The Triquetra (or Trinity Knot) is an ancient triangular symbol of three interlocked arcs (or Vesica Piscis). Originating from the Latin term “Triquetrus,” which means “three-cornered,” this symbol primarily represents triplicities, or concepts that exist in threes. For instance, Mind, Body, and Spirit. Often, a circle surrounds the Triquetra, symbolizing the concepts of eternity, the cycle of life, and the unity of its three elements.
This triple knot design of the Triquetra has historical roots stretching back to the Iron Ages. It has been found on runestones in Northern Europe that are over a thousand years old, as well as on early Germanic coins. The symbol also appears on Celtic crosses, early Christian slabs, and artifacts from various other cultures, including those in Anatolia, Persia, India, and among Indigenous Americans.
The Celts, in particular, held the Triquetra in high esteem. They valued the concept of “threes,” and many of their deities, such as the Triple Goddess—also known as the Triple Moon in Wiccan tradition—were tripartite in nature. The Triquetra is also one of the simplest Celtic knots, a loop with neither a beginning nor an end, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and eternity.
The Triquetra is a powerful symbol that holds within the profound truths of life, universe, and existence. In this article, let’s explore 10 spiritual meanings associated with the Triquetra and their deeper significance. But before we dive in, let’s examine how to create this sacred geometric symbol.
How to create the Triquetra Symbol?
To draw the Triquetra, you begin with a single circle. This circle is said to represent oneness and source energy. You then duplicate this circle and arrange the two circles in such a way that the circumference of each passes through the center of the other.
This symbol of two interlinked circles is known as the Vesica Piscis. It symbolizes the dual nature of existence: with one circle representing the material realm, while the other representing the spiritual realm. The lens-shaped intersection between the two circles is often referred to as the “cosmic womb,” from which all creation is believed to emanate.
Adding a third circle to the Vesica Piscis creates the Triquetra (as shown in the image above). Adding a third circle is akin to introducing a third element into this dualistic framework. This additional aspect is what brings balance and functionality to existence.
Now that we understand its construction, let’s explore the various meanings associated with the Triquetra.
10 Spiritual Meanings of the Triquetra
1. Wholeness & Completeness
As we saw earlier, a single circle represents oneness and the Vesica Piscis (made of two circles) represents duality. Duality is at the crux of all creation but in order to make existence complete and functional, you need to bring in a third element which is represented by the three-armed triquetra.
While duality represents the polar extremes, the triquetra’s third arm embodies the middle ground, lending completeness to creation. This is because, you cannot merely have a beginning and an end; you also need to have a middle.
Similarly, the cycle of creation and destruction requires an intermediate phase — existence — where created entities have the space to be before they are eventually destroyed and recreated.
Time, too, cannot be just about the past and the future; it also must encompass the present.
In the same vein, between positive and negative, you also need to have the element of neutrality that brings balance and completeness to the two.
For a scientific parallel, consider the atom, which is made up of three primary constituents: protons (positively charged), neutrons (neutral charge), and electrons (negatively charged). Each of these elements is essential for the stability and functionality of the atom, much like Triquetra’s three circles.
Furthermore, consider two straight lines of equal length; on their own, they can’t form a closed, meaningful shape. However, add a third line (of equal length), and you create an equilateral triangle, a shape that symbolizes balance, stability, and equilibrium. In fact, the triangle is the simplest polygon that can form a closed shape, reinforcing the concept of completeness.
Even as per numerology, 0 represents nothingness, 1 represents oneness, and 2 represents duality. The sum of 0 + 1 + 2 equals 3 which represents completion.
In sum, the Triquetra serves as a profound symbol that beautifully encapsulates the idea of completeness by adding a third dimension to the essential duality that forms the basis of life and existence.
2. Threefold Nature of Existence
Continuing from the previous discussion, the triquetra symbolizes the threefold nature of existence (or triplicities), emphasizing how these distinct elements are intricately interconnected. Triplicities are everywhere and govern the realm of existence. A few examples are as follows:
- Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (three distinct aspects of one God as per Christianity).
- Mind, Body, and Spirit.
- Past, Present, and Future.
- Birth, Life, and Death.
- Creation, Preservation, and Destruction.
- Land, Sea, and Sky (three domains of existence as per the Celtic mythology).
- Father, Mother, and Child.
- Childhood, Adulthood, and Old Age.
- Heaven, Earth, and Underworld.
- Spiritual, Intelectual, and Emotional.
- Plant, Animal, and Mineral.
- Positive, Negative, and Neutral.
- Solid, Liquid, and Gas.
- Etc.
The Triquetra represents three interconnected aspects of a single entity. For instance, The Triquetra reminds us that the Mind, Body, and Spirt are all linked together and we cannot separate one from another. Thus in order to reach your highest potential, you need to work on all these three aspects of your reality.
3. Eternal Cycle of life
The Triquetra is composed of three interconnected arcs that form a continuous, unbroken line with neither a beginning nor an end. If you were to trace this line from any point, you will inevitably return to where you began that represents eternity and the cyclic nature of life.
These arcs can also symbolize the cyclical processes essential to life: Creation, Preservation, and Destruction. Therefore, the Triquetra serves as a representation of life’s eternal cycle, as well as the everlasting nature of the human soul.
