Fans of the television series “Charmed” are already familiar with the triquetra symbol. The term is derived from Latin and its original meaning was “three-cornered”, more commonly referred to as a “triangle”. Its meaning however has evolved to connote threefold enigmas including religious enigmas as in the symbol for the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity or in the case of the television series “Charmed” it is used as the symbol of the “Power of Three”.

The triquetra symbol is also known as the “trinity knot” and the “Celtic triangle”. It consists of three “vesicae piscis” or almond-shaped symbols which are joined together by a circle in the middle. This circle signifies the notion of eternity and unity in several different cultures and diverse religious and pagan beliefs.

Relics of the Triquetra Symbol

Evidence of the use of the triquetra symbol dates back as early as the eight century in Europe, where carvings of the triquetra symbol were found etched on rune stones in Northern Europe and on ancient Germanic coins. The use of the triquetra symbol can also be found on the illuminated manuscript the Book of Kells.

The Triquetra in Celtic Art 

The triquetra symbol is frequently associated with Celtic Art since the symbol features extensively in varying forms of this ancient art. In Celtic art the unbroken circle of the triquetra symbol often denotes the notion of eternity. The triquetra symbol can be found on Celtic headstones carvings and several motifs in Celtic paintings.

Christian Symbolism

In Christian beliefs the triquetra symbol represents the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The symbol delineates the Mystery of the Holy Trinity which represents three beings of divine power in an indissoluble God.

Pagan Symbolism

In pagan cultures the triquetra symbol is also used to denote the threefold character of the goddess as the virgin, the mother and the crone. It is also used to represent the natural forces of air, earth and water. The circle in the middle signifies the cycle of life being the birth, death and rebirth of all beings. Other pagan beliefs consider the middle circle of the triquetra symbol as the signifier of female fertility and unity.

Variations of the Triquetra Symbol

The designs of the triquetra symbol come in a vast array of variation ranging from the simplest designs of three plain almond-shaped symbols to highly ornate symbols often interconnected with other symbols which lend the triquetra symbol an additional and personalised meaning.