The Power and Magic of Threes

Newgrange Triple Spiral

Both the shamrock and the Newgrange triple spiral are symbols that shout out the power and magic of threes, an idea embedded in Celtic lore and Celtic wisdom. Almost everyone has heard the story of St. Patrick holding up a shamrock and using its three sections to illustrate the Christian Trinity. 

The notion of trinity was not new to the Celts as the prevalence of the triskele and its numerous variations attest. The carved stone of Newgrange (depicted above) dates back to before the pyramids. The Riverdance production adopted it as their logo and the image caught fire surpassing the shamrock as a symbol of Ireland.

So what was their significance? We can never know for certain what any symbols perpetuated in prehistory initially meant. However, we know that three is the first prime number that defies “either/or thinking”, duality and polarization. Similarly, a gathering of three people transcends the individual and represents a group with its own identity. Three points can transcend the linear and create a trine or circle. Three represents wholeness, unity, oneness. There is thus power in threes.

The Oneness of the Trinity is captured in the Celtic Cross which adds a circle to the Latin cross; yet, the symbol of the circle or spiral predates Christianity. Three spirals offer the idea of cycles at multiple levels. As we watch the sun cycle of the solar year, we also see the moon cycle of the month, and the sunrise to sunset of the day. We also can see that the personal cycle of life is also represented.

The Triads of Ireland, collected hundreds of years ago and published over a century ago, lists over 250 triads or triplet matchings. It includes many categories from physical properties to principles of law.  In my novel Celtic Spirit, I have the Americans on the bus try play a travel game whereby they try to name as many examples as triads as they can. Here is an excerpt from the book to give you examples of how prevalent triads are:

“Let’s begin with examples from the book: rivers, lake and sea. Then, a question: what are   three things for which an enemy is loved? wealth, beauty and worth.” 

There is silence and I wonder if the game is intimidating. 

Lily, though, is not intimidated at all. She pops up with a riddle for us: “What are three things that constitute a harpist?”

There are some good tries but then folks beg her for the answer. 

“Well, there is a tune to make you cry, a tune to make you laugh, and a tune to put you to sleep. Easy, huh?” she replies. 

Everyone applauds. And so the game begins. At first it’s easy and the answers fly back and forth quickly:

“Brede, Brigid, Brigit”

“Earth, Sky, and Sea”

“Maiden, Mother, Crone”

“Father, Son, and Holy Ghost”

“Birth, death, rebirth”

“Mind, body, spirit”

Then someone suggests it become a challenge or quiz, like:

“Name the three Aran Islands”

“Name the three bays of Ireland”

“Name three attributes of Brigid”

Yes, the Celts saw power and magic in threes. The notion of the magic of threes is  illustrated in folklore by leprechauns, fairies and wizards. Disney has helped us all to know the stories of three wishes, the three good fairies, the three witches, etc.

And, finally, there are the Celtic Blessings so many of which are written in triplets such as this:

May you find yourself at One with the cycles of Life

May you feel the Power of universal forces supporting your efforts, and

May you find magic in all you do.