<i></i> <i></i> <i></i> 1<img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-1-jpg.jpeg"/>www.shutterstock.com <p> </p> <p>Celtic knots or icolvellavna, are a variety of knots used for graphical representation. They were extensively used by the Romans to decorate various forms of architecture. Many were used to decorate Christian monuments and holy books such as the gospel or the bible. Many are endless knots, while some are basket weaving knots.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2>Where do they come from?</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-2-jpg.jpeg"/>Shutterstock.com <p>These interlace patterns originated from the late Roman Empire around third or fourth century A.D. They can be seen adorning the roman floor tiles dating to that era. They were used in the byzantine architecture, Islamic art, Coptic art, Celtic art and later Russian illumination art.</p> <p>The Celtic art started to be influenced by Christianity around 450C.E., before which the spiral and the step pattern was primarily used for decoration. These patterns were used along with pictures of plants and animals to depict stories and scenery. This also spread into other areas of Europe around the seventh century. These knots although spread as far as England, still continue to be primarily Irish, welsh or Scottish in origin, that were the Celtic lands. Initially eight elemental knots were identified of which other designs were simply an amalgamation of.</p> <h2>Of magic, spells and witchcraft:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-3-jpg.jpeg"/> <p>The knot was not just used to adorn buildings, books and architecture it had a much deeper meaning. The knot contains highly powerful magic, which may be used to cast spells in the art of witchcraft. It is associated with the element of air and its complex and intricate design represents continuity. It represents the past, the present and the future as one. The Celtic knots can also be found in the form of mandalas, in the Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Below are some of the Celtic knot designs in the form of sigil, look closely and choose the knot that appeals to you the most to reveal its deep hidden meaning.</p> <h2>The tree of life:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-4-jpg.jpeg"/>Shutterstock.com <p>Trees were an important symbol for the celts. They represent nature as means to find peace and harmony within oneself. It represents the force of nature, such as trees grouped together to form a forest, that provides shelter so many flora and fauna, forming an ecosystem. It symbolizes a continuous phenomenon in nature birth, death and then rebirth. Whenever the celts cleared up the forest they would leave a single tree, that would represent the tree of life in the center where all the meetings were held and the chieftains would sit. It symbolizes seasons such as spring which brings forth new life and joy, after which there is winter followed by summer again. Trees are also important symbols for eternity or the afterlife. The tree of life connects the sky by growing upwards to the ground with roots growing below.</p> <p>If you have chosen this knot, it seems like you have a great potential locked within you. This symbolizes your connection with the Mother Nature. Your roots are deep within the earth and you have firm belief in solid foundations. You may draw energy from the earth, feeling more humble and grounded and at peace within yourself. The more you tune yourself to the music of the earth, you will more nourished and energized. Take special care of your back with exercises to rejuvenate your soul. Connect with nature keeping a simple mantra in life, as above, so below!</p> <h2>The fire within:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-5-jpg.jpeg"/>www.Tapoos.com <p>The phoenix has long been used to symbolize strength throughout centuries all across the world. It is represented by a bird that is warm and radiant being reborn from the ashes, to stand strong and fly across the skies. Its warm colors of red and purple illuminate the sky and it is reborn from the fire after death. It is used to represent continuity and has long been associated with the greek god of the sun. It represents resurrection, life after death, Christianity and virginity. It is shown to symbolize destruction, purity and new beginnings.</p> <p>This Celtic knot represents raging fire and phoenix. You are an ambitious person, who is bursting with energy and passion. Full of creativity and immense talent it is about time you exhibited them as it is your time to shine. There is a raging fire within you, that continues to burn and give light to others, however do not exhaust yourself too much. Gradually fan the flames and see the colors appear in your life.</p> <h2>The great dragon:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-6-jpg.jpeg"/>www.Tapoos.com <p>Celts believed that the dragons symbolized magic and power. They believed the dragons were reptiles, without wings, that travelled along the earth creating huge patterns. These lines were called the ley lines and the place that contained them seemed of importance and power. They also represented the military and guarded power and knowledge. They also appeared at the gates of the underworld, guarding treasures and gateways to the other world. A knot in which the dragon appears to swallow its tail, represents harmony and a never ending phenomenon, thus infinity like the other knots.