Tree of Life

ANCIENT CELTS TREE OF LIFE REVEALED

These people used to hold assemblies beneath the crann bethadh. The tree provided food, warmth, and shelter to people. It also provided nourishment to other forms of life such as animals, birds, insects, etc. Therefore, the tree was described as a life force which took care of all life on earth.

 The Celts believed that trees were actually ancestors of human beings. These ancient Celts  Celts inhabited those places where such trees were present. Teaching centers of the Druids too were located in the quiet and tranquil surroundings of Oak groves. One can find the designs of the tree of life depicted in a manner that it is emerging from a pot. The pot, as depicted in Celtic designs and patterns, is a symbol of Mother Earth - the source that nourishes all forms of life.

So Mother Earth gives birth to the Tree who reaches and watches over all the lower life forms on earth, lower meaning the life forms that were beneath its branches. This was a gift, not seen as a chore, to the Tree from its gracious creator, Mother Earth herself. 

Celtic Tree of Life Symbol

The meaning of this symbol can be interpreted in different ways. Here are a few interesting facts about how the symbol is associated with different qualities and phenomena.
The balance and harmony prevalent in nature are best symbolized by the tree of life. However, balance is maintained due to the interaction of different forces operating in the universe.

The Celts attribute the tree of life symbol to qualities like wisdom, strength, and longevity. These qualities of trees were the reason behind Celts worshiping them.

The Celts believed that their enemies would be rendered powerless if their (enemy's) sacred tree was cut down.
 
The different meanings associated with rebirth and the tree of life were derived from seasonal changes which the Celts observed in these trees.

Generally, the phenomenon of rebirth is associated with Celtic trees. The Celts performed various rituals to mark the changes that a tree of life underwent. The changes observed in these trees were tagged as birth, death, and rebirth.

Tree of life is the symbol of an entity which connects the upper and lower worlds. Roots of this tree penetrate the depths of the lower world. Branches grow upwards and stretch out to the heavens. The trunk of the tree of life remains on the earth's plane. As per the beliefs held by Druids, gods in heaven used to communicate with humans through trees of life.

Growth of the tree of life is associated with spiritual growth. As per beliefs held by Druids, some of these trees possessed magical powers and were capable of carrying messages to the 'Otherworld'. It was also believed that trees possessed the power to bless people with prosperity.

Meaning of Celtic Oak

Celts worshiped the oak tree for different qualities it possessed. Longevity is one of the qualities which makes the oak a life-affirming symbol. Other traits attributed to the oak are strength, wisdom, power, honor, heritage, longevity, loyalty and stability. The towering height and great expanse of oak trees are associated with qualities like endurance and nobility; the Celts valued these qualities of the oak and therefore, revered it. The oak is known to attract lightning. This characteristic of the tree is considered to be of great importance by Celts. The term, a druid is said to have originated from duir, the Celtic name of oak. The oak tree is often compared with the king who shares his bounties with his subjects. This tree is known to bring prosperity to people and other forms of life in its vicinity.

Legend of TreoChair

It is a story of a giant named Treochair, who came from the 'Otherworld' and brought with him a branch of a tree which bore fruits of different plants. As the story goes, the giant shook the branch so as to drop these fruits. Seeds of the fruits dropped by the giant were planted in the center and four corners of Ireland. From that time onwards, the trees which grew from the seeds were known as five sacred trees.

Celtic Tree of Life Knots

The Celtic knots, also known as endless or mystic knots do not have a beginning or end. Such designs symbolize eternity or timelessness of nature. The designs of Celtic knots are characterized by roots and branches interwoven to form an endless knot.

The tree of life jewelry has become popular owing to the positive energy that people associate with them. The Moon, whose precious metal is silver - was said to watch over the Tree of Life through the darkness and provide light to ensure attackers stay away as the Sun slept. So pieces of jewelry created in the Tree of Lifes protectors metal is said to hold extra power loaned by the Tree of Life itself, under the moons care. Wearing the Tree of Life in Sterling Silver is said to give a connection to the Trinity of Ancient Celts ( who worshipped the trees), The Tree of Life itself and the Triple Moon Goddess who watched over the Trees all of their living lives.  The message of unity, harmony, and balance of nature given by the Celtic tree of life finds universal appeal. It is through these virtues that we, humans can relive our glorious past.