The Awen (The Three Rays of Light)

This symbol is a neo-Druid symbol whose invention is attributed to an 18th century Welsh poet named Iolo Morganngw.The Awen (The Three Rays of Light)

The word Awen, meaning inspiration or essence in the Celtic language, is much older and was first recorded in the 9th century book ‘Historia Brittonum’ thought to be written by the Welsh monk Nennius, although there is some disagreement surrounding the book’s authorship.

Nennius alphabet

Nennius is famed for his contribution to the development of Arthurian legend. He is also said to have created an alphabet, not dissimilar to the Ogham or Runes, after a Saxon scholar ridiculed the Britons for not having their own method of writing. One of the Nennian letters looks very similar to this Awen symbol and could possibly be the inspiration for it.

The Awen symbol also appears in Charlotte Guest’s Mabinogion, a translation of old Welsh tales and folklore relating to Arthur.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language. Bealtaine Fire

Balance between male and female energy

The three rays are said to represent the harmony of opposites in the universe. For example, the two outer rays representing male and female energy and the central ray the balance between them. It also represents the three domains of earth, sky and sea; mind, body and spirit.

On the whole, Awen is considered a symbol of inspiration and divine illumination for poets, writers, artists and creatives. Many contemporary Druid groups have translated its meaning to “flowing spirit” and it is a popular symbol for tattoos, jewellery and neo-pagan art work.

The wonderfully ornate illustrations and calligraphy in the Book of Kells has inspired artists for centuries and is still highly influential today. It’s now possible to have your name written in the style of the Book of Kells with ornate initial letters and calligraphy that are direct replicas of work created by the monks more than a thousand years ago.

 

 

More on Celtic trees folklore

 

Trees in Celtic Mythology

Alder tree in Celtic mythology – balanced between male and female

Apple – healing, youthfulness and rebirth

 

Ash – one Ireland’s sacred trees

Aspen – sacred Celtic whispering tree

 

 

Birch – the tree of birth

Blackthorn – sinister tree of the dark side

Elder – a tree sacred to the Celts

Gorse – symbol of love and fertility

 

Hawthorn – the fairy tree

Hazel – the tree at the world’s end

 

 

Heather – building block for Celts

Holly – guards against spirits and witchcraft

Ivy – symbol of strength and determination

 

Mistletoe – sacred plant of the sun god

Oak – king of the forest

Reed – introduction to Ogham

Rowan – the ‘lady of the mountains’

 

 

Scots Pine – the 'pioneer' plant'

Vine – the tree of joy

Willow – beauty and spiritual presence

Yew – longevity and resurrection

 

The Celtic Tree Calendar – following the lunar cycle