Explaining the Celtic cross

Cross slab at Aberlemno, Scotland made in the "Pictish" style. 2005

Probably one of the most widely used, yet very misunderstood, of all Christian symbols, our much admired cross is worn by Catholics and Protestants alike as a statement of faith. There was, however a time when each of those branches of the establishment churches looked upon this very powerful symbol with more distrust than acceptance; more hostility than kindness.  Nor should any one fault the ministers and priests of the mainstream western churches for any misgivings which they may ever have had.   Throughout the centuries our ancient cross has continued to be seen; a visible token of something, not explained, not understood, lurking in the shadows beyond doctrine and dogma or the carefully recited catechisms.  Among ourselves we have done nothing to dispel the inquietude of the clergy of the western church.  Indeed, have not many of our people employed silence as a very terrifying weapon?  Have not some of us taken refuge in becoming as enigmatic as the ancient stones and crosses which we venerate?

It is a tradition with us that no altar cross, house cross, or standing cross should be like any other.  Each is to be a statement unto itself.  In the case of the carved crosses among the Celtic religious, such are usually the gifts of one cleric or, "cell" to another.  Such crosses speak of ancient things.  The Trinity may be represented, the four evangelists, the inter-twining of matter and spirit; Male and Female in God, man and all creation.  All are not a part of God so much more than all make up what God is and ever has been.  The Crucifix captures that moment in time when man in mortal form withered on the cross and became flesh returning to spirit.  The circle or arches around the Cruciform take a more pre-Christian rout to what the Celts call the "wheal of life" symbolizing the four directions, ages, seasons of day and of the year....bound by the eternal.  It is our pre-Christian ethnic youth and our ever-expanding gentle aging and maturation.  To the Celt our cross is not an object of devotion, but rather something akin to a 'Mandela', a focal point whereby we may find our way into ourselves, thereby to the great and almighty author of all that is or ever could be.