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Frog Tattoo Symbolism

Monday, May 24th, 2010
Frog Tattoo Symbolism

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

Badger Tattoo Meaning

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Badger Tattoo Meaning

Badger Tattoo Meaning

Badger tattoo meaning
at-a-glance
:

  • Determination
  • Cunning
  • Intelligence
  • Protection
  • Slyness
  • Defense
  • Prosperity
  • Survival
  • Magic
  • Deception
  • Solitude

Badgers are rugged, persistent creatures and know how to:  a) get what they want, and b) survive.  They will fill these very basic needs with remarkable ferocity too, if need be.   Do you feel like you need to defend yourself or your territory at all costs?  Are you looking for a symbol of tenacity, endurance and vicious fortitude?  The badger might be a great totem tattoo to convey your own ability to obtain your desires through rigorous determination.

Badgers are incredibly intelligent too.  Their intelligence is two-fold:  They can strategize, sure, but they also maintain uncanny sensory perceptions.  They are infinitely linked to their surroundings and they have the ability to perceive even the smallest shifts in their environment.  Their cunning allows them to strategize their actions to their best advantage. 

In Japan, badgers are considered symbolic of self-advancement.  There is a sense of personal achievement and industry where the badger is concerned.  A badger is considered to look after its own interests, and can be deceitful in satisfying his own needs.  Success in business sometimes call for a self-serving attitude, and this is why the badger is considered a prosperous symbol in business.  They’re often seen as statues standing at the front door of business establishments in Japan.  When they are, it’s a cue there’s a very shrewd and cunning business owner at the helm.  This might be noteworthy for you if you are in need of toughening your personal resolve in business – or adopting a more strategic mentality in your industry.

The badger does a lot of digging, and in esoteric symbolism this links the animal to the earth - a very grounded, nurturing, foundational energy.  Furthermore, the burrowing badger is a symbol of magic, because this act is symbolic of returning to the Source.  Burrowing into the earth is also akin to returning to the womb in metaphorical symbolism.   A return to our Source (as in a Divine Force), our roots, our home, the earth…these are all profound messages the badger bears.  And, returning to the womb of our inception has crazy-magical connotations.  If you are on a journey to return to your true nature, and all the primal energy you represent – a badger tattoo might be just the image to ignite your return.

In Native American symbolism the badger is linked with both earth, but also the moon.  It is a nocturnal creature, which would explain its association with lunar symbolism.  The badger is also pretty solitary – a hermit of the forest, and therefore is seen as a secretive being.  This reclusive behavior along with moon symbolism make the badger a symbol of self-reflection, intuition, introspection and observation.  The badger makes its progress in subtle, hidden movements – something the hermetic practitioner in all of us should respect.  If you’re a loner, and you like to get things done in your own unsuspecting yet unusual ways – the badger might be a tattoo to convey you silent power.

I’ve written a page on general badger meanings - check it out here:  Badger Symbolic Meanings. 

You might also be interested in my page on animal tracks, where I’ve written about badger tracks symbolism.

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

Dog Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Monday, March 29th, 2010
Dog Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Dog Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism


 Dog Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Confidence
  • Loyalty
  • Strength
  • Community
  • Friendship
  • Obedience
  • Protection
  • Courage
  • Intelligence
  • Guidance
  • Determination
  • Faithfulness
  • Perception
  • Community
  • Guardianship
  • Teamwork

Most of the dog tattoos I see are memorial tattoos – permanent displays of personal love and affection for a canine companion who has passed into the great dog lands of the heavens.

Interestingly, dogs themselves are considered sentinels to the gateways of the Otherworlds.  In ancient Egyptian, Celtic, Greco-Roman and other myths, the dog represents a kind of “psychopomp” or spiritual guide – an ally while a human soul is transferring between the realms of physical and non-physical.  Do you feel you are straddling the dimensions of worldly life and ephemeral reality?  Perhaps a dog tattoo can solidify a feeling of guardianship and protection as you move through the veils of reality and experience.

In Shamanic wisdom (as well as Celtic thought), the dog is associated with the powers of the forest.  Here we see canines as keen, savvy wilderness guides.  Hearty, strong and stead-fast to leading us through dark and infinitely mystical territory, the dog is a champion guide.  Dogs are phenomenal companions on any kind of journey (spiritual, physical, emotional).  A dog tattoo might be a great way to convey that concept of guidance as you wind your way through dark forests of life.

In Asian symbolism, the dog is incredibly good luck.  The Chinese prescribe symbolism of prosperity, good fortune, obedience and friendliness to the dog.  The dog is also associated with Aquarius in the Chinese zodiac, and therefore is considered to have an amicable disposition.  Philanthropic, empathic and very well-liked are other attributes.  If you need a bit of luck or a boost in your social standing, a dog tattoo might be the reminder you need for these aspects.

Dogs are associated with both lunar  and solar qualities. 

