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Falcon Tattoo Meanings

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Falcon Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Falcon Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism


Falcon Tattoo Meanings
(at-a-glance):

  • Freedom
  • Focus
  • Vision
  • Determination
  • Divine Messages
  • Royalty
  • Devotion
  • Nobility
  • Honor
  • Strength
  • Skill
  • Aspiration
  • Strategy
  • Vitality
  • Clarity
  • Higher Ideals

Vision, vision, vision.  That’s what a falcon tattoo meaning says to me.  What kind of vision?   A passionate one.  An empirial aim for a higher ideal.  

Why do I feel that?  Because the falcon is a noble bird whose acumen for reaching greater heights  is legendary.

The Egyptians knew it.  That’s why the falcon is a noble companion and consort of their sun god, Ra.  With its association with solar power, Ra (and the falcon) were tantamount to superior vision.  They weren’t just one step removed from god – they were god.  We’re talking divine embodiment here – tapping into raw, primal heat.  Egyptians were savvy about the ways of the falcon, sure – but they were more aware of the spirit of the falcon which seemed to circle the sun with ferocious determination and ceaseless courage. 

That’s what I’m talking about when that concept of “vision” keeps flying through my observations about the falcon.  Falcon tattoos encourage us to scale the heavens of our own potential, fly fearlessly into the fire of the sun, and keep reaching higher – reaching for more – keep rising to hit the target of personal vision.

We get the sense of this in ancient Europe too where the falcon is a symbol of obtaining the “prize.”  The sport of falconry – training a raptor in the art of the hunt is highly honorable (when executed in the authentic tradition).  Training a falcon takes time, devotion, commitment – it requires focus on the skills and talents inherent in the bird too. 

True, the falcon does what it does naturally:  Hone in on the prey, and master the capture.  However, it takes the vision and focus of the falconer to refine these primal impulses in a falcon.  It also takes cooperation.  That’s one of the reasons falconry is relegated to royalty – because it recognizes respect and honor between man and beast.

That spirit of collaboration between human and raptor is key in a falcon tattoo.  It talks about communion with a divine essence with a bird of indomitable courage and ceaseless gumption.

Furthermore, if you’re thinking of getting a falcon tattoo, know that it’s more than a statement of power.  Know that you’re invoking the fine-bright, blinding power of the sun within that tattoo.  Know that the falcon can aid in your journey of commitment to your highest vision.  Know that in your flights of higher ideals, the falcon is a companion in your vision.  A true, revolutionary ally on your path to clarified focus.

These are just a few (rather passionate) thoughts about the falcon tattoo meanings. 

Do as the falcon does, and climb to ever higher reaches in your understanding by taking a look at a few other pages I’ve written about falcon symbolism:

Falcon Meaning and Symbolism (on Whats-Your-Sign.com)

Falcon Symbolism in the Tarot(on TarotTeachings.com)

The Peregrine Parable(a story of the spirit indwelling all of us, including the falcon – on my TokenRock blog)

Dove Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Dove Tattoo Symbolism

Dove Tattoo Symbolism


Dove Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Love
  • Hope
  • Faith
  • Truth
  • Peace
  • Trust
  • Purity
  • Guidance
  • Calmness
  • Protection
  • Inspiration
  • Spirituality
  • Redemption
  • Motherhood
  • Transcendence
  • Divine Messages
  • Virginal Qualities

The dove flies through infinite realms of legend, lore and myth – charting a vast migratory path of symbolism.

In Christianity, we see the dove prominently featured with both Christ, and his mom, Mary.  In this light, the dove is a symbol of divine inspiration (messages from divine realms).  In Christian wisdom, the dove is also a symbol of faith and sacrifice.  It’s considered a noble attribute and portrays purity in faith.  Does your soul yearn to aspire to the highest heights of your Christian faith?  A dove tattoo might be a gentle testimony to your spiritual devotion.

We see the dove in Arthurian legend too.  Where the dove is depicted in art pertaining to King Arthur, it is synonymous with the Holy Grail.  As a symbol of the Grail, the dove represents everlasting life, purity of intent and the vessel of higher knowing.  I talk a little bit more about this aspect on my Dove Symbolim in the Tarot page.

The dove gets its peace symbolism from countless sources.  From Christianity to Celtic myth, the dove seems to be a universal symbol of well-being.  I particularly like its appearance with Hachiman, a Japanese war god.  It’s alliance with this war monger deity marks a time of peace after battle.  Are you fighting for a grand cause?  Perhaps a dove might be a tattoo to convey light at the end of your plight and a time of rest after much toil.