</p> <p>Be one with the nature, you have immeasurable strength within you. You have infinite power, and you may realize this soon enough, and exercise your true potential. You have the ability to not just change your life, but to influence the lives of others around you. The great dragon symbolizes your connection with the nature and the environment. To unlock your powers you should become one with nature, and see the wonders and joy unlock around you!</p> <h2>The pentacle knot:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-7-jpg.jpeg"/>www.Tapoos.com <p>The pentacle or five pointed figure called the pentagram, represented protection and positivity. It was a symbol used widely in Greece and Persia to represent religion and spirituality. This symbol provided five points used by the celtic pagans to represent God. The number five holds a key importance in the folklore and mythology, surprisingly Ireland also has five provinces and mythological creatures wore cloaks that were fivefold! The Celts believed it represented the goddess of the underworld and the five Celt lands, thus it is also used as a symbol for femininity. It also represents the five stages of life, birth youth, old age, sickness and death. It is also used as a satanic symbol, used in witchcraft and wizardry. It is also believed to symbolize the five elements that make up the universe, bringing in the same principal of infinity as other knots.</p> <p>This Celtic sigil represents protection and personal power. You may need to unite your worldly and spiritual self to feel complete. That is the only way you can find true balance and peace. You may feel protected by this magical knot. Meanwhile you truly shine bright like a star in the night sky, opportunities are limitless. The warmth of your heart and kindness will touch lives of many other people. However, liver detoxification techniques may work wonders for your health.</p> <h2>The feline knot:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-8-jpg.jpeg"/>www.Tapoos.com <p>Long before the Celts the Egyptians worshipped the goddess bastet, which had the head of a lioness, she was thought to have protected the royals in the underworld. The Egyptians dutifully worshipped the cats that visited their households which were thought to bring good luck. The cats were seen as the guardians to the underworld, also protecting knowledge and power. Cats represent a sense of mystery and magic. In Celtic mythology cats were revered creatures, they were fed and petted by the locals. Those who did not leave food and milk for the cats were thought to be plagued with bad luck. They have deep seated connection with magic and witchcraft, especially the black cats which were seen as evil and satanic symbol and were often killed or banished.</p> <p>If you have selected this knot design for yourself, like a cat, you possess immense speed and agility. Your demands are moldable; however you do not want to be influenced to a great extent by external sources. You also possess great power within yourself; you remain level headed and patient during each situation. You have faith in the way your life works out, even if you do not see a way out immediately. However you particularly feel valued when you are loved and cared for, this inculcates a great sense of protection in you. Make a journey deep within yourself to know the world around you.</p> <h2>The divine sunflower:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-9-jpg.jpeg"/>www.Tapoos.com <p>A sunflower is used to symbolize faith, loyalty and worship as it faces the sun directly. A sunflower represents nymph who fell in love with God Apollo and thus always faces the sun awaiting his return. In Chinese culture it symbolizes knowledge and intelligence. It also symbolizes revitality, warmth, happiness and joy. It was also regularly consumed by royalty to provide immortality. It is known to represent epitome of faith and the highest position of spirituality one can achieve. It is also known to represent life and birth. It was often exchanged amongst the Celtic people as a gift.</p> <p>If you choose this sigil, it means you are nothing less than a strong pillar of support for everyone. You are a very candid person who openly expresses their emotion. You are warm and friendly towards other people. You exude confidence and are a true symbol of strength who serves as an inspiration for others. Try to relax, and try to get most done during the day. Keep your knees fit and healthy, as they enable you to stand tall and proud. Try to practice relaxation and breathing techniques to bring out the positivity in you.</p> <h2>What do the symbols really represent?</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/09/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-29-9-2220-10-jpg.jpeg"/>Shutterstock.com <p>The symbols were widely used by the Celtic nation to represent themselves. The symbols you have picked show a tiny glimpse into your personality and way of thinking, plus it is a fun way to know about oneself while learning the ancient ways of our forefathers and their tales.</p> <i></i>