Triquetra's Three Realms: A Deep Dive into Irish Druid Cosmology

I've had a few ask me why us Irish Druids prefer the Triquetra over the Welsh Druids, Awen symbol.

In my prior piece I broke down the many realms of An Saol Eile and how they fit within the larger cosmic realms of Albios (Sky), Bīto (Land) and Dubnos (Sea). I then talked about how the 3 overlap and not to look at them in 2D. The cosmos is not linear. Rather one should look at them in 3D. This gives you the Borromean rings. In the center it creates a Triquetra.

These rings give us a powerful visual representation of interconnectedness. No single ring can be removed without the entire structure falling apart.

This perfectly mirrors the interdependence of Albios, Bīto, and Dubnos.

The rings' 3D nature emphasizes the overlapping and interwoven quality of the realms, rather than a simple linear or separate arrangement.

The Triquetra, derived from the central space created by the Borromean rings, naturally symbolizes the unity of the three realms. 

It effectively condenses the complex 3D concept into a simple, elegant 2D symbol, making it ideal for ritual and representation.

   

So the Triquetra's association with the Sky, Land, and Sea aligns perfectly with the Druidic reverence for nature and the cosmos. It serves as a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of maintaining balance.

Why? It provides a clear and memorable visual aid for understanding the cosmology. It connects a complex philosophical concept to a tangible and widely recognized symbol. It reinforces the idea that Druidic beliefs are not just abstract concepts but are deeply rooted in the natural world.

By using the Triquetra from the Borromean rings, we've effectively bridged the gap between complex cosmology and practical symbolism, making our cosmic view more understandable.

But why Three and what is this complex philosophical concept I speak of? Why don't we use 4 for Earth, Air, Fire and Water like the Wiccans and Hermetics? Because we feel it's too simplified. Let me explain.

We Druids break our cosmology to:

Albios (Sky) which represents light, fire, energy, heat, etc. Also, it can represent Life.

Bīto (Land) represents matter, bones, blood, flesh.

Also it can represent Birth and Rebirth

Dubnos (Sea) represents death, darkness, decay.

It can also represent transformation, the womb and a gateway.

All three of these together are needed for life.

You're probably wondering why we need Dubnos? What does a farmer need besides sunlight and water to grow? He needs rich soil. What is rich soil? Dirt mix with compost. Compost creates an environment of decay that enriches the dirt into dark fertilized soil. The seed is planted, nurtured and grows in the womb of Dubnos. It grows up from Dubnos into Bīto and reaches for the light of Albios. It spends it's life learning and transforming Albios and Dubnos upon Bīto to the end of it's cycle. Returning it body to Dubnos and it soul ascending to Albios. Repeating the spiral dance of Life, Death and Rebirth.

With that said, the Triquetra shows us how all 3 rings are need for life and existence. Both the Otherworld realms of Albios and Dubnos come together to take the matter of Bīto and mold it and infuse it with life.

This reinforces the Cyclical Nature. It further emphasizes the Druidic understanding of existence as a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth.