The religion of the ancient Celts began thousands of years ago. Respect for traditions, the close connection between man and nature, belief in the supernatural influence of natural elements on the soul and body are its main postulates. Wearing amulets and amulets is one of the features of Celtic culture. These people believed that water, air, earth and fire have a unique effect - they support in difficult times, protect from evil forces, clear the mind, and give new abilities. The sacred meaning of many surviving Celtic amulets and jewelry has still not been fully explored, and that makes it even more interesting.
The place of amulets and charms in the life of the Celts
A lot of historical information has been preserved in which the Celts are described as invincible and brave warriors who enjoyed the benefits of magic. Representatives of this people believed that:
- magic and reality are dimensions that are incomprehensibly intertwined;
- every living creature in the world is endowed with a soul and the ability to magic;
- life is endless.
To draw strength from the magical dimension, priests (druids) performed special rituals, and then made amulets and amulets. The Celts believed that these talismans contained pure magic, so they carried them with them.
Where to buy and order?
There are many sites and resources on the Internet that offer to buy Celtic amulets, and the price range is very wide. Unfortunately, not all sites offer high-quality talismans; most of them act more as decorations than real amulets. We have selected for you a list of sites that you can trust as they offer quality products. Remember that if you really want some kind of effect, it is better to pay more for a quality item than less for a fake.
- "Arts and crafts fair". Website address: livemaster.ru.
- Ethnic store "Gangotri". Website address: gangotri.ru.
- Creative workshop “Real and Nav”. Website address: yavinav.ru.
- Online store "Magic of the Elements". Website address: magazin-magii.ru.
We hope that you were able to understand what Celtic talismans are, learned about their origin, properties and method of use now. You have received enough theoretical material to try to make a Celtic amulet with your own hands. If you want to order a quality product made by a master, you will have reliable sites and online stores at hand that will help you quickly resolve this issue. The most important thing is to always approach the matter consciously; only from your personal experience can you understand which talismans and amulets are suitable for you and which are not.
Classification of Celtic amulets
Representatives of this ancient civilization were confident that all living things have a supernatural origin, magical powers and otherworldly abilities that need to be understood and correctly revealed. For this purpose, talismans began to be created - various amulets, jewelry and amulets.
Only Druids had the right to perform rituals and make amulets. They could be both men and women who devoted 20 years to the study of science and magic. It is the Druids who are considered the creators of most of the famous amulets: Celtic knots, crosses and signs of the elements.
Celtic knots
The basis of many amulets are knots of special shapes and sizes. Each of them has its own meaning:
- circle – circle of life;
- square – protection of the bearer’s soul from negativity;
- spiral – self-development and cyclicality;
- trivetra – fertility, rebirth of nature;
- trixel – absolute harmony, time control.
The destroyed node deserves special attention. The asymmetrical pattern symbolizes the uncontrolled interweaving of the elements. Such Celtic signs could only be worn by high priests.
The protective abilities of the amulet directly depend on the length of the thread, the number of elements and knots.
Celtic crosses
The most famous Celtic symbol is the cross. It has been found since Neolithic times and is distributed throughout modern Europe. The exact meaning of the cross is unknown, but a plausible version is considered to be the embodiment of spirituality, abundance and fertility.
Externally, it is a circle that encloses 4 elements, seasons and cardinal directions intersecting at a single point. The frame symbolizes the interconnection and cyclical nature of the Universe. The Celtic cross gives the wearer protection and magical knowledge, so it should be treated with respect.
Elemental signs
Many Celtic amulets were worn to obtain the powers of one of the elements:
- Fire. Beneficial energy that was directed to protect people from troubles and heal diseases.
- Earth. Symbolizes the feminine principle: care, warmth, maternal love. Earth patterns are meant to provide wealth and fertility.
- Air. Energy of spirituality. The main symbol is the dove. He acts as a harbinger of the wind, higher powers and peace.
