The three pointed star, commonly known as a triskele or triskelion, is an ancient spiritual symbol that has held mystical meaning across different cultures and faiths for thousands of years. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: the three pointed star generally represents unity, the holy trinity, eternity, cyclical movement, or feminine divine triplicate goddesses.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, mythology, and spiritual wisdom behind the mystical three pointed star symbol. We’ll uncover the multitude of meanings it has held in Celtic, Norse, Sicilian, pre-Columbian Mesoamerican, Hindu, and Neopagan witchcraft traditions.
From unity to eternity, mother goddesses to the holy trinity, we’ll illuminate what this magical triple spiral has represented to faiths and cultures across time and place.
History and Origins of the Triskele/Triskelion Symbol
Earliest symbolic representations
The triple spiral motif, commonly referred to as the triskele or triskelion, has existed as a symbolic design element for thousands of years across numerous ancient cultures, including pre-Celtic and early Celtic tribal art in Europe.
Some of the earliest artistic examples of the triskele symbol have been found at megalithic tombs along the Boyne River valley in Ireland, which date back to the Neolithic period between 3200 BC and 1800 BC.
These triple spiral stone carvings are believed to have held spiritual meaning about life, death, and rebirth.
Prominent use in Celtic culture and iconography
The triskele went on to become one of the most prominent design elements in Celtic art and iconography used by tribes throughout Scotland, Ireland, Britain, and across continental Europe. Celtic art flourished during the European Iron Age between about 500 BC and 100 AD.
The symbol appears on many early Celtic coins, ornaments, relics, weapons, and manuscript illuminations from this era. Celtic artisans and craftworkers incorporated the triskele motif into metalwork, stone carvings, and textiles found across the Celtic world at that time.
Appearance in Sicilian mythology and imagery
In ancient Sicilian mythology, the triskele symbol represented the three bendings of the legs of the nation’s patron goddess during childbirth. It was traditionally used to invoke the protection of the mother goddess and came to be considered a powerful talisman.
The symbol also appears on early Greek colonial coins minted in Sicily during the 6th and 5th centuries BC.
Meanings in Norse and Viking legends
Triskeles discovered across Scandinavia and northern Europe are also believed to have held significant meaning for Viking and proto-Norse cultures during the early medieval period. According to Norse legends, a powerful triple-horned drinking vessel named Odhroerir played a pivotal role in the creation story of Kvasir, the Mead of Poetry.
Thus, the triple spiral triskele came to symbolize wisdom, inspiration, rebirth, and the cycles of life in Norse mythology.
Significance in Hinduism and Buddhism
In ancient Indian history, the triple spiral motif symbolized prehistoric and later Vedic spiritual concepts linking earth, atmosphere, and sky as well as body, mind and spirit. It also represented major Hindu trinities including those of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as creator, preserver and destroyer respectively.
The Buddhist triskele meanwhile stood for joy, compassion and moderation.
Adoption in modern Paganism and Wicca
Today the triple spiral triskele lives on as an enduring and internationally recognized Pagan, Celtic Reconstructionist, and Wiccan symbol adopted by modern spiritual traditions honoring ancient myths, nature-based faiths, womens’ mysteries, and metaphysical concepts.
For modern Pagans, it retains meanings rooted in the historic Celtic worldview, Celtic Revival Druidry, Celtic Reconstructionism, and feminist Wiccan beliefs.
Symbolic and Spiritual Meanings of the Three Pointed Star
Triplicity, the power of three, and feminine divine energy
The number three holds deep spiritual meaning across cultures and faiths. It represents unity, balance, the holy trinity, mind/body/spirit connections, past/present/future timelines, and more. The triangular shape formed by three points invokes the power of three, triplicity, and the stability of a base that can’t be toppled.
In Goddess spirituality, the upward-pointing triangle formed by the three points is seen as a symbol of feminine divine energy and the Goddess trinity of maiden, mother, and crone. It represents the passage through the stages of womanhood, the phases of the moon, the natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
Unity and the interconnection of earthly and spiritual realms
The symbolism of the number three and triangles bridges the gap between earthly/physical experience and spiritual planes. The base of the triangle anchors to our worldly existence, while the point reaches heavenwards to celestial realms.
This illustrates the interconnection of above and below – the motto of mystical and esoteric thought from Hermeticism to tarot.
In this vein, the three points can represent the trinity of body, mind and spirit. The unification of these three aspects makes us whole. So the triangle demonstrates the quest for self-integration and wholeness by unifying separate parts of our being.
Wholeness leads to realizing our unity with all of existence.
