Celtic cross - meaning of the symbol, rules of use

Celtic cross - the history of the symbol

This magical symbol of the ancient Celts came into culture and fine art from the ancient Indo-European ethnic group. The pagans, the ancestors of modern Europeans, worshiped the sun. It was believed that the sun was endowed with energy that gave warmth and life. Solar (solar symbols) in the form of circles are known in many cultures. A cross inscribed in a circle is a symbol of:

harmony;
peace;
balance;
unity of masculine and feminine principles.

An ancient legend says that Christian missionaries who came to the Celts (the ancestors of modern Englishmen) to preach Christianity suggested that the pagan Celts combine their religion with Christianity so that the transition to the new faith would be as peaceful and painless as possible. For this purpose, a symbol was invented that unites pagan and Christian cultural traditions . In Ireland, the cross in a circle is also called St. Patrick's cross.

It is likely that this symbol existed among the Celts before the advent of Christianity, but was not used as an amulet. Another version says that Saint Patrick saw a stone in a pagan altar, and a circle on it, and came up with a new symbol. And finally, the latest version says that the prototype of the Celtic cross is the ankh , a sacred symbol from Ancient Egypt.

Precautionary measures

The symbol requires respect and careful handling:

an aggressive person who gets a tattoo of a Celtic cross on his head can go crazy;
If you want wisdom, you must have at least a grain of it;
dreaming of power and might, you need to be a strong and strong-willed person;
You can’t force yourself to wear the sign.

The Celtic cross itself does not contain negative energy. However, if you do not follow simple rules, the symbol will work against a person, fight his energy, deprive him of strength, endurance and sanity.

Significance in ancient and modern world

The ancient talisman was endowed with special power and symbolism. It was believed that he had power over the human soul. Among the ancient Celts, the cross signified the following phenomena:

Man's sins, placed under control (in a circle).
Four cardinal directions.
Four forces.
The outstanding virtues of the Great Mother - a goddess who among the Celts was considered the patroness of all living things.

Modern people who are interested in esotericism consider such a cross to be a symbol of power, energy, and sexual attractiveness. Crosses produced as decoration are of two types - with an elongated vertical crossbar (a symbol of the dominance of a man over a woman) and with an elongated horizontal bar - a symbol of softness, femininity, fertility and motherhood.

If we consider this sign as an amulet, it promises good luck in financial matters, brings harmony in family life, and helps to successfully overcome all difficult challenges.

Origin story

There are several versions of the appearance of the symbol:

The sign originated in the 4th century. AD after the conversion of the Celts to Christianity, is a cross included in the halo. Has a religious orientation associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Sign of the Druids. The circle is a symbol of the moon; with the addition of rays it becomes the sun; the night and day luminaries played an important role in pagan cults.
A modified pagan symbol during the transition to Christianity. The Irish Saint Patrick used ancient signs and gave them new meaning.
Symbol of the Scottish Church. The heir to the royal family, preacher and educator Columbus introduced this sign of the Christian faith.
A modified ancient Egyptian ankh (Coptic cross with a loop at the top). A symbol that combines two concepts: life and eternity.

The sign is a cross included in a halo.

Using the Celtic Cross as a Talisman

Any amulet should be treated with great awe and reverence, and the ancient Celtic symbol is no exception. In order for the talisman to really “work”, you must keep in mind the following:

Under no circumstances should you give your cross to another person or exchange such talismans with someone else; in this case, there is a high probability of “appropriating” the troubles and problems of another person, as well as someone else’s negative energy.
If the amulet is broken, you cannot throw it away; you need to put it in a secluded place.
It is advisable to wear jewelry or a tattoo with a Celtic cross so that the symbol is as hidden as possible from prying eyes.
While wearing the product, you should listen to your intuition and inner voice.

It should be borne in mind that a flag with a cross in a circle is officially banned in the Russian Federation and in some other countries due to its external resemblance to the fascist swastika.

You cannot combine the Celtic cross with other amulets or talismans, as well as with the Orthodox cross, it does not tolerate “neighbors”.

Do you already have such an amulet?

General information

The famous Celtic cross is an ancient religious symbol, an element of Welsh, Irish and Scottish culture, which has become widely known throughout the Christian world over the centuries. In the modern interpretation, it is interpreted as the ethnic heritage of the Celts and a type of Christian cross among the indigenous population of the British Isles.