- Water. Patronizes men, the most powerful force. Water amulets give strength, wisdom, and good luck. The most famous symbols are the Gotland serpent and the Red dragon.
There are also amulets containing the powers of several elements.
Amulets of the four elements
The beliefs of the Celts are based on the spiritualization of the world and giving each individual object character and characteristics. This trait can be seen quite strongly in the connection between man and the natural elements.
Each element, in accordance with the beliefs of the Celts, had its own soul and individual traits that could be useful for people. Naturally, a way was needed to transfer them, these characteristics, to a person, endowing him with strength and power. Celtic amulets became such a tool.
Amulets are clearly divided into four elements:
Amulet of water
The main qualities of water amulets are perseverance, strength and speed. As a rule, such amulets were used by warriors.
The most common amulet of the water element was the dragon, which accompanied warriors on their campaigns and promised good luck in battle.
Amulet of Air
The air amulet was associated with intangible spiritual values. Also, these objects were used in the love sphere and to protect a person from various influences.
The most common amulets of the air element were figurines of various birds. It is believed that the pair of doves, which became a symbol of the newlyweds, came from Celtic culture.
Amulet of Fire
Naturally, Celtic fire amulets were associated with the sacred status of fire and helped protect a person, home, family, and people. Circles and rings were considered amulets of fire - and this is Brigida's ring, Brigida's bracelet, and so on.
As a rule, they were kept in the house to protect the person and his entire family. They could be placed on the arms of small children, since children were considered most susceptible to negative influences.
Amulet of the Earth
Earth amulets were considered feminine and were associated with fertility and protection of the fair half of humanity. The most common item of this element is the trefoil.
This magical object was usually made of durable metal and promised a person good luck in all endeavors. A found four-leaf clover, which was a symbol of prosperity, was also considered a good magical companion.
The meaning of each amulet was individual and, depending on belonging to a certain element, certain people were supposed to wear this amulet.
Images of animals and birds
In Celtic culture, a special place was given to all representatives of the fauna. According to their ideas, every living creature has a magical origin and unique powers. Jewelry depicting animals and birds should give the wearer similar abilities.
So, the horse symbolizes fertility. This amulet is suitable for gardeners, farmers and women who cannot get pregnant. The snake helps to heal the body and soul, the dog helps to cope with any difficulties, the deer helps to gain wealth, and the fish helps to become wiser and smarter. Birds among the Celts are guides to other dimensions, personifying freedom.
Making a talisman with Celtic patterns
Special prints were always selected for amulets, some of them symbolized the future of a person and his destiny. Celtic symbols and their meanings in talismans speak of the wandering of people in search of truth and self-knowledge, and the marked labyrinth calls for good luck to them.
Personal amulets with the tree of life were specially made for important events. And birds in amulets were used as a sign of freedom, liberation of the human soul from connections with earthly problems. They were used to communicate with the other world, in fortune telling and dream interpretation.
Universal amulets
The ancient people also had “universal” amulets, the meaning of which was determined by the combination of patterns and ornaments used. Such talismans can:
- protect and empower;
- attract good luck;
- give inner harmony;
- draw support from higher powers.
Traditionally, Celtic crosses in all their variety of designs are considered “universal” amulets. But each such amulet is unique and carries a special sacred meaning. Therefore, you should not use the first talisman you come across. Before purchasing and wearing any Celtic jewelry, it is worth carefully studying the meaning of each individual element of the image.
Historical Origins of Celtic Pattern
Ancient Celtic symbols look like mysterious weaves; in ancient times they were believed to have mystical powers. With the help of drawings, the ancient Celts emphasized their faith, worldview, and traditions.
The basis of Celtic ornaments and patterns is weaving; representatives of the Celtic people believed that witchcraft is weaving.
The cyclical nature of what is happening is reflected by the unique curves of the lines, and the interweavings indicate strong connections with the world. Rarely does anyone think about the meaning of the Celtic ornament, although a lot of meaning is invested in it.
