Symbolic Meanings of The Celtic Knots

The knot work design found in jewelry is inspired by experiences with cultures rooted in spiritual mystery. Knot designs are actually depicted throughout the world. Some found in eastern Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. In Western culture, there is a long and venerable tradition of artists that have been inspired to use the knot work design. We are most familiar with knots left by the "Celts," a name given by the Romans to a groups of independent tribes on the throughout current day Europe.

Some Celts were sophisticated metal and stone artisans who used the knot work as a form of sacred expression. A few of these were later preserved by the highly embellished, illuminated manuscripts, the most famous being the Book of Kells which somehow survived the Vikings. It was created in the 9th century at a monastery off the Scottish coast, and depicts wonderfully imaginative images of humans and animals embellished with knot work motifs, linking medieval Christianity with ancient Druidic culture.

Celtic design was also particularly popular in the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael studied and depicted knots in their work. In modern times, some of Picasso's early art is highly influenced by knot work. And there has always been a group of metal and visual artists that have kept the Celtic fires burning by using the knot work patterns in jewelry and other design.

Some information about the meaning of these knots has been passed down through ancient manuscripts, oral history and archeological conjecture. For example, the small triangular design is said to represent the three stages of the feminine: the maiden, mother and crone or it may illustrate any aspect of the trinity, the One becoming Three. Circular knots concern relationships, while square knots have to do with structure and foundations. However, no one can say for absolute certainty what the knots mean because they point to something more profound than what language can express.

It's practically impossible to find Celtic rings at local jewelry stores, and having them custom made can be cost prohibitive. The best place to search may be on the internet.

Celtic Arches - This design shows two interwoven lives, definite and creative. The strands of the knot arches up to the heavens and down to the earth, gathering energy and inspiration from both. The individuals have broad sweeps, and strong expression, as the patterns shows. Like ocean waves, cresting before they meet; then gathering up from above and below to do it again. There is an element of joy in this process, and surrender to the mystery of life.

Celtic Diamond - This design, with its great arc that touch its borders like infinite waves, symbolizes the sweeping joy and beauty of partnership. Each gathers their own power through individual experience and brings it back together in a deep, meaningful, and ever accessible commitment. The diamond knot work shows clear communication and balance, with crossings which are meaningful, coherent, fulfilling, and connected to Spirit.

Celtic Hearts - This contemporary design is centered around the image of the interwoven hearts, the weaving of two loves, becoming one. We notice that the strands, like two lovers, intersect in a form suggesting the heart. In any relationship that involves the sacred, within ourselves, or with others, are we not a weave of unique experiences? This design shows two hearts coming together as one and as such, it's a sweet, romantic motif. Another interesting feature of this design is a sweeping arc which comes to a point above the heart. This reminds us of waves, for as the mystics remind us, when the heart is full of love, it feels vast, like the ocean.

Celtic Hunt - This design features an ancient depiction of a horse – a horse that flows through waves of clouds and wind, like a mythical force. This design anchors the ancient connection to the spirit of animals and the wild, and all that flows with it. The horse has a strong heart, great power and stamina, gentleness, grace, and when needed, fierceness. Horses represent the vitality of the hunt, abundance, and the blessings of nature. Those attracted to this deign have deep passion, and respect and love for the power and grace of nature.

Celtic Link - This design has a feeling of harmonious ease and gentle flow, even within the context of strongly independent lovers. The elongated diamond shapes pointing upward, toward the heavens, symbolize experiences we have had that connect us to spirit. The linking knot pattern weaves the individuality together, creating an overall sense of ease even with diversity of experience. It's about building and integrating with one another's core strengths, making a beautiful synergy from each individual's hard won lessons and unique gifts.

Cheek to Cheek - This design shows an interlacing pattern, symbolizing the weaving of one's experiences with another. The circle's opening shows a willingness to welcome what life brings, and ability to roll with it and integrate it into a larger, cohesive partnership. We call the design Cheek to Cheek, because the ring seems to embody metaphorically the notion of intimacy, and deep sharing.

