Triskelion Celtic Symbol Meaning

The triskelion (also referred to as triskele, triquetra or fylfot) Celtic symbol meaning holds two major components or levels of symbolism.

First - when we observe this symbol, we are taken with the concept of motion. All three branches (legs, protrusions, angles) are positioned in such a way so as to make the symbol appear as if it is in constant forward motion.

This is no accident as this feeling of motion in this symbol represents:

• action
• cycles
• progress
• revolution
• competition
• moving forward

Second - the three protrusions (legs, angles, branches, etc) are of significant symbolic importance. However, depending upon the era, region, culture, mythological history, etc...symbologists can have a devil of a time defining the exact symbolic meaning of the three protrusions. The various representations of the three protrusions found in the triskelion are:

1. Spirit, Mind, Body
2. Father, Son, Holy Ghost
3. Mother, Father, Child
4. Past, Present, Future
5. Power, Intellect, Love
6. Creator, Destroyer, Sustainer
7. Creation, Preservation, Destruction

All of these (and still yet more) can be designated for each of the protrustions found in the triskelion - it is simply up to the observer (or originating culture) to proffer up these meanings.

The combination of these two components (motion & triad attributes) lead us to the conclusion that this Celtic symbol meaning tells a story of forward motion in the endeavor to reach understanding (within the context of one of the many triad dynamics above listed).

An interesting side note - the number three is a powerful energy for seemingly infinite reasons. One such representation of the number three deals with the three primary measure-marks within the phases of the moon (new, half, full).

This is a worthy point because most lunar creatures are depicted as only having three legs in Alchemical & early European esoteric art.

When we add lunar implications to the meaning of the triskelion we are dealing with:

• mystery
• feminine
• intuition
• subtleness
• subconscious
• spirituality
• illumination
• hidden desire

As you can see, the Celtic symbol meaning of the triskelion is more far reaching than just "three-legged." When we combine the variables listed here with the concept of motion and evolution and illumniation, we find that the Celtic symbol meaning of the triskelion has much broader connatations.

In short, the sum of this Celtic symbol meaning is:

• personal growth
• human development
• spiritual expansion

I hope you have enjoyed this more detailed background of the fascinating triskelion Celtic symbol meanings.

Celtic Triskelion Dark T-Shirt This spinning splash of color is a rough/primitive Celtic Spiral Triskelion symbol, complete with knotwork, in vivid green swirls for a bold effect.

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