Triskelion: Triple Spiral Motion

Introduction

Three spirals radiating from a central point, rotating in the same direction, creating a sense of perpetual motion. This is the triskelion (also called triskele)—one of the oldest and most dynamic symbols in Celtic and ancient European art. The word comes from Greek "tri-" (three) and "skelos" (leg), literally meaning "three-legged," but this ancient symbol represents far more than its simple geometry suggests. It embodies motion, progress, cycles, and the sacred power of three.

The triskelion appears carved in stone at Newgrange (older than Stonehenge and the pyramids), on ancient Greek shields and coins, in Celtic art and jewelry, and continues to inspire modern spiritual seekers with its message of forward movement, transformation, and the eternal dance of life. Unlike static symbols, the triskelion suggests movement—it seems to spin, to flow, to propel itself forward through time and space.

This guide will explore the triskelion in depth—its ancient origins, symbolism, the power of three, variations, and how to work with this dynamic symbol of motion and transformation.

What Is the Triskelion?

The Geometric Structure

The triskelion consists of:

• Three spirals or legs: Radiating from a central point
• Rotational symmetry: 120-degree rotation produces the same image
• Directional flow: All spirals/legs curve in the same direction
• Dynamic appearance: Suggests motion and rotation
• Threefold pattern: The sacred number three

Common Forms

Triple spiral:

• Three spirals joined at the center
• Most common in Celtic art
• Flowing, organic appearance

Three bent legs:

• Three human legs bent at the knee
• Common in Greek and Sicilian versions
• Often armored or wearing boots

Three curved arms:

• Abstract curved shapes
• Simplified, modern interpretations

Ancient Origins

Newgrange, Ireland (3200 BCE):

• Triple spiral carved on entrance stone
• Predates Celtic culture by millennia
• One of the oldest known triskelions

Ancient Greece:

• Symbol of Sicily (Trinacria)
• Appeared on coins and shields
• Associated with the sun and motion

Celtic Culture:

• Adopted and elaborated the symbol
• Appears in La Tène art
• Carved on stones, metalwork, manuscripts

The Symbolism of the Triskelion

1. Motion and Progress

The triskelion represents forward movement:

• Perpetual motion and energy
• Progress and advancement
• The wheel of life turning
• Moving forward, not backward
• Dynamic action and change

2. The Power of Three

The threefold nature represents:

• Celtic triads: Earth, sea, sky
• Life stages: Birth, life, death
• Time: Past, present, future
• Human aspects: Body, mind, spirit
• Goddess aspects: Maiden, mother, crone
• Elements: Earth, water, fire (or any three)

3. Cycles and Spirals

The spiral form represents:

• The eternal cycle of existence
• Growth and expansion
• The journey inward and outward
• Evolution and transformation
• The spiral of life

4. Balance and Harmony

The three-part symmetry shows:

• Perfect balance of three forces
• Stability through trinity
• Harmony of opposites plus a third
• The middle way

5. The Sun and Celestial Motion

In ancient contexts:

• The sun's movement across the sky
• Solar symbolism and light
• The three positions of the sun (dawn, noon, dusk)
• Celestial cycles

The Triskelion in Different Cultures

Neolithic Ireland

Newgrange (c. 3200 BCE):

• Triple spiral on entrance stone
• Aligned with winter solstice sunrise
• Possibly represents the sun's journey
• Pre-Celtic, but adopted by Celts
• Sacred to the ancestors

Celtic Culture

Symbolism:

• The three realms: earth, sea, sky
• The triple goddess
• Life, death, rebirth
• The Otherworld and this world

Usage:

• Carved on standing stones
• Metalwork and jewelry
• Illuminated manuscripts
• Sacred and protective symbol

Ancient Greece and Sicily

Trinacria (Symbol of Sicily):

• Three bent legs radiating from center
• Often with Medusa's head at center
• Represents the three capes of Sicily
• Symbol of the island's identity

Greek usage:

• On shields and armor
• Coins and pottery
• Associated with the sun god Helios

Norse/Germanic

Triple horn (Triskelion variant):

• Three interlocked drinking horns
• Associated with Odin
• Represents wisdom and inspiration

Modern Usage

• Flag of Sicily and Isle of Man
• Celtic revival jewelry and art
• Spiritual and pagan symbolism
• Tattoos and personal emblems

Spiritual and Esoteric Meanings

1. The Triple Goddess

In goddess spirituality:

• Maiden (waxing spiral) - youth, potential
• Mother (full spiral) - fertility, power
• Crone (waning spiral) - wisdom, transformation
• The complete cycle of feminine power