The drawings are made up of one line - the thread of life. Ancient legends say that changing patterns can result in the wrath of the gods and lead to constant failures due to the curse of the Higher Powers.
Triquetr Asatru
How to choose?
In order for Celtic patterns to act for the benefit of the wearer, and for the amulets to cope with their purpose, you need to pay attention to several points. Material is the main one. Talismans made of wood have positive energy, and those made of metal (copper or silver) have a strong sensitivity to magical power. It is also worth thinking about the shape of the amulet. The greatest effect is achievable only if worn constantly, so it is better to give preference to traditional Celtic jewelry - pendants, rings, bracelets.
Types of patterns and meaning
Symbols were drawn on walls, embossed on stones, and embroidered on clothes. Celtic design refers to common concepts, not forgetting money, love, prosperity and power.
Experts identify several types of symbols presented below.
Nodes
Plexus comes in the form of:
- triquetra - refers to widespread and frequently encountered symbolism, it indicates masculine energy, constant movement and development, the integrity of all things, the active creation of the world;
- labyrinth is an important sign, the road towards the central part communicates spiritual concentration, the interconnection of all existing things in the Universe, continuity;
- spirals or trixels - the personification of the elements speaks of the balance between earth, water, air, and symbolizes the spiritual growth of people.
Celtic signs and their main meaning are hidden in separate knots created from a single thread. A continuous line intertwines into complex shapes and indicates a person's life path.
Tree of Life
Birds with animals
Celtic symbols are represented by:
- tree of life - the sacred tree indicates the connection and strong union of heaven and earth;
- trefoil - a sign of good luck, location, the union of fire, heaven and earth in the form of a clover leaf;
- birds - strength of spirit, free from earthly connections, means direct contact with divine forces through messengers;
- snakes - a symbol of wisdom, protection of health, symbolizes rebirth and healing, used to replenish lost energy;
- dragon - a protective spirit that guards transitions to other worlds and protects the Earth and people from enemy forces.
Before searching for a suitable type, it is necessary to study Celtic patterns and their basic meaning (like those of the Zodiac signs), so as not to harm yourself and loved ones.
Runes
The Celts believed that every person is born to go through a certain Path, which is a unique interweaving of events and destinies. Celtic labyrinths are symbolic maps of life's paths.
The signs form Futhark, a rune system whose name is given by the first letters of six runes. They are used in the alphabet; a total of 24 values are used, completely describing the universe. With the help of Celtic symbolism, various life situations are indicated.
Images of runes are used to create amulets and talismans. With them, a person receives material benefits, love and prosperity, improves health and is protected from hostile forces.
Zoomorphic ornament
How to find out the meaning of a particular symbol?
Any symbol is a schematically condensed meaning, reflecting a certain model, order, abstract law of existence. Therefore, the symbol can be expanded to reveal these meanings; you just need to have a key to it.
The key could be:
- received in the form of information (knowledge) - from books, from teachers, from the information field;
- or the key may already be inside the person - and you simply pull out from your sleeping memory the knowledge stored in it (which was received in past incarnations, from genetic memory, etc.). This is akin to intuition or straight-knowledge.
As the author of this article, I admit that I use both methods - “sitting on two chairs.”
DIY Tips
Some items are difficult to make at home.
But there are several options for amulets that even a beginner can make with their own hands:
- Celtic knot . It is made using a lace made of natural material. Tie a loop on one side of the rope and pass the other end through it, creating a heart shape. Then pass the same end into the edges of the hearts one by one and repeat the same on the other side. Draw the free edge of the cord along the contour, passing it through the loops and hide it on the back side.
- Celtic cross . Wood, copper, and silver can be used to create. At the first stage, select the size and make the workpiece. Draw a silhouette of a cross with a circle on it. Next, using a tool, the choice of which depends on the material used, cut out a cross and align the edges. Apply patterns and eliminate roughness. If the item is made of wood, varnish it.
You can use a cord to make a Celtic knot.
