Celtic Symbol for Purity

A new mother asked me if there was an ancient Celtic symbol for purity. She wanted to make a decorative mobile above her baby's crib that was both powerful, effective and symbolic of the concept of pure-ness.

Specifically, she wanted a symbol for purity with which she could make the mobile...sort of like a blessing and offering gesture. My response to her request is below.Dear Moon Mother:

The Celtic culture and their application of symbolism tends to not be so specific as to define only one concept. Rather, they had a more broad, or conceptual approach to symbols...one symbol embrace a whole myriad of meanings.

Furthermore, later evolution of the Celtic language of symbolism indicates their meanings were derived primarily from elements of nature (much like the Native North Americans).

For example, the circle is a Celtic insignia that indicates the wholeness of spirit - a soul that is intact, and therefore it is a symbol of pureness in integrity. This would be a primitive Celtic motif for purity.

A more evolved Celtic symbol for purity can be found in the Ogham - which is an ancient Celtic form of communication. The Ogham, or realm of trees, was consulted for wisdom - each tree holds certain personalities that lend knowledge to the seeker.

That said, the Ogham symbol for purity is the "Ailm" or fir (symbol shown @ upper left of this article).

The Ailm symbol is a representation of

• pure energy
• objectivity
• good health
• strength
• clarity
• integrity

Traditionally, (and most specifically in your case) branches of the fir (represented by the Ogham Ailm symbol) were placed beneath the bed of newborn babies in order to assure his/her purity of spirit throughout his/her life.

There are more diverse symbolic concepts that the ancient Celts embody in their daily life to convey "purity."

• The sky that abounds is a blanket of purity
• Water with its clarifying and cleansing properties resonates purity
• Birds were often symbolic vessels of purity as they exist at a higher vibration to live in the endless skies

These are just a few ideas. I would encourage you to take the time to meditate, research, contemplate, and tap into the energies of our Celtic forebears for your own personal Celtic symbols of purity.

Other pages on this site that may hold interest for you:

Celtic Symbols - Portal Page

Sacred Celtic Trees

Celtic Animals

Nature Symbols

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