Celtic cross: meaning and roots of symbolism. Celtic Cross - Meaning Denotes Celtic Cross

The Celtic cross is the most popular symbol of Celtic culture. Many people choose tattoos with the image of this cross.

Often, the described products have a Celtic ornament. The symbol has equal rays and is enclosed in a circle.

There is no exact answer to the question of the time of origin of the Celtic cross, but there are many theories. The most common are 4 theories of origin.

According to the first version, Christian missionaries noticed the Celtic symbol and gave it their own meaning, since it fit well into their religion.

Thus, they did not break the pagan way of life of the Celts. From that time on, this symbol began to be called the Celtic cross.

The second version says that the symbol was familiar to the Celts, but at the same time, they did not attach any ritual significance to it.

According to the third version, in Ireland, before the arrival of missionaries, the sign of the Celtic cross did not exist at all. According to this theory, St. Patrick discovered a pagan sanctuary and saw that there was a circle depicted on the stone. He drew a cross on it, combining ancient symbols.

That is why you can hear that many call the symbol the cross of St. Patrick. This story most often comes to mind when this symbol is mentioned.

A common theory is that the Celtic cross was an image that appeared thanks to the Coptic cross, which takes its origin from the Ankh (Egyptian symbol). This version is quite plausible, since when studying the graphic designs of these symbols, the similarity is noticeable.

To summarize, it can be argued that the cross in a circle was known to the Celts even before the Christians came.

Meaning of the Celtic Cross Symbol

Until the 18th century, the cross was a symbol that united 4 elements. But, after the arrival of Christian missionaries, the meaning changed.

It was taken as the basis for a new symbol, which signified the transition from paganism to Christianity. Some scientists believe that the cross appeared precisely during this period and did not exist before. There is also an opinion that the circle is a symbol of the pagan lunar goddess.

Tarot cards can also be laid out in the Celtic Cross position. In this layout, the map speaks about different aspects of a person’s life, depending on where it is located.

For example, you can pay attention to the element located on the left. This card allows you to learn about a person’s past.

An equal-angled cross with a circle is now perceived rather as a symbol of certain political views and does not carry a sacred meaning. It is worth noting that in the mid-19th century there was a surge in the popularity of the symbol and Irish crosses were used as tombstones.

For many people, the Celtic cross, for many centuries, has been a symbol of Christianity and is not associated with paganism.

The meaning of the Celtic cross as a talisman

The Celtic cross, whose meaning can be interpreted in different ways, is often used as a talisman.

It is believed that a talisman in the form of a Celtic cross helps solve the problems of the person who wears it. When it is said that it helps to make the right decision, it means that when making a difficult choice, it is easier for a person to decide on a specific option. That is why it was believed that this symbol gives wisdom to the person who wears it.

According to another opinion, this talisman helps a person find his purpose in life and do everything he has in mind.

In addition, many people wear an amulet in the form of a Celtic cross in order to find a loved one. In this case, the amulet acts like a magnet and helps attract a certain person to the owner. It is believed that after the wedding, the talisman helps preserve the feelings of people in marriage.

Also, a talisman, according to some beliefs, is necessary in order to protect against harm. This means that all the evil that is directed towards the person who has the amulet will not be able to harm him.

At the same time, it helps protect against the evil eye and damage. That is why warriors wore such amulets, believing that they could protect against death.

Some people wear the Celtic cross because they believe it attracts good luck. At the same time, they believe that it also affects people who are nearby in various situations in the same way.

When choosing a specific talisman, it is worth considering what symbols are depicted on it. The Celts decorated crosses with geometric figures, each of which depicted a specific god.

Rules for choosing and wearing an amulet

The amulet is made only from wood, silver or copper. Other materials and other materials are not suitable, as talismans made from them will not have magical powers.

That is why, before choosing a symbol, it is important to know what material the amulet is made of and what symbols are printed on it.

If you choose other metals for the amulet, it will not have the described properties.

Celtic cross tattoos

Tattoos that depict pagan symbols and talismans are becoming increasingly popular. That is why many people choose the Celtic cross as a tattoo.

People who believe in the power of this symbol argue that such tattoos must be applied carefully, since the image can also carry negative energy.

It is believed that a tattoo depicting the cross of St. Columbus does not carry negative energy.

