Welcome to the dragon's blog...
Here you will find musings on the nature of Celtic art and perhaps some insights into its power and potential. Also, like a river, expect some meandering!
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What do Celtic patterns (such as knots, spirals and steps) show?
by Unknown - 23:06 on 08 July 2014
Welcome back!
Last time we ended with a question: What do Celtic patterns (such as knots, spirals and steps) show?
So I'm going to start this exploration with a statement:
Celtic art is design after nature.
Let's see how this unlocks and unravels...
Simple statements often conceal and reveal a wealth of meaning. And so do (apparently) simple words. Take the word 'design'. Where does this word come from? What actual meaning and experience does it lead us back to? Life is a maze. Language is a maze...
The Oxford Dictionary defines 'design' as:
n. A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something before it is built or made.
The art or action of planning the look and function of something.
The arrangement of the features of an artefact.
A decorative pattern.
The purpose or planning that exists behind an action or object.
v. Decide upon the look and functioning of (something), especially by making a detailed drawing of it.
Do or plan (something) with a specific purpose in mind.
Related statements are: 'By design' and 'Have designs on'.
What's interesting if we go through these definitions is that there is a suggestion of intention, plan or structure that underlies actions and things. Secrets revealed or what is hidden being shown by design (or by designs!).
If we then take this word 'design' along with its meaning and put it back into the Celtic sphere, we can see that it begins to relate very well. We have suggestions of patterns that show purpose and so therefore actually work. They work because they simply mirror the energies and fundamental keys of life. They touch upon and bridge inner with outer realities.
Remember that the patterns found in Celtic art were used in earlier cultures all over the world: from spirals to mazes, and from knots to tiles or steps. The brilliance of the Celtic artists, crafters and scribes was to develop, combine and fuse these elements into a powerful whole. Do not forget this simple fact! They forged* a language that has the range of vocabulary to express the powers of life but can also be used as a vessel to traverse, explore, bridge and communicate between realms of experience - both familiar and unfamiliar.
With this in mind, we cannot simply describe Celtic art as decorative (although it is artistically pleasing). Essentially it is about so much more. We wouldn't, afterall, say that our spoken and written language is mere decoration or trimmings around our life (although some might!) so why should we look at Celtic Design any differently?
Oh no! We've finished with yet another question! This one I think we'll leave alone and open...
*Footnote or afterthought:
The word 'forged' is also potent and significant here. It evokes primal, elemental powers related to the earth and to the world beneath. Imagine what it takes to forge a sword from scratch. These practises and skills would have been developed and passed through peoples over hundreds of years. From mining the raw materials through separating and refining to metal working: materials are skillfully conjoined and transformed. Blacksmiths and metal workers are held in high esteem in Celtic myth and culture. They are gods and magicians - but no wo(man) works alone! Weaponry and jewellery: items of life-death, beauty and power (also to be enjoyed?). What is also interesting is that we all have the opportunity to contact, explore and express these powers allied through our innate abilities. You don't have to be a blacksmith! We are all, afterall, artists. We are at the mirrors edge working and bridging inner and outer worlds. Alchemy also resonates here. We are the sword, the spear, the cauldron and the stone. We can take these ancient and enduring energies and qualities to transform and create. The power is in working simply and directly; sustaining right through to the end. Easily said than done but worth a try...
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