2. Body, Mind, Spirit

The three aspects of being:

• Physical body (one spiral)
• Mental/emotional (second spiral)
• Spiritual essence (third spiral)
• Integration of all three for wholeness

3. Past, Present, Future

The flow of time:

• Past (one spiral) - where we've been
• Present (second spiral) - where we are
• Future (third spiral) - where we're going
• All connected, all in motion

4. Creation, Preservation, Destruction

The cosmic cycle:

• Creation (birth, beginning)
• Preservation (life, maintenance)
• Destruction (death, transformation)
• The eternal cycle of existence

5. The Journey of the Soul

Spiritual evolution:

• Birth into physical form
• Life and experience
• Death and return to spirit
• The soul's eternal journey

How to Work with the Triskelion

1. Motion Meditation

Practice:

• Gaze at a triskelion image
• Trace each spiral with your eyes
• Feel the sense of motion and flow
• Imagine yourself moving forward
• Release stagnation, embrace progress

Use for: Overcoming stuckness, initiating change, forward momentum

2. Triple Aspect Integration

Practice:

• Identify three aspects you want to integrate (body/mind/spirit, past/present/future, etc.)
• Visualize each as a spiral of the triskelion
• See them rotating together in harmony
• Feel the balance and wholeness

Use for: Integration work, balancing life aspects, wholeness

3. Spiral Movement Practice

Practice:

• Move your body in spiral motions
• Dance or walk in spiral patterns
• Create three spirals with your movement
• Embody the triskelion energy

Use for: Embodied practice, energy activation, dance meditation

4. Life Transition Ritual

Practice:

• Use the triskelion during major life changes
• One spiral = what you're leaving behind
• Second spiral = the transition itself
• Third spiral = what you're moving toward
• See the continuous flow between them

Use for: Life transitions, rites of passage, transformation

5. Goddess Work

Practice:

• Connect with the triple goddess through the triskelion
• Honor maiden, mother, and crone aspects
• Recognize all three within yourself
• Work with the phase that's most relevant now

6. Wearing the Symbol

Practice:

• Wear triskelion jewelry
• Choose it to represent motion, progress, or the power of three
• Let it remind you to keep moving forward

The Triskelion and Sacred Geometry

Rotational Symmetry

• 120-degree rotational symmetry (360° ÷ 3)
• Perfect balance of three
• Creates dynamic visual movement

The Spiral

• Logarithmic or Archimedean spirals
• Growth and expansion patterns
• Found throughout nature

The Number Three

• The first number that creates a plane (triangle)
• Stability and strength
• Sacred in many traditions
• Thesis, antithesis, synthesis

Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: It's Only Celtic

Truth: While strongly associated with Celtic culture, the triskelion appears in Greek, Sicilian, and other ancient cultures.

Misconception 2: All Triskelions Are the Same

Truth: There are many variations—triple spirals, three legs, three arms—each with slightly different emphases.

Misconception 3: It's a Modern New Age Symbol

Truth: The triskelion is ancient, dating back over 5,000 years to Newgrange.

Signs the Triskelion Is Calling You

• You're feeling stuck and need forward momentum
• You're working with the power of three
• You're honoring the triple goddess
• You're going through a major life transition
• You're drawn to Celtic spirituality
• You need to integrate three aspects of yourself
• You're seeking dynamic, active energy
• You see the triskelion appearing in your life

Conclusion

The triskelion—three spirals or legs radiating from a central point in perpetual motion—is one of humanity's oldest and most dynamic symbols. For over 5,000 years, it has represented forward movement, the power of three, and the eternal cycles of existence. Unlike static symbols, the triskelion seems to move, to spin, to propel itself forward, reminding us that life is motion, that stagnation is death, and that we must keep moving, growing, and evolving.

The threefold nature of the triskelion teaches us about the sacred power of three—whether it's maiden/mother/crone, past/present/future, or body/mind/spirit. It shows us that wholeness comes from integrating three aspects, that balance requires a trinity, and that the dance of life involves three partners moving together in harmony.

When you work with the triskelion—whether meditating on it, wearing it, or embodying its spiral motion—you are connecting with an ancient symbol of progress and transformation. You are choosing to move forward, to embrace change, to honor the cycles of life, and to recognize the sacred power of three.

This is the triskelion—the triple spiral, the symbol of motion, the reminder that life is movement. Let it propel you forward, balance your three aspects, and keep you dancing in the eternal spiral of existence.