The part of the body on which the image is applied also matters:

• a tattoo with a Celtic cross on the chest is created to cleanse a person’s soul from negative energy;
• if the image is applied to the back, it symbolizes protection from damage and any similar influences;
• a tattoo on the head helps to understand one’s own path, but it is important to take into account that such a tattoo should not be worn on the head by people with an unstable psyche, especially when the person is hot-tempered;
• a tattoo on the neck helps to discover the talent of clairvoyance, intuition also develops and other talents are discovered;
• a tattoo on the right hand is applied by people who want to understand their purpose; the image also helps open the path to true knowledge;
• a tattoo below waist level is applied only to decorate the body;

If the image is applied to the left hand, it is considered to be a source of energy. At the same time, a tattoo helps to strengthen connections with other worlds. That is why it is chosen by people who are in any way connected with magic.

Features of choosing a Celtic cross tattoo for a guy and a girl

Typically, a tattoo with the image of a Celtic cross is chosen by accomplished men who give it a special meaning and believe in its power. That is why, before applying a tattoo, you should take into account important notes about what the symbol should be.

On girls, an ornate pattern or a floral pattern in the form of a cross looks good. This image will mean not only true faith, but also tenderness and sophistication.

Prison meaning of the Celtic cross

The Celtic cross is often used by nationalists and skinheads, and in prisons such a symbol represents a life that will ultimately end in violent death.

Thus, this tattoo is used by people who live, aware that they are constantly in danger.

Despite its ancient roots, the image can be interpreted in different ways, but in places of detention its meaning is not one of the most pleasant.

Negative meanings of tattoos

As already mentioned, the symbol can be applied with a negative meaning. But this happens when it is used by people in a certain field of activity.

Examples include members of nationalist organizations and criminals.

But, if the image is chosen for good purposes and is chosen correctly, it brings the owner only what he desires.

It is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, however, its meaning is hidden in the darkness of ignorance. From time to time, restless seekers of truth try to clarify this mystical issue. We will try to summarize their findings.

What is a Celtic cross

The Celtic cross is a circle and a cross combined at a central point, the four rays of which extend slightly beyond the edge of the circle.

Thus, a researcher of ancient architecture, Crichton Edward McGregor Miller, a bright mind, suggested that the “Celtic cross” only lacks a plumb line to serve as a universal measuring instrument for design.

With its help, Miller argues, it is possible to carry out mathematical calculations, conduct astronomical observations and geodetic work. Similar devices are found in the burial chambers of pharaohs, placed there so that the pharaoh could use them to navigate the afterlife. Crichton Miller presented all his evidence in a book called “The Golden Thread of Times.”

It is foolish, however, to assume that the Celts erected monuments to the measuring device everywhere. It is the modern crushing humanity that can only worship the tools of labor of the ancient masters, because they have nothing to dream about creating something as grand and perfect as the structures of antiquity.

No, The “Celtic cross” is a sacred symbol and, like most such symbols, has a cosmological and philosophical meaning.

Symbolism of the "Celtic Cross"

Astronomical interpretation of the Celtic cross

The four rays of the cross are the points of the equinoxes and solstices, the four “corners of the sky” through which the Sun passes in its movement.

From December 22 to 25, the Sun stops its visible movement to the south and “freezes” in the area of ​​the Southern Cross constellation for three days. Metaphorically, we can say that it dies on the cross and is resurrected, and in accordance with this, the cross is a symbol of dying, resurrection, reincarnation and eternal life. The basis of the pagan worldview is trust in the process of life and the processes in nature. Everything that happens in it is timely, inevitable and correct. And this flawless perfection is mesmerizing. And the solar cross, as a symbol of this cyclicity, is always and everywhere appropriate.

Not only the Celts - all ancient peoples were sensitive to religious rites and holidays - participating in them meant becoming part of the mysteries of transformations in nature.

The meaning of the Celtic cross in magic

By performing magical rituals, the magician becomes like a demiurge. Therefore, in the design of probably all altars in the world without exception, there is the idea of ​​a microcosm - a reduced model of the universe. The altar is oriented according to the cardinal points, sometimes taking into account the constellations. On its four sides there are objects symbolizing the elements associated with them. Thus, it is believed that the West belongs to Water, therefore a bowl of water is placed at the western edge of the altar. The south is associated with Fire, and therefore a candle is lit from the south side. The East represents Air, so an incense burner with incense sticks or a feather is placed on the eastern side of the altar. The North represents the Earth; on the altar it is represented by a handful of earth (or ice in northern magic). The center of the altar is the intersection of elemental energies - the place of creation, where the magician, having secured the blessing of the gods, performs his rituals.

