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Among many mythologies the dove
appears as a feminine symbol of soul, wisdom, re-birth and harmony. In the
ancient world, the concept of harmony was close to healing. Images of
doves were offered to the curative spirits presiding over shrines. Like
ravens, doves were perceived as oracular birds, perhaps due to their
distinctive call. In classical Iconography and mythology, doves were the
attribute of Venus, goddess of love. Both the dove and olive branch
originally meant "the peace of the goddess". "Peace on earth" is written
within the circle of this design in some of the living languages of the
Celtic nations; Tangnefedd ar y ddaear (Welsh), Shee er y talloo ( Manx),
Re bo cres yn nor (Cornish), Air talamh sith (Scottish), Peoc'h war ar bed
(Breton) and Siochain ar talamh (Irish). |
The "Tree of Life" is an esoteric
philosophy common to many cultures and mythologies. The ancients
envisioned the entire cosmos in the form of a tree whose roots grow deep
in the ground with its branches reaching high into the heavens. Within
Celtic tradition, the Great Oak tree is most revered. The Druids are said
to have worshipped and held their teaching centers amongst the ancient
groves. The words for wood and wisdom are similar in Welsh, gwydd and
gwyddon. Also known as the World Tree, the primal Mother Tree was regarded
as all nourishing, all giving, involved in the creation of the universe
and the origin of the first man and woman. In the border motif of this
design, the pot represents the earth womb, the grail, the Cauldron of
Regeneration in Celtic mythology. The interfacing branches symbolize a
Celtic belief in the Continuity of Life. |
The pentacle or pentagram is sacred
to the Celtic Goddess Morgan. In her honor, the solar hero Gawain carried
a pentacle on his blood-red shield. Upright pentacles and pentagrams are
among the most widely used religious symbols recognized by many cultures
and religions of the world. The magical weaving of an unbroken line was
believed to form gateless protection. The five pointed star represents the
sign of man/woman, connecting the five elements, air, fire, water, earth
and spirit. When an apple is cut through, both halves will reveal a
near perfect pentacle pattern at the core, with each point of the star
containing a seed. This natural symbol gives deep significance to the
Fruit of Life and Knowledge. The mystical Isle of Avalon is from a Celtic
word meaning apple, and the apple tree is a Celtic Tree of Life. |