During the Second World War, it was used by the leaders of the scout movement as a symbol of the youth wing of the French Legion of Veterans.

History of appearance

The Celtic cross has been used as an amulet since ancient times and combines two religions at once: Christian and Indo-European.

Although today the cross has come to symbolize Celtic Christianity, its origins are pagan. The oldest crosses found during excavations of pagan sanctuaries, enclosed in a circle, according to archaeologists, date back to 3000 BC.

It is hardly possible to restore the history of the origin of the sign, but there is a version of how the Celtic heritage became widespread as a symbol of Christianity.

According to Irish legends, Saint Patrick, the missionary who brought Christian teaching to the British Isles, used a familiar and understandable symbol - a cross enclosed in a circle - when converting pagans to the new faith.

According to another version, the missionary combined the Christian cross with the symbol of the pagan solar deity, expressed in the form of a circle. This approach allowed the new faith to spread without serious resistance from the Celts. This is probably why the Irish still sincerely revere and thank St. Patrick to this day.

Description

The graphic representation of the symbol is a cross with equal rays, with a circle inscribed or superimposed on it. The point of intersection of the rays is also the center of the circle.

Volumetric stone and metal images may have an elongated lower beam, which acts as a support for vertical installation of the cross (such crosses were often used in burial places). Elements of the symbol can be decorated with characteristic carved ornaments and Celtic patterns. Some ancient images are considered works of art.

Researchers note the external similarity of the Celtic cross with the Coptic one, which may indicate a connection between the sign and ancient Egyptian sacred symbols.

Who is this amulet suitable for and how to choose it

The Celtic cross is suitable only for those who truly believe in the magical power of the amulet and consider it a sacred sign. If you put on a talisman simply “out of curiosity,” life is unlikely to change for the better. When choosing, keep the following in mind:

Wood has the most powerful energy , so the best option is a wooden amulet.
If you want to choose metal jewelry, you should opt for copper or silver - these metals are the best conductors of positive energy.
If you make a product with your own hands, it is endowed with special power because it contains the thoughts and feelings of the creator.
You should not order jewelry from trading platforms on the Internet; there is a high probability that, having seen the amulet in reality, a person will understand that this is “not his” symbol. After all, before you buy a symbol, you should feel it - hold it in your hands, feel the outgoing energy.

You should not remove the cross at night or during water procedures. The amulet must constantly have contact with the owner. It is especially important that the amulet protects a person at night, because the dark time of day is the period when a person especially needs spiritual protection. The Celtic cross will give you a calm and peaceful sleep under the protection of the almighty sun.

You should refuse to purchase the Patrick Cross if you experience unpleasant sensations from touching it . Perhaps such a talisman does not suit the energy of the future owner or his requirements for it. The amulet is suitable for active and positive-minded people who want to find their place in life.

How to choose and wear?

When choosing a Celtic cross as a talisman, you should pay attention to the following features:

the best materials for manufacturing: copper, silver, wood;
it’s good if you have the opportunity to make a talisman yourself, its protective energy will increase significantly;
It is better to apply a graphic image of a cross on a round base;
if you don’t like the talisman, you can’t force yourself to wear it;
It is recommended to wear a Celtic amulet as a pendant on the chest;
to form a close connection at first, it is recommended to wear the amulet almost constantly;
subsequently, the talisman can be worn only if necessary, when protection from dark forces or negative influence is required;
You should treat such an amulet as an animate object when talking to it.

A talisman made from other metals (not silver or copper) will be more of a decoration than an amulet.

Tattoo - Celtic cross, meaning, how it affects a person

In tattoo parlors, those who like to decorate their own bodies are often offered to tattoo a Celtic cross as a sign that brings good luck in their career and personal life. However, in fact, the meaning of this symbol applied to the body is much broader: the circle and cross symbolize the unity of life and death. A sacred symbol applied to the body can affect a person in the following ways:

open intuition and the so-called “sixth sense”;
increase the level of intelligence;
increase the flow of sexual energy;
make you attractive to the opposite sex.

But all this is possible if a person really believes in the power of the sacred symbol and puts a cross on the body in the right place. This tattoo works best on the shoulder. In no case should the sign be applied below the waist or on the legs - in this case, the Patrick Cross is endowed with negative and destructive power . Trampling a sacred symbol can lead to serious changes in a person’s life, even illness and death.

