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Seal of the 7 Archangels: divine protection Triquetra: a knot of wisdom and mystery
Celtic art, rich in symbolism and mystery, offers us a fascinating array of images and motifs, among which the Triquetra stands out for its complexity and multiple interpretations. Originally associated with Celtic culture, this geometric shape of three intertwined knots has captured the imagination of New Age enthusiasts, Christians and many others, thanks to its links with mythological figures, triple goddesses and life cycles.
In Christian triquetras, the Triquetra has religious significance, symbolizing the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. However, its Scandinavian origins and use in Germanic paganism suggest older interpretations, linked to Nordic deities and folk traditions. The symbol's appropriation even extends to fields as diverse as music, with the Led Zeppelin III album featuring a triquetra on its cover, or video games such as Assassin's Creed, where it appears as an essential artistic element.
In addition to its religious aspect, the Triquetra also embodies notions of divine femininity, echoing triple goddesses and the creative energy of nature. This association with the feminine aspect of the divine is echoed in works such as the German "Dark" series, where the symbol is worn by young girls linked to supernatural mysteries.
Throughout the ages, the Triquetra has stood the test of time, adorning objects as varied as a pendant necklace or the cover of a copy of the King James Bible. Its omnipresence in Celtic interlace panels and the Book of Kells testifies to its profound importance in Northern European culture, while its resemblance to the Valknut underlines the links between different pagan traditions.
Whether in a religious, artistic or cultural context, the Triquetra continues to exert an enduring fascination, inviting us to explore its origins, meanings and interpretations over the centuries.
The Triquetra, symbol of the Halliwell sisters in Charmed
Who hasn't been fascinated by this mythical series filled with magic, humor and heartfelt stories?
Charmed is a 178-episode American TV series that ran from 1998 to 2006.
The series tells the story of three sisters who become witches by inheriting the powers passed down from their grandmothers. Each sister possesses her own magical power, which evolves throughout her life. They live together in a manor house. United by the "Power of Three", the Charmed Ones use their supernatural powers to fight the witches, demons and other evil forces that populate the city of San Francisco, California.
If you've been following all the episodes like I have, you'll no doubt remember the mysterious symbol seen on the famous "Book of Shadows".
The Halliwell sisters possess a powerful and coveted book of witchcraft, The Book of Shadows, handed down from generation to generation. The book contains formulas, potions and information on their enemies, most of whom are demons. The book has been created in such a way that it can self-protect by moving if any demon tries to get hold of it. The Halliwell family symbol adorns the cover of the book, the triquetra, symbolizing the Power of Three.
In reality, a Book of Shadows is a collection of various magical and religious texts, inspired by Wicca and neopaganist traditions. It contains the various rituals, magical practices, ethical and philosophical laws associated with the practice of magic.
Even if you're not familiar with the Charmed series, I imagine you've already seen this symbol somewhere. It's an intriguing symbol, somehow linked to magic (but all symbols are linked to the soul that acts, magic), it calls out and leaves no one indifferent.
Magic is nothing new, but its elevated knowledge has been lost. This knowledge does not come from humans, and no man can discover and obtain it on his own. It is a knowledge that comes from the higher worlds and remains there. Some men have an idea of this magic and want more than anything to possess it, but true magic is beyond their knowledge.
So why are we so drawn to certain symbols like the Triquetra?
Perhaps because symbols unconsciously lead us back to a world that is pure and true, and through them our soul seeks a path to ascend.
So today I'd like to take you on a journey of discovery of the Triquetra, a symbol not unlike its famous cousin the Triskel, both of which are among the most representative of Celtic symbols.
What is a triquetra or trinity knot?
A triquetra is an ancient symbol composed of three superimposed and interconnected arcs, sometimes known as Vesicae Piscis, which create a three-pointed symbol.
In symbology, the word triquetra comes from the Latin tri-, "three" and quetrus, "provided with corners".
Essentially, the symbol resembles a three-cornered knot, as all the internal arcs give the impression that there is no beginning or end. The name itself translates as "three-cornered", but the meaning is much deeper, going back to pre-Celtic origins. However, the concept of three, also known as the power of three, or the Holy Trinity, which is embedded in the name, is the most important aspect of the ancient symbol.
While the symbol is called a triquetra, it is also known as the Trinity Knot, the Celtic Trinity Knot and the Holy Trinity. The meaning of the Celtic trinity knot and the meaning of the trinity knot are very different, stemming as they do from different cultural beliefs, but the concept of three is what binds the two meanings together. In some representations, the trinity knot is depicted with a circle at the center of the triquetra shape.
