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See how Druid, Celtic, Irish & Christian beliefs blend together into beautiful iconography
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The Druids were a mysterious and learned class in ancient Celtic culture who served as spiritual leaders, educators, and judges. Though they rarely used written words to communicate or preserve their wisdom, many highly symbolic images have survived and represent their core beliefs, like a connection to nature, the spiritual power of the number 3, and the gradual intertwining of Celtic culture with early Christianity. In this article, we’ll show you 25 of the most common and powerful Druid and Celtic symbols, plus explain more about who the Druids were and what we know about them.
Druid and Celtic Symbols: Broad Meanings
- Druid symbols like the Celtic Tree of Life, the Wheel of Taranis, and the Green Man represent the Celtic connection to the earth, nature, and natural philosophy.
- The spiritual number 3 also appears in many Celtic and Druid symbols like the Triquetra, Shamrock, Triskelion, and Awen.
- Many Druid symbols were folded into early Christianity and represent a blend of both belief systems, like the Celtic Cross and Carolingian Cross.
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Section 1 of 2:
Powerful Druid & Celtic Symbols
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Celtic Cross The Celtic Cross symbolizes both early Celtic Christianity (represented by the crucifixion cross) and older, pagan and Druid spiritual beliefs (represented by the sun cross, or a cross with a circle around it). Both sun crosses and Christian crosses can be found in Ireland as far back as the 5th century AD, with the Celtic Cross symbol making a “comeback” in the 19th century as part of a Celtic cultural revival movement. [1] X Research source
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Triquetra (Trinity Knot) This famous Celtic symbol looks like a 3-point pinwheel made of one interconnected line, thought by some to symbolize the eternal spirit. It’s closely associated with Celtic and Druid culture and represents important spiritual and natural occurrences in 3s, like the land, sky, and sea or the cycle of birth, life, and death. [2] X Research source
- As Christianity became more widespread in Europe, the Triquetra also became a symbol of the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
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Carolingian Cross (Cross of Triquetras) This symbol combines the Christian cross with the Celtic Trinity Knot, or Triquetra. It symbolizes both Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, as well as the “Tree of Life” motif found in many ancient and Medieval European cultures, representing the interconnectedness of everything. [3] X Research source
- This is predominantly a Christian symbol that represents the blending of Celtic and Druid culture with Christianity.
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Motherhood Knot Also called the Icovellavna, this symbol represents motherly love and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. It resembles both a series of interconnected hearts without defined beginnings or ends, and a stylized version of several interlinked Triquetras. Either way you look at it, this knot symbolizes love without end. [4] X Research source
- When Christianity arrived in Ireland, this symbol was sometimes used to represent the Madonna and Child.
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Dara Knot This symbol is thought to represent a stylized oak tree and its roots. Made of one interwoven line in a continuous pattern, the Dara Knot symbolizes endurance, wisdom, power, and strength (especially a person’s inner strength when faced with an obstacle). Like many Druid and Celtic symbols, it’s a reminder of this culture’s close connection to nature. [5] X Research source
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Celtic Tree of Life (Crann Bethadh) This Druid symbol is thought to represent an oak tree and symbolizes resilience and the forces of nature. Just as a tree grows strong and wise, so can those who respect nature and live in harmony with the environment. Trees were important to the Celtic people, and some believed that trees were their ancestors. [6] X Research source
- Oak trees are particularly symbolic. It’s thought that the word “Druid” comes from a Celtic term meaning “knower of the oak tree.”
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Acorn In Druidism, the acorn symbolizes growth and unlimited potential. It’s the seed of oak trees, which the Druids and Celts considered sacred and spiritual. The acorn lays dormant before springing to life, which acts as a reminder that humans need to rest before pursuing our full potential as well. More generally, it represents the strong connection of the Celtic people to nature. [7] X Research source
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Triskelion (Triskele or Celtic Spiral) This is one of the oldest and most spiritual Celtic or Druid symbols. The 3 interconnected spirals symbolize the spiritual importance of things that come in 3s, especially the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth or the unity of the physical, mental, and spiritual self. [8] X Research source
- The Triskelion predates Celtic culture and has been found on tombs dating back 5,000 years.
- Like many Celtic and Druid symbols, the Triskelion was co-opted by early Christians to symbolize the Holy Trinity.
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Double Spiral Made of 2 spirals connected to each other horizontally, the double spiral symbolizes balance between the physical and spiritual, birth and death, or creation and destruction. It’s also a representation of spiritual enlightenment or awakening. Since the Druids and Celts worshiped nature, this ancient symbol may also signify the balance of the forces of nature more generally. [9] X Research source
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Shamrock While most people think of modern Ireland when they see a shamrock, its symbolic origins are much older. The clover is native to Ireland and was revered by the Druids and Celts because its leaves symbolize a triad (the number 3 was particularly spiritual in ancient Celtic times). [10] X Research source
- In the 5th century AD, it’s thought that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the idea of the Holy Trinity to the Celts and pagans in Ireland. This is another reason why the shamrock is so closely associated with Ireland, Christianity, St. Patrick, and Celtic culture.
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Wheel of Taranis This wheel symbol with 6 or 8 spokes represents the Celtic god Taran, the deity of the sky and thunder. The circle of the wheel symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, while the center of the spokes symbolizes the center of the universe. [11] X Research source
- Some wore (and still wear) the Wheel of Taranis as a protection amulet.