Are you a mom?  You might be interested to know the dove is a symbol of motherhood.  It’s associated with the Mother Mary, Ishtar and Aphrodite/Venus – all divine mothers of their time.  Doves were fabled to have fed Zeus – a nutritive and motherly gesture.  A little-known fact about doves is they produce a kind of milk to feed their fledgling young.  It’s an odd trait, but our ancestors recognized this unique ability of the dove and ever since, the dove has been a tantamount symbol of a good mother.  So, if you take great pride in being a supportive mom, a dove tattoo might be a perfect symbol to convey this special joy.

Migrate to similar symbolism on your personal flight for more tattoo meanings:

Dove Symbolism (a full page devoted to dove meanings on Whats-Your-Sign.com)

More Dove Symbolism (including Native American thoughts on the dove) on my blog.

Bird Symbolism

Birds of Motherhood

Celtic Bird Symbolism

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Power
  • Domination
  • Authority
  • Invincibility
  • Victory
  • Warrior
  • Strength
  • Creation
  • Destruction
  • Control
  • Protection
  • Provision
  • Respect
  • Courage in battle

Getting a Thunderbird tattoo will incorporate an intense Native American symbol into your awareness that is both extremely powerful and protective.

Depending upon which tribe you consult the Thunderbird serves as a mammoth warrior spirit.  You know when war is afoot because blinding beams of lightning shoot from the Thunderbirds eyes, and deafening cracks of thunder are heard in the skies from the flapping of Thunderbird wings.  In this light, Thunderbird tattoo symbolism heats the blood and prepares the wearer of the tattoo for battle. 

Thunderbirds are also extremely protective of warriors and peace-makers alike.  In fact, the Thunderbird gives strength and protection to fierce warriors who call upon the spirit bird.  The bird also favors peace keepers and when a wise elder in a tribe is ready to pass into the spirit realms, the Thunderbird is said to swoop down and carry away the soul of the tribal member so that he/she can live with the Thunderbird spirit lands in a place of honor.

Plains tribes describe four special kinds of Thunderbirds; one for each of the four corners of the Universe.  When getting your Thunderbird tattoo, you may want to think about each of these and their symbolic meanings:

  • The Golden Thunderbird of the East
    Symbolic of new beginnings and where creation stirs at the cusp of dawn. With the rising sun, a dawning of something greater overwhelms us.  As the warmth of a new day presses upon us, our own divine spark ignites and we are newly aware of far more potential in life than ever before. In this spiritually-focused quadrant, the Golden Thunderbird eyes shine vibrantly upon us and scintillate our souls with creative wisdom.  This divine Thunderbird represents: Spirit, Creativity, Beginnings, Clarity, Illumination
  • The Black Thunderbird of the West
    Symbolic of conclusions because this Thunderbird traces the path of the setting sun.  With this earthy, grounded vision we contemplate the material, and the bounty borne from the mouth of matter. In this physically-focused quadrant, the Thunderbird reminds us of our roots, our tribe, and our foundations.  The Black Thunderbird is symbolic of: Transition, Maturity, Materialism, Home, Hunting and Working with our Hands to achieve our needs. 
  • The White Thunderbird of the North
    Symbolic of the high peaked mountains and the heavens, this Thunderbird reminds us of our ability to think and strategize for a better way of life. This Thunderbird brings us wisdom, science and knowledge accumulated through natural life cycles.  This knowledge is purified atop the tips of sky-clad, ice-capped mountains of wisdom. After purification, this wisdom trickles to our awareness and we prepare for Intellectual illumination. In this mentally-focused quadrant, the greatest reaches of our comprehension roll back into us, causing avalanches of deductive reason. The White Thunderbird is symbolic of: Intellect, Cunning, Reasoning, Telepathy, Understanding, Perception and Strategy
  • The Red Thunderbird of the South
    A symbol of ancient bloodlines we share with all Native people in the vastness of humankind.  This Thunderbird flies through ancestral lineage and reveals our history in waves of pride-filled emotion.  The heart of this Thunderbird beats within us too because we are reminded of the collective heart beat – the rhythmic lub-dub we all share.  This Thunderbird represents the sacred bond of blood brothers and sisters within the cosmic clan of humankind.  The Red Thunderbird teaches us about relationships, family connections, community and partnerships.  Consequently, this Thunderbird is symbolic of: Love, Connection, Empathy, Compassion, Honor, Respect, Family, Bloodlines, and how we relate to our global community.

