The Meaning Behind the Ink: Celtic Shield

A couple of folks have asked about the meanings of the tattoo on my left leg. Here is some insight into Celtic shield on the middle of my calf…  My wife and daughter often speak of me as the family protector, which brings special meaning to this symbol in my tattoo sleeve.

The shield Celtic knot is a symbol for protection. The ancient Celts used it to decorate the shields of warriors, the clothing of children, and to protect the sick.

The Meaning Behind the Ink: Celtic Knot

A couple of folks have asked about the meanings of the tattoo on my left leg. Here is some insight into Celtic knot band that caps the bottom of the sleeve.

The Celtic knot symbol, is also referred to as the mystic knot, or the endless knot. The more esoteric or spiritual meaning of this symbol eludes to beginnings and endings. In viewing these beautiful knots, we cannot see a beginning or and end, and therefore we are reminded of the timeless nature of our spirit. This translation harkens to our most primal selves as we contemplate the infinite cycles of birth and rebirth in both physical and ethereal realms. A less spiritual representation is also related to the knots endless nature. Due to it’s infinite path, the Celtic knot can represent an uninterrupted life cycle. Some may use this symbol as a charm of sorts – warding against sickness or setbacks that might interfere with an otherwise calm and stable life. In ancient times, gifts adorned with mystic knots would be given with best wishes of longevity, or luck with new endeavors.

The Meaning Behind the Ink: Celtic Triskelion

A couple of folks have asked about the meanings of the tattoo on my left leg. Here is some insight into Celtic triskelion on the calf.

In a nutshell, the triskelion Celtic symbol meaning deals with competition and man’s progress. The Greek term triskelion literally means “three-legged,” and appropriately, this sign looks very much like three legs running.

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

First Component: Motion
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 Component: Triad
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 challenging time defining the exact symbolic meaning of the three protrusions. The various representations of the three protrusions found in the triskelion include:

• Spirit, Mind, Body
• Father, Son, Holy Ghost
• Mother, Father, Child
• Past, Present, Future
• Power, Intellect, Love
• Creator, Destroyer, Sustainer

All of these (and still yet more) can be designated for each of the protrusions found in the triskelion – it is simply up to the observer to proffer up these meanings.

The combination of these two components (motion and 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).

Interesting side note… The number three is a powerful energy for seemingly infinite reasons. One such representation of 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 and early European esoteric art.

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

• mystery
• 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

- Avia Venefica

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/triskelion-celtic-symbol-meaning.html

The Meaning Behind the Ink: Celtic Cross

A couple of folks have asked about the meanings of the tattoo on my left leg. Here is some insight into Celtic Cross on the front.

Simply put, the Celtic cross symbolizes the importance of Christian faith.

If you look deeper into the Irish religion and beliefs, you will find that the Celtic cross meaning is much more than just Christianity. It is something that promises them eternity and love from God forever. Others feel that the Celtic cross meaning is more of a halo that is originating from Christ himself. Others feel that this is something representing the earth signs such as water, fire, air and earth of course.

The Meaning Behind the Ink: Celtic Dogs

A couple of folks have asked about the meanings of the tattoo on my left leg. Here is some insight into the predominant background image: the Celtic dogs. 

 

The Celts believed that dogs are healers of the soul and body. They symbolize loyalty and are considered a symbol of luck.

The companionship of dogs is renowned throughout the world. Dogs are well known as man’s best friend. As our friend, they are great healers. They give us a silent partner we can talk to… and when we need a friend that just cares … they are right there for us, ready to be petted.

Dogs are also a symbol of luck. People often get tattoos of dogs to help bring them good luck.

The domesticated Canine has played various roles in the Celtic imagination and lifestyle for over 30 centuries. Dogs can be found on many Celtic artifacts. On the Gundestrup cauldron there is a mythological scene where a dog, and other animals surround the god Cernunnos. Another example is the Gaulish diety Sirona (a healing goddess), sometimes depicted with a dog in her lap. Still another example is that the early British diety Nodons are associated with dogs. Finally bones of dogs have been found in holy wells.

With the Gaul, the aspects of healing, hunting, and death were brought into Celtic beliefs. Healing is one of the aspects, because man has long been amazed from times of old at the ability that dogs have to heal themselves with their saliva. Nehalennia (the Gaulish mother-deity) is almost alwys portrayed as being accompanied by a dog … which in this instance is suggestive of healing. As for hunting, the association exists in England, but it is more specifically named with the word “hound”.

In Celtic languages, the Celtic dog is a word that has a heroic meaning. Cúchulainn (Cú meaning “hound”, so “hound of Chulainn”), is such a heroic figure in Irish mythology. Also, Cunobelinus (a pre-Claudian leader in Britain) translates, literally to “hound of Belinus”. Although there are many references and associations to the dog in Celtic mythology, I don’t believe that there has ever been mention of a “dog” deity.

The dog’s natural ability to smell (and survive off of) carrion has given him an association with death. A notable example is the black dog of England.

Dogs also seem to be one of two favorite domestic animals of the fairies.

Source: “Oxford Dictionary of Celtic Mytholgy”, pg 144.
© Shane Clark 2008

Celtic Tattoo Pix

Spent another 2.5 hours with Michael [Black Hole Body Piercing & Tattoo] on Friday afternoon. He made good progress on the Celtic-inspired sleeve of my left leg. The calf area has been 8 hours so far with another 2-3 to go as we color in another inch or so on the top and the bottom.  Hoping it will be done in the next few weeks.

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