Introduction: Why the Triskele Matters
Among the most enduring and mysterious of Celtic symbols is the triskele (also called the triple spiral). Found carved into Neolithic stones and woven into Celtic art, the triskele is a spiraling emblem of movement, cycles, and transformation. It carries deep meaning as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth, and has been reinterpreted across centuries in both pagan and Christian contexts.
“The triskele does not stand still—it turns, reminding us that life is always in motion.”
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Key Takeaways About the Triskele
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The triskele is one of the oldest Celtic symbols, found at Newgrange (c. 3200 BCE).
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It symbolizes cycles of life, death, rebirth, and threefold balance.
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Associated with the triple goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone) in Celtic spirituality.
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Reinterpreted by early Christianity as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
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Still used in modern paganism, Celtic art, jewelry, and cultural identity.
Origins of the Triskele
The triskele is one of the oldest symbols in Europe, predating the Celts.
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Found at Newgrange in Ireland (c. 3200 BCE), carved into passage tomb stones.
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Adopted by the Celts as part of their sacred symbolism.
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Later adapted by Christian monks, who saw it as representing the Holy Trinity.
Its persistence across millennia shows its power as a symbol of eternity and transformation.
See also: Goddess Symbols
The Triskele in Celtic Mythology
In Celtic tradition, the triskele often symbolized threefold concepts:
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Land, Sea, and Sky – the three realms of existence.
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Birth, Death, Rebirth – the eternal cycle of life.
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Past, Present, Future – the flow of time.
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Maiden, Mother, Crone – the triple goddess archetype.
The triskele’s spirals are always in motion, emphasizing cyclical balance and renewal.
The Triskele and the Triple Goddess
The triskele is strongly associated with the triple goddess—a central figure in Celtic spirituality.
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Maiden – youth, beginnings, growth.
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Mother – fertility, creativity, nurture.
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Crone – wisdom, endings, transformation.
This cycle mirrors life, death, and rebirth, making the triskele a feminine, lunar, and cyclical symbol.
See also: The Triple Goddess
Spiritual and Symbolic Meanings
The triskele’s three spirals embody many symbolic associations:
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Balance – between mind, body, and spirit.
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Movement – energy, progress, cycles of nature.
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Unity – three elements joined in one symbol.
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Eternity – continuous spiraling with no beginning or end.
The triskele teaches that life is not linear, but a flowing, spiraling cycle.
The Triskele in Early Christianity
When Christianity spread through Celtic lands, the triskele was adopted into Christian symbolism.
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Reinterpreted as the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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Found in illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells.
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Blended pagan and Christian meaning, ensuring its survival into the medieval period.
Modern Use of the Triskele
Today, the triskele is embraced by many traditions:
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Neo-paganism and Wicca – as a goddess and cycle symbol.
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Celtic spirituality – as a symbol of nature, balance, and ancestry.
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Art and Jewelry – seen in tattoos, pendants, and Celtic designs.
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Cultural Identity – representing Celtic heritage in Ireland, Brittany, and beyond.
The triskele continues to inspire as a symbol of transformation and eternity.
The Triskele vs. Other Spirals
The triskele is often compared to:
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The Triple Spiral of Newgrange – a more ancient motif but similar in meaning.
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The Labyrinth – another symbol of journey and cycles.
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The Ouroboros – serpent eating its tail, symbolizing eternal return.
Each reflects humanity’s fascination with cycles, time, and rebirth.
See also: Mythological Symbols
FAQs About the Triskele
Is the triskele a pagan or Christian symbol?
Both. It predates Christianity but was later adopted as a symbol of the Trinity.
What does the triskele mean spiritually?
It represents cycles—birth, death, rebirth—balance, and spiritual growth.
Where is the triskele found in archaeology?
On ancient stones at Newgrange in Ireland and other Celtic sites.
Is the triskele the same as the triple spiral?
Yes, though “triple spiral” usually refers to the ancient Neolithic version at Newgrange.
Conclusion
The triskele is more than a design—it is a cosmic symbol of movement, transformation, and eternal return. From the tombs of Newgrange to the manuscripts of Christian monks and the altars of modern pagans, the triskele reminds us that life is a cycle—always moving, always renewing, always returning.
Explore more:
“The triskele is the spiral of life itself, turning endlessly through time, death, and rebirth.”
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