From the specific design of the altars we can conclude that solar cross (aka Celtic) is also a symbol of the union of the celestial circle and the quadrangular earth oriented to the cardinal points. In the Chinese religious and philosophical tradition, the sky is round, the earth is square, and from their interaction all the “ten thousand things” are born.

In the northern magical tradition, the Earth (Mitgard, the World of People, the World of Incarnation) lies at the crossroads of eight Other Worlds. And where, under the mutual influence of these Worlds, everything that exists is born, lives and dies. This idea is reflected in the structure of the world tree Yggdrasil.

In the European occult tradition, the cross is considered a symbol of the interaction of heaven and earth, man and woman, the four elements, and the focus of the intersection of vertical and horizontal beams is a new birth. It is no coincidence that Celtic, Tuareg, Rosicrucian, Coptic, and Egyptian crosses are so similar. The symbolism of the cross is everywhere associated with a spiritual quest for the sake of knowing the secrets and achieving immortality - “The Search for the Holy Grail”.

Celtic cross as a strong defense

Those familiar with northern magic know about the twelve-pointed cross called “agishjalm” - “helmet of horror.” In appearance, it is a cross, at each end divided into three rays. His image was applied to shields and helmets for protective purposes. In the northern tradition, combat magic was widely used: in those days, a rare military conflict was accomplished without witchcraft. The “Helmet of Horror” protected against magical attacks.

Of course, this cross was not considered Celtic, but with the Celts everything was absolutely the same. Saint Patrick, preparing for battle with the pagans, came up with a prayer known as the “Breastplate of Saint Patrick”: “... God, protect us from the magic of women, warriors and blacksmiths...”. Therefore, all crosses, among other things, are understood as a talisman against magical attacks and evil spirits.

History of the Celtic Cross

Today it is known that the oldest “Celtic crosses” are located in Ireland and are about 12 thousand years old. Many others found in Europe, Asia and America are at least 5 thousand.

Ancient crosses were flat and undecorated. The Picts, having settled in Ireland, brought the tradition of stone carving. They decorated the Celtic cross with ornate patterns.

The version with an elongated lower ray appeared thanks to St. Columbus, the first Christian missionary of Irish origin, who founded a Christian community on the island of Iona (Hebrides) in 563 AD. Saint Patrick appreciated the PR move that helps “sell” an alien creed to the Celtic pagans. Promoting Christianity on the Emerald Isle, he argued that there was almost no difference between the Christian and the Celtic cross. With this compromise, between the 7th and 12th centuries AD, Patrick and his followers covered all of Ireland, Britain and some lands beyond their borders with their crosses. Since then, crosses have been decorated not only with patterns, but also with Christian symbols, such as fish and chrism.

Chrisma is a monogram of the name of Christ, which consists of two initial Greek letters of the name (Greek ΧΡΙΣΤΌΣ) - Χ (chi) and Ρ (rho), crossed with each other

Celtic cross today - tattoos, subcultures and neo-paganism

Nowadays, the Celtic cross has found a new life thanks to the subculture and tattoo parlors, which are working for an ever-increasing demand. Nowadays Crosses are in the TOP of the most popular motives for tattoos.

Tolkienists And adherents wear the Celtic cross in the form of pendants, embroidery and body designs to maintain a connection with the ancient pagan source from which they draw inspiration.

We can say that in their case, the Solar Cross most fully plays out the theme of resurrection and eternal life: “The sun of paganism, the Celtic sun was long considered dead, but the time has come and it has risen.”

The second subculture that has appropriated the image of the Celtic cross is the skinheads from the White Power organization. But their posturing has nothing to do with the symbolism of the solar cross: spiritual quest, immortality, secret sciences and combat magic.

Goths, “children of cemeteries,” wear Celtic crosses mixed with Egyptian ankhs. The reason for this was the tradition of Irish emigrants in the mid-19th century to decorate the graves of deceased relatives with the cross of St. Columb/Patrick. It soon became mainstream in countries where there were many immigrants from Ireland: the USA, Australia, New Zealand. American Goths, wandering around cemeteries, decided that the Celtic cross fit organically into their image.

