Blog reader LunaChic writes: I'm setting up my altar for Imbolc, and I have this really cool Celtic cross candleholder. I'd like to put it on my altar, but my friend says not to use it because it's a Christian symbol and not a Wiccan one. What should I do?
I happen to have a Celtic cross candleholder too. It's almost a foot tall, holds nine tealight candles, and would make a highly effective weapon if a burglar ever snuck in during ritual. And yes, it sits on my altar despite the fact that I am not, nor have I ever been, Christian. Why? Because I like it. Seriously, it just feels right sitting there. Sure, the cross is a Christian symbol, but they don't have exclusive rights to it. And really, at Imbolc, a celebration that honors a Pagan goddess from Ireland who later became a Catholic saint, what could be more appropriate than the Celtic cross? If you feel it belongs on your altar, you go right ahead and put it there. For some other ideas on what to include on an Imbolc altar, you may want to read here: Setting Up Your Imbolc Altar.
I happen to have a Celtic cross candleholder too. It's almost a foot tall, holds nine tealight candles, and would make a highly effective weapon if a burglar ever snuck in during ritual. And yes, it sits on my altar despite the fact that I am not, nor have I ever been, Christian. Why? Because I like it. Seriously, it just feels right sitting there. Sure, the cross is a Christian symbol, but they don't have exclusive rights to it. And really, at Imbolc, a celebration that honors a Pagan goddess from Ireland who later became a Catholic saint, what could be more appropriate than the Celtic cross? If you feel it belongs on your altar, you go right ahead and put it there. For some other ideas on what to include on an Imbolc altar, you may want to read here: Setting Up Your Imbolc Altar.
Don’t forget, the cross is a much older symbol than Christianity. Also what most people recognize as a “Celtic cross” is a solar cross which is not a Christian symbol at all but a pagan symbol that represents the four winds, the wheel of the year, the sun itself, what have you. So use what YOU feel comfortable with.
When you wrap the equal-armed cross in a circle, you have one of the symbols of Earth. It’s all in the interpretation.
To say that the equilateral cross is exclusively a Christian Symbol shows either Prejudice or Misinformation or Both. The Celtic Cross and or a Cross with Equal Arms is Much Much older. How does the person claiming this explain it’s presence in Pre-Christian Norse Runes as one Glaring example? Always ask for the source a person gets their information from. Many Academics and Scholarly People could refute the claim that the Equilateral Cross is only a Christian Symbol.
Dear Paul, hurray for you pal. So nice to
know that the circle in a Celtic cross is
the SUN, recently celebrated on 25 Dec.
Maybe 1 of these days the Xians will get off our backs about everything. SCG
In the craft there are no rules written in stone-If u feel in u’re heart that it’s okay to have the celtic cross on u’re altar then do it!There probally is-but I cannot recall a symbol used by the xians that isn’t from the “olde religion”The one that said this might not be very informed on history of symbols.
You call youself pagans or wiccan’s but I’m not seeing the “in perfect Love and Perfect trust”, just put downs and judgement of the people who commented and christians.
Why are so many pagan’s and christian’s so narrow minded and UNLOVING? Both sects have a long way to go in reaching our common goal of “love and be loved”.
Lorna – I’m not sure who you’re addressing or what comment you’re making reference to.
However, not all Pagans or Wiccans follow the “perfect love and perfect trust” guideline. Even among those who do, it’s generally used to apply to fellow coven members, not random strangers.
patti
Thank you Patti, I thought it was a goal to strive to. Forgive my misunderstanding, at the time I was trying to follow both paths but gave that up!!! I am in a year and a day class now and know you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Lorna
Patti
Just because others are unhappy and find themselves reflecting that unhappiness on others doesn’t mean that “prefect love and prefect trust” cannot be universal.
Sometimes it’s better to pray for someone to find their happiness than to show your concern (see above).
After all a child must fall before it learns to walk.
so my question here is you caan put whatever you want on your alter however when you begin rituals you must have it set up a certain way? so you remove all the items that dont go with rituals and then put them back when your done?
So, do u have any other symbols for fire even if i dont have candals and incense?
Hi Patti I’m pretty much new to Wicca/Pagan way of life. My name is Liam I’m in my fifties and I guess you I’m a Solitary . Well my question/s Do we just keep on studying and learning many different paths that’s the path for me !” Or maybe I should follow that path .as I said I’m only new to our Blessed way of wiccan /pagan way of our Spiritual Journey . Basicly what I’m trying to say is Help. Love and Blessings.Liam.