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motifs of Celtic Art, found both on Northumbrian and Celtic crosses and on illuminated manuscripts, Portrayed as the Golden Bough, vine, or mistletoe.

The ancient Celts envisioned the cosmos in form of a great tree. The roots were deep in the earth and branches stretched to the heavens. The Celtic Tree of Life is the symbol of balance between these worlds; the unification of above and below; a symbol of Balance and Harmony. It's branches and roots form a map of the cosmos wherein all things are interwoven and connected. Many Celtic Tree of Life designs emerge from a pot. This pot symbolizes the Earth Mother from which all life springs.

Birds of Rhiannon

The Welsh Goddess Rhiannon was accompanied by magical birds whose enchanted songs could awaken the dead and lull the living to sleep.

The Horse - Sovereignty, Guidance

The horse was reverred by the Celts for its speed and sexual vigour. Epona and Macha are Celtic horse goddesses who watch over the land, protecting its abundance and insuring a good harvest. As protectors of nature, they both grant sovereignty over the land and are the goddesses of the stable. As goddesses of maternity, prophecy, and prosperity, they guide and protect mortals on their journeys through life.

Serpent - Earth Healer

Symbols of healing and wisdom, serpents live within the depths of the Earth Mother and have mastery of all her secret knowledge and vital forces. Both Brigantia and Stroni, Celtic goddesses of healing, use the serpent's mystical powers to work their cures. Because of their wave-like movements, serpents are also assoc-iated with healing waters and sacred wells, sources of the regenerative healing powers from within the earth, and thus are protectors of health and well-being. Coming from inside the Earth, the serpent was believed to be all knowing of the world's secrets and having divine wisdom. The ram-headed serpent is named Cerrunos, who is lord of the underworld, and king of all animals. Cerrunos is the symbol of strength and virility.

Birds - Spirits of Prophecy

Birds play a prominent role in Celtic myth and legend. As symbols of freedom and transcedence, they represent the human soul in flight, liberated from earthly ties, able to soar in spiritual communication with the heavens. Returning to earth, they bring messages of prophecy and guidance, aiding mortals on their spiritual and earthly journeys.

The Bull

Represnted divine power and strength. For the Druids it was a symbol for the sun and the procreativity associated with its forces.

Dogs or Hounds

Often seen with various gods & goddesses, the hounds may be a domestic guardian as well as a source of healing power.

The Labyrinth

Dates back to prehistoric time, and to many anceint cultures, and even in some today, is perceived as sacred space. It was part of many cultures including Celtic, Mayan, Greek, Cretan, and Native American.

Labyrinths are different from mazes in that they have one well-defined path that leads us into the center and back out again unlike a maze which may have many paths that are meant to confuse any who enter it.

These are really spirals in straight lines. When connectied, they become a processional path, leading through a complex maze to the sacred omphalos (the navel) at the center - the point where Heaven and Earth are joined.

Learn more about this author, Tiffany Steele.
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