Eternity, cycles, motion, and the passage of time
One meaning of the three-pointed star involves cycles, spinning motion and the continuity of time. In Hinduism, there is a trinity of deities responsible for creation, maintenance and destruction of the Universe – the cycle of life sustained eternally.
Fittingly, these gods are depicted holding tridents representing the triple rhythm of time. In ways like this, triangles and triple shapes invoke eternity, the endlessness of cycles and the continuum of existence.
Celtic triple spirals, triskeles and triskelions also represent this cyclical motion and flow of time. Like the uroboros serpent eating its tail, these circular triple motifs symbolize infinity, the endless feedback loop where the end leads to the beginning in an unbroken chain.
The holy trinity in Christianity
The holy trinity is key to Christian cosmology and theology. God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit form the fundamental trinitarian godhead in Christianity. Each aspect plays a vital role, united in the divine perfection that forms a complete triune god.
This trinity parallels many spiritual triads – for example Osiris the Father, Horus the King and Isis the Queen in Egyptian lore. It also mirrors triads in nature, like the family unit. So it represents completeness, procreation and the continuity of divinely-bestowed life.
Life, death, and rebirth
Interwoven symbols of life, death and rebirth also occur across cultures – for example, the lily growing from Osiris’ dead body. Triangles nicely depict the seed of life growing upward from two blade-like sides representing duality.
Thus it evokes the miracle of renewed creation springing from what is destroyed.
Downward pointing triangles symbolize elemental forces that give rise to life and all existence. They represent the feminine womb or vessel out of which life comes and returns to. So paired with upward facing triangles in six-pointed stars, this illustrates the continuum between death and renewed creation.
Using the Triskele Symbol in Modern Spiritual Practice
Incorporating into meditation rituals
The repetitive, swirling shape of the triskele makes it an ideal focal point for meditation (Gaia). By gazing at a triskele symbol during mantra chanting or breathwork, one can achieve deeper mindfulness states. The three loops can represent connecting with the self, others, and nature.
They also correspond to beginning a journey, moving inward, and emerging with a new perspective – all part of the meditation process.
Some create triskele labyrinths to trace with the fingers while meditating. The winding yet continuous path reflects how spiritual explorations connect all things. One can journal about the insights gained during a triskele meditation afterward.
Overall, this symbolic motif creates harmony during meditation through its balanced and unified imagery.
Displaying as symbolic home decor
The repeating elliptical motif makes the triskele infinitely adaptable as an ornamental design. Many hang triskele tapestries or artwork made of Celtic knots and other intricate patterns. The visual rhythm can have a calming effect, promoting harmony in a space (Tiny Rituals).
For those wanting to recognize ancestral wisdom, necklaces, coasters, placemats, and puzzles bearing this Irish emblem could remind family members to reflect on the past’s lessons. Or a prepared meal served on triskele plates could represent gratitude for sustenance from the land’s bounty – a recurring cycle, like the symbol itself.
Getting a triskele tattoo for mystical meaning
Triskele tattoos beautifully adorn the body with an homage to eternity. The three swirling legs conform to rounded body parts, naturally blending masculine angles and feminine curves.
Since Celtic lore links magical power to the number three, the triskele’s triplicity takes on mystical meaning in body art. The design symbolizes dynamic life forces and spiritual awakening. After a period of difficulty, a triskele tattoo memorializes the inner transformation from turmoil to wisdom (TattooSEO).
Gifting triskele jewelry to mark life’s passages
Triskele jewelry makes a meaningful gift for milestone events. Triquetra earrings or knotwork pendants recognize both personal growth and the continuity between generations. Varied metals signify life’s quality of constant change amid underlying harmony as in nature’s cycles.
Engraved charms can commemorate a particular transition or passage.
Brides might receive a Timeless Trinity knot ring, with the loops symbolizing their past, joining with another in marriage, and unknown future ahead. The emblem’s etched lines resemble the interconnectedness and support found in lasting relationships.
Triskele themes affirm both individuality and union (Something Borrowed).
Conclusion
From prehistoric petroglyphs to Celtic stone crosses, from goddess-worshipping island cultures to new age mysticism, the three pointed star has maintained mythic meaning across millennia. Once bestowing the blessings of mother goddesses, later representing Christian holy wisdom, today conjuring magic and cosmic interconnectivity.
The recursive, revolving arms of the mystical triple spiral reflect the eternal cycles of life, nature, and the cosmos. Triplicity empowers, three interconnections create spiritual strength. Reminding us of the passage of seasons, the phases of womanhood, and dimensions beyond the mortal veil, the rotund revolutions of this magical symbol will continue to turn into infinite futures.
