Iconography

ICONOGRAPHY: A Day in the Life

Iconography, the identification, description, interpretation and meaning of a symbol or image, is an important part of Ildanach design and art throughout the ages. While much of our symbols and icons come from our Celtic perspective, we’ve found that at the basic, tribal level, many symbols are universal – these transcendent icons are found in almost every culture and philosophy.

Each of our symbols tends to not only have an interpretation but also a story. As space permits, we will include the story of an icon.

As iconography plays an important role in all that we do as artists, it is also important to note the source of our metals, for there is history here as well, and stories in the making. Each piece of art from the studios at Ildanach begins their day as something else. A bracelet may start out its day as a copper water pipe. Earrings begin as copper gutters or downspouts. Spirals and clasps have sown lightning in that they were once electrical wiring. Neckwear has protected the homes of generations of families as ceiling tiles and roofing.

So take the time to pick up the iconography of a design new to you, or compare what you know of a symbol with our Celtic ancestors. Check the Alpha Listing for a quick jump point to a specific icon.



Awen - IldanachStudios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1995Awen: Creative Soul, Poetic Inspiration, Breath of the Source. Awen is often depicted as a sun with three rays shining down. Forensic study has taught us that the stone upon which an Awen symbol was originally found had broken off and fallen – the symbol was actually pointing upward. The dot in the center is the individual’s place in the Universe. One upward ray represents feminine intuition and energy, one ray that of masculine creativeness and energy and the middle ray the synergy and farsight created by the two. Awen is quite possibly the most fundamental symbol for anyone of creative intent.

Bear - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4578

Bear - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4536Bear: Grandfather bear, healer, clown and wise one. Bear is a powerful totem – strength, wisdom, humor and guardianship.

 

 

Bee - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1269

Bee: Mana bringer and provider. Productive, resourceful, protective. Typically seen as a feminine energy, but can be masculine as well.

 

 

Bison - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4524Bison: Sacred energy, foresight, endurance. As a representative of the bovine totem, bison is a strong leader and true to family.

 

 

Butterfly - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_2233

Butterfly: New life, rejuvenation, beauty, resourcefulness.

 

 

 

Cat - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4542

Cat - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4545Cat - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_6343Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2014 - Neckwear - Cougar Paw - IMG_5618Cat: Longevity, companionship, resourcefulness, curiosity, farsight, adaptability. Wise one, Messenger of the Ancients and Watcher of the Ways.

 

 

Chai - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0270

Chai: Life

 

 

 

Cross Celtic - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_6325Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2014 - Neckwear - Cross Celtic Spiral - IMG_5625Cross, Celtic: Also known as the medicine wheel and great cycle this is a symbol of balance, equality, healing, faith, hope and synergy. The ring represents female energy and fertility as well as the earth and its energy. The cross represents male energy and fertility as well as the universe and its energy, and the representation of salvation. Together, they represent our place in the universe and the synergy of energies. Once thought to be the combination of pagan and Christian iconography, we now know this symbol is much older in many cultures and is important to both pagan and Christian iconography.

Cat - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4542Cougar: See Cat, only moreso.

 

 

 

Deer: See Stag.

 

 

 

Wolf - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0748Dog: See Wolf.

 

 

 

Dragonfly - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0280

Dragonfly - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4488

Dragonfly - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4596Dragonfly: Guardian, wind dancer, hunter, provider.

 

 

 

Elements - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_2003Elements: Known in all cultures, there are many and varied symbols for the elements.

 

 

 

Elk: See Stag.

 

 

 

Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 - Feather - Neckwear Pendant H IMG_0368Feather: The Feather and Feathers represent those they once adorned and as many birds are considered to be messengers, their feathers are known as a sign of wisdom, knowledge, communication and the seeking ability to find/search/scout.  Feathers of Ravens, being Soul Carriers for example, are symbols of knowledge and communication with the Other World (Heaven).  An Eagle feather would be a symbol of communication or guidance from the Source and various Aspects and therefore Universal (celestial) wisdoms. Feathers, much like in Native American cultures, also represent the power and abilities of thunder, the winds and the element of Air. Do not forget or underestimate the feathers of the smaller bird folk and their wisdoms as well.

Salmon of Wisdom - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4512Fish: See Salmon.

 

 

 

Goddess Within - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1981Goddess: Feminine, Nurturing, Creation, Vision. This particular ancient symbol depicts the strength of feminine energy as she upholds the universe, the nurturing and life-bearing aspects and the sacred cup.

 

 

Guardian Aspect - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1987Green Man: See Guardian Aspect.

Guardian Aspect: Farseeing, Protection, Presence, Wisdom. The oldest depiction of the Green Man, the guardian aspect represents the masculine and the cycle of the seasons. Looking at the Guardian, you will see his helmeted head. Upon closer inspection, his nasal becomes the trunk of the Tree of Life, his cheekplates become strong branches, his crest the far reaching canopy, his mustache the nourishing roots and his mouth the wellspring.

Horse - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0363

Horse - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4502Horse - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0233Horse: Endurance, freedom, family, stubbornness, protective, creative.

 

 

Knotwork Orkney - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4610Knotwork, Orkney: Eternity, Wisdom, the Journey of Life, meta-Union. Found in many ancient works such as the Lindisfarne gospels, this particular endless knot is often associated with the Orkney Isles of Scotland.