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Awen “Awen” translates to “muse” or “inspiration” and is believed to have existed as a spiritual concept during the transition from paganism to Christianity in Ireland. The symbol shows 3 rays of light depicting the earth, sky, and sea, or sometimes body, mind, and spirit. [12] X Research source
- Once again, this symbol highlights the importance of the number 3 in the Celtic spiritual tradition.
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Serch Bythol The lesser-known Celtic symbol is named after the Welsh words for “everlasting love” and represents the strong bonds and loyalty among family members or other trusted loved ones. It’s made of two Triquetras whose outer curves join together to make one full circle, signifying eternity. [13] X Research source
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Claddagh Ring This symbol isn’t technically a Druid symbol, but it has existed in Ireland for hundreds of years and is now closely associated with Celtic culture. It’s a traditional piece of Irish jewelry named after the fishing village Claddagh near Galway City. The design has 3 elements: [14] X Research source
- A heart symbolizing love (for a partner, family, friends, or yourself).
- A crown symbolizing loyalty.
- Two clasped hands symbolizing friendship.
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Brigid’s Cross Brigid was a pagan Celtic deity representing sunlight, life, healing, poetry, and fire skills. Her cross made of thrush or straw symbolizes her importance as a Sun Goddess and has 4 equal-sized arms with a diamond or square in the center. Placing a Brigid’s Cross above the entrance to your home was thought to protect against evil or harm. [15] X Research source
- Brigid was “converted” to Saint Brigid of Kildare with the coming of Christianity to Ireland.
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Druid Sigil This recent addition to Druid imagery is the symbol of the Reformed Druids of North America and was adopted in 1963. While the group claims the symbol has ancient Druid and Celtic roots, little to no evidence has been found to back up that claim. The circle intersected by 2 vertical lines is thought to represent a balance of male and female or the balance of earth, sky, and sea. [16] X Research source
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Five Fold Symbol This symbol depicts 5 rings, with a central ring holding the other 4 together. It’s an ancient Celtic symbol, and the Druids believed that meditating upon it would lead to deep spiritual enlightenment. Other possible symbolisms include: [17] X Research source
- The 5 Celtic elements of earth, air, water, fire, and spirit.
- The natural cycle of the seasons with the 4 outer rings representing winter, spring, summer, and fall.
- Protection (the number 5 was considered holy).
- The ancient Irish goddess Danu and her 4 children, Nuada, Lugh, Dagda, and Fal.
- The directions north, south, east, and west (with the top ring representing east, or the rising sun).
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Ailm This lesser-known Celtic symbol represents inner strength and comes from an ancient alphabet called the Ogham (representing the letter “A”). It may be related to the pine tree, which the Celts believed purified the body, soul, and home. [18] X Research source
- The Ailm may also represent the spreading of light and a connection to the divine, since the Druids believed trees were highly spiritual.
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Celtic Harp (Irish Harp) The harp was a highly popular and important instrument in Celtic culture and symbolized the crafts of music, poetry, and storytelling. The symbol is also known as the Bardic Harp and became an emblem for the Celtic and Irish people when Ireland was forced to formally recognize the British King Henry VIII as King of Ireland. [19] X Research source
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The Green Man Depicted as a head made of leaves, the Green Man symbolizes rebirth, the cycle of the seasons, and the fertility of the land. In general, it represents the strong bond that the Druids and Celts felt between mankind and nature. The Christian church adopted the Green Man as a way to teach the rebirth of Christ, and Green Man symbols can be found in many European churches. [20] X Research source
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The Shillelagh The Shillelagh, or Irish cudgel, is a traditional wooden weapon in Ireland, usually made from the wood of the blackthorn tree. [21] X Research source It generally represents the fighting spirit and strength of the Celtic and Irish people, especially in their resistance against British rule.
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Celtic Boar The boar appears very frequently in Celtic art and imagery. Hunted for their meat, the boar symbolized strength, stubbornness, fertility, and fearlessness, as well as war and chaos. [22] X Research source It appeared on some Celtic battle helmets and may be linked to the Celtic swine god Moccus, the god of fertility and life.
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Celtic Bull The bull was another common animal symbol for the Celts, though not as common as the boar or dragon. The bull represented stubbornness, belligerent, strength, virility, and fertility. It was also a symbol of wealth and prosperity since bulls were highly prized by cattle owners. [23] X Research source
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Celtic Dragon In Celtic legend, dragons symbolize protection for the earth and nature, strength, power, wisdom, leadership, and fertility. Many images of the dragon show its tail circling around toward its mouth, representing the circle of life and the cyclical nature of the environment. [24] X Research source
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Celtic Griffin The griffin is a mythical creature that’s half-lion and half-eagle and symbolizes strength and ferocity. The Celts believed a griffin would guide them on their journey from life into death and represented a balance between darkness and goodness. The creature’s dual nature is also thought to symbolize a balance between earth and sky or body and spirit. [25] X Research source
- In later times, the griffin came to symbolize loyalty, fairness, and nobility.
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References
- ↑ https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/celtic-cross-symbol/
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- ↑ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/ireland-s-modern-druids-there-is-hidden-knowledge-you-are-asked-not-to-share-1.4440913
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