A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

I’ve been asked on more than one occasion for a symbol representing the Celtic Tara landmark and/or a Celtic symbol for beauty held in this place.  The following is my response:

The area of Tara (shown upper left) that is commonly referred to as a symbol of Tara itself.  This lemniscate-like design is formed by trenches or moat-like formatations outlining the Hill of Tara. 

This landscape design can certainly be used to represent this place of power.  Other Celtic symbol sthat represents beauty pertaining to Tara are found below.

Celtic Tara is the place of great brilliance, wisdom, and power as it was the ancient home of the Celtic kings.  It was also thought to be a portal for cosmic forces - as such, the location itself represents vision and great strength.

This in mind, we can turn to two Celtic systems of symbolic language for symbolic representations:  The Ogham and Rune systems are quite helpful in lending symbolism to the phenomenon of Tara (and beauty).

 The Ogham can provide many symbolic images for us as we seek depth in our world.  As you may know, the Ogham is the ancient Celtic art of divination using the poetic language of trees.

The Luis (its Ogham symbol & natural likeness shown left) is a radiant representation of beauty and vision. The Luis (of the Rowan tree) produces the fruit of the Gods in Celtic legend, and emits a power of strength, courage, and protection to all who bear its symbol. Noble, sturdy and divine, the Luis is also symbolic of steady wisdom and honor.  It is also a symbol of classic, timeless beauty.  These qualities and it’s growth in the Tara region make the Luis an excellent symbolic conveyance. 

Next we can consider symbolism of the rune system.  Although Nordic in origin, many Celtic tribes adopted the runes in their symbolic language as well as used them in their divining needs.

The Ing rune (shown left) is the Accomplishment rune and is quite suitable for representation of Tara and/or beauty as it was a revered symbol among kings and queens alike.  This is due to the fact that this rune is/was seen as a symbol of good fortune it is also a symbol of wise judgements, turning points, patience, decisions, renewal, as well as nobility.  The Ing is also symbolic of meeting challenges (as Celtic warriors are apt to do) head-on, and dealing with these challenges with strength as well as diplomacy.  Foremost, it is a symbol of serenity and calm mind which and ultimately a symbol of quite force of beauty and strength…the very concepts that are the embodiment of Tara.

I recently had a reader ask me for specific symbols of Love that originated in ancient Germany, to which I respond: 

There are so many symbols for love - and many of these span across the borders of countries.  It’s no wonder that throughout time and culture various symbols for love have been shared - the concept of love is quite universal, with undeniable identification from all who have been blessed by its presence.

Further, there is not one single symbol for love designated per country. Even the Claddagh of which you speak is a local symbol of affinity according to legend…but it is not THE symbol of love for Ireland.

That said - I can give you a few specific symbols that originate from the ancient origins of German-European ancestral archives.  These symbols come from a time of mystery, when energy was honored and the essence of nature ruled the constructs of reality.

One such ancient belief system was the Ogham which is a form of divination derived from trees.  Originally from Central Europe the language of trees (Ogham) spread through out Europe including Germany during the 4th and 5th century, BC.  The Ogham are messages from trees - (trees at that time were believed to be of a more evolved status - containing infinite wisdom and messages to human).

We know early Germans used the Ogham because all 20 of the plants/trees used in the Ogham system of language are found in Germany, and Ogham symbols are found carved in ancient German relics.

The tree of the Ogham that symbolizes love is the Queirt which is the apple tree.  The symbol of love, union, beauty, fertility, harmonization and perfection.  The Ogham alphabet character for the Queirt is show here (at left).

Another form of divination where we can obtain some Germanic symbols is the Rune system.  Specifically the Futhark runes are another alphabet used by ancient Germans as well as Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons up until they were banned in the 17th century by the church.

 The Geofu rune is the symbol for love, peace, generosity and romantic realms.  This rune represents sharing, devotion, union, and even marriage.  The image of this symbol is shown here (at left).

I’m not sure this information is what you were looking for - perhaps my love symbols pages might help you - as these are primarily universal symbol concepts of love and would pertain to Germany as well as the global concept of love:   common Love Symbols page    and you might also be interested in common Animals that symbolize love.

I trust this information helps you on your journey.