Tree of Life

My bestie Erin and I both have October birthdays and have discussed getting tattoos this year as part of the celebration. I pretty much knew what I wanted to get, depending on whether Reid was a boy or a girl. If a girl, the Celtic triple spiral (aka triskele or triple goddess), which I was told* symbolizes "maiden, mother, crone." Or more loosely, "daughter, mother, grandmother" for those who object to the word "crone."

If he was a boy, I wanted the Celtic Tree of Life, which I have read** symbolizes rebirth. I thought that was appropriate given that Reid is named after his Great-Grandfather who died on the day I found out I was pregnant (or, as I prefer to say, he went up to Heaven and sent another Reid down). The Tree of Life is also rumored to signify strength, longevity, and wisdom. Anyone who knew Reid the First would agree that this is a felicitous*** description.

So back to the tattoos, the thing is that I think there is one great place for a tattoo and I already have one there. So I'm not entirely sure whether or not I'm going to get one. But when the little guy was born, I did know that I wanted a pendant of the Tree of Life to commemorate his birth (because the baby isn't enough proof...? Whatever, any excuse for jewelry).

I've been waiting and waiting for Irish Fest so that I could go see if this guy had a Tree of Life pendant. I have a Celtic Turtle and a Claddagh that he made, and I know he does great work. Well, I found him, and I found the Tree of Life charm, and I'm very happy about this (just ask my mom).
SIDE NOTE: I was assured that Sean's online store is going live soon, so if you are in the market for Celtic jewelry, bookmark that site!

Reid seems to like it, too; he keeps trying to eat from it.

*I was told this by a woman at Irish Fest. These knots and symbols have so many different meanings, I'm not 100% positive which is correct and I have not done a ton of research. So don't get on my case if I'm wrong!

**Ditto the above except I read the meaning on the internets, and even though they never lie, I feel I should acknowledge that again, I haven't done a ton of research. Several reputable sites seem to agree on this meaning, however.

***Thesaurus. Booya.