THE SPIRAL is a natural form of growth. Spirals have been a part of nature for millions of years as can be seen in Ammonite Fossils. In every culture it has become a symbol of eternal life. The Celtic monks painted whorls representing the continuous creation and dissolution of the world; the passages between the spirals symbolized the divisions between life, death and rebirth. At the centre there is complete balance, where heaven and earth are joined. Sunwise and antisunwise spirals respectively represent the inner and outer evolution of the spirit, winter and summer, dark and light, contraction and expansion.

THE CELTIC CROSS, like the ancient menhirs (the standing stones of old) symbolizes the bridge to higher energies and planes of existence. It is essentially a cross which is superimposed onto two circles, these often being linked together with various designs making them look like one ring. The cross represents the Power of God over the two kingdoms of Earth and Spirit which are depicted by the two circles. The circle also symbolizes both the Great Wheel of Life and the Solar energy. The vertical axis represents the relationship between the celestial realms and the horizontal axis represents the earthly plane.

THE INTERLACED KNOTWORK PATTERNS were developed from plaitwork and basketry techniques and symbolizes the continuity of life and binding of the soul to the world. With their unbroken lines endless knotwork symbolizes the process of man’s eternal spiritual growth, based on the belief that the human soul is a fragment of the divine which will ultimately return to its divine source. Circular designs represent the complete relationship of total life created - the seven created beings of the Celtic world – plant, insect, fish, reptile, bird, animal and man.

THE TRISCELE is a sun symbol. The number three was sacred to the Celtic religion as well as its compound number, nine. The symbolism of these spirals is that of the “motionless mover”, the Most High God in the centre around which all things revolve. The triscele is also thought to represent the three realms of Celtic lore – the past, the present and the future. It is commonly found in late Celtic art (especially in Ireland and Scotland) and has survived well into the Christian period because it could also be considered to represent the Holy Trinity.

GEMSTONES had strong meaning to the Celts who wore beads for decoration as well as their healing, and talismanic value against the Sidhe or Pobel Vyan (the Faerie races) owners of the large earth crystals and minerals from which the gemstones were extracted. Green gems represented fertility, Amethyst for healing, Carnelian for rank and sacred use. Pearls were also a sacred gem.

THE MIZMAZE – carved in rock near Tintagel, Cornwall, an ancient civilization left inscribed maze patterns believed to be over 4,000 years old. They are of the same design as the “Minoan” maze in ancient Greece. The Celts were fascinated with labyrinths which to them symbolized the endless riddle of life and the quest for its hidden depths.

THOR’S HAMMER – 9th Century Danish form of Mjollnir, the hammer of the Thunder God, Thor, the most popular of the old Germanic gods, said to symbolize protection, increase, raw power and will. Thor was the mightiest god waging war against the giants whom he killed with his hammer. At the same time he was a god of the home hallowing marriage and purifying funerals with his hammer.

ZOOMORPHIC DESIGNS stem from the Celtic belief that man evolved through many life forms before his present one. Animals best portray the Celtic spirit of change and adaptability, recognizing the importance of “oneness” with nature. Among the animals drawn by the Celts are the lion, calf, eagle, fish, cats, mice, hens, snakes, dragons and birds, often humorously depicted, and betraying the Celtic artists’ preoccupation with shape changing. The Four Evangelists are often associated with zoomorphs.

The fish in Celtic culture symbolized clairvoyance, and the salmon, was the symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

Birds were believed to be celestial messengers and bearers of magical power, prophecy, good fortune, freedom, peace and love.

The boar symbolized valour and was used in the decoration of military trumpets. Boars featured extensively on early Romano-Celtic coins and carvings and was also regarded as magical Otherworld food.

The serpent is the image of light, life and divine wisdom. Coming from deep within the earth it was believed to hold secrets and be the guardian of hidden riches, metals, fertility, medical cures and esoteric knowledge.

Some other animals were :
Hare – the Otherworld
Horse – fertility, beauty, abundance
Stag – vitality, regeneration
Bull – strength, fertility
Goose – protectio
Goat – fertility
Eagle – celestial and solar symbol
Dragon – guardian spirit, sovereignty.

Each piece of St Justin jewellery is crafted in pewter by hand in Cornwall. Pewter jewellery rose to popularity during the Middle Ages. Pewter also replaced wooden tableware in well-to-do households. Enduring and malleable it acquires an attractive patina with age. Unrivalled until the 19th Century, pewter was exported to all corners of the world during the days of the British Empire. Clean with warm soapy water and/or a silver polishing cloth – never use chemicals or place flasks, goblets or quaiches in a dishwasher as the high temperature & chemicals will react adversely with the metal. Our pewter contains 50% recycled tin & 100% recycled copper.

SEALS – each seal comes with a stick of red wax and replacements in 5 colours of wax are available. When using the seal melt the wax into the envelope in the shape of a circle, let it cool for a moment & then press the seal into the wax. Wait for about 10 seconds & then carefully release the seal by pressing down on the envelope whilst pivoting the seal sideways.