by walter.corno

The Sun Cross is one of the most universal Celtic symbols for the sun. This symbol consists of a simple cross within a circle and has been found among artifacts dating back to prehistoric Europe during the Bronze Age. It is particularly attributed to the ancient Celts, specifically the Druids and paganism. The Sun Cross is a straightforward representation of the polarities of the western world and symbolized the sun and the tree of life.

The Wheel

Another sun symbol dating back to the Bronze Age is associated with the chariot wheel. Its origins in Celtic culture are unclear, but the four-spoke wheel was meant to represent its solar connection.

The sun wheel was an essential symbol and was often depicted in Celtic art. The ancient Celts offered wheels as gifts to the gods. They left them at shrines, threw them into canals, and many were found in tombs cast as amulets in bronze and used as decoration.

The Celtic sun wheel is associated particularly with the Celtic sky god Taranis. Taranis was depicted wielding a thunderbolt and a wheel. Celtic coins are also believed to depict wheels, and more importantly, they correspond to pagan sun cult worship as the wheel for the Druids represented the sun.

Celtic Mysticism

Besides the wheel representing the sun, the ancient Celts created the symbol we are most familiar with today, which we call the sun cross. The sun cross was used in many pagan pre-Christian religious ceremonies and rituals. Some say it may even have been used in Druid sacrifices. The Druids attributed its power to being able to sustain and create life.

Celtic Cross Meanings

The sun has long been associated with cosmic energy and is commonly found in ancient Celtic artifacts.

It is believed that the Druids attributed various powers to the sun, including strength, endurance, power, and life, as well as imbued feminine powers within its rays. Today, we see many of these depicted in Celtic symbols like wheels, spirals, and circles. The triple spiral, in particular, is associated with the sun.

The pagans considered the sun to be the center of life, likely due to its life-giving essence. These were people who lived many years before Christianity, and their beliefs and worship symbols are still well-known today. It is thought that they made their appearance in Britain as far back as 1000 BC. Their social culture was a mix of cosmic religion and pagan worship. They left no written word that could explain their practices; instead, they left us symbolism, and as a result, their actual meanings are lost forever.

The Celtic symbol for the sun depicted with a circle is easy to understand. The cross contained within the circle is easily recognized as the tree of life. The reason they combined the two together is clear since they were a people who worshiped nature and attributed great power to its elements.

The word Druid is derived from the Greek word Druidae. Today, we know it to mean someone immersed in knowledge. Each clan had its own sacred tree, called the Tree of Life, which stood as a totem in the center of their territory. This tree was believed to be the center of their universe. The fact that they combined it with the sun speaks of the importance they placed on the sun and its symbiotic relationship with the center of the universe.

The symbolism of sun crosses

What is less apparent is what the Druids saw in the meaning of the sun symbol. Different schools of thought exist regarding the symbolism attached to this pagan cross. One school believes that the four sections of the arm are equidistant from the center and represent their desire to understand self, nature, wisdom, and the gods. Where the arms meet is said to symbolize the focus of cosmic energy.

Other explanations tell us that this symbol is rooted in the four elements of the world (earth, air, fire, and water), while others believe these four sections depict the four compass points (north, south, east, and west). Where the arms join, it is meant to imply the joining of heaven and earth.

There is a belief, too, that the ancient Celts saw the sun as something different from the cosmic force capable of providing life. Instead, they believed the sun to be a god, and the name given to this sun god differed from tribe to tribe. This understanding of the sun as a divine being further illustrates the complex and multifaceted belief system of the ancient Celts, which was deeply rooted in nature and the forces that governed their world.

In conclusion, the sun cross and other related symbols held great significance for the ancient Celts. The various interpretations of these symbols reflect the complexity of their belief system and their deep connection to the natural world. While the precise meanings of these symbols may never be fully understood, they continue to be important elements of Celtic art and culture, providing a window into the past and the spiritual lives of the people who created them.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME