Celtic Spiral
by: Georgia Hinton
The ancient Spiral symbol, a swirl of a coiled circle pattern, has it’s roots in a time before the written word in Celtic society.
In many of the Celtic countries (and some not so Celtic) are found these strange signs of ancient civilization. Found most often in burial mounds and sacred caves, the meaning of the symbol is mainly conjecture.
Some have likened it to the sun, as a ritual or religious symbol in a time when the ancients were still practicing paganism. During that time it was believed that all things in nature were ruled by, or were in themselves, gods - the trees, the earth, each wind (North, South, East or West) had a god who goverened it. Many believe the Spiral is the symbol for life and the life cycle. In early times the true meaning was passed down from generation to generation, and facts (the true meanings) began to fuse with legend. It has been said that the Spiral is the interpretation by the people of the time, to be the universe, it’s spinning cycles and seasons. Many believe these Spirals to hold mystical meanings and powers and that the Spiral was a blessing or a “seal” for the one who has passed, to prevent evil from entering a sacred place - such as a tomb.
The people who made up the Celtic tribes were nomadic, so many artifacts including the Spiral have been found in far reaching areas, not usually associated with the Celts.
The fluid, serene lines of the Spiral can be viewed as a gentle whirlwind pattern, or a dizzying symbol of madness and confusion. It is said, that even today, one could enter a cave with Spiral decorated walls, and if left in solitude for any length of time, will begin to go into a dream state or halucinate, and if prone to them, have epilectic seizures.
In any case, the mystery of the Spirals continues to be just that, a mystery, and although some have come to think that it has all been explained, there still are no solid conclusions and a mystery it remains.
The Celtic spiral is available in jewelry. As an amulet or just to declare your heritage, you may find them here: http://www.liafail.net