Mopsy's Magickal Musings: The Power of Three (part one): The Triquetra

There is much speculation as to where the Triquetra first originated. Pagans and Christians, Celts and non-Celts alike have been debating and claiming ownership for hundreds of years, yet the name is Latin. What gives?

The Triquetra is made from three interlocked loops, creating the intersection of three circles. There is no beginning and no end to the knotwork. Sometimes a circle around the three loops is added. This is where the protection, infinite, and eternity theory comes into play. A circle is drawn around the Triquetra to signify spiritual unity. This is a protection circle; something that cannot be broken.

So, what does the Triquetra mean to Christians?

In Christianity, the Triquetra is a symbol for the Holy Trinity, which symbolizes the three persons of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit representing one god, and the Holy Family, Mary, Jesus and Joseph in the New Testament. The three equal arcs of the Triquetra stand for equality while the lines moving in a continuous arc represent eternity. The unique interweaving of the Triquetra symbolizes unity and indivisibility. The Triquetra, as a symbol of the Trinity was used commonly by the Celtic Christian Church and sometimes represented by three interlaced fish within a circle representing unity. The idea of the Trinity is expressed in a number of verses of the Bible which includes Matthew 3:16-17 and John 14:16-17; among others.

Ok, so there is that. Now, what does it symbolize for pagans?

For the Pagan Celts, the Triquetra represents the three cycles of life, death and reincarnation. As forces of nature it represents the three Celtic elements of Land, Sea and Sky. The three interlocking circles symbolize female fertility.

It is also symbolic of the three aspects of the Goddess of Maiden, Mother and Crone (Brigid for the Celts and Hecate for the Greeks). The Maiden as a goddess represents the stage of innocence while the Mother is symbolic of creation and the Crone is an an embodiment of wisdom.

It may also be significant that it is similar to the Valknut (val-noot), a symbol of the god Odin.

Also, connections have been found to the Three Fates in Greek mythology, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos.

Anything else?

Some conspiracy theorists have deemed the Triquetra a 'satanic' or 'devil-worship' symbol, the physical manifestation of 666, the symbol for the devil, also known as the number of the beasts’ brand. They claim those wearing the Triquetra or those who like it are then Satanists, and they are bringing to life what is written in the Book of Revelations, in the Bible.

It is also used as a pattern in jewelry such as rings or necklaces. In these cases it is seen as representing three promises in a relationship: to love, honor and protect.

So, whether you're Christian, Pagan, or somewhere in between, there's a good chance that the Triquetra could hold some kind of personal significance and no one else, not me, not your mom, not the pope, not even the Goddess Herself, can dictate what it should mean to you.