Thanks to Western horror films and pictures, in the post-Soviet space there was a tendency to associate the Celtic cross with cemeteries and “devilry”.

The most wonderful thing about the story of the Celtic Cross is that, as its symbolism suggests, it has been reborn in the spirit of the New Time and will light the path of the children of the new era.

The Celtic cross is a quite popular symbol and probably known to everyone. However, it is not as popular in tattoo culture as it might seem. The art of tattooing continues to actively develop, and with the advent of new styles, interest in the old ones is gradually weakening. Well, this only benefits those who are looking for a truly original image.

Today we will talk about the origins of this symbol, explain the meaning of the Celtic cross tattoo, and talk about some unconventional subjects and styles of work.

History of the symbol

Legend has it that the Celtic cross as we know it today first appeared in Ireland thanks to St. Patrick, who preached Christianity in these parts. He tried to explain that his faith was not so fundamentally different from the original faith of the Irish, that the fundamental principle was the same for all religions. He enclosed the cross - a symbol of Christianity - in, a symbol of the sun. All ancient beliefs prescribed to honor the solar deities, praising them for the warmth and light, thanks to which life on earth exists, so such a symbol contributed to the conversion of more Irish people to Christianity.

The prototype of the Celtic cross was the solar cross, images of which were found in Europe and Asia and date back to the Bronze Age. Now the attitude towards this symbol is ambiguous. The reason for this was the use of the solar cross as the emblem of the Nazi Party of Norway, which was later adopted by neo-Nazi and racist movements. So such a bright symbol became associated with intolerance and cruelty. By the way, the same fate befell the swastika, which initially carried an exclusively positive meaning.

What is the meaning behind the image of the Celtic cross?

So, what does a Celtic cross tattoo mean in terms of modern tattoo art?

Like any solar symbol, the Celtic cross speaks of the cyclicality and infinity of life on earth, the rebirth and rebirth of the human soul. Based on this ancient interpretation, we can say that a person wearing a Celtic cross tattoo on his arm sees its meaning in constant spiritual growth, gaining new experience, self-knowledge and self-improvement.

If we talk about the Christian aspect of this sign, then it indicates unshakable faith.

The Celtic cross is a fusion of two different worldview concepts that complement each other. It is also believed that the four sides of the cross are a symbolic image of the unity of the four elements that form the world around us, or a designation of the four cardinal directions.

A tattoo depicting a Celtic cross speaks of a person’s desire to deeply understand his own nature and the world around him, the desire to comprehend the secrets of existence, and to have knowledge of the essence of things.

Styles and subjects

Of course, when it comes to the most suitable style for depicting this ancient symbol, the imagination immediately draws.

With the help of such drawings, the ancient Celts tried to symbolically convey the beauty of the surrounding world. The ornament was applied not only to clothing, household items, weapons and walls of homes, but also to one’s own body. Even then, the art of tattooing was known to people and revered. Works in the Celtic style are not so common now, so creating a unique image will not be so difficult.

If you like a more original and unconventional approach, consider the concept of a do-it-yourself sketch. It also involves the use of an ornament, but it is depicted using dots applied at different intervals.

Ideal places for a Celtic cross tattoo are the shoulder, forearm, thigh and shin. If you are planning a very large work, then it is best to choose the back as a canvas.

By looking through photos of Celtic cross tattoos, you can get a lot of interesting ideas for your own sketch. Most often, there are realistic images that imitate stone bas-relief, armor, decorated with a Celtic cross and traditional ornaments. The cross is also decorated with wings. By the way, the number of clover leaves can radically change the meaning of a tattoo: a four-leaf clover is considered a talisman that brings good luck in all endeavors, and a three-leaf clover is a symbol of the Christian faith (there is a belief about how St. Patrick explained the principle of the trinity to the Irish using the example of a clover with three leaves).

The Celtic cross also became an integral part of the Gothic subculture of the end of the last century. You can often find gloomy monochrome images of a Celtic cross with a tombstone, crows, and trees with flying leaves.

The Celtic cross is a sacred cross that has pagan roots. It looks like this: identical rays enclosed in a circle, which symbolize the combination of the sun, air and water. According to one legend, this symbol means the sun, connecting Christianity and paganism. The power of this sign was used in the manufacture of various amulets, as well as for fortune telling and rituals.

