The single spiral is the oldest and most recorded of the Celtic symbols. The spiral symbolized the growth expansion and cosmic energy depending on the culture in which it was used. To the Celts, the spiral was used to represent the sun. A tightly wound, clockwise spiral represented the shrinking winter sun. The counter spiral represented the large summer sun. The double spiral is used to represent the equinoxes, when the day and night are of equal length. Originating as a symbol of the triple goddess in pre-christian times, the triple centered spirals were also found in illuminating manuscripts. This design can also represent the waxing, waning and full moon. Archaeologists can date these symbols found on rocks and scratched rudimentary tombs to be thousands of years old. The spirals found on ancient tombs have been drawn in one continuous line. Spirals, whether in single form or multiple spirals together, represent rebirth or life cycles. (From The Celtic Symbol Handbook)