Some history
The triquetra has been found on Northern European runestones and ancient Germanic coins. It probably had a religious significance, linked to Germanic paganism, and bears a resemblance to the Valknut, a symbol traditionally associated with Odin (the valknut, or "knot of the occis", is a figure composed of three intertwined triangles).
The triquetra is often found in Hiberno-Saxon art, particularly in goldsmithing and illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is a manuscript illustrated with ornamental motifs created by Celtic monks around 800 A.D. Considered a masterpiece of Irish Christianity and Irish-Saxon art, it is one of the most lavishly illuminated manuscripts to survive from the Middle Ages.
The Triquetra is also found in similar ornaments on Celtic crosses and early Christian stones. The fact that the triquetra rarely appeared alone in Celtic art has led to doubts about its use as a primary religious symbol.
The symbol was later used (or taken up) by Christians as a symbol of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The Christian Triquetra is frequently accompanied by a circle that crosses the three loops, emphasizing the unity of the three elements.
And today the symbol is generally used by Wiccans to represent either the triple goddess of neopaganism, or the interconnected aspects of existence that are Spirit, Body and Soul.
Discover the meaning of the Triquetra
The Celtic Triquetra
The Celtic Triquetra, as its name suggests, is an ancient symbol that has its origins in the art and culture of the Celts, a people who once occupied much of Western Europe. This symbol, also known as the Trinity knot, is known for its three intertwined lobes which form a harmonious geometric figure.
In Celtic tradition, although it can sometimes represent the phases of the moon (thus embodying continuity and perpetuated renewal), the Triquetra notably symbolizes the eternal cycles of life, death and rebirth. It is also seen as a symbol of nature and its infinite cycles. It evokes the four elements as well as the sacred connection between man and his natural environment.
To go further, intertwined knots often represent the complexity of the universe and the interconnectedness of all its elements. It thus symbolizes notions of unity and interdependence of all things.
For some, the Triquetra represents the three aspects of the goddess (as in Wicca): the virgin, the mother and the crone. She thus embodies the different stages of life and the feminine aspects of divinity.
And finally, in addition to its natural and cyclical connotations, the Triquetra is also associated with spiritual concepts such as protection, harmony and balance. Some see it as a talisman or symbol of good fortune.
The Wiccan Triquetra
The Wiccan Triquetra, on the other hand, is a contemporary interpretation of the symbol that has its origins in the neo-pagan religion of Wicca. Although this version is based on the Celtic Triquetra, it is often used with slightly different meanings and associations.
In Wiccan practice, the Triquetra can be used as a symbol of the triple goddess, representing the phases of the moon (virgin, mother and old woman) or the three aspects of female divinity (maiden, mother and old woman). It can also symbolize the elements of nature (earth, air, fire) or the three aspects of human life (body, mind, soul).
The Triquetra in Christianity
When Christianity arrived in Ireland, most pagan traditions were modified to connect with the new monotheistic religion, and symbols such as the triquetra were reused. Irish Christians took the concept of the three interlocking forms and reused it to signify the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The endless loops themselves are said to refer to the concept of infinity, which is why the inner circle was later added to the symbol.
The triquetra has also been used to signify other things, such as:
- birth, life, death
- birth, death, rebirth
- earth, air, water
- earth, sea, sky
- past present future
- father, mother, child
Among the Celtic druids, for example, the symbol was more closely associated with the elements earth, air and water.
Today, the symbol is still used, and depending on the culture or people, all the above-mentioned meanings still ring true. However, the purpose of the triquetra is to emphasize the power of the three and the interconnectedness of all things. This concept is used in neo-pagan practices, witchcraft and Wicca to symbolize the power of combining elements and/or deities. It also anchors the practitioner to nature and the land he or she inhabits.
What's the difference between the Triskel and the Triquetra?
Both the Triskel and the Triquetra have a structure based on the number 3.
The Triquetra is similar to the Triskel, although while the Triskel symbolizes infinity within limits, the Triquetra is a more contained symbol, with its intertwining elements. It is more defensive than expansive, more protective than outward-looking. It contains all things within itself, protecting them rather than freeing them to make their own way. In the Triquetra, the center represents the heart.
Along with the point and the circle, the spiral, from which the Triskel is derived, is one of the oldest symbols of humanity. But before being a symbol, it was a reality, an impulse that led man to take refuge in the circle. The spiral quickly became the representation of the energy of the circle, in relation to the fixed point, which in many traditions symbolically became the representation of God. This is why the spiral quickly became a magical emblem, because of its energetic nature.
