Hares & Moons Brooch

This pattern was brought to me from a book of fairy dreams (I found the fable to be quite fascinating.) The Celts in Ireland believed not in the man in the moon but the "Hare in the Moon." Notice how the ears join from a triskelle, a symbol of the triple goddess or Mother Earth with the three crescent moons floating in the he Read more...

Knotted Cross Brooch

This very intricate pattern is similar to examples found on the Bealin Cross. This pattern is created by using one continuous line in four quadrants. This pattern is made using numbers with common factors. This numerology indicates the idea of pure or supreme thoughts. This pattern viewed from a distance forms a cross in its Read more...

O'Carrolan's Knot Brooch

This pattern named for the famous celtic harper is taken from the decorative illumination of the 6th. to 8th. century manuscript the Book of Kells. It is formed from one line unsymmetrical but strangely balanced. It was often believed that patterns with lines that have no end i.e. one continuous line would represent Read more...

Occian Brooch

The Occian is the Wizard of Change. The arrows pointing both inward and outward depict the forces of love in all relationships. This can also be thought of as the interchanging of thoughts and ideas between people or a oneness with the world. This emblem can also be thought of as a cleansing symbol, and a protectorant from evil.

Restan Brooch

As in Donough's Keep, this design is found in borders or arch ways. It is considered a protective or supportive symbol. A Symbol of letting go or grow from within . This pattern has arrows pointing outward indicating outer growth, and the inward for spiritual growth the design is left empty to be filled with an individual tal Read more...

Rosaleen Brooch

This pattern consists of intertwining hearts, the points of the hearts making a star in the center. The hearts promote a sense of inner peace and act as a talisman. Overall the pattern ensures strong relationships while encouraging spiritual growth. The pattern is found on the south cross at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. Clonmacn Read more...

St. Michael's Sun Brooch

Taken from the slab of Beretchert at Tullylease. This eight pointed or double cross pattern of two lines intertwined is a more complex form of the Bealin Cross. The center, holding the sun from which all life comes, to the outer circle for continuity , the inner pattern which is held as a protectorant. The pattern formed from Read more...

Three Horses Brooch

Reproduced by George Bain, this pattern is symbolic of power. Taken from pictish artwork, it owes its origin to the qualities of knighthood and those that rode or possessed horses, with hopefully good intentions, whom ever pray with the spirit to conquer their goal.

Three Lions Brooch

Taken from the 6th-8th Century manuscript the Book of Kells. This symbol for St. Mark (who stressed Christ's power and royalty) and symbolises a protectorant from evil. This is a symbol of transcendence and release, knowledge of life and letting go, the ability to rise above, and to survive the pressures of everyday life. Thi Read more...

Tri-Skell Brooch

Although predating Christianity in it's origins as a symbol for the " Triple Goddess " or " Mother Earth " , it was often used as a protectorant in travel and even on battle shields. A symbol found in Ancient British and Pictish Artwork as well as on standing stones. A magical symbol ! The movement of the spiral is to the rig Read more...

Tullylease Brooch

From a slab at Tullylease. This design of spirals unites in a central coil of North, South, East, and West , invoking the protection of the trinity in each quadrant; to guard, hold, and cherish from each set of three facing North, South, East and West forms a hidden cross, reflected and found in its center. A Symbol not only Read more...

Two Spirals Brooch

Taken from pictish art, and dating back more than three thousand years, this pattern is equivalent to the balance of above and below, the real and mystical worlds united, and has similarities to the yin and yang. The Bonding of Two Souls, often given in friendship or love, it is a balance and bonding symbol.

Two Swans Brooch

Depicted in the 8th to 10th century Book of Kells, the two swans are animals that mate for life. They show the unity between two people as a circle; a never ending bond that transcends all. Two as in one mind, thought and understanding. A pledge never broken. Because this zoomorphic design is so complex it shows better in lar Read more...