Don’t stop here.  Get more information on the Thunderbird to expand your understanding about Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism by clicking on the links below:

Thunderbird Symbolism (the full article)

Bird Totems

Nature Symbolism

Native American Symbolism

Feather Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism

Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism

Feather Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Higher mind
  • Freedom
  • Ascended thoughts
  • Enlightenment
  • Honor
  • Soul’s journey
  • Dreams
  • Inspiration
  • Levitation
  • High spirit
  • Uplifting
  • Hope
  • Promise
  • Faith
  • Weightless
  • Purity
  • Truth
  • Magic
  • Spiritual messages
  • Flying high
  • Limitlessness
  • Transformation
  • Rejuvenation
  • Free spirit
  • Travel
  • High class or status

Feather tattoos are often seen featured in Native American themed ink, and in this context the symbolism deals with approaching nature and the power of birds with honor.  Native Americans used feathers in ritual because they knew the spirit of the bird was represented by the feather.  Bird spirits are extremely powerful in purifying the spirit and cleansing the energetic environment.  Waving a feather over a sacred fire with pure intent is a way of uplifting the soul and expressing gratitude to bird spirits.

Feathers in Native American minds as well as many other cultures deals with communication.  Feathers are often viewed as messages from the spirit world, and feather tattoos will convey powerful ideals about holy exchange.  Indeed, many schools of thought believe seeing feathers on our path is a direct message from a loved one who has transitioned into the spirit side of life (deceased).

In Celtic symbolism and myth, Morrigan wore an intricate cloak of feathers (typically raven feathers) as a means to transform into a bird.  Legend indicates her ability to shift into bird form allowed her higher reasoning, and a “bird’s eye view” into spiritual realms.  In this form she could also easily travel the earth and spy about on people of interest to her motives.

If Egyptology is your thing, then a feather tattoo might symbolize the wisdom of the goddess Maat who is a matriarchal figure of truth and justice.  During mummification, Anubis and Maat compared the weight of heart against the weight of the feather to determine the purity of the soul (and eligibility for the entrance into the Afterlife without consequence).  If the heart was light as a feather, the soul was deemed pure and the spirit could move freely into further evolution.

As mentioned, Native American wisdom understands the feather to be an embodiment of bird spirit.  Eagle feathers had special meaning and were given to warriors as a tremendous honor of bravery and courage.  It indicated a nobility of the heart and allowed the recipient to take flight easily on spirit journeying. 

In this way, feathers are also status symbols in many cultures.  Plumed knights, feathered headdresses, feathered cloaks – these are all symbolic of higher class of people – usually for the brave hearted, or the spiritual master.

A more expanded view of feather tattoos deal with thought, intellect and the higher mind.  This is because feathers (birds) are associated with air, the skies, and the heavens.  This also forms a logical connection with dreams, inspiration, spiritual ascension and higher intelligence.

If you need more information on this subject, check out these pages:

Symbolic Meaning of Feathers (full article)

Bird Totems and Meanings

Nature Symbolism

Peacock Tattoo Meanings

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Peacock Tattoo Meanings

Peacock Tattoo Meanings

Peacock tattoo meanings
(at-a-glance):
 

  • Royalty
  • Vitality
  • Sensuality
  • Luxury
  • Expansiveness
  • Pride
  • Nobility
  • Generosity
  • Immortality
  • Longevity
  • Love
  • Watchfulness
  • Sexuality
  • Compassion
  • Desire
  • Beauty

Peacock tattoo meanings commonly deal with the impressively expansive fanning out of the male peacock’s tail feathers.  The radiant blue of his body is equally impressive for tattooing.

These striking features make a big statement about the wearer of peacock tattoos. 

It says: “I am marvelously unique, and not afraid to show it!”

Themes of nobility and royalty come into play from Chinese symbolism in which the peacock is an emblem of rank and high status.  Indeed, peacock feathers were given to recognize impeccable service and honorable rank in positions of military office.

The peacock is a symbol of expansive consciousness in Buddhism.  In this light, the bird is a representative of the all-compassionate goddess Kuan-Yin.  The “eyes” in the peacock feathers are symbolic of the watchfulness concept - the Watcher in consciousness/meditative terms is the omniscient essence of the soul.

The concept of watching also comes into play in Christian symbolism the “eyes” of peacock tail-feathers represent the  eyes of the church/Christ/God watching over the faithful.  Esoteric Christianity also views the peacock as an emblem of immortality and resurrection (similar to phoenix symbolism).