Life is all vibration, and can only be achieved through movement. This is why man soon discovered the polarity of spiral energy.
In the Triquetra and Triskel, the notion of energies is threefold. We have a force of involution, a force of evolution and a third force that stabilizes the other two. A bit like Yin and Yang, with the curve that separates black from white.
Aristotle said:
"Among magnitudes, one is divisible only in one direction, it is the line; the other is divisible in two, it is the surface; the other is divisible in three, it is the body. There areno other sizes than these, for three is everything and contains all possible dimensions".
The energy of 3, as channeled in the form of the Triskel and Triquetra, allows primordial energy to descend into matter, as it operates on the three levels of manifested consciousness: physical, energetic and spiritual. In other words, it's an energy that can activate anything, because it's the very principle of vital energy.
Unlike what I mentioned a moment ago, the Triquetra circle brings a more protective aspect. It's like a shield.
To take it a step further, if you look closely, the Triquetra fits into an equilateral triangle.
The triangle is the symbol of cosmic hierarchy. Wherever it is present, celestial order, harmony, balance, freedom and clarity of mind reign. You can visualize it on your forehead, or imagine the Triquetra directly, and you draw these qualities into your aura and they begin to work on you in the deep to straighten out your life.
The triangle symbol also represents the man perfectly balanced in mind, soul and body, as well as in thought, feeling and will.
When a man succeeds in harmoniously developing these 3 intelligence centers of thought, feeling and will, and unifies them, the almighty power of clear thinking and discernment emerges.
And finally, the Triquetra speaks of unity as the fundamental law of life. Behind all the forms of the organic world - plant and animal - lies the great One Life. It creates forms and expresses itself through them.
You can meditate with this symbol and let yourself be inspired by it.
While visualizing a Triquetra on your forehead, you can say the following invocation inwardly:
"Through the invincible law of the triangle, I ask that luminous, harmonious, beneficial forces pour into me, nourish the sublime that dwells within me in the hidden and develop in balance my 3 centers of thought, feeling and will in order to unify them in the presence of the clear spirit I-Am."
The Triquetra of protection
The strength of this symbol lies in the circle. And it's the circle that gives it its protective power. You may have noticed that we tend to put a circle around our symbols, especially on harmonizing discs. Apart from the purely aesthetic aspect, the circle has a real magical function.
The circle teaches us to turn inwards, to build and create a world within the world. It is an earth that brings forth another earth, another space, so that man can bring Light down upon the earth, or bring darkness to it. This circle is like a body, a house, the whole earth. It calls for meditation, prayer and reflection. It represents awakening consciousness, the whole path of Light.
Entering the circle actually means entering the great protection. Everyone awakens and becomes alive to the whole circle. Each is a point in this circle, and together we represent this circle, which is a community, a sharing, a communion, another way of being in the world. There is a space, the space of prayer, the space of protection, the space of blessing.
Why wear Triquetra jewelry (pendant or necklace)?
As mentioned above, the Triquetra is often associated with the feminine aspect of the divine and with nature. Wearing Triquetra jewelry can therefore be a way of celebrating this connection with nature and acknowledging the creative power that resides within it.
Wearing Triquetra jewelry can also be seen as a form of talisman or amulet to protect against negative energies or harmful influences.
In addition to its symbolic meanings, Triquetra is also appreciated for its artistic beauty and intricate designs. Wearing Triquetra jewelry can therefore simply be an expression of one's appreciation for Celtic art and intertwined patterns.
How to use the Triquetra?
● The Triquetra is a very effective symbol for rebalancing your energetic state.
● Placing a Triquetra under your food, drinks, seeds and food supplements helps to energize them.
● You can place your stones, minerals on this symbol to cleanse and recharge them.
● You can also hang a Triquetra on the wall to reharmonize certain rooms or protect your home.
The Triquetra tattoo: good or bad idea?
Well, I say yes! It's a symbol that's uncluttered, rather discreet but powerful at the same time. Be careful, however, to respect the perfect structure and proportions of the symbol.
How to make and draw a triquetra?
Take a ruler, a compass and a pencil. I sometimes see tutorials where you draw the symbol freehand. I wouldn't recommend it. In sacred geometry, proportions are essential!
A final word
The Triquetra is certainly one of the most beautiful symbols representing the Holy Trinity. The three equal arcs of the circle denote the equality of the three Persons of the Divinity. The lines run continuously, expressing their eternal existence. They are intertwined, expressing their unity. The center forms an equilateral triangle, itself a symbol of the Trinity. So here we have a complex expression of equality, eternity, unity and glory in what is essentially a simple form.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
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