Arguably, most early Celtic symbols could also be referred to as “Druid symbols“ In this section, however, we will describe those most commonly associated with the various branches of modern Druidry. These can be divided into two main areas: ancient Celtic symbols associated with Druids, and recently created emblems of modern Druid organizations. Some of the more well known symbols associated with Druidry include:
The Wreath and Staves, or Druidic sigil:
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The so-called Druid sigil is the identifying symbol of one of the earliest Druid reconstruction organizations, Reformed Druids of North America. It is strictly a modern symbol, having no root in historic Druidry. It originated in the sixties, but the inspiration behind the design is unknown- the most likely origin is from heraldic designs, which often featured wreaths of oak leaves. The Awen, or ‘rays,’ is a glyph with three vertical lines or rays of light converging at the top:
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The Awen is a not genuine symbol of ancient Druidry, but associated with several modern groups. The word Awen in the Gaelic language means means “inspiration,” or “essence,” and refers to to poetic inspiration (traditional) or spiritual illumination (modern). The three parts of the Awen symbol represent the harmony of opposites- the left and right rays symbolizing female and male energy; the center bar their harmonious balance (somewhat akin to the Taoist yin-yang symbol). The symbol is referred to as the “Bardic symbol” in Charlotte Guest’s translation of the Mabinogion, a collection of traditional Welsh Arthurian tales, where it is said to represent the entirety of the Celtic Ogham alphabet as discovered by the Welsh hero Menw.
In reality, the emblem was probably conceived by the eighteenth century poet Iolo Morganwg, and reproduced in his book of purported Druidic philosophy, which was later discovered to be spurious. An actual, recognizable symbol in ancient Druidry was the Sun wheel, or Wheel of Taranis, a Celtic sun/thunder God.
The sun wheel has six or eight spokes, patterned after the wheel of a wagon:
The wheel is identical to other solar wheels and represents the solar calendar, with points marking the position of the sun at the equinoxes and Solstices. The solar cross and Celtic cross motifs are derived from this symbol. The most recognizable symbol of modern Druidry is the Tree of Life, with branches and roots entwined. It is a motif common in Celtic art from pagan times, and adopted as well for Christian use, often identical with the biblical tree of life:
The world tree, like its Norse counterpart, represents man- the branches symbolize the cosmos, the roots the underworld, the tree their union in mankind. The Tree of Life is depicted in various ways, but most often as symmetrical vines emanating from a pot, or as a tall pillar of entwined branches. You can read more about the Celtic Tree, or about the Universal Tree of Life.
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I am trying to find out the significance of this symbol found on a grave stone in a Druid cemetery. Darn it won’t let me paste it here. One looks like an Urn with a robe draped over one side. Another has and upside down looking celtic vessel with what looks like a flame out the top. Wish I could send it to you.
Where might I go to find out what it means?
Thanks for any help.
RAe
im tryin to figure out wut this one symbol means
it appeared to me in a dream and i have been lookng for the symbol since
http://www.castastone.com/Cast-a-Stone_files/witchsrunes_files/witchmoonstone.JPG
its the yellow mooonstone on the top that looks similar to a hook
it would help bunches
<3Sara
Hi Sarah-It’s an alchemical sigil. Depending on context, it could be soapstone, calcinate, or even lapis. It’s also similar to older emblems for Saturn or Ceres.
It’s interesting that Sara posted that image. I’ve been trying to discern a symbol that is in the palm of my hand. It’s not part of the normal lines that appear on one’s palm, but it looks more like a faint indentation. Kind of hard to explain, but it’s in my palm. The symbol that it most closely looks like in Sara’s picture is the moonstone that looks like the letter “y”.
I found a site regarding symbols a while back and contacted the owner of that site, which included my best description at the time:
“I don’t know what this symbol is or means, or if it is anything at all. It is near the center of my palm in my right hand. It looks like the letter ‘y’ but turned on its side, towards the right. Basically, the top, open part of the ‘y’ is turned to the right side, so that the opening looks like it is facing “3 o’clock” if you were to imagine a clock’s face. I could also say that it looks slightly like a ‘pitchfork’, but without the middle “fork” pole.”
She stated that she had meditated on my question about this symbol and had this to say:
“Hello Greye,
Thank you for sharing this with me.
My first response when i read the description you gave and looked at the image of a similar symbol was ‘key’.
To me, the symbol looks like a ‘key’ or similar.
I also think the way it branches out from the one straight line is signifigant- moving in two opposite directions.
My thoughts would be that you have struggled at times with finding balance in different aspects of your life.
I did a brief meditation of the symbol and was told
‘ the symbol is one to represent those who have chosen to carry the knowledge from the lost world forward into this. this was a task given to only most senior of druids, who together formed a group of advanced spiritual souls who had one way or the other worked out how to take certain memories with us after death. ‘
My feelings are that this pertains to the Atlantian/ Lemurian societies- maybe even YS.
I know this sounds way out but you asked ! lol
You are being guided very strongly to follow your instinct and reawaken a dormant power that lies with in you.
Do you do healing or psychic work?
If not i truly beleive a reiki attuement would be of benefit to help clear the palm chakras.
Try meditating on the symbol and see if you gain any clarity that way.
One thing for sure, you are special and different to many- in your whole lifetime you may never encounter another one like you, another part of ‘your group’-those senior druids would have be scattered through time and incarnations to keep the knowledge ’secret’- this may explain alot of restlessness you feel- the ’something out there’ idea.”
The funny thing is, I came across another individual with a similar looking symbol, which has the same faint indentation, but it’s near his mouth. I don’t know him personally and have attempted to reach out to him, but he has refused to answer my inquiries. You can see this video at: http://www.casttv.com/video/06s6o71/postsecret-video
If you’re interested in seeing this, I can take a picture of my palm to try and highlight symbol. Maybe this is really nothing at all, but every day, I’m piqued by it. I also have very strange, but strong dreams sometimes. Often times like I am away from myself, but cognizant of being asleep and knowing that I am dreaming. This but another site that I have come across with the hope of finding some answers…
i was wondering if i could email a picture of a symbol? i got as a gift years ago and i think i know what it means but i’m unsure. i have searched the net…no joy
No problem- just send it to jennifer@symboldictionary.net and I’ll have a look.
hello i stumbled across this this by accident and after going over the majority of the material i found myself intrigued. i am currently in iraq with a lot of time on my hands and little to do. i am a glyph geek , symbol chaser, and a million other names for but most of all i am an encryption nut. love to find written languages no matter how obscure and ble nd them into my own unique codes. i have only been able to find about 23 languages with which to play with off the top of my head i can think of theban, pheonician, and binary code. i would love to get my hands and brain on some more anything and e very thing that can be broken down into singgle alpebetic symbols so that no word would be entirely from one language. if you can give me any other good sites it would be greatly appreciated and sorry for the web page novel, i just really love this stuff. my wife says that i am obsessed lol
I’ll see what I can do.