The Salmon of Wisdom

The Salmon of Wisdom comes from Irish mythology. The salmon is the symbol of life and rebirth as it lives in the sacred rivers and returns to the place of its birth to regenerate by creating new life. The Salmon obtained wisdom by living in a sacred well, where the hazel nut Tree of Knowledge grew. When the nuts (kernels of knowledge) fell from the tree and into the well, the Salmon ate them. The Salmon ate seven nuts from the tree of knowledge and became very wise. Legend tells us that the Salmon selects certain individuals to receive this knowledge by allowing itself to be caught and eaten. Early illustrations of this “Sacred Salmon” appear in the Book of Kells.

My Salmon of Wisdom is shown meditating on and ingesting the bright hazelnuts. His tail has a Celtic knot to reveal his ancient history.