Celtic Tattoos
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Stag Tattoo Symbolism
Stag tattoo meaning
(at-a-glance):
- Heroism
- Confidence
- Pride
- Nobility
- Strength
- Virility
- Cycles
- Provision
- Protection
The stag is a symbol of strength in countless cultures, legends and myth throughout history and across the globe. Why? Gee, just take a look at one – in the wilderness or even in a National Geographic mag – these beasts are stunning to behold.
Most notably, their antlers are symbolic of their dominance within the ranks of Nature. The bigger the rack – the more virile they are considered (by both doe and in human archetypal understanding). In their environment – antlers are tools and weapons. In a battle of territory and sexual conquest, size does matter and a massive antler-arrangement goes a long way to insure proper respect. Same holds true with a stag tattoo sporting an awesome fan of antlers. They’re symbolic of age (wisdom), elitism and superiority.
Antlers are also considered a solar feature by many Native perspectives. It’s because antlers resemble expanding rays of the sun. If we add solar symbolism to stag antlers, we get a symbolic mix of: Vitality, Energy, Radiance and Right-Action.
A stag tattoo meaning can also point to the recycling nature of all life. Here again, it’s their antlers that point to this aspect. Stags grow antlers in the Spring (symbolic of birth, renewal, the return of life), and fall off in the Fall (symbolic of death, introspection and hibernation). Are you keen about your own personal cycles of being? Do you profoundly feel the rise and fall of Nature and Time? The Stag might help you express these stirrings in a bold way.
Of course, if you’re a hunter, a Stag tattoo might be common sense. Let’s hope you’re in touch with the ancient history behind hunting, and the fact of interconnectivity of all life. Maybe a Stag tattoo can galvanize the concept of becoming one: The hunter and the hunted sharing an infinite bond – a shamanistic sharing of souls.
Celtic symbolism hold the Stag in high regard. A symbol of masculine fortitude and an icon of virile power. In their myths, a white Stag was considered a message of divine importance. Tons of heros of Celtic legend were lead to (enlightenment?) victory by a white stag.
More information about this unique symbolism can be found here:
Symbolism of the Deer
White Deer Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: bold, confidence, cycles, fertility, heroism, honor, noble, protection, provision, sacrifice, sexuality, strength, stud, survivor, virtue, vitality
Monday, April 5th, 2010
Fire Tattoo Symbolism
Fire Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Power
- Passion
- Heat
- Desire
- Consumption
- Energy
- Transformation
- Vitality
- Sensuality
Mostly, fire shows up as an element within a tattoo – like a design enhancement to really drive home the idea of passion within the whole piece of art.
To me, fire symbolism in a tattoo talks about conversion and transformation. Nothing comes away from fire unchanged. Fire transforms everything within its path. Fire alters the structure, function, appearance and even chemical compositions of everything it touches. This reminds me of the alchemical credo: Transmogrification.
We see this kind of conversion in the alchemical phoenix. Just when this regal bird is utterly consumed in flame, and we think its at the end of its cycle – it reemerges from its own ashes - transformed, renewed, purified.
Purification is a big symbolic bi-product of fire. Sterilization, cleansing – even baptismal concepts are associated with fire. If you’re looking for a tattoo element that conveys a sense of being reborn, fire might be a great tattoo element. Or, perhaps you feel as though you are emmerging from a difficult ordeal, and you feel renewed on your life-path, a fire tattoo might be a good way to express that experience.
Countless ancient cultures have held fire as a symbol of hearth and home. From the home fires of Hestia burning a sense of welcome and warmth, to the bonfires of Belanus (Celtic god) marking victory in protecting the clans against encroaching warlords – fire is a clear symbol of keeping community together. Consider your own community – do the fires of connection and inclusion burn brightly within your own clan? Are you the protector and the way-seer for your people? If so, a fire tattoo might further embolden your passion for keeping your family together, safe and protected.
Fire reminds us of our passions – on a sexual level as well as spiritual levels. Flames are often depicted in ancient art to convey a sense of deep ardor (love) and burning desire. It’s not all about sex though. If you feel consumed by your faith, and surrender to your spiritual path daily – a fire tattoo might be a way to burn that ideal in your psyche.