More complex amulets can be purchased in specialized brick-and-mortar and online stores, and antique shops.
The cost of the item does not affect its magical properties.
Weaving according to ancient patterns
Today, more and more people are interested in weaving protective knots. What are they needed for? A knot consisting of a continuous loop is a talisman against dark forces, as well as spirits that are trying to sneak out from the other world. An ancient powerful amulet can help preserve love, protect from misfortunes, unpleasant events, and difficulties. It helps to overcome obstacles and cope with illness. Helps enhance the best qualities of their owner.
When creating a knot amulet, program it to help yourself, put a piece of your heart into it. It cannot be given as a gift, only inherited.
See how to make a weave - “Celtic love knot”.
A love knot is an amulet to which people have trusted their most secret feelings for many centuries. It has no ends, which is considered the best amulet of love and fidelity of two lovers.
How to tie love knots? When starting to weave this amulet, remember that the exchange of these gizmos is equivalent to the exchange of wedding rings.
This weaving can be taught to children. A child can weave friendship bracelets from regular floss, while adults can use more durable materials, even leather.
Look at the photo, which shows bead weaving in detail.
You can make a magic knot according to the following scheme:
Common patterns for girls
Popular among animals are those that bring prosperity and the protection of the Higher Goddesses and the Moon:
1Hares are a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the birth of healthy offspring.
2 Pisces - reflect the connection with secret knowledge, deep wisdom, intuition.
3Dolphins are conductors of higher cosmic energy.
4 Horses - freedom-loving, wild, unbridled disposition, beauty and grace.
5 Lionesses - endow the bearer with powerful feminine energies to protect her family and loved ones.
Lion with patterns
Symbols of love, fidelity and hope in tattoos are in great demand among women.
Girls tattoo a bracelet with Celtic motifs on their wrists, arms, and legs. This reflects their courage of character and unconventional view of the world. Complex continuous weaving indicates eternal love or loyalty to life principles.
A heart woven into ornaments is a sign of faith and devotion, the unification of two halves in love. Especially popular are images of keys with hearts in the center. This speaks of the girl’s rich inner world, which can only be approached after a long time.
A tattoo depicting a Celtic clover has become widespread among women. They hope to use it to attract good luck and prosperity into their lives. Each of the petals is responsible for its own sphere of life success:
- Love;
- wealth;
- health;
- universal respect.
What does the secret meaning of the Triquetra symbol indicate?
In the modern world, the interpretation of the sign is strikingly different from the original one. Several centuries ago, the triquetra was widely used by the Celts, Vikings, English, and Germans. There is evidence that the Slavs did not ignore this symbol. Ancient artifacts haunt scientists today.
They cannot agree on a common opinion and disputes continue between them regarding the meaning of the triquetra. This sign appeared on various objects of world cultures. Norway's coins, minted during the Yngling dynasty, featured the triquetra.
In the 10th century, symbols began to be used in Rus'. The sign ran across clothing in the form of an ornament; it was applied to jewelry and household utensils. For Russian people, it was a sign of family ties, marriage, and protection of the home from evil forces. It is clear that the triquetra was created by ancient people, with thoughts about something global, about the universe. It has not yet been possible to reveal its original meaning.
Triquetra is an ancient sacred sign of Central and Northern Europe.
But for the ancient Scandinavians, this sign personified the triad and was closely associated with the god of thunder and lightning (Thor). There is another interpretation of this sign. It is also called the Triquetra knot.
When did Celtic art begin?
The most ancient examples of Celtic arts and crafts can be seen on various household items, jewelry and metal products, and weapons. They are decorated with a variety of geometric, plant and animal patterns.
Today it is generally accepted that the beginning of the Celtic artistic style dates back to around 800 AD. e., when the monks created an Anglo-Irish richly illustrated manuscript known as the Book of Kells. Thanks to this and other similar books, we can learn about the history and culture of this people, since the Celts themselves did not leave behind any written evidence.
