Justbec
Warrior
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Registered: 06-2006
Location: Paradise Lost
Posts: 9063
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Celtic Symbolism
Celtic Symbolism
The Celts use of spirals and knotwork in their art and religion is a significant part of their heritage. These designs were developed from nature. Spirals unfold clockwise from their counterclockwise source and represent the inner and outer evolution of the spirit. The dark into light, winter into summer, the contraction and expansion of the sun. This polarity also formed the basis of the Celtic religion.
Knotwork is another significant aspect of Celtic art and religion. These knots are generally endless and signify the binding of the soul to the world and the spiritual progress of humanity through endless lives in search of the divine source, the sacred center.
The Celts believed in the "oneness" of nature and that nature had the ability to transform itself on all levels of existence. The shapes of their zoomorphic designs signified this belief and also their understanding of the seasonal and evolutionary changes of all creatures. Within their art:
the fish symbolized clairvoyance,
the serpent was divine wisdom,
the hare was good fortune,
the birds were spirits of prophesy,
the horse represented sovereignty,
the dragon was a guardian spirit.
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11/3/2009, 12:06 pm
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Catcherlady
LIR
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Registered: 06-2006
Location: At the ship's wheel
Posts: 9961
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I love Celtic knotwork, but let me tell you...it's a ***** to try and embroider! I've nearly gone blind trying to do some of those designs.  
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11/3/2009, 1:42 pm
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