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Monday, May 24th, 2010
Frog Tattoo Symbolism
Frog Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Transformation
- Good luck
- Sensitivity
- Perceptive
- Renewal
- Intuitive
Some folks are completely enchanted by frogs. My friend Julie loves them, and has the most gorgeous back piece of brilliant viridian tree frogs.
Frogs are like little evolutional miracles transforming right under our noses. In their one life-cycle, the whole of evolution is revealed (that is, if you take a Darwinian approach). Whether you dig evolutionism, or you are creationist, there is no denying the frog is a marvel at transformation.
In just a short 12 weeks, the frog will move from an exclusively all-water environment to a more liberated existence as a both land & water dweller. The gills it used in its underwater life will be replaced with lungs as an adult. The rudder tail it had to aid in swimming as a little nipper will drop off in adulthood. Some really major and incredible transformations take place in frogdom. That’s why, so often a frog tattoo is symbolic of immense and profound transitions within the owners life. I’m talking about changes that totally change the inner and outer landscape of a person’s life. The frog is a totem for people who have undergone such overwhelming transition.
The frog is proof that transformation can lead to liberation. How so? Metaphorically, transformation allows the frog to walk in two worlds. Through a mind-blowing self-evolution the frog emerges victor of both water and as an adult, it becomes quite adept at land life too. This is also symbolic of adaptation. If you feel like you are treading water in certain areas of your life, and teetering on the land masses of other parts of your life – the frog might be a reminder that you really CAN live both worlds…you just have to be prepared to make adjustments to make it work. You’ve got to be willing to undergo major inner changes in order for your outer worlds to become more inhabitable. That’s what frog tattoo symbolism is best at conveying.
Perhaps this kind of symbolism is what the ancient Egyptians were tapping into when they assigned the frog as a sacred symbol of birth as well as resurrection. They had a frog-headed goddess named Heket. She was present at each new birth, and exhaled the breath of new life into the nostrils of each newborn Egyptian child. I think the spirit of renewal, transformation and adaptation is passed through her breath too. She imbues a sense of natural revolution. She puts new humans at ease with the concept of cyclical change.
Change is a common theme of water in esoteric symbolism. A frog’s environment is mostly water, and so therefore the frog itself is associated with symbolic attributes of water which include:
- Intuition
- Emotion
- Fluidity
- Change
- Purification
Frogs come in a myriad of colors, but we most often thing of green – this is symbolic of new growth, good health and even wealth. Consider the color green, and those associations start to make sense: Green is the color of the heart chakra, which is connected to themes of love and health. Green is also the color of new life we see sprouting out in the spring time – which points to abundance in growth and harvest. Agriculturally, green is akin to income – green goodness means produce to have and sell. In short, life is good when crops are green.
Our Native Americans recognized these subtle connections. They recognized the life cycles of the frog, as well as its watery realms and the color of its skin. All these cues are symbolic in Native wisdom. Mostly, the frog is symbolic of purification to many Native American tribes. The Aztecs and Mayans especially linked the frog with rains – which equates to agricultural success in that region of the world. To them, the frog was a rain bringer. Some legends even say the frog was a rain-maker. And so, the frog in this light would be symbolic of life – specifically, a symbol of the continutation of life.
In China and Japan the frog is considered good luck. My friend Cinchy is from a Japanese family, and she got a frog tattoo as a symbol of good luck with her business – especially as she travels the world. In her native country, the frog is said to be a companion to world-travelers, and will give travelers the best of luck in all their journeys. If you do a lot of traveling (especially travel by water), and want a symbol of protection during travel – a frog tattoo might be a good one for you.
These are just some thought I’ve thrown out about frog tattoo symbolism.
I’ve written more about frog symbolism, and these thoughts might help you as you investigate the meaning of frogs for you next tattoo:
You can catch the full article on Frog Symbolism here
Posted in Amphibian Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: abundance, change, cleansing, emotion, intuition, luck, protection, purification, travel, wealth
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
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)
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: ascension, aspiration, clarity, cooperation, courage, determination, devotion, divinity, focus, freedom, honor, passion, power, royalty, skill, solar, spirit, strategy, strength, sun, tradition, vision, vitality
Friday, February 26th, 2010
Anchor Tattoo Meaning
Anchor Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Hope
- Safety
- Fidelity
- Stability
- Security
- Salvation
- Good Luck
- Steadfastness
- Ocean/Sea/Waters
Tons of seafaring mateys and pirates alike have adopted the anchor as a symbol of their love for the open waters.
