The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

DOCTRINES OF THE DRUIDS. 157
symbol, and has been thought to refer to the astronomical
cycles.
It was, in fact, a representation oi tin- mun-
dane circle, as were also the round temples of JJrit.jiin.
It had a further reference to the rainbow. 29 The ll'hitt-
trefoil was a symbol of union, not only from the circumstance
of its including the mystical triad ; but also
because the Druids saw or pretended to see, in every
leaf, a faint representation of the lunette, or six days
moon, which was an object of their veneration, from its
resemblance to a boat, or ark. 30
It was the powerful
pledge or symbol which demanded and conveyed mutual
aid in the moment of peril; a never-failing token of
everlasting brotherhood, esteem, goodwill, and assistance,
even unto death. The Chain was symbolical of
the penance imposed on every candidate for initiation by
his confinement in the pastos. The phrase, he submitted
to the chain, implied that he had endured the rigours of
preparation and initiation with patience and fortitude.
The Spica,
or ear of corn, was an emblem of plenty and
and a Wheat straw was an invaluable symbol,
prosperity ;
and the conservater of many potent virtues. 31
The Oak was a symbol of an expanded mind; the
32
Reed, of deceitfulness and the ; Aspen leaf, of instability.
The oak tree was the visible representative
of Don or
Daron, and was considered as peculiarly sanctified by the
gods,
if not their immediate residence. The fairest tree33
in the grove 34 was, therefore, solemnly
consecrated to this
29 Thus. Arianrod (Iris) is termed by the bards, the goddess of the
silver wheel, who throws her gracious beams of protection round the
candidate when his initiation is completed. (Davies on Ancient
British Coins.)
30 The commencement of their local divisions of time, months, years,
and ages, were regulated by the moon when six days old. (Plin. Nat.
Hist., 1. xxv., c. 44.)
31 A wheat straw, formed into a dart, was supposed, by some
inherent magical sympathies, to be capable of destroying wild beasts
and noxious animals ; by the same fragile article, compacts were
formed; and, by breaking the straw, an agreement was dissolved.
(Vid. Dav. Celt. Res., p. 178.)
32 Dav. Celt. Res., p. 247.
33 This represented the central tree in the garden of Eden, (Gen. ii.,
9,) and was a transcript of a similar superstition all over the world.
Isaiah gives a curious illustration of this practice, as used by the
idolaters for purification. (Isaiah Ixvi., 17.)
3* Plin. Nat. Hist., 1. xii., c. 1.