KNOTS The early Celts left behind an enduring legacy of almost hypnotic knots, fierce beasties, and spirals, some of them drawn so finely that people called them "the work of angels". What they did not leave behind was a Rosetta stone, if you will, saying that one particular knot stood for strength and another one meant love, etc. A general rule of thumb is: the shape of the design often determines the "meaning" of a knot work design- triskele and trefoil shapes should be regarded as triskeles, bird, fish, and animal designs represent the attributes of the animal, etc. Circles represent unity or eternity, spirals reincarnation or cycles of life and rebirth, triangles and trefoils the threefold dominions of earth, sea, and sky. Squares or four-fold shapes are shield knots, symbols of protection from spirits or malevolent influence. Interlaced animals and men usually represent relationships, or emphasize the interdependence of mankind and nature.

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While many of the ancient designs certainly had some spiritually significant meaning, these have been lost to the ages. The continual looping of the designs suggests themes of eternity and interconnectedness, and knots may have been made at one time to foil evil spirits. Interwoven figures of people and animals may have represented the interdependent nature of life-two or more knots laced together symbolize lovers, hunters and their prey, God and man, etc. Some knots were used as magical talismans for protection.

The more modern designs, such as those found in decorated Christian scriptures, were mainly decorative designs used for ornamentation. Other relatively modern designs include linked hearts and other "love knots," Christian crosses, harps, shamrocks, and other folk symbols, and so on.

We know that the Celts believed strongly in the interconnectedness of all life, and that their interlaced patterns reflected this belief. We can glean a bit more information about their symbols and beliefs from the old Celtic myths and legends.

	CIRCLE (ONE): The circle is a Celtic symbol connected to many different cultures of the world both Celtic and non-Celtic.
	FIVE CIRCLES (WHEEL OF LIFE): This symbol consists of four circles joined as one by the conjoining central circle It is said that the druids believe this to be a representation of their universe (as a meeting of the elements).
	HEART KNOT: Heart knots are a rather recent addition to Celtic symbolism. Hearts as symbols of "love" date from the later medieval period, but have become an established part of the contemporary Celtic repertoire in the last decade of the 20th century.
	SPIRAL: Spirals are said to have some form of link to the other world and is a representation of the cosmos i.e. the universe and its many parts The single spiral is alleged to represent the Sun.
	TRIPLE SPIRAL (TRISKELE): A triple spiral has several interpretations as follows, the trinity of, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. this Celtic symbol was allegedly believed by the Celts that all life moved in continuous cycles i.e. three phases such as birth, death and rebirth (reincarnation) and the belief in the mind, body and soul.
	TRINITY KNOT (TRIQUETRA): The Celtic Trinity Knot, or the Triquetra, is one of the most common of the knot ilk. The term Triquetra comes from Latin, and it means "three-cornered."
	TWIN SPIRALS: The dual centered spiral Celtic symbol is said to be similar to that of the Chinese ying and yang. It is said to symbolize the positive and the negative sides of nature and therefore promotes balance.

May God always hold you in the palm of his hand

Celtic Blessing