In Greek and Roman mythology the peacock is the companion of Hera and Juno (respectively).  In this light, peacock tattoo meanings may represent a regal status too, as its symbolic imagery points to the realm of the Empress and High Priestess.

The peacock is also a solar animal and so its character will convey attitudes like: Vitality, radiance, glory, stimulation, life, health, invigoration.

Check out these other pages for more information:

Raven Meanings for Celtic Tattoos

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Celtic Raven Tattoo Meanings

Celtic Raven Tattoo Meanings

Raven meanings for Celtic Tattoos
(at-a-glance)

  • Military
  • Magic
  • War
  • Oracle
  • Prophecy
  • Shadow
  • Memory
  • Secrets
  • Warning
  • Protection
  • Solitude

Raven meaning for Celtic tattoos is based on Celtic myth and legend. Tales of the heroic Chuhulian, Bendegeit Bran, Lugh all speak of the raven in a prophetic capacity as well as power and protection.  Meanings of retribution come into play with female Celtic figures of power such as the raven goddesses Morrigan, Macha and Badbh.

Legend conveys the powerful Celtic goddess, Morrigan descending upon battlefields in the shape of 100s of ravens.  Morrigan, in the form of these shimmery black winged legions, would consume the souls of fallen warriors in battle and carry their souls appropriate spiritual realms.

Raven meanings of wisdom, prophecy and knowledge-keeping is connected with the Welsh hero Bran, the Blessed whose name means raven.

Bran was the holder of ancestral memories, and his wisdom was legendary. So much so, that he had his head (the vessel of his powerful wisdom) removed and interred in the sacred White Mount in London.

Ravens are still roosting there (in the Tower of London), and they’re thought to keep Bran’s wisdom protected and alive by their presence.  This plays in nicely with symbolism of protection the raven has in Celtic symbolism.

Raven meanings are also associated with the Celtic high king, Lugh who is considered a masterfully skilled in smithing, crafting, prophecy, swordsmanship, art and generally, an all-wise king.

In their association with the mighty Lugh, ravens take on a prophetic capacity.  Ravens were an oracle for Lugh, forewarning him of invasions and other information that allowed him to lay clever military strategy.

To be sure, raven meanings speaking of keeping and protecting sacred wisdom and mystic law.  It is thought ravens consume the soul upon physical death so that soul-knowledge will not die with the body – but rather lives on while carried aloft raven wings. 

For more information on raven meanings click here.

Find even more inspiration for your Celtic tattoos by visiting my Celtic Animal Meanings page (according to the Ogham) here.

Eagle Tattoos

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Eagle Tattoo Meanings

Eagle Tattoo Meanings

Eagle Tattoo Meanings
(at-a-glance):

  • Authority
  • Nobility
  • Intelligence
  • Purity
  • Ascension
  • Victory
  • Strength
  • Messenger
  • Power
  • Force
  • Focus
  • Drive
  • Determination
  • Endurance
  • Faith
  • Resurrection
  • Sovereignty
  • Vitality
  • Expansion
  • Limitlessness
  • Fearlessness
  • Purity
  • Willpower
  • Clarity

The symbolic theme of power is pervasive with eagles, as with eagle tattoo meanings.  In almost every culture and philosophy the eagle is a magnificent creature of purity, beauty and powerful force.

Some Native American Indian tribes of North American viewed the eagle as the Thunderbird, and deemed it a messenger of the heavens.  Soaring the skies, it would settle in trees and the ground to deliver important messages to mankind from the spirits of the winds and skies.

In reality, eagles are master of air – and their vision is remarkably accurate.  This is symbolic of having clear vision ourselves.  If you are determined to a commitment of clear focus, spiritual clarity or personal transparency – the eagle tattoo is a proper choice.

Eagles are considered solar animals by countless cultures, so their symbolism will be connected to: Vitality, life, health, energy and provision.

Eagles also have fatherly connotations that play nicely with authority, control, guardianship and watching protectively over the family unit.

If you’re aiming for military or victory themes with your eagle tattoo, you can take the cue from Persia, Rome, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Poland, United States, Austria, and Napoleonic France.  All of these nations have adopted the eagle at some point to signify superiority, authority and righteous domain.

Round out your research on eagle tattoo meanings by visiting these related pages:

Eagle Symbolism (full article).

Video about Eagle Symbolism here.