For example, an anchor tattoo is a common sight among US military branches specializing in sea duty (Navy, Coast Guard, Marines). It identifies a man (or woman) with the sea, as well as a branch of military – and therefore labels him/her with a code of protection, honor, duty and devotion to a greater cause.
Anchor tattoos were common among pirates to denote a permanent connection with the sea. I’ve heard rumor that anchor pirate tattoos were a way to convey lots of time in the brig too. This makes sense as the anchor is symbolic of “being parked” – a time encarcerated would be synonymous.
I’ve also been told an anchor tattoo is symbolic of a sailor having crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
But you don’t have to be in the Navy to be attracted to the anchor tattoo meaning. A love for boating, the call of the waters/oceans or perhaps a memorial to someone who held a deep affection for the seas could justify an anchor tattoo.
There are varying designs of anchors, and the design of your anchor tattoo will tell a lot about your inky intentions. I’ve seen some anchor tattoos honor the dance between male and female duality & harmony. In this case, the crescent is symbolic of female (yin) – and the vertical rod is symbolic of male (yang) energy.
Ancient Egyptian art shows gender in the anchor too. An anchor drawing/etching designed with a skiff or a boat as the lower half of the anchor represented ”female” (the curve of woman, the crescent of moon). And, a snake composed the upper half of the anchor-art, as the erect vertical mast – this is the male factor (phallus). Together, these two design compositions symbolize creation.
In Renaissance art, anchors are often depicted with the dolphin. This is symbolic of tempering speed with resistance. In this image, the dolphin is symbolic of speed and carefree direction, while the anchor is a symbol of remaining grounded and stable. Combined, these two symbols encourage a balance between quick action and sound judgment.
In Freemason art and symbolism the anchor is sometimes replaced with Jacob’s ladder. In this case, the anchor tattoo meaning represents attainment and ascension. We’re talking about a theological climb starting from base/mundane understanding to enlightened realization.
I’ve also seen anchors with a pitchfork look to them – these might be an artistic tribute to various sea deities. Here are a few awesome sea gods and goddesses to consider incorporating into your anchor tattoo design:
- Neptune – Roman sea god (doppelganger of Poseidon), storm-maker and earth-shaker
- Amphitrite – Greek sea goddess (and nymph), protects sailors and gives birth to dolphins (and you thought yourkid was funny lookin!)
- Poseidon – Temperamental Greek sea god, rebel with a pitchfork and a cause to protect all inhabitants of the sea
- Triton – Greek sea deity who is half-man, half-fish. A blow of his conch, waters can be calm or tempestuous
- Rán – Old Norse sea goddess, her appearance is marked by her tugging on anchors – an omen of bad weather and/or tumultuous seas
- Varuna – Hindu god of the oceans with the power to make noble humans immortals. Those who died at sea were assigned into his care
Anchor tattoo meaning also has ties in Christian symbolism. Most anchors have a top-bar that looks like a cross, and therefore hearkens to the traditional Christian theme of salvation and sacrifice. This was particularly useful during dicey times when abiding by Christian faith was risky business. In these times, an anchor was used as a symbol instead of the cross to identify oneself as a Christian in a secretive way.
As an anchor is dropped in order to gain stability on troubled waters – this is synonymous with an anchored faith. Hebrews 6:19 touts: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” in reference to the consistency of Gods unwavering presence in the hearts of men.
If you are a military seaman (or woman), a pirate-at-heart, or have an endless love of the sea - an anchor might be ideal for your next tattoo. And even if the seas don’t really raise your sails, maybe an anchor tattoo might be symbolic of stability, hope, faith and security for you. Whatever the case, it’s up to you to explore your personal feelings about an anchor tattoo meaning before committing it to ink.
