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GEOMETRICS    GODS & MEN   BEASTS

GEOMETRICS

   KNOTS  Knot work symbolize continuity and longevity, for this reason knots are often used in bridal attire.

   SUN CIRCLES  are images that representing the constancy of the sun, the infinity of time and the male and female divinity.  Sun circles can be single, concentric  or at times they appear surrounded by small dots.

   MUNDUS  are two interlocking sun circles, they equal power over the world.

   SPIRALS  express the pattern in which the ancients believed energy flows, and both the male (solar) and the female (lunar) energies.

   TRISKELE  are spirals that have three arms representing the three stages of a woman’s life; Maid, Mother and Wise Woman.

   CROSSES  are one of the oldest fertility symbols, with the standing cross as the male generative power joined with the circle of the female. Early Celtic Christians used these same symbols to represent the union of heaven and earth.

   HEARTS  are the symbol for the love of work faithfulness, compassion, charity and friendship.

   WAVES  carry the life force flowing from the foot of the tree of life.

   PENNANULAR  brooches are peculiar to Scotland and Ireland, worn by both men and women.  The more elaborate and precious the metal the higher in rank and esteem the wearer.  They possess the highest forms of Celtic metallurgy and are bursting with ancient Celtic symbols.

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GODS AND MEN

   HANDS  are one of the earliest symbols ever made. The human hand prints of prehistoric cave dwellers evidence a primal need to “leave one’s mark” on the world. Celtic hand images appear as early as 600 BC. The heart within a hand means the love of work, friendship and shared affection.

A hand pointing upwards is a common motif referring to the ascendance of the soul to heaven. A hand pointing into a book suggests fate.

   ANGELS  and wings are said to be celestial talismans bearing blessings of great measure to those who wear them. They represent divine energy and travel to spiritual realms.

   ANGEL WHEELS  appeared in the illuminated manuscripts of the tenth century in a variety of styles.  They are the representation by medieval monks of the prophet Ezekiel's vision of an angel from the Old Testament

   THISTLES  are the national emblem of Scotland, home and haven to the Picts and the Celts.

   SHEILA-NA-GIG  this very naughty girl is believed to represent a Celtic creation goddess. She may have some association with the “Great Queen” Morgaine who was essentially a mother goddess - a goddess of earth and fertility.

   HARPIST  Harps are said to charm and bring alive the events of the past. The Celtic god Daghada played the harp to summon the seasons and was later identified as King David when Ireland was Christianized.

   MISTLETOE & OAK  are interrelated symbols.  The "female" mistletoe was thought divine and unbounded by earthly limitations because it grew in the branches of the "male" oak without earthly roots.

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BEASTS

   BEASTS  The Celts had their own trinity of bird, beast and fish to represent the powers of the earth. Birds for travel to other worlds, the fish for prophesy and the beast for strength and wisdom.

   BOARS  stood for strength, solitude, magic and protection from danger.  Bronze boar images were attached to helmets and carried as standards into battle as early as 600 B.C.

   DRAGONS  represent the earths positive forces and depict the four elements. Earth, water, air and fire, as a cave dweller with fish scales, wings and fiery breath.

    HORSES  were the most highly prized of all possessions. They stood for princely power and often appear on early coinage.

   SEA HORSES  symbolizes the subconscious and it’s strange energies.   In Scotland the fish tailed horse is also called a Kelpie and is associated with the sea creature of Loch Ness.

   LIONS  were believed to embody the wisdom and energy of the animal kingdom and were considered an emblem of royalty, courage and protective power.

   STAGS  represented the tree of life and wisdom.  Stag antlers were worn by Druid priests during sacred ceremonies.

   UNICORNS  Legend says only the pure of heart can tame the Unicorn. When tame this once ferocious beast becomes a docile pet and an agent of healing.

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