Among neopagans and modern druids who profess the radiant Celtic religion, this symbol is given a new meaning - it denotes the infinity of the universe and boundless love for its creator.

Question to the expert

Is it possible to get such a tattoo if I am an Orthodox Christian?

Orthodox Christians and those who have been baptized are strictly prohibited from getting a tattoo, because the conflict between two powerful streams of energy emanating from the Christian and Celtic cross can lead to the destruction of personality, and a person tormented by contradictions may even go crazy.

There is an opinion that a symbol applied to the body helps to fulfill your deepest desires. This is not a random phenomenon; the harmony of the cross and the circle helps to direct external and internal energy flows into a single direction, and after that a person achieves his goal easily and unhindered. The place chosen for tattooing is of great importance:

On the back there is protection from negative energy directed at the owner.
On the chest is the desire for spiritual development and expansion of one’s own knowledge.
On the head - helps to find inner harmony.

In addition, the symbol is often placed in the hypochondrium, on the inside of the wrist, stomach and other places. The meaning of the Cross ultimately still remains the same, as a symbol of life and energy.

For a man

A tattoo for a man can be placed on the shoulder or on the rib. The basic requirements for the design are a large shape and bright color, without unnecessary decorations in the form of spirals or curls. The drawing can only be applied to adult, confident men over 18 years of age, because this sign promotes a powerful influx of sexual power.

This symbol goes well with the image of a snake (cobra), as well as with the Chinese sign “Yin and Yang”. The unity of the cross and the circle symbolizes the concentration of all spiritual and physical powers of a person in one place.

You shouldn't put this pattern on your body just to stand out. Ignorance of sacred symbolism can lead to complex spiritual contradictions. Before getting a tattoo, it is recommended to carefully consider the template, for this it is advisable to turn to the old books of the Celts. It is the ancient, and not the modern, example that carries a powerful flow of energy and helps to become familiar with the secret knowledge of our ancestors. Sometimes the Celtic cross is combined with runic writing; this is acceptable if a person knows exactly the meaning of specific runes.

Sometimes the cross is depicted as intricately intertwined branches of roses, decorated with one large flower. This design is acceptable for both men and women, but girls can make it in color, and men should choose exclusively black and white. If a person has had a difficult life, full of mistakes and trials, you can additionally depict thorns on the branches of roses.

For those who are interested in the culture and history of the Celts, in addition to the cross, other sacred symbols of this people can be applied to the body - a four-leaf clover, bird wings or an intricate ligature ornament. A wealthy man, rich spiritually and materially, can place a small diamond in the middle of the cross; the more facets the stone has, the richer the person’s inner world should be.

It is known that tattoos associated with ancient pagan symbols are popular in prisons. In this case, the cross is usually wrapped on all sides with barbed wire. It can also be depicted against the background of fire or a bonfire as a symbol of a wasted, “burnt” life or violent passions tormenting a person’s soul.

Visually, the Celtic cross vaguely resembles the Nazi symbol - the swastika. To prevent this similarity from being noticeable, both crossbars inscribed in a circle are decorated with an interweaving of wavy lines. If the tattoo is done by a man, these lines should be large; For a woman or girl, small curls are suitable.

For a woman

The ideal place to apply the symbol on a woman or young girl is the shoulder blade or forearm. If for a man the cross symbolizes spiritual and physical strength, then for a woman it takes on the exact opposite meaning:

gullibility and vulnerability;
sensitivity and subtlety of perception;
heightened intuition;
willingness to obey a man and fulfill all his desires.

The cross looks most beautiful framed by an ornament of flowers or leaves. The colors can be any, depending on individual tastes and preferences. A black and white symbol depicted against a background of colorful decor looks best.

Only women and girls who are distinguished by the purity of their souls and thoughts can wear the symbol. If a woman gets such a tattoo for selfish reasons (for example, out of a desire to get rich or get married successfully), the positive energy will be transformed into negative energy - the person will not achieve her goal and will ruin the lives of those around her.

The sacred symbol applied to a woman’s body will be smaller in size, and the lines will be thinner and more elegant. You should not put the name of a loved one next to the cross if he does not believe in the magical power of the talisman, because this can provoke a break in the relationship.