Claddagh - The claddagh design represents the joining of two hearts. Those attracted to this motif exalt in the ways of the heart, the emotions, the passions, the warmth and radiance of joining two to become one. The partnership is based on sharing and delighting in the small tasks day to day that make life worth living. Simply speaking, the connection is about love. This is a traditional design that was first conceived about three hundred years ago.

Galway Bay - Our lives are composed of a tapestry of experiences. Each day, we add another thread in the fabric that makes us who we are. Relationships weave two souls together with the intention of creating a more beautiful, rich textile. Here, two trinity motifs, representing the past, present and future or the earth, heavens and underworld, open up to join and create a new pattern. This design represents a complex relationship that is creative, intricate and subtle. Yet there is great harmony, as shown by the central motif and a connection to spirit.

Guardian - The dragon in this design, flowing in waves of wind and clouds, is an ancient symbol representing the power of earth energy on the rise. Those who are attracted to this design are not afraid of catharsis and transformation. Since all wealth comes from the earth, dragons manifest and guard prosperity and abundance. They find nurturance in caves, the womb of the earth, and in rain filled sky. The dragon is a talisman for power and passion: they breath fire. Dragons are also associated with fertility, the energy of spring, the movement of clouds across the sky, the thunder and fire.

Heart Strings - This is a design for those who love the romantic, ancient symbol of the heart. The heart has always been symbolic of love, and this ring shows hearts that are distinct, yet connected within a single circle. The line which joins heart to heart is sweeping and graceful, like a great wave. The cohesive design illustrates flow and movement in a circle of love and acceptance.

Infinity - Each one of us contains the whole, the infinite and each one of us is good and beautiful in our Divine individuality. What makes us who we are, in our core, is unique. The infinity knot series represents the individual in all his or her wholeness, with an element of complexity, welcoming the powerful thread of another, into the core. The intention of joining is shown in the knot work by the sweeping arc, that comes from each complex individual knot, sweeping away like a wave in the ocean, to connect with the next. The popular infinity knot is about the integration of two while maintaining individual identity and purpose.

Labyrinth - This is perhaps the most intricate of all the design knots, so it is appropriately called the Labyrinth. Those who are drawn to this design have a love of complexity or mystery. If you look closely, there is hidden intention in the twists and turns of the individuals who join together in this pattern. Circles, which symbolize balance in relationship, become growth spirals. These are transformed into triangles, shooting upward and downward, into the heavens and into the earth. There is creative ebb and flow. In ancient times labyrinths were created, and people walked them in order to find direction in their live's – an attempt to locate the center of the labyrinth, which is metaphorical of one's own inner and mysterious center.

Lattice - This design speaks of a relationship which values growth and change, and is open to the guidance of powers greater than oneself. The image of a diamond, symbolizing spirit, merges with a variation of the infinity sign. From one perspective, the design is about the infinite spirit. In the center of these two motifs, the knots cross: two strongly independent lives, intersecting, weaving infinite spirit together.

Love Knot - The Celtic love knot is inspired by lemniscates, the sacred symbol of the infinite. It is also a variation of the heart shape, which symbolizes universal love. This is a knot which has energy and complexity, and a sense of harmony as well. If we look at the two strands as separate individuals, it shows two lovers intersecting, gathering power from each other, which is then taken out independently into the world, before coming back and meeting again. The design could be understood as the power of infinite love joining.

Sonoma Hills - This highly contemporary design is suggestive of the fertility of nature, shown in the movement of roots and branches weaving into the earth and up toward the sky. While most Celtic knotwork is highly structured and formal, this design shows the influence of the natural world which underlies many Celtic patterns. Those who are attracted to this ring have a deep resonance with nature and respect for the web of life.

Trinity Knot - The trinity knot is a triangular shape formed from the intersecting lines of three circles, or three spheres. This motif is one of the classic Celtic knotwork patterns. It expresses the mystery and connectivity of primary forces or spheres of life including – past, present and future; earth, heaven and underworld; body, mind and spirit; and man, woman and child. A balanced triangle is the strongest geometric form and the symmetrical lines of this design suggest harmonious and balanced flow between the three aspects.