Welcome! In this article we are going to look at one of the most historical and enigmatic of symbols: the Celtic Cross.
In Scotland, Ireland and Wales we find these monuments, silent witnesses from the past carved in Stone.
They are not simply decorative monuments; these crosses represent much more: they are tools of faith, protection, and symbols of cultural identity. Their harmonious structure is imbued with mysticism, inviting us to reflect, to ask ourselves how and why they continue to be relevant in our society today.
Each element of the Celtic cross (the horizontal bar, the vertical bar, the circle and its ornamentation) symbolise the union between physical and spiritual nature, between the earthly and the divine.
By meditating on it we can discover the profound meaning that the Celtic cross holds; the wisdom contained in this cross can help us understand how to begin our path of self-knowledge, awaken our consciousness and achieve the re-union with our own Spiritual Being.
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE CROSS IN HISTORY
The significance of the Cross varies according to the geographical, cultural and spiritual context, as well as the time in history in which it is found.
Although it is a universal archetype, the cross was officially associated with Christianity after the Council of Nicaea (4th century).
Some crosses we can refer to as examples are:
The Swastika cross is found in the ancient cultures of India, spreading throughout the far East. The four arms are bent at right angles, symbolising forward movement of a spiritual nature, as well as prosperity and good fortune.
The Swastika with its arms bent to turn in the opposite direction is a sad reminder of events of last century in the collective memory of humanity.
The Tau cross “T” of Babylon has survived to the present day. It was associated with solar deities, life and rebirth. St. Francis of Assisi saw in it a symbol of conversion, renewal and service to others, which are the salient values of the religious Order he founded.
- The Ankh (Ansata) cross represented, for the Egyptians, the key to life, which opened the doors to eternity, the connection between the earthly and the divine and was also an amulet of protection.
- The Roman cross, with its simplicity and balance, has changed over time and different geographical areas. This sacred emblem, over and above its historical representation of the crucifixion of Jesus, of his sacrifice and death also holds a message of resurrection and redemption.* The Cross is also linked to Astrology (the cross of the Sol Invictus) and to Alchemy, the transformative work within ourselves.
SYMBOLISM OF THE CELTIC CROSS
The most common explanation regarding the Celtic cross is that when Saint Patrick (the Patron Saint of Ireland) was beginning his mission of spreading the Gospel, he combined the Christian symbol of the Cross with the circle, which was the solar symbol for the Celtic culture.
From the Gnostic perspective, the Cross itself is considered to be the union of opposites. It is the ladder that takes us from earth to heaven, from matter to spirit. The horizontal line represents the journey of life that we walk day by day; the vertical, the path pointing to heaven. The physical and the spiritual united within ourselves.
The four arms are related to the four elements (earth, water, air and fire), the four cardinal points, the four seasons (equinoxes and solstices). Nature present in the rebirth of life.
The circle or ring. Esoterically this symbolises unity and completeness: with no beginning and no end it represents eternity, the wholeness of the universe and divine perfection.
The motifs (knots, spirals, filigree) are more than decoration; they are a visual adornment and full of esoteric meaning.
The Knots: these have no beginning or end, like the infinite circle of life, death and rebirth and their connection with the universe. Love, faith, friendship and protection are all there.
The spirals represent spiritual growth and evolution, the cycle of life and death. Psychologically, the spiral can represent a journey towards the inner being, towards self-knowledge and enlightenment. Triple spirals (triskeles) are associated with the Trinity at various levels: – Body, Mind and Spirit – Past, Present and Future – Earth, Sea and Sky.
The Filigrees: emphasise the idea of complexity and beauty.
The centre of the cross is its heart. It is the point of union and balance, where the power of transformation lies. This is where our consciousness and the universal consciousness meet. The centre point represents “the path and life” that we walk every day when we start to awaken consciousness.
THE CELTIC CROSS AND INITIATIC LIFE
The cross is generally seen as a symbol of suffering and death. However, it has a yet deeper meaning: Resurrection, Redemption, Triumph.
The Celtic cross reminds us that each of us has the ability to make a radical change in our lives by eliminating everything that hinders us from advancing on our path.
Master Samael Aun Weor tells us, “Initiation is your own life, wisely lived.”
This inspiring message invites us to live our own initiation, to experience those changes that will take us to self-knowledge and the awakening of our consciousness.
In this way, the Celtic cross, like a lighthouse, guides us in this process of change and reminds us that daily effort, conscious sacrifice and willpower are essential to reach the truth.
The Celtic cross is a powerful symbol that invites us to carry out an inner transformation and a conscious change in our life, to see in every event an opportunity to achieve the victory we long for.
Triumph over ourselves is achieved when we change our way of thinking, feeling and acting.
By way of reflection
The Celtic cross comes from the past to invite us to reflect, to meditate upon each of the elements that form it.
The Celtic cross is more than a beautiful object or a religious icon. It is a symbol that has profound esoteric meaning, a legacy from the past, which accompanies us on the path of our initiation.
This symbol synthesises an inner work, where the passive and active, female and male, the feminine yoni and the masculine lingam are united. In this union, in this intersection is where the true man, the super man, is born.
To advance on the initiatic path and to achieve the union with our Being, it is fundamental that we have scientific chastity, mystical death and sacrifice for humanity; these three aspects are the foundations of the work that will lead us to spiritual advancement.
The great Masters of Humanity teach us that there is no higher religion than the truth and that only the truth will set us free.
And the Master Jesus tells us: “If you want to come after me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me”.
But what is the cross that we should we take up? And, importantly, how do we carry it?
It is important to understand that walking the initiatic path requires work, effort and dedication in order to reach the Truth that resides within us.
Are you ready to undertake this path of initiation and discover the light that resides within you? Right now is the time to start!
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