Astrological speaking, there are three fire signs within the western zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. This denotes a personality with fiery passion. If you’re getting a tattoo of your fire sign (your own, or of someone you love as a memorial tattoo), you may want to incorporate fire along with your astrological sign to convey a sense of adventure, boldness and high-energy. Check out more on astrology signs and symbolism here.
If you need more kindling for your fire tattoo ideas, check out my Fire Symbols page here.
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 2 Responses »
Tags: consumption, desire, energy, heat, passion, power, sensuality, sexuality, strength, transformation, vitality
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Skull Tattoo Meaning
Skull tattoo meaning and symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Mortality
- Protection
- Intimidation
- Death
- Intellect
- Warning
- Impermanence
- Big juju
Other than looking incredibly bad-ass, skull tattoo meaning can be powerfully profound to the wearer. I personally love skull tattoos, and if I didn’t already have a bonzer theme going, I’d likely be skulled up with the best of them.
If you already have gobs of skull tattoos (like potato chips or cookies, you can’t have just one skull tattoo), or if you are thinking about getting your first, I have some symbolic suggestions for your creative contemplation.
Skulls (and therefore skull tattoos) are very big juju in aboriginal tribes (I’m talking African, Australian, and even Native American). Skulls of the dead were retained and placed prominently at entryways. This warded off “evil spirits” but mostly (effectively) kept unwelcome guests at bay. This is also a tactic of many other ancient tribal communities. It’s a clever protection method, really. Honestly, wicked-grinning skulls instead of “welcome” mats at the front door is a pretty clear message. What better way to say “go away.” This might be the message you want to convey with your skull tattoos. If you’re an anti-social type, a skull tattoo might be the perfect way to say “buzz off bozo.”
Skulls have also been used as tools of intimidation in history. Ruthless dictators and rulers collected skulls and strung them out as trophies – much in the same way a buck’s head is mounted on a hunters wall. In this way, dominance is shown. Skulls might also be used to adorn a conquered village. A flag or some other makers mark would be left with the skull garland at the scenes of war crimes. This is a way to put a signature on the gruesome handiwork of raping and pillaging. Lord Dracul was notorious for this; strewing skulls along villages he’d plundered as a calling card. A way to say “been here, took everything, and leaving the skulls to prove it.” If you dig Dracul’s vibe, and intimidation is your game – a skull tattoo might be your thing.
Now, I’m a deeply spiritual geek. This makes me ponder silver linings and philosophical implications in most things – including skulls. If you’re like me, maybe you’re looking for a softer side of skull tattoo meaning.
If so, consider the ancient Celts, who viewed the skull as symbolic of the anima, or the spark of life. Specifically, the Celts knew the skull was the seat of the soul. It housed the power-horse of human motivation; the mind. Celts were crazy about trinities, the two eyes and nose form a unique triangle in the skull – something the Celts considered to be symbolic of creation, cycles and the power inherent in life. I’ve written a whole page on Celtic skull meaning here, check it out. Pretty fascinating stuff.
Other philosophical fodder of the skull pops up in the Renaissance. In this era, artists included skull imagery to convey a sense of impermanence as well as the folly of vanity. Skulls in the Renaissance were symbolic of earthly things, greed and superficiality. They were also a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly life. “Everybody dies” is the theme here.
In alchemical symbolism the skull is considered the throne of higher intelligence. It is symbolic of consciousness, rationality and prudence. The skull is a elite icon distinguishing man from beast.
The skull is the last bone in the human body that surrenders to decay. In other words, it sticks around the longest. This is symbolic of the lasting legacy of human ingenuity. These kinds of symbolic themes are also seen in paganism and occult theological groups of the day.
These are just a few ideas as you contemplate your skull tattoos or embark on getting your very first skull tattoo.
Don’t miss my other page on Celtic Skull Meanings here.
Or my post on Skull and Snake Symbolism in Mexican Myth here.
Or maybe you might dig my skull thoughts on my Death Card Meaning in the Tarot here.
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Military Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: creation, death, fear, fearlessness, impermanence, intellect, intimidation, magic, mentality, mind, mortality, occult, power, protection, soul, spirit, spirituality, warning
Friday, February 12th, 2010
Mermaid Tattoo Meaning
Mermaid Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Seductive
- Alluring
- Feminine
- Emotional
- Tempestuous
- Wild
- Intuitive
- Reflective
- Enchanting
- Free
- Fluid
- Sensual
- Elusive
If you have an irrepressible love for the sea and this worlds’ oceans, a mermaid tattoo might be a very fitting symbol for you.
