Celtic meaning of the five-point symbol
Five times the Celtic meaning of the five-point symbol
This page is dedicated to the Celtic meanings within the Five Doubles Symbol (symbol shown at the top). The central green circle represents the fifth element .)
The Celtic meanings surrounding the fivefold motif are fascinating and powerful in meaning.
Specifically, I am completely enchanted by the fifth element , and how it is translated by the ancient Celtic mind.
I love the idea of integration in the quintuple symbols. The idea is not exclusively Celtic. In fact, almost all cultures that have the spiritual ability to observe their world and the universe in which it revolves have five primary symbolic themes.
The first four themes are timeless and honored pillars of life found in countless cultures (including Celtic) and are fairly straightforward. These are classic structures. For instance:
Celtic Symbols Meaning : Four Aspects
- Four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
- Four directions: South, North, East, West
- Four seasons: Summer, winter, spring, autumn
What about the fifth element?
Our spiritually sagacious ancestors pressed their minds out of the rigid confinement of the “four-sided” box. They understood the concept of a more expansive essence that unifies the four common elements. That is where the fifth element makes its appearance in esoteric thought.
The following table of correspondences explores the Celtic meanings and associations of four, and how they are linked together by a fifth element. Together, the five designations create a balanced and unified power that can possibly be used by the human mind.
Taking advantage of the fivefold balance, who knows what kind of consciousness can be obtained? The Druids hinted at full enlightenment when the five aspects of nature were balanced within human understanding.
The Celtic meanings behind the five-fold concept could fill a book. The following correspondences are standard, found throughout Celtic legend, tradition, poetry, and history. Here are just a few Celtic meanings associated with the five-fold symbol.
Quintuple Symbol: Celtic Meaning of the Five Seasons
Explanation of superscript stations:
- The Danu columns are mythological references to the history of Ireland, as seen in the Book of Invasions. The children of the goddess Danu are the Tuatha De Danann , a high-minded noble race with the blood of magic and divinity running through their veins .
- Part of that magic is the tools that each of them has in their possession. These tools were also symbols of his strength and experience. These are what I call “gifts from Danu” in the table above.
- The Celtic Cup of Truth is mentioned in Celtic mythology and is repeated in its historical narrative. We see it referenced for the first time in tradition as the magic mug belonging to Manannan Mac Lir who passed it on to Cormac Mac Airt. Legends of the cup vary, including one in which the cup detects the truth of lies in the person who drinks from the cup. There are also references to the cup as the holy grail in the Arthurian assumption.
I included the Chalice of Truth in the five Celtic meanings because I appreciated the symbolism of the chalice and the act of consuming the offered perspective elixir. The point here is choice.
A note on directions: To my western mind, I wanted to attribute the cardinal directions to the four “crossed” circles, like a compass .
That is not the way of the Celts. They were an improved agricultural people that moved in a cyclical rhythm with the ebb and flow of the cycles of time. It makes sense that the top circle (number “one”) of our fivefold symbol has an eastern assignment since this indicates the sunrise in its hemisphere.
If you walk through the circles from the perspective of the sun, all other positions make sense. The Celtic time wheel diagram (below) might also add clarity.
On the subject of perspective, the fivefold Celtic symbol can be used as a mandala that broadens consciousness. You can easily slip into the circles of interconnection and find a depth of meaning that might otherwise be missed by a cursory glance. For example, by diving into the symbol, I discovered the Celtic year segments nested in the central circle (fifth element). I made this diagram to illustrate:
I invite you to explore the Celtic meanings of the five-fold symbol. Consider each scenario that I have offered in the table above. Invest more in researching these matches. Also, take the time to incorporate these associations into your daily life.
I can speak from personal experience, making simple efforts to intentionally integrate the various fivefold meanings into my daily life, tremendous wisdom follows.
Better yet, put your controlling mind on hold (what I call the “chewy mind”) and delve deep into the five folds like a mandala. Just swim in it. I’m willing to bet you will get some insightful insights when you do.
Our energetic Celtic relatives are willing to share their wisdom when we make the effort to meet them within the fifth element.
An additional note on this special Celtic symbol and the five seasons:
As shown in the table above, each season symbolizes Celtic direction, elements, and tradition. This fivefold symbol is often seen as a pentacle or pentagram. The very nature of this ancient symbol has been slandered over the centuries.
It is not demonic. Rather, it represents crucial aspects of the scaffolding that builds our entire cosmos.
Read more: The Magic of Celtic Symbols