If a woman is at a crossroads, faced with a difficult life dilemma and an urgent need to make a choice, a magical symbol will help her make the right decision without changing her principles.

A tattoo in the form of a cross in a circle against the backdrop of spread wings of a bird looks impressive . This sign symbolizes the spiritual quest of a woman or girl, her desire to achieve harmony and perfection, to find happiness with a loved one, a person close in spirit.

Only those women who consider family and love a priority over their career and professional achievements can get a Celtic cross tattoo.

The sacred symbol bestows inner strength and spiritual beauty, helps prevent moral decline and maintain the purity of the soul, despite all trials.

You should not put the symbol on your body after separation from your partner or divorce, otherwise the amulet will be negatively charged. It is necessary to wait some time for the state of mind to return to normal, only after that you can decorate.

Only women with a strong character can wear such an amulet. The talisman brings beauty, youth and sex appeal.

Meaning

Since ancient times, the symbol of a cross enclosed in a circle has had a deep meaning. According to believers, it contains several meanings. Some of them originate in pagan cults, others came with Christianity.

An amulet with the image of a Celtic cross charges its owner with special power that helps in achieving goals.

Symbol

The ancient Celtic cross is a symbol of:

devices of the world and life;
connections with the other world;
wisdom, spirituality and intuition;
sun, harvest, prosperity;
unity, harmony, connection of the present with the past and future;
eternity (circle), love, sacrifice and devotion (cross);
protection of the peasant and warrior.

Mascot

The Celtic cross can become a powerful talisman and as such is capable of:

attract good luck;
protect from negative influences, dark forces and evil thoughts;
gain knowledge, give boundless wisdom and the ability to connect events of the past, present and future;
develop talent in the craft, bring the joy of self-expression and self-realization in creativity;
enhance telepathic abilities.

Prison

The cross of the ancient Celts is not a very popular element of prison tattoos. As a rule, in this subculture the symbol has the following meanings:

a prisoner with a Celtic cross tattoo committed a crime for political reasons;
life will become death anyway.

The meaning of this talisman in Rus'

The Celtic cross in Rus' was the connection between man and God. It was mainly used by priests. It was a pagan element that was actively used.

A Celtic cross amulet can protect you from trouble and give you confidence in the future. Warriors who wore this talisman could be confident in their power. This is the beginning of a strong family union, friendship and loyalty. He gave wisdom to his owner. The man made more thoughtful actions and could reasonably rely on his own strength.

Sorcerers used this protective amulet in their rituals. What does the Celtic cross mean to them? This is a combination of past, future and present. Therefore, in capable hands, he helped the sorcerer become clairvoyant. This symbol could give inspiration and protect the owner from negativity.

Note! There are about 4 official versions of the origin of the Celtic radiant cross. However, they agree on one thing. The ancestors of this symbol were the Celts long before the advent of the Christian faith.

Tattoo on the body

Many young people try to get tattoos with an unusual meaning or a beautiful design. Some people don’t even know what they want to stuff themselves with. After all, they don’t even know about the consequences that can await around every corner.

Important! The sign itself cannot bring a negative reaction. But it can’t have additional functions either. Everything will depend on the person.

The meaning of the symbol is justice. He will help a person with a kind soul and bright deeds in learning new things, giving wisdom. A person with bad intentions will get what he deserves and become unhappy.

Its location is important:

Back - will help from evil and mystical interventions.
Chest – puts the soul and heart in order. Such a person will become fair and courageous.
The head will enable a person to find his own path and gain wisdom.
The neck is the place for tattooing for creative individuals and psychics.
On the left hand or shoulder - indicates a connection with the otherworldly.
On the right hand or shoulder - it will help a traveler or archaeologist to plunge even deeper into the secrets of the universe.
Below the navel - such a tattoo does not give magical abilities.

For women

Often girls put this sign on their shoulder blade. It looks very beautiful when its edges are made in the form of branches. For the weaker half, it will bring harmony, tenderness and sophistication.

You can also use such a talisman as a pendant.

For men

Tattoos of this type are made by men who are good on their feet and know what they want from life. They support this sign with their energy, giving it their influence.

A man needs to think for himself what the tattoo should be. After all, this is for life. The imagination should suggest an approximate image of the future work. The master must apply a drawing to the body according to a sketch drawn up at home. You should focus on one culture. Tattoos with such a symbol on the legs are disrespectful of the traditions of the people.

