Celtic: The Celtic Cross

The History Of The Celtic Cross One of the most common images that comes to mind when someone mentions the Celts is the Celtic Cross. But many also associate this widely used symbol with the Christians, as a representation of the crucifix and more often than not, as a monument for the dead. But the history of the Celtic Cross is a good deal older than it's common Christian influenced.   The earliest known images of the cross within a circle are neither Christian nor Celtic. The oldest examples of the "Celtic" cross are those engraved or painted on flat pebbles, dating from 10,000 BC and found in a cave in the French Pyrenees. These "ancestor stones" were believed to contain the spirits of the dead.   In Scotland, The stones at Callanish are laid in the shape of a Celtic cross. Callanish also predates Christ.   Throughout the Irish country side, cross circles are found laid out on the ground, not as monuments. Through oral traditions, legend and lore, many scholars believe these circles were gathering places for spiritual worship. Even the artifacts found engraved in walls or on stones, maintain each 'leg' of the cross in equal size.   The extended lower leg is believed to be an addition from Christian influences. Evolving the Celtic Cross into the Christian crucifix to honor Jesus. This view of the cross has become known as the 'High Cross'. The 7th century saw the first introduction of the 'High Cross', similar in intent to the old inscribed stones, but these were different in origin and craftsmanship. The cross-shaft found in a churchyard at Bewcastle on the Cumberland Fells is cited as the first known example of the 'High Cross', and is believed to be the original stone of this whole series. The two striking differences between this type of memorial and the earlier sort in the west are that they are the product of Christianity as re-introduced by Augustine among the Angles and Saxons and not of the Celtic Church, and that they are the work of highly trained craftsmen. Who these craftsmen were and in what country they learned their art is quite unknown. The mystery is heightened by the fact that these crosses are confined with one exception to the Northern area, and are not known elsewhere. From this churchyard, they spread to the whole of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Although many artifacts in Irish history have been lost to conquest, destruction, and weather, nowhere else is the high cross seen in such magnificence. The principal examples are at Monasterboice and Kells. In Wales, development was also late. Here crosses were made elaborate, but were never of first-rate craftsmanship. In the North, the principal example is the Maen Achwyfan at Whitford (in Flintshire) which is preserved by the Office of Works.

The Symbology Of The Celtic Cross For the pagan practioner, the original form of the Celtic Cross is of the most interest. Through oral tradition and archeological evidence we know the ancient Celts used the circle and cross for spiritual rituals and ceremonies.   Each leg of the cross represents both directional points, as well as, elemental ordinals. The circle represents both the circle of life, the cycle of the seasons and the endless path of knowledge.   Cross Points: The key to this symbolic table is to remember the cross was primarily found laying flat on the ground. The points or legs of the cross laid out in the cardinal directions.   Each point of the cross signifies, the direction, an element and a cycle of time. Both for the day (midnight, sunrise, noon and sunset), the year (winter, spring, summer and fall), the elements (air, earth, water and fire), the 4 parts of man (soul, body, heart and mind), the cycle of life (death, fertility, union, birth). Some scholars place a Celtic God at each point as well. But this is not widely accepted. This view of the cross and it's components are based on the Druidic view of the 5 Elements. North Point - Calas - represents midnight, Samhain (November 1st), death, Daghdha and the earth East Point - Fluidity - represents sunrise, Imbolg (February 1st), fertility, body, Brid and water South Point - Breath - represents noon, Bealtaine (May 1st), union, heart, Bel and air West Point - Uvel - represents sunset, Lughnasadh (August 1st), birth, mind, Lugh and fire Center Point - Nwyvre - represents the soul, the Divine Spirit   This interpretation is attractive because of the prominence of time cycles and solar symbols in Celtic mythology. Furthermore, the Celtic cross and its associated art works seem to relate to the sun or to solar symbols.   Circle / Wheel: The circle or wheel has it's own significance as well. The Celts understood the cycle of time and life upon the world. Starting in the North, an early Celt would walk onto the circle and travel around it's rim. Passing through each point to experience that element of the wheel of life.   Center Circle: The center circle isn't to be forgotten either. It has a significant place upon the cross as well. Representing the 5th element, the divine Great Spirit. Often associated with Arianrhod, the stellar goddess. Her name has several meanings through the various Celtic languages; 'Queen of the Wheel', 'Silver Wheel' or 'High fruitful mother'.

The Spirituality Of The Celtic Cross For the pagan practioner of today, the cross can still be a magnificent tool for ritual and ceremony. It can be laid out either inside or outside for your ritual gatherings using the symbolic elements described above.   Once created, you can enter the circle from the north and walk along the circle, in meditation of your life, your spirit, whatever evolutionary element you wish to examine and learn from.   For group gatherings, it can be used to honor a particular God/Goddess, or Sabbat. Or you can enter the cross, sit in the center and contemplate the cosmos and your significance place within it.   The Celtic Cross can be seen as just another example of the Sacred Circle, with an emphasis on Celtic philosophy. How ever you chose to relate the cross to your practice, it is an ancient symbol worthy of reverence and respect.

Sources: 1, o11, o12, c1, c4, c5, c6, c7, c19