 

Knotwork Tibetan - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0969Knotwork, Tibetan: Great Cycle, Eternity, Constancy. Found in many cultures, this endless knot is particularly prevalent in Hindu, Buddhist and Celtic cultures.

 

 

Kokopeli - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0373

Kokopelli: Fertility, Knowledge, Music

 

 

 

Lotus Crown Chakra - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_6349Lotus/Crown Chakra: Universal Consciousness, Unity, Balance, Life. Known at the Thousand-petaled Lotus, this symbol can also be found as a rosary or geometric symbol in architecture.

 

 

Cat - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_6343

Mau/Egyptian Cat: See Cat.

 

Moon Crescent - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0085Moon, Crescent: Celestial, Feminine, Wisdom, Ocean Tides. As a waxing moon, the crescent is a symbol of fertility, growing strength and potential. As a waning moon, it represents caution, stored energy and renewal.

 

 

Music - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4223Music: Harmony, Rhythm, Symmetry and Asymmetry. As the language of the soul, music represents emotions and mathematical influence.

 

 

Om - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_2002Om: Energy, Centeredness, Awareness, Clarity, Resonance.

 

 

 

Owl - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4520Owl: Wisdom, nightsight, quiet contemplation.

 

 

 

Cat - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4542Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2014 - Neckwear - Cougar Paw - IMG_5618Pard: See Cat. Father of all Great Spotted Cats, Paard was said to be able to take the form of a man. He is also said to be the only animal who can defeat the dragon.  Farseer, Guardian Aspect, Healer, Tactician.

 

 

Peace - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1286Peace: Popularized in the 1960’s as the symbol of peace, this icon is actually ancient in origin and represents Universal Balance.

 

 

Raven - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0934Raven: Soul Carrier, Messenger, Guide.

 

 

 

Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 - Sacred Cup and Sword - Star of David Neckwear Pendant N IMG_4581Sacred Cup & Sword:  Representing the Sacred Feminine (equilateral triangle with flat side up) and Sacred Masculine (equilateral triangle with flat side down) and their synergy in Creation.

 

 

Salmon of Wisdom - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4512Salmon of Wisdom - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0222

Salmon of Wisdom: Wisdom, Courage, Craft, Clarity.

 

 

 

Spiral - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_2006

Spiral - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4198Spiral: Protection, Time, Great Cycle, Universe. One of the transcendent symbols, the spiral means many things to many cultures but predominantly guardianship and protection as well as a symbol for the universe.

 

 

Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2014 - Sri Yantra - IMG_4740Sri Yantra:  The sacred instrument/wheel. Representing balance and the unity of the Masculine and Feminine divine – uplifting both for their individual and dual natures. 9 Triangles (Sacred Cup & Sacred Sword) intertwining to form 43 triangles within the lotus and steps of the temples nine levels.

 

Stag: Protection, freedom, sacred energy, masculine energy.

 

 

 

Star - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4485

Star - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4565

Star: Celestial, Masculine, Power/Energy.

Sun: See Star.

 

 

Tree of Life - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_6350Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 - Tree of Life IMG_5628Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2015 - Tree of Life IMG_7955Tree of Life: Great Cycle, Interconnection, Creation, Wisdom. The Aspect which binds the road twix Earth and the Universe and Heaven/Otherworld.

 

Tree Aspen - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_2170Tree, Aspen: One of the Nine Sacred Woods of Celtic Philosophy, each region has woods who’s aspect is important as a totem and symbol.  Those Nine Sacred Woods of traditional Celtic peoples tend to carry true throughout the world in cousin species and Woods sacred to other Cultures.  Aspen represents Vision, Farsight, Victory, Transformation, Divination and Resurrection.

Tree Fir - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_2009Tree, Fir:  One of the Nine Sacred Woods of Celtic Philosophy, each region has woods who’s aspect is important as a totem and symbol.  Those Nine Sacred Woods of traditional Celtic peoples tend to carry true throughout the world in cousin species and Woods sacred to other Cultures.  Fir represents Longevity, Clarity, Wisdom, Energy, Focus, Imagination and Stamina.

 

Tree Oak - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1998Tree, Oak: One of the Nine Sacred Woods of Celtic Philosophy, each region has woods who’s aspect is important as a totem and symbol.  Those Nine Sacred Woods of traditional Celtic peoples tend to carry true throughout the world in cousin species and Woods sacred to other Cultures.  Oak represents Strength, Endurance, Stability, Nobility, Knowledge and Protection.

 

Tribal - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4599Tribal: Celestial, Speed, Strength, Agility.

 

 

 

Turtle - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_1898

Turtle - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_4500Turtle: Determined, sure, cautious, adaptable, endurance.

 

 

 

Wolf - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_0748Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2014 - Neckwear - Wolf Paw - IMG_5622Wolf: Natural Guardian, Family, Curiosity, Synergy, Herald of Nature’s Aspect, Scout and Tracker.

 

 

 

Yin Yang - Ildanach Studios Copyrighted Image 2013 IMG_6330Yin Yang: Interconnectedness, Positive Duality, Male/Female Synergy, Balance.