Form, Function, and the Arcane

Alliance Collaborative Psychotherapists, Identity

There's a name for everything. I present, as evidence, the triskelion (tri-SKEH-lee-on), a symbol consisting of three interlocked spirals or three bent legs. It's likely you've seen it before. The word is rooted in the Greek triskeles or "three-legged." The symbol appears in many periods throughout history, and is especially characteristic of Celtic art of the European Bronze Age. It also appears in Asian culture as the Japanese Mitsudomoe, the Tibetan Buddhist Gankyil, and the Korean Sam Taegeuk. A triskelion is the symbol on Sicily's flag (the trincaria), and you'll also recognize it on the logo of the US Department of Transportation. In its broadest interpretations, the symbol represents man's progress and concepts of constant forward motion. In addition, the notion of three is represented in the many sets of triadic dynamics: Mind/Body/Spirit; Past/Present/Future; Power/Intellect/Love; etc. At a more humanistic level interpretations include, personal growth, human development, and spiritual expansion. It's no wonder that it was the perfect inspiration when I designed a new identity for my client, Alliance Collaborative Psycotherapists. Elegant symmetry and layered symbolism in a soft gold tone. Feel free to use the above trivia as a conversation starter at a party.