Mermaids in myth are legendary for their unpredictability, and tempestuous ways. Just like their home, the ocean, mermaids will never be bound to orthodoxy or convention. Are you a wild one? A renegade? If so, perhaps the mermaids song sings in your soul – a song of passion and unbridled freedom.
Speaking of song, the mermaid is heralded for her enchanting voice. Apart from her astonishingly striking beauty, mermaid song holds irresistible attraction. Melodic narcotic.
Indeed, she uses her looks and voice to woo unsuspecting souls at sea. Depending on which myth you’re reading, a mermaid’s purpose for luring seafarers could be to offer refuge, salvation or pleasure. On the flip-side, she could be offering death.
I totally dig this whole “righteous vs. evil” two-face potential of the mermaid. It screams duality to me, and of course underscores the theme of unpredictability. A friend of mine, Monica, got a mermaid tattoo to convey her “flavor of the moment” attitude. She takes a great deal of pride in her nature – which is technicolor, varied and mind-bogglingly changeable. Her moods undulate like the seas. She recognizes in herself the ability to be utterly charming, compassionate and kind – whilst at the same time, she knows she is capable of dastardly deeds. She’s okay with that, and her mermaid tattoo conveys that kind of cool self-confidence required to look with honesty at both sides of her behavioral coins. Rock on Mon.
This kind of emotive metamorphosis is also associated with the moon, which the mermaid holds sacred. We’ve all heard of unpredictable behavior and events around various phases of the moon….it’s why the root of “lunacy” is based on the Latin word for moon: Luna. We know mermaids are energetically connected with the moon because the sea is influenced by it. Also, in ancient depictions of mermaids, they are often shown with mirrors – which is a symbol of the moon. So, we’re talking about a very yin, or femininine aspect here.
To be sure, mermaids are symbolic of sensuality, and I’ve known several people (men and women) who pressed ink to flesh in mermaid-form as a way to express their inner voluptuousness. Where convention and taboo sometimes prohibits provocative behavior, a mermaid tattoo can speak for us in terms of eroticism and sexual confidence. Very cool.
In myth (mostly Celtic, ancient European), mermaids were very big juju in terms of knowing. They were thought to have deep psychic connection which makes utter sense as we learn the element of water is connected to concepts like: Dreaming, Intuition, Emotion, Deeper Knowing. In this line of thought, mermaids are knowers of deeper, darker aspects of the soul. Just as the sea holds unknown mysteries, so too do our own psyche’s – but legend indicates mermaids can see clear to the core of a human. That kind of “clear-knowing” might also be a symbolic sea treasure as you consider mermaid tattoos.
These are just few thoughts about mermaid tattoo meaning for your contemplative pleasure.
Swim ’round my other page on Mermaid Meaning and Symbolism here. You might find more inspiration for you mermaid tattoo from that article too.
Surf around a few other pages you might like:
Water Symbolism
Symbolic Undines (Water Elementals)
Nature Symbolism
Moon Symbolism
Dolphin Symbolism
More on Mermaid Meaning and Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: alluring, connected, connection, elusive, emotional, enchanting, feminine, free, intuitive, magic, moon, mystery, perceptive, provocative, psychic, reflective, seductive, sensual, sexual, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, tempestuous, unpredictable, wild
Friday, August 28th, 2009
Shark Tattoo Meaning
Shark Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):
- Power
- Assertiveness
- Instinct
- Focus
- Authority
- Effectiveness
- Calculated
- Confident
- Protection
- Graceful
- Strength
- Fearlessness
- Energy
- Knowing
- Self-assurance
- Survivor
Shark tattoo meaning deals with the indomitable spirit of the shark. These creatures are built for survival, (they haven’t evolved much in over 400 million years!). As such they are perfect for people who want a tattoo to signify they are survivors. Symbolically, this speaks to our human hearts, and tells us:
a) We are born perfectly designed (how can you improve perfection?).
b) Whatever life throws at us, we will survive.
