The Triskillion
A brief summary of the meaning behind the 3 fold swirls.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,fl_progressive,q_auto,w_1024/g5oemqs2dhthtgtxavi5.png)
It can be rather confusing when this simple symbol is seen in many different places. The question has come to be what it means and what does it mean if a person wears it. There are many different forms of the Triskelion and they do not all mean the same thing, and the most common meaning in modern society may not be what everyone thinks it means.
What is a Triskelion?
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© http://www.non-solo-arte.com/image-files/triskele-images-wiki-common.jpg
In almost literal translation it means three legs. It has been used for hundreds of thousands of years in different formats and styles but they all come back to the same general concept. Three circular or spiral legs off of a central point or location in rotational symmetry. As you can see from the above images it can look many different ways but in the very end, they all derive from the exact same concept. But instead of looking back into ancient times, we're going to focus on the modern day Triskelion.
A Deeper Meaning
The Triskelion means so many things that many things have been lost in translation. Over the years it's been taken and used and changed to different sizes, shapes, the addition of faces, the removal of other symbols along with the Triskelion itself. It has been seen with a Medusa head in the center, with triangles, and other additions to it.
It has been the symbol for triads, countries, cities, islands, armies, and many other things.
It has meant action, progress, moving forward, revolution, cycles, and competition.
It has meant many things in many different religions, cultures, and spiritually quests as well. Spirit, mind, and body; Maiden, Mother, and Crone; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the fluidity of the Past, Present, and Future; Creation, Destruction, and Preservation; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. That is only to name a few.
The Way It's Normally Seen Today
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©January Greene
The more common Triskelion looks more like the above image. While you may be looking at it and think "That's not the same symbol," it actually is. There are three legs spiraling or circling from a single central point. This particular symbol has multiple meanings all in one for a single multi-faceted community, BDSM. I personally have been wearing or using the Triskelion for years when it comes to this community and lifestyle. For me, and I'm not putting anyone down in this, it is a symbol of who I am and what I am. I am a member of BDSM. I am a submissive. And also that I have love, good communication, and full trust in that whom I call my Dom.
What brought me to talk about this subject?
I was talking with a friend of mine earlier today and she showed me something I did not expect. The Triskelion being at the forefront of a tv show... for teenagers. I was in complete awe and shock. I couldn't believe that this symbol, which is used in modern times to denote a specific type of sexual lifestyle, is used as tattoos and jewelry for teenagers too young to understand the meaning behind it. This symbol that for those of the community I'm in stands for Safe, Sane, and Consensual. The symbol that stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submissive, Sadism and Masochism. Each are three main points in the BDSM community following the three divisions of the Triskelion. The holes mean that one cannot be whole without their other part or other half, much like the yin to one's yang.
In conclusion to all this, the Triskelion that is used in the teenage television show on MTV is not to be confused with the Triskelion that is used for BDSM.
On a side note...
I do know that not all Triskelions are created equal. As I had stated in the beginning there are many different types. In the end, they all represent harmony with one's self and with others.
About the Creator
January Greene
Mom of 3 who loves writing, doing her nails with BellaHoot nail strips, saving $ with myEcon and having fun
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Comments (1)
I was reading about it before, but your post is just amazing! I love the deep of it. Here in Dubai there is not a lot of information about it.