Other symbolic suggestions that might float your boat:
Dolphin Tattoo Meaning
Dolphin Symbolism (general)
Mermaid Tattoo Meaning
Water Symbolism
Cross Symbolism (Celtic)
Shark Tattoo Meaning
Good Luck Symbols
Water Animal Totems
Posted in Christian Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Military Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
Tags: faith, faithful, fidelity, good luck, grounded, hope, luck, military, navigation, oceans, protection, sacrifice, safety, salvation, seas, security, stability, travel, water, will
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Lotus Tattoo Meaning
Lotus Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Light
- Awareness
- Illumination
- Opening
- Renewal
- Creation
- Life
- Balance
- Revelation
- Direction
Much of the sacred symbolism behind the lotus comes from its relationship with the elements of water and fire.
It grows in the water, and so therefore the lotus is a natural tribute to water-affiliated concepts like: Dreams, Emotion, Intuition, Awareness, Purification.
The lotus blossom opens each morning, unfolding its vitality in the face of the dawning sun. This is the solar connection – the link to fire which proffers symbolism of: Passion, Vitality, Revelation, Clarity, Life and Vision.
These powerful symbolic meanings combined with the lush, elegant lotus make for a dynamic tattoo – especially for people wanting to convey a gentle opening to the profound simplicity of Nature as an analogy for walking along the spiritual path.
Lotus tattoo meaning is deeply rooted in spiritual purity. The Buddha for example is seen emerging from the lotus. In fact the mantra “mani padme” meaning “jewel of the lotus” is a reference to Nirvana.
Observation, meditation and focus upon the lotus is encouraged as a doorway to unique realms of perception. The lotus is a portal to magnificent awareness – and many masters (ancient and modern alike) recognize this enchanting power of this beguiling blossom. A lotus tattoo might serve as a constant reminder of the majesty it represents.
The lotus is symbolic of many vast concepts in ancient culture, such as:
- The human heart
- Unmanifested potential
- The process of universal creation
- The eight (petals) directions – navigation
- Awareness rising out of chaos (blooms from murky water)
The blooms emerging from water, along with distinctly delicate features of the lotus are reminiscent of feminine qualities. Egyptian, Hindu, Japanese and Indian cultures all recognize the theme of birth and renewal through the lotus.
Are you birthing a new phase in your life that offers a gentle clarity in your inner views? Are you emerging from chaos into a lucid illumination? Are you seeking a daily devotion that represents renewal and rebirth?
A “yes” to any one of these questions might make you give more consideration to the lotus tattoo meaning. If the lotus symbolism calls to you with a subtle song of tender elegance, it’s worth your time to look more deeply into its petals for meaning in your own life.
To be sure, there is a lot more involved to lotus symbolism than what I’ve covered here. Do more research on your own – I guarantee your investment to learning more about the lotus will be enlightening.
Some other pages of interest:
Symbolic Flower Meanings
Flower Color Meanings
Nature Symbolism
Chakra Symbolism
Sun Symbolism
Water Symbolism
Posted in Egyptian Tattoos, Flower Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Plant Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: awareness, balance, clarification, creation, creativity, direction, enlightenment, evolution, evolved, fertility, illumination, intelligence, intuition, life, light, opening, passion, perception, purity, renewal, revelation, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, vision, vitality
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Moon Tattoo Meanings
Some Moon Tattoo Meanings
at-a-glance:
- Dreams
- Intuition
- Feminine Power
- Divine Light
- Shadow
- Magic
- Purity
- Hidden Strength
- Sensuality
- Mysticism
- Cycles
- Subtle Energy
- Mystery
- Influence
- Eternity
- Fertility
All life is touched and stimulated by the moon, especially dark life. Flora and fauna dance in lunar reels, enchanted by the wax and wane of the moon.
Crazy mushrooms sweat from her silvery touch. Oceanic mouths open and close in serenade to the lunar phases. And those of us who are linked-in with hidden powers of the cosmos are prompted to bask in lunar rays for unique illuminations.
To be sure, when discussing moon tattoo meanings, we are diving into esoteric depths, where dreamscapes replace common landscapes and quicksilver visions lace our views.
The moon is a life affirming symbol. It appears to be constantly changing, and so therefore it reminds us of the consistency of all life. It is also symbolic of the cyclical nature of time – even karma. Life moves in non-linear terms, and we all know karma is a big circle (what comes around goes around). The moon in her phases reminds us of this kind of infinite process of recycling and regeneration.
