Firstly I should thank Angel13 for for what is a most articulate and beautifully crafted response to Nazheek's thought provoking original post. Both down to the very essence of 973-eht-namuh-973.com.
As an atavistic and inveterate student of Celtic culture and mythology descended from a long line of Hibernians, if I might expand the threes thread in that direction. Hopefully in a way that is also of value to people interested in the esoteric, mystical, sacred geometry and or neopaganism. In a broader sense it is acknowledged that 3 is an especially important number across many traditions, but in this context relates tothe Celtic in particular.
Examples of this include the shamrock, which is a three-leafed plant, the triple aspect of ancient gods and goddesses, and the ancient triple spiral symbol, also known as the triskel.
The 3 is a sacred number in ancient Celtic mythology and religion. Riddles and triadic phraseology proliferate throughout Celtic folk lore and faerie stories. The triskel, a figure composed of three spirals, signifies the three-layered nature of a human soul, and in itself stands as a central figure in ancient Celtic symbolism. The earth, sea, and sky share a three-fold marriage in oaths and as a joint witness to deeds, as well as representing sacred elements.
The goddess Brigit, in many tellings, is not a single entity but three sisters: a poetess, a smith and a doctor.’Brigit’ is one of three daughters of the Dagda all of the same name. Each one is a master of one of three different skills: smithing, poetry, and healing. These three skills are vital to the people of Eriu (Ancient word for Ireland). The Three in unison are also seen as a symbol of fertility and life. It is the combination of these important skills which has truly allowed the people of Eyru to prosper.
Brigt is associated with serpents the ancient symbol of the healing powers of the Earth Goddess and her festival is at Imbolc (a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring). Goddess of independence, integrity and energy, often depicted in her threefold aspect with fiery red hair. Symbols and associations of Brigit are fire, wells, healing cauldron, serpents, anvil and hammer, dandelion, amethysts and white candles.
The Triskel (also frequently used as a druidic symbol) or triple spiral is a symbol found in very ancient, even pre-Celtic sites in the British isles, such as Newgrange.
On the basis that the Triskel dates back to prehistory, it is more difficult to determinne exactly what it meant, other than the fact that people down the ages have believed the number 3 to be significant for many thousands of years. Also associated as a symbol of the Triple Goddess (maiden, mother, crone) in pre-Christian times, the triple-centred spirals were also found in illuminated manuscripts. This design may indeed represent the waxing, waning and full moon. The spiral symbol is thought to relate to rebirth or growth and therefore represent the consciousness of nature beginning from the core or centre and thus expanding outwardly. Acknowledged as ‘The way of all things’, by most mystics.
The number 3 is also present in other Celtic Symbols such as the Triskelion (a Celtic symbol consisting of three legs or lines radiating from a centre)., the "Triquetra" (a symmetrical triangular ornament of three interlaced arcs used on metalwork and stone crosses) and the ‘Three Rays’ of the Druidic Symbol.