4. Balance, Harmony, Creation, and Yin Yang
Because the triquetra fits perfectly within an equilateral triangle it can be used to represent the divine masculine and feminine energies. The downward-facing triquetra represents feminine energy and the upward-facing represents masculine energy. When they merge so that their centers align, it gives rise to a beautiful flower-like pattern (as depicted below) that signifies creation.
Also, as illustrated in the figure below, connecting the three outer vertices of the Triquetra forms an upward-facing equilateral triangle. Similarly, connecting the inner vertices forms a smaller downward-facing equilateral triangle. The upward-facing triangle symbolizes masculine energy, while the downward-facing one represents feminine energy.
Upon reversing the Triquetra, the smaller triangle points upward, embodying masculine energy, and the larger triangle points downward, signifying feminine energy.
When both these Triquetras are combined, we get a larger six-pointed star and within it a smaller six-pointed star. The Six-Pointed Star is an ancient symbol that represents the union of divine masculine and the divine feminine energies that is the basis of all creation. It also represents divine balance, harmony, and interconnectedness.
The presence of the smaller star within the larger star is similar to the concept of the Yin Yang which has a smaller white circle within the black half and a smaller black circle within the white half.
This signifies that the masculine holds within the feminine and the feminine holds within the masculine and both these forces are interconnected, inseparable, and in perfect harmony.
In essence, the Triquetra symbolizes this very concept of balance, harmony, creation, and interconnection.
5. Unity, Interconnection, and Source Energy
As depicted in the image above, if we were to connect 3 triquetras we get the Seed of Life symbol. The Seed of Life is yet another ancient sacred geometry symbol that represents balance, harmony, creation, unity, and interconnection.
The central circle in the Seed of Life symbolizes source energy, and all the other circles are connected to this central hub, implying unity and interconnectedness.
Additionally, the Seed of Life is thought to contain the blueprint of the universe. Building upon this symbol can yield a variety of other sacred geometry figures, such as the Torus energy field (believed to reflect electromagnetic energy), the Flower of Life, the Fruit of Life, Metatron’s Cube, and the five Platonic Solids. These five solids are considered the foundational building blocks of the universe and serve as perfect symbols of balance and harmony.
Hence the Triquetra which is the basis of the Seed of Life represents unity, nterconnectedness, creation, and source energy.
6. Triple Goddess – Feminine Energy & the Three Stages of Life
In Wicca, the Triquetra is often used to symbolize feminine energy and the concept of the Triple Goddess. The Triple Goddess represents the three distinct phases of a woman’s life: Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
- Maiden (Youth): Represents new beginnings, independence, curiosity, growth, and enthusiasm.
- Mother (Middle Age): Represents fertility, nurturing, strength, compassion. and stability.
- Crone (Old Age): Symbolizes wisdom, transformation, transcendence, and enlightenment.
Together, these three phases offer a holistic view of the feminine life cycle and its powerful transformative potential.
7. Light and Illumination
White light is a combination of the three primary colors: red, green, and blue. The three arcs of the Triquetra symbolize these colors, while its center represents the white light produced by their union. In this way, the Triquetra serves as a symbol of light, knowledge, enlightenment, illumination, and source energy.
8. All of Time
The Triquetra represents all of time, encapsulating the past, present, and future as three interconnected elements. Just as the three loops of the Triquetra are distinct yet interwoven, the three phases of time are also individual yet eternally linked.
In many philosophical and spiritual traditions, the understanding of time is not linear but cyclical, echoing the never-ending loop of the Triquetra. The past influences the present, the present shapes the future, and the future, in turn, sheds new light on the past. This cyclical nature of time suggests that each phase is not isolated but is part of a greater, interconnected whole.
9. Life, Meditation, & Spiritual Ascension
As discussed earlier, the triquetra symbolizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, which are the essential components of life. Achieving a balanced relationship among these three aspects is crucial for well-being and happiness. The body serves as the vessel for the mind, the mind aids in the body’s survival, and the spirit breathes life into the body. This concept parallels the Christian Holy Trinity, where the Father represents the body, the Son signifies the mind, and the Holy Ghost embodies the spirit.
Additionally, the triquetra resembles a person in a sitting meditation pose (as depicted in the image above). It is during meditation that one can attain a complete balance and unity between the mind, body, and spirit. In this regard, the triquetra can also serve as a powerful symbol for meditation. In fact, meditating on the triquetra can help bring more balance and harmony in your own life.
10. Everlasting Love
When two triquetras are combined, as shown in the image above, they form the Celtic symbol known as Serch Bythol, which signifies eternal love and a soulmate connection. In fact, as the triquetras merge they form a perfect circle, which further emphasizes the concept of eternity.
Additionally, the Triquetra flower (that we saw earlier), especially when encircled (as shown in the image above), can symbolize everlasting love, as the circle represents both protection and eternal unity.
Conclusion
As you can see, the triquetra is a potent symbol encapsulating various key concepts about life, existence, and the universe. Among the most significant is the concept of interconnectedness among life’s triplicities. Triquetra also serves as a timeless reminder of the equilibrium and harmony that govern the universe. In addition, the symbol also represents unity, completeness, protection, creative energy, and the eternal cycle of life making it a universally powerful symbol.
Its enduring presence across cultures and belief systems speaks to its universal power to convey complex ideas in a simple, yet profound, way. If this symbol resonates with you, consider incorporating it into your life. You can meditate with it, use it during visualizations, wear it as jewelry, draw it, or keep it on your altar to benefit from its powerful energy and diverse meanings it encapsulates.
