The Cross symbolizes the four directions (East, West, North, south) or the four elements of nature (air, fire, Earth, water) or the four parts of man (mind, heart, body, soul). The intersection of the horizontal and the vertical lines culminating into a Cross signifies the meeting of heaven and earth, thus providing hope of salvation to the believers of the Celtic Cross.
Many anecdotes and scholarly explanations surround the myth related to the symbolic significance of this mysterious ancient symbol dotting the countryside. Such freestanding structures are usually found in graveyards and war memorials all over Ireland and parts of Scotland and Britain. It is believed that the Celtic Cross was first created by Saint Patrick by drawing a circle over the ancient Latin Cross to incorporate the symbol of the pagan Moon Goddess. This was done to convert the followers of the ancient cult of Druids to Christianity.
However according to the locals, it is believed that the cross in the circle of the Celtic Cross seeks to combine the all powerful
forces of the Christianity as represented by the Latin cross and the pagan symbol of the sun as
represented by the circle, thus making the Celtic Cross the most powerful Life giving symbol of
all.
But if you ask the Irish Catholic priest, he will give a totally different insight to the symbolic significance of the cross and the circle as shown in the Celtic Cross. According to them, the circle on the point of intersection cross symbolizes the moment of crucifixion followed by resurrection of Lord Christ, thus telling about the endlessness of God’s love for us and the eternity of life.
There are many different interpretations behind the origins and symbolic significance of the Celtic Cross, but its mystique has revived the interest of people all around the world, which is evident by the staggering increase in sales of jewelry pieces bearing the mark of the Celtic Cross.