To the Maori, the mako shark (mako meaning shark or shark tooth) is a sacred fish because of its status as “king of the waters.” To their natural way of viewing life, the shark is a powerful symbol of victory and superior power to the Maori. I’ve seen a few Maori shark tattoos (shark teeth, specifically) and indeed their bold presence is equally bold in symbolism.
Celtic shark tattoos will capture the symbolism of the scythe because ancient Celts (who were quite sea-savvy) observed the dorsal fin of the shark to look a lot like a sickle or scythe (the crescent blade used to harvest wheat. Also a sacred Druidic tool). As scythes are synonymous with harvesting and also the closing of an agricultural season, the shark to the ancient Celts would speak of respectfully gathering resources while opportunity is available. It also speaks of transition, cycles and acknowledging the passage of one phase of life into another.
Shark tattoos are considered symbols of protection – especially for sailors, pirates and those who travel often (particularly by sea).
Interestingly, the Hindu god Vishnu is sometimes shown leaping out of the mouth of a shark. This can be interpreted several ways. Predominantly it signifies the dominance of Nature; that Nature and her creatures must be respected – never underestimated. This illustration also puts sharks on a divine level, having same status as gods and goddesses. This reinforces shark symbolism of power and authority.
For more soulful insights and other pages of similar symbolism visit:
Shark Symbolism: Living Life Full-On
Water Symbolism: Emotional Intelligence
Water Totems: Swimming with Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: authority, confidence, courage, determination, drive, energy, excellence, fearlessness, focus, instinct, intelligence, knowing, power, strength, survivor
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
Cat Tattoo Symbolism
Cat Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Independence
- Mystery
- Magic
- Secretiveness
- Feminine/Goddess Energy
- Stealthy
- Hidden power
- Aloofness
- Solitude
- Companionship
- Renewal
- Transformation
- Freedom
- Vitality
- Transition
- Luck
- Cleverness
- Intelligence
- Playfulness
- Wandering spirit
- Incarnation
- Apathy
- Authority
- Protection
- Royalty
- Shapeshifting
- Shadows
- Watchfulness
- Psychism
- Grace
- Beauty
- Adoration
With a long list of symbolic meanings like this, there are plenty of reasons to consider a cat tattoo for your next ink adventure.
We can make sense of some of these symbolic attributes by investigating the various cultural/mythological deities associated with cats. Many of these deities are goddesses and have feminine/lunar qualities which carry themes of: Fertility, Nurturing, Emotion and Intuition to name a few.
Here are some deities associated with cats to round out your research into cat tattoo symbolism:
- Artemis (Greek): Lunar goddess associated with hunting, fertility & protector of the sacredness of Nature.
- Diana (Roman): Also a moon goddess who help all wildlife and Nature as sacred. Governed the sacred act of the hunt.
- Hecate(Greek): Goddess guardian of the sacred feminine, holder of magic knowledge, cycles, transition, shapeshifting
- Bast (Egyptian): Solar goddess, fiercely protective of children and matron of childbirth, magic, ritual and sacred feminine
- Freyja (Norse): Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, childbirth and good taste. Cats pulled her chariot.
I have several friends with cat tattoos. Most of them tell me the reason for their cat-inspired ink is to memorialize the passing of a dear feline friend. Those who aren’t commemorating their pet, tell me they got their cat tattoo as a symbol of protection. They understood the ways of ancient mythological gods/goddesses and drew upon the protective qualities of the cat as a means to bolster their own confidence.
In fact, to the ancient Celtic way of thinking cats were consideredthe guardians of the Otherworld (or Underworld, depending which texts you read from various regions). Stoic, silent and mysterious, it’s clear why cats make outstanding Otherworld guardians. They keep the secrets of the Otherworld eternally to themselves, as the gaze with guile upon a world that does not see or understand the depth of their knowledge. Astute, crafty and clever, cats were considered residents of Celtic mystic realms too. When invoked, cat energy can grant the caller a variety of insights regarding esoteric, ethereal knowledge. These powerful meanings in Celtic lore often play an important role in selecting cats for tattoos.
I like the theme of shape-shifting when discussing cat tattoos. In Japan, folk tales describe cats having the ability to walk between worlds. Other Japanese legends tell of cats joining forces with women to shift their behavior and demeanor. This tale seeks to explain woman’s unpredictable, sometimes secretive nature.
