The triskelion or ”triskele” is also known as the tri-spiral or “Spiral of Life.” The three spirals in the triskelion are interconnected with no open ends thus creating one continuous line. Each spiral turns in the same direction. The three spirals represent balance, harmony and continual motion indicative of the flow of life and of the Earth in her seasons and cycles. This symbol is found on many ancient carvings, the most famous of which is Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland, which dates back to 2500 BC. The symbol is carved into the rock at the main entrance. It is one of the most famous stones in Megalithic art. The same symbol is found Triskelion Newgange roofengraved on one of the stones inside the chamber. Newgrange is best known for the illumination of its chamber by the Winter Solstice sun. Morning sunlight travels up the passageway. Then, as the sun rises, the whole chamber is dramatically illuminated. The triskelion is often thought to have Celtic origin, but it was carved at least 2000 years before the Celts inhabited Ireland. According to Celtic tradition the triskelion is connected to the mother goddess. It is an invocation of the three material domains of earth, air, and water
Derived from the Greek word "Triskeles" meaning "three legs", the Triskele or Triple Spiral is an ancient Celtic symbol. It is referred to as a Triskelion. It gained popularity in its use within the Celtic culture from 500BC on. This symbol is one of the most difficult to decipher as symbolists believe it is reflective of many areas of culture from the time.
First, it can be thought to represent motion as all three arms are positioned to make it appear as if it is moving outwards from its center. Movement, or motion, is believed to signify energies, in particular within this Celtic Symbol the motion of action, cycles, progress, revolution and competition.
Secondly, and the more challenging area for symbolists, is the exact symbolic significance of the three arms of the triskele. This can differ dependent on the era, culture, mythology and history, which is why there are so many variations as to what these three extensions in the triple spiral symbol mean.
Some of these connotations include: life-death-rebirth, spirit-mind-body, mother-father-child, past-present-future, power-intellect-love and creation-preservation-destruction to name but a few.