Terms of use

The sign is suitable for men and women, because symbolizes the unification of both sexes. It should not be worn as a replacement for the Orthodox cross, but only as a decoration or amulet. It is not recommended to wear the sign to children and evil, aggressive, selfish people. The selected talisman should be worn constantly, preferably in contact with the skin.

You can hang an image of a cross at home in front of the entrance, then it will protect and protect the people living there.

How and where to wear

The symbol can be applied as a tattoo on the body or worn as jewelry (on a bracelet, ring, or pendant). You can embroider a sign on a shirt, dress, scarf, tablecloth, towel. It can be used together with other symbols, after making sure that they are combined with each other.

The Celtic cross can be worn as jewelry.

The tattoo is applied to one of the body parts:

breast - cleanses the soul of negativity;
back - protects from the evil eye and damage;
head - responsible for the correctness of the chosen path;
neck - reveals a person’s abilities and talents;
right hand - guides on the right path;
left hand - promotes communication with higher powers.

Important notes when creating and applying a sign

Be very careful about how the sign will look.
It must be absolutely symmetrical on both sides. This is the only way it will retain its magical properties. If the sides are unequal and go beyond the boundaries of the drawn circle, then it will have a different meaning. It will become a grave cross, which will indicate that its owner agrees to submit to the will of heaven and is ready to accept his death when necessary. Thus, a person will not attract quick death to himself, but will show his readiness to leave for another world as soon as possible and will renounce any spiritual experience that he may acquire during his life. Please note that the Celtic cross must be enclosed in a regular circle. It should not be depicted in the form of “Scandinavian script”. Otherwise, the sign will not carry any magical power.

The Celtic cross amulet is a powerful talisman, capable of granting its owner knowledge and protection, but, like any other amulet, it requires reverent treatment and respect. Be careful when choosing a talisman. It's best if he chooses you himself.

Tips for choosing an amulet

Before purchasing this talisman, you need to carefully study the patterns and materials that are suitable for the amulet. The best material would be wood, copper or silver. If the amulet is made from another material, then there is no power in it. It's just decoration.

You can make a talisman yourself. After all, any master who makes such objects conveys a piece of his soul. For the amulet to work for the owner, a cleansing ritual is needed. During manufacturing, the materials will absorb the energy of the owner and begin their protective work right away.

Important! When making it yourself, you need to carefully cut out all the details. There is nothing worse than an incorrectly made item. At best, it will not work, and at worst, it will cause harm.

A magic item can be either a separate item worn on the chest or serve as an additional pendant on a piece of material. The round base symbolizes the sign of the Sun and will bring additional magical properties to the amulet.

Usually talismans choose their owner themselves. If the owner doesn't like the way it looks or doesn't want to wear it, there's no need to force it. Such a thing simply cannot help. Your own aura will resist the energy of the talisman. Therefore, destructive force can undermine health.

If before wearing an amulet you need to get used to it and its power, then you should carry it with you a little. Each person is the master of his actions and decides for himself how long the talisman should protect.

It is necessary to establish a constant connection with the talisman. You should talk more and explain your desires and goals. During magical rituals, it will help to establish a strong connection with the outside world and protect against adverse consequences.

You should not re-gift your amulet or take someone else’s. It can transfer good luck to the new owner. Another side of such a gift is that you can get a part of another person’s destiny. Sometimes it doesn't work out exactly as expected.

Is it possible for Orthodox Christians to wear a Celtic cross? If you use it for good purposes, then you can. After all, its roots go to the origins of Christianity. Although there are many opinions on this matter.

How to draw a Celtic knot

To create your own Celtic pattern, practice drawing the following three shapes:

Draw a hook-like object using two curved lines.
The second object is similar to the first, but its end is slightly less curved.
The last figure represents two parallel lines.

Start drawing a Celtic pattern using these three shapes as shown in the picture. Then draw the same combination of shapes, rotating them 45° counterclockwise. Using the same angle, add this combination of shapes to the one already drawn three more times.

Now you need to draw another row of repeating combinations of three shapes, only it needs to be rotated 90° counterclockwise.

Repeat the entire pattern drawn earlier, turning it upside down to depict the lower part of the ornament. To complete your Celtic design, draw a final element down the center, consisting of two slanted parallel lines.