Western European folklore also keeps record of cats aiding women in feats of shape-shifting. Early writings about witchcraft report cats always drawing close to women practicing witchcraft – they were called “familiars.” The term refers to the ability to move as a cat does in otherworldly ways… shape-shifting or casting out magic by secret means – just as a cat often moves about in sleek, stealthy ways.
Whether you are seeking cat tattoo symbolism in the form of honoring the passing of a beloved pet, or paying homage to ancient goddesses who claimed the cat as their companion in myth – to be sure, the cat is an awesome subject for your next tattoo.
More information for your Tattoo Research:
Cat Symbolism (domestic & general symbolic meanings).
Cat Symbolism in Tarot
Moon Symbolism
Celtic Symbolism
Cats as Celtic Zodiac Sign
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: authority, beauty, clever, cleverness, companionship, confidence, feminine, freedom, independence, intelligence, luck, lucky, magic, oracle, playfulness, power, protection, royalty, secrets, shapeshifting, spirituality, transition
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Chain Tattoo Meaning
Chain Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):
- Confinement
- Oppression
- Enslavement
- Imprisonment
- Limitation
- Bondage
- Brotherhood
- Remembrance
- Communication
- Duty
- Honor
- Sacrifice
- Unity
- Command
- Linked
- Liberation (broken chain)
- Freedom (broken chain)
Chain tattoos are extremely powerful in their meaning because they deal with issues of freedom and bondage. And, any time we talk about freedom we’re talking about human rights which strikes at the core of every human heart beat.
Broken chain tattoos can symbolize liberation from a harrowing/challenging time in life. People who get a tattoo of a broken chain will likely tell you they may have been set free from a terrible burden. The tattoo represents freedom from bondage – or the removal of a heavy weight upon their heart.
Chain tattoos that are NOT broken may convey the feeling of being limited, enslaved, or imprisoned. I have a buddy who is serving life in prison and his chain tattoo meaning represents his life of being shackled with no hope of release. He has 14 links on his chain tattoo. One for each year he has served. He’s told me that getting a new link tattooed to an existing chain tattoo for every year served is a relatively common prison ink ritual.
A chain tattoo may also symbolize honoring a bond of service or duty. It may also convey a feeling of sacrifice. For example, if you have served in the military, you may have felt bound (chained) to a code of honor. There is no choice but to serve your country – but your heart may feel chained because of the pain and sacrifice this duty brings. Chains in a military sense can also symbolize rank and office (ie: chain of command).
On a more uplifting note, chains sometimes symbolize an eternal connection with an ideal or a loved one. A linked chain has been a symbol of marriage because of the immortal connection soul-mates share. In this light, the chain stands for eternal love – especially in marriage.
Homer, the epic poet of ancient Greece (author of the Iliad and the Odyssey) once made a philosophical observation that an ephemeral chain of energetic gold formed a connection between heaven and earth. He said Zeus hung the chain himself as a way to keep the skies connected to the land. Plato called it a “rope of light” that encircled the Universe, holding all the energy in place.
A golden chain shows up in medieval Christian art as a symbol of divine connection – the chain is symbolic of prayer and it links man to God in unbreakable faith/communication. Alternatively, chains also take on an oppressive tone, especially when depicted with demonic or devilish imagery. In this light, chains are symbolic of being defeated by base/materialistic desires.
In ancient Celtic symbolism a chain is shown trailing down from the tongue of the Celtic god Ogmios and it rain to the ears of his followers. This symbolizes the mesmerizing power of Ogmios’ words, and his effectiveness to capture his listeners attention.
In Indian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, a chain is sometimes used to represent the chain of karma. Karma is the action of life going through its cycles. A teacher once told me our individual actions in each life make up our chain of karma and predicts what kind of life we will experience in the next cycle of life. The term “breaking the chain of karma” refers to changing bad habits (breaking weak links) to liberate oneself from living out undesirable karma in their next life.
Chains can also be a symbol of friendship. More specifically, chains convey a sense of incredible strength and a joining together of a bond that can withstand all tests of time and hardship.
More information on this subject:
Chain Symbolism in Tarot
Posted in Celtic Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Military Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: brotherhood, communication, duty, friendship, honor, human rights, marriage, memorial, military, oppression, prison, remembrance, sacrifice, slavery, strength
