Circle of Life

The Circle of Life was derived from the Celtic sun-wheel, which was above all a symbol
of life, a cosmological image making sense of life in a non-verbal way. Predating all of
the modern philosophies and religions, it manifests a world-view similar to and compatible
with all of the other indigenous traditions of the world.  It is not only the predecessor of
the Celtic Cross, but it is a Celtic version of the Wheel of Dharma and the Medicine Wheel.

The primary numbers of the Circle of Life are four and one, representing traditional
measurements by quarters. 
                Four are the seasons of one year and four are the stages of life.
                Four are the elements compositing all matter and the first four
                numbers contain the essence of all numbers.

You can visualize a clock and a compass superimposed on this image, one ordering time
and the other arranging space.  Deeper reflection can lead to a greater reality where nothing
exists separately.  All is one.

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life was a central part of Celtic spirituality.  The tree was a sustainer of life,
providing food, shelter and fuel.  Trees were also a connection to the world of spirits and
the ancestors.  Trees provided healing, shelter and wisdom.  The most sacred tree was
the Oak.  The root of the oak was the doorway to the otherworld.  You could fall asleep
next to an oak and awake in the fairy realm. 

The name of the priestly class, the Druids, is derived from the words for "oak" and "wise"



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