Moon tattoos may hold a powerful appeal to women as we are inevitably tied to her cycles with our own. Further, the moon is symbolic of feminine power and fertility. Countless goddesses in myth are featured with the silvery moon to convey hidden power, secret wisdom and subtle influences.
There are women who are capable of outwardly reflecting their inner pools of light and energy. You know who you are. Those of us who have easy access to these internal energy sources can intimately relate to the magnetism of the moon. I think it’s the undercurrent of infinite potential that electrifies those of us who are plugged into lunar energy. For those of you, a moon tattoo might be the ink that flips your spiritual switches.
Of course, men feel lunar luminescence too! And, although the moon mostly resonates with feminine archetypal identification, there are very male associations too. Off the top of my head I can think of some Native American tribes, Japanese, the Maori, African too – these ancient cultures prescribe male gender to the moon. Also, the moon was (still is) a pivotal influence in hunting cultures and in these realms we see male deities – lunar gods. In these scenarios the moon is consulted for optimal hunting and agricultural excellence. All sources of provision which is a strong yang calling.
Here are a few snippets of lunar goodness from around the world:
Alchemical: The moon coincides with the qualities of silver - a purifying, clarifying energy. Reflective. Strong, yet malleable. It’s the “Lesser Work” in the evolutional scale of human development. When joined with the sun (gold), the twain hold hands in a cosmic balance – the Greater Work of the balanced soul commences.
Archetypal: The moon is the “Queen of Heaven”…goddess, mother, lover, priestess. That’s some powerful archetypal energy and if these grand myths run through your lunar bloodlines, a moon tattoo might be the perfect conveyance.
Taoism: The moon is yin, and referred to as the “eye that shines through the darkness” – this is symbolic of illumined vision of a spiritual/enlightened nature.
Egyptian: The moon is often linked to Isis, also known as the Queen of the Heavens – a cosmic creatrix.
Native American: Depending which tribe you’re consulting, there are legends of the Great Woman (or Old Woman) beaming in the moon, she is eternal, and ever-watching over her children (all of creation) with objective knowing.
Totemic: The moon calls to many animals (including humans), and you might find moon tattoo inspiration from her many suitors in the animal kingdom. Any critter with horns will be associated with the moon, like bulls - it’s the crescent horns they are reminiscent of the crescent moon – also symbolic of cycles, fertility. Most nocturnal creatures are lunar affiliated too. Rabbits, toads, cats….all great partners to moon energies.
I’ve written loads more on lunar symbolism.
Check it:
Symbolic Moon Facts (includes more about animals & dieties associated with the moon).
Native American Moon Sign
Native American Full Moon Meanings
Astrological Moon Sign Personality Types
The Moon Shining in the Tarot
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
Tags: cycles, divine, divinity, dreaming, dreams, energy, enternity, faith, feminine, fertility, goddess, illumination, infinite, initiation, insight, intuition, magic, mystery, mysticism, nature, passion, psychic, purity, sensuality, shadow, strength
Sunday, September 6th, 2009
Scorpion Tattoos and Scorpion Meaning
Scorpion Tattoos and Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Protection
- Rebellion
- Attachment
- Retaliation
- Aggression
- Power
- Warning
- Mystery
- Energy
- Transition
- Calculated
- Stealth
- Healing
- Logic
- Survival
- Mysticism
- Resilience
- Guardianship
- Self-defense
- Altered perception
If you’re zealous about researching tattoo meanings to personal satisfaction, you’re going to run into sources touting scorpion tattoos as representations of dark traits like death, darkness or treachery. If you want more of those kinds of meanings for scorpion tattoos, you can look elsewhere.
I’m not of the same mind, as I don’t believe in death. Rather, we can look at the death theme associated with the scorpion as a time of transition from one phase of life into another.
In this way, the scorpion tattoo can be a symbol of freedom from limiting beliefs about death.
The Egyptians were big on one life ending as a means to begin another life in the Afterworld. And the scorpion was a powerful guardian to the ancient Egyptians and their concept of life-after-life.
In fact, the scorpion was an attribute of the goddess Selket who was a guardian of transitioning souls. Selket also protected canopic jars and various rituals of the mummification process that insured transition from one life to the next.
