Description

Derived from the Greek word “Triskeles” meaning “three legs”, the Triskele or Triple Spiral is an ancient Celtic symbol. It gained popularity in its use within the Celtic culture from 500BC on. This symbol is one of the most difficult to decipher as symbolists believe it is reflective of many areas of culture from the time.

First, it can be thought to represent motion as all three arms are positioned to make it appear as if it is moving outwards from its center. Movement, or motion, is believed to signify energies, in particular within this Celtic Symbol the motion of action, cycles, progress, revolution and competition.

Secondly, and the more challenging area for symbolists, is the exact symbolic significance of the three arms of the triskele. This can differ dependent on the era, culture, mythology and history, which is why there are so many variations as to what these three extensions in the triple spiral symbol mean. Some of these connotations include: life-death-rebirth, spirit-mind-body, maiden-mother-crone, mother-father-child, past-present-future, power-intellect-love and creation-preservation-destruction to name but a few.