Celtic Knots
Created | Updated Mar 20, 2003
The Secrets of Life
Celtic priests in ancient days were given the secrets of the universe in visions. These secrets of life are of course quite complex indeed. To illustrate what the priests saw, never-ending interwoven knotwork, distinctly Celtic, was created. Because the Celts believed strongly in reincarnation, the knotwork they practiced and wove always came back to the same point at the beginning, no matter its intricate detail. Though there may be countless turns in a Celtic Knot, and though its lines may get interlaced with others, they always come back to start over again. One wonders: Do these beautiful pieces of Celtic artwork commonly have 42 knots?... Probably, and if anyone finds out, please let us know.
The Tree of Life
This is probably the most important of all Celtic knots, although it is not as tightly interwoven as most other knots. The Tree of Life is how the Ancients interpreted the entire cosmos(their Guide to the Galaxy, if you will...). The branches interweave with the roots of the tree, symbolizing the Celtic belief in the Continuity of Life. The trunk of the tree, and its main branchings are not symmetrically perfect, perhaps in recognition that life itself isn't perfect.
Tied up in Love
The most familar of Celtic knots is the love knot. Often a pattern of repeated hearts, it illustrates the unbreakable intertwining bonds of love between two people. It can also be represented as in the ceaseless, seamless unbroken line woven into a heart, to portray eternal love and friendship.
The proper way to bind your love forever by using a Celtic love knot is to wear one at your own heart, while giving another knot to be worn around the neck of your loved one.
If you're looking for love, it's recommended that wearing one Celtic love knot while you have another knot waiting to give as a gift to your new love will ensure that he or she will appear.
Love knots are believed to be not only a testament to the strength of romance and friendship, but also a powerful amulet that can revitalize relationships, heighten passions and attract true love.
Celtic Love Knots pledge to the wearer that "[l]ike life, friendship and love turn corners and seem to lose their way: but if it's true, will come back and continue forever."--Una O'Neill
Pentacle Knot
The pentacle is a common symbol for perfection-- a star made without ever lifting a writing instrument from paper! It possesses five angles and points, and is symmetrically perfect.
The pentacle knot is sacred to the Celtic goddess Morgan and represents man and woman, said to connet five body-mind elements together. The pentacle is also said to be a sign for life or health.
Kat Knot
The cat is usually considered feminine-- when triple felines are intertwined, the knot indicates the symbollic number three. Three to the Celts signifies life, death, and rebirth.
Raven Knot
Ravens are birds of omen. They are associated with death because they spend a good deal of time hanging around carrion. Death, however is closely linked to life, and so the bright-eyed raven is believed to be blessed with clear vision, and understands the myseteries of rebirth and healing.