This makes the scorpion a powerful guardian of soul-evolution. – A protector of different kinds of life. It also makes the scorpion a symbolic sentinel of the mysteries of the Afterworld.
In African aboriginal lore, the scorpion is associated with life and so-called death too. The sting of a scorpion is said to have intense healing qualities and so this creature was greatly honored. It was both highly respected because one sting could also prove lethal.
Scorpion stings can also trigger hallucinogenic effects and so the theme of transition continues. In this light, the scorpion (sting) is a catalyst for reaching altered states of consciousness.
This puts scorpion tattoos in the psychedelic category – a message of limitless perception. It’s also a shamanic creature due to its hallucination-sparking stings as shamans could utilize their venom for spirit journeying.
The scorpion is a master at survival. It takes advantage of every opportunity for the sake of its existence as many kinds of scorpions live in brutally harsh environments. This makes the scorpion a symbol of victory over adversity.
Scorpions are also associated with the sun. Therefore, scorpion tattoos will have sun-like qualities including: Energy, Vitality, Clarity, Focus and Radiance.
The scorpion is a representation of the zodiac sign of Scorpio, and in this context a scorpion tattoo will convey attributes of: Boldness, Dynamism, Mystical Power, Secretiveness and Seduction.
Read more about this topic to fill out your research on scorpion tattoos:
Scorpion Symbolic Meaning (full article)
Scorpio zodiac sign meanings
Solar Animals: Radiating Symbolism
Insect Totems and Meanings
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
Tags: aggression, courage, death, energy, healing, life, logic, mystery, mysticism, power, protection, rebellion, stealth, survivor, transition, vitality, warning
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 11th, 2009
Caduceus Tattoos
Caduceus Tattoos
(meanings at-a-glance):
- Healing
- Renewal
- Life
- Vitality
- Harmonization
- Unification
- Integrity
- Authority
- Health
- Circulation
- Honor
- Travel
- Protection
- Fair trade
- Commerce
- Transcendence
- Dualism
- Magic
- Wisdom
- Equilibrium
- Fertility
- Transformation
Caduceus tattoos should not to be confused with the Staff of Asclepius tattoos. Even though both have come to be known as symbols of healing and the medical field, the caduceus is much more dynamic in its meanings (as you will see while comparing the at-a-glance symbolism between the two tattoos).
At its core, caduceus tattoos are symbolic of unification of opposites: Male/Female, Yin/Yang, Light/Dark. The harmony of dual forces is seen by the opposing snakes wrapped around the staff.
Themes of healing, homeopathy, nature and holistic approaches to health are captured in the serpents too. Snakes in ancient Greece, where this symbol originates, were symbolic of transformation.
The shedding of the serpents’ skin is symbolic of slipping off the old self (illness) and moving freely in the fresh, newly healed self (wellness).
The wings of caduceus tattoos symbolize higher thoughts, higher mind, high integrity and the intent to serve others in a higher capacity.
The staff or center rod in the caduceus symbol represents power, unification, and connection between heaven and earth (as well as the point of focus between duality). The staff is the connection between high and low (thought and body) and facilitates easy communication between the two.
Caduceus is a symbol of messengers in myth such as the Greek Hermes (Mercury in Roman myth) because the center staff conveys transportation of energy between mind and body (heaven and earth, male and female, shadow and light, etc.).
Deities who adopt the caducues include:
- Hermes (Greek): Travel, Commerce, Trade, Speed, Messenger
- Mercury (Roman): Speed, Intelligence, Youthfulness, Health
- Anubis (Egyptian): Afterlife, Spirit, Protection, Preservation
- Baal (Phoenician): Fertility, Abundance, Agriculture, Leadership
- Ishtar (Babylonian): Fertility, Sensuality, Military, Love, Passion
- Isis (Egyptian): Magic, Femininity, Motherhood, Fertility, Protection, Beginnings, Nature
For more information on this subject:
Caduceus Symbolic Meaning (full article)
Staff of Asclepius Tattoo Meaning
Snake Symbolism
Staff Symbolism in Tarot
Symbolism of Wings
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Reptile Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
Tags: authority, commerce, fertility, harmony, healing, health, honor, leadership, life, magic, power, protection, renewal, transformation, travel, vitality, wisdom
