Magickal Symbols- The History & Use of the Triquetra

History Of The Triquetra

The Triquetra is a fascinating symbol with deep historical roots and a wide range of meanings across cultures and belief systems. It is a three-part symbol, comprised of three interlocking vesica piscis shapes, resembling a triangle or three loops, sometimes within a circle. It is  often seen as an emblem of interconnection, eternity, and unity.

The name Triquetra comes from Latin meaning “three cornered”.

The Triquetra is most commonly associated with Celtic art and culture, particularly in Insular Celtic knotwork designs. It appears frequently in Celtic manuscripts such as the Book of Kells (circa 9th century). It’s believed to represent the tripartite nature of existence—earth, sea, and sky—or the cycles of life: birth, death, and rebirth.

Though widely recognized as a Celtic symbol, the Triquetra predates the Celts, appearing in early Indo-European and Germanic cultures. It has been found carved on Viking artifacts, Germanic coins and runestones, and its threefold nature often symbolized themes such as life, death, and resurrection in various mythologies.

The Triquetra was later adopted by early Christians as a representation of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Its unbroken line and interwoven structure made it a powerful visual metaphor for the unity and eternity of the divine.

It is often used in Christian art and stained-glass windows, especially in medieval churches, and can be seen as a variant of the trinity knot.

Symbolism and Meanings

The Triquetra has, over the years, been used to symbolise many things. 

The Celts viewed the Triquetra as a symbol of protection and strength. In fact, it has been suggested that the protective power of the Triquetra is attributed to the fact that it can be drawn without the pen leaving the paper i.e. it is a continuous symbol.

In Norse mythology, similar shapes were used to ward off evil and bring harmony, often found in amulets, shields, and armour.

The Triquetra is also seen as a symbol of balance and unity between mind, body, and spirit, or between the past, present, and future. The circle that sometimes accompanies the Triquetra emphasizes eternity and the interconnectedness of all things.

In modern Paganism and Wicca, the Triquetra often represents the Triple Goddess—Maiden, Mother, and Crone. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of life, the cycles of nature, and feminine power.  Another take on the Triquetra as a symbol of feminine power is seen in the book Signs & Symbols of the World, where D.R. McElroy even suggests that the shape of the Triquetra, is made up of football-shaped lobes (the vesica piscis shapes) called yonis (singular yoni) which echo the shape of the female sex organ, thus symbolising birth.

With such a vast history of use, spanning many centuries and cultures, it is not surprising that the Triquetra has become associated with so many meanings. 

Let us know which meaning you associate with the Triquetra. Do you use it as a protection symbol, or a representative symbol? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

If you are looking for Products containing the Triquetra symbol, check out what we have here

References: 

Davies, A. (2022). Charms & Symbols (pp. 94-95). Octopus Publishing Group.

Nozedar, A. (2010). The Illustrated Signs & Symbols sourcebook (p. 161). Harper Collins.

Mc Elroy, D. R. (2023). Signs & Symbols Of The World (p. 217). Chartwell Books.