What does the Celtic Cross mean?

This symbol is also called the Cross of St. Columbus. There is still debate about the origin of the Celtic cross, and there are several different versions. According to one of them, it first appeared in Ireland, where it began to be used everywhere. Initially, crosses were used to indicate the boundaries of holy places: churches, monasteries, etc. It was not until the mid-19th century that the Irish diaspora, spread throughout the world, began to use the Celtic cross at burials to indicate the origin of the deceased. There is another popular legend that associates this symbol with St. Patrick. Many believe that the cross combines the power of the moon with the Christian faith.

In the meaning of the Celtic cross symbol, patterns are of great importance. Masters depicted various animals and birds. Also in the Celtic tradition, a variety of geometric shapes were used to depict the gods. In general, this people have long been famous for their craftsmen. The crosses were decorated with original carvings, which not only decorated them, but also gave them strength.

The meaning of the Celtic cross amulet

This symbol is universal, so anyone can use it. The amulet can be made of silver or gold, it all depends solely on individual preferences. The Celtic cross helps in solving many personal problems. With its help you can find a way out of difficult situations. A talisman in the form of a Celtic cross should be chosen by people who want to find their soulmate, as it will act like a magnet. The amulet has the unique ability to change negative to positive. It also attracts good luck, not only to its owner, but also to the people around him. Witches and magicians used the Celtic cross made of silver to perform various rituals and to prepare potions.

Celtic Cross Tarot Divination Meaning

Ancient fortune telling has become popular due to its versatility, since interpretations help to find answers to questions and also get advice on how to get out of different situations. The layout provides sufficiently broad information that allows you to adjust your own actions to achieve your goal. To find out the truth, it is necessary not only to lay out the cards correctly, but also to open them in a certain sequence.

First, for fortune-telling, mix the cards thoroughly and lay them out as shown in the picture. To find out the meaning of the Celtic Cross layout, you need to open the cards in a certain order. First turn over card number 5, which tells about the past. Then card number 9, meaning prospects and fears. The next step is card No. 1 and 2. Thanks to this, you can get an answer to your question and learn about the present. In order to find out the true thoughts about what is happening, it is worth turning over card No. 3. Card number 4 is important because it allows you to look into the subconscious. If the meaning of this card is negative, then this will transfer to the entire layout. The time has come for card No. 7, which will show the true attitude to the current situation. Thanks to card No. 8, you can learn about external factors that are of great importance in life. Cards No. 6 and 10 will tell about the future.

The Cross of St. Columb or the Celtic cross is depicted as an equal-beam cross with a circle located at the top. The history of the appearance of this symbol goes back to pre-Christian times. Although today most researchers assume that it is a symbol of early Celtic Christianity.
Celtic cross denotes the unity of air and earth, water and sun, which is why it is often called"Solar cross".

The history of the Celtic cross

This sign was first depicted in Ireland around 7 century and for many centuries, with the help of monks, they were actively installed throughout the country. About sixty have survived to this day. Celtic crosses, which to this day are considered a symbol of Christianity in Ireland.
Now it is no longer possible to say with complete certainty when the Celtic cross actually appeared. After all, archaeologists often find similar crosses in their excavations; some of the finds are estimated to be older than 5000 years.

Such crosses were used to mark the boundaries of the property of a monastery, cathedral or church. There is an opinion that such crosses were used as tombstones, but this is erroneous.
However, from the middle 19 19th century, the Irish who moved to foreign lands began to use Celtic crosses as a burial place, thus expressing pride in their people and showing everyone their origin. From that time on, the name appeared Celtic cross or " Irish cross", as it is often called, since these crosses were the main part of Celtic art.

In our time, the mystery of origin Celtic cross very ambiguous and hidden in the fog of the unknown. It is shrouded in many rumors and legends about the true meaning of this symbol. Now this sign is a lost ethnic heritage of Scottish, Irish and Welsh culture.

Although the Celtic cross is very closely intertwined with the Christian religion, many researchers claim that it is a real pagan symbol dating back to the dawn of time.
This is quite simple to explain, because when Saint Patrick decided to replace all pagan temples in Ireland with Christian temples; he decides to use symbols familiar to every Irish citizen, slightly changing their interpretation. Christian cross with the sign of the moon in the form of a circle, which symbolizes eternal life.