As a moon-connected creature, the dog reminds us to move in-sync with the shadows in our midst.  Moon dogs also ask us to release ourselves to our untamed selves.  Howl at the moon.  Copulate by moonlight. Go mad with lunar lust.  Dogs do it, so can your soul.  A moon-dog tattoo might underscore a need to break out of conformity.

Solar dogs will remind us of our vitality, strength and courage.  Dogs associated with the sun are also symbolic of bright self-expression and clear communication.  Countless cultures have recruited dogs in the aid of agriculture (a sun-affiliated field), as well as war/battle (also associated with the heat of the sun).  If you’re looking to bolster bravado and/or you’re aiming for illuminated self-expression, a sun-dog tattoo might be your sign. 

The color of your dog tattoo is a tale-teller too.  White dogs are symbolic of purification, clarity, virtue and stamina.  Black dogs have a lunar flavor to them and hearken back to the baying hounds of Hecate who is the mistress of shadows.  Red dogs convey virility and a sense of victory in personal battles.

Dogs are also considered animal healers.  They are associated with sacred waters in Celtic mythology (which offer healing/cleansing power).  Canines are also depicted with Asclepius, an ancient Greek physician of renown portent.  In many cultures, dogs were thought to have immense healing powers.  Ancients observed dogs tending to their own wounds (licking) with remarkable healing results.  Are you a healer? Shamanic wisdom encourages you to invite the dog in your healing practices, as this creature will guide you in more effective healing results.  A dog tattoo may also serve as a dynamic statement of your power and desire to heal others (and/or yourself).

This is just a small sampling of dog symbolism for tattoos.  If you dig it, check out my more in-depth page on Dog Meaning and Symbolism here.

Other canine compatriots:

Wolf Symbolism

Coyote Symbolism

Animal Track Symbolism

Fox Symbolism (general)

Fox Tattoo Meanings

Dog Symbolism

Anchor Tattoo Meaning

Friday, February 26th, 2010

 

Anchor Tattoo Meaning

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

Lotus Tattoo Meaning

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Lotus Tattoo Meaning

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

Mermaid Tattoo Meaning

Friday, February 12th, 2010

 

Mermaid Tattoo Meaning

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

Knot Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Knot Tattoo Symbolism

Knot Tattoo Symbolism

Knot Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance
:

  • Connection
  • Community
  • Bond
  • Family
  • Magic
  • Intertwining
  • Network
  • Promises
  • Marriage
  • Protection
  • Good luck
  • Reminder
  • Vows/Faith
  • Linking
  • Release

Lots of cultures use the knot as a symbol for family ties, marriage and various connections in the community.  The term “tying the knot” came from Victorian era, a subtle way of saying a marriage is underway between couples obviously in love.

The love theme continues in ancient Rome where the knot is commonly seen in artistic renderings of Venus as well as Cupid.  In this aspect, the knot symbolizes union, and eternal bonds of love

In Celtic symbolism, knots will convey many different meanings – from signifying clans, family heritage, to expressing ties between human, animal, and the elemental and spiritual realms.  

Celtic knots, and so Celtic knot tattoos also convey a sense of continuity.  It’s a common myth that Celtic knots have no beginning and no end – and although this is a mistruth, the symbolism of infinite status of life is very accurate.  The ancient Celts, especially the druids had a keen sense of life and the afterlife and inherently understood the eternally cyclical nature of life.  Knots were a common motif to convey these eternal connections and revolutions in nature.

Egyptians also utilized knot motifs to express infinite life. For example, the Knot of Isis is kind of a spin-off of the ankh, it is said to symbolize the immortal status and the ties between the goddess and the divine.

Ancient European practitioners of magic, and even ancient Celtic druids are known to tie knots in sympathetic rituals.  This practice of tying knots is a galvanizing act of binding for many purposes.  A knot tattoo in this respect may convey a need to bind together loose ends within your life.  It can also be a symbol of protection – binding fears, or malevolent energy. 

Sympathetic magic is also powerful when untying knots.  A tattoo of a knot untied could resemble the need to surrender, let go of ties that bind, or come loose from limited living/thinking.

For example, Buddhist knots are untied to signify a spiritual adept releasing him/herself from the ties of materialism.  If your higher spiritual ideals are about opening yourself up, surrendering and untying the binds of worldly convention.

Continuing the spiritual symbolism of knot tattoos, we can look to several religious orders who have incorporated knots into their symbolexicons.  Like the Franciscan friars of old Catholicism.  Knots are used in their order to symbolize obedience and the vows of poverty and celibacy – a devotional emblem to their faith.

In Chinese symbology, the knot is a symbol of good luck.  It represents the binding of good energy, and the knot is an obstacle – prohibiting the entry of negative energy.  In this way, the knot is a symbol of protection from harming influences too.

Hopefully, these observations about tattoo symbolism might inspire you to fashion your own symbolic knots.  Are you are wanting to immortalize your undying devotion for clan, affiliation or lover?  Or, are you looking for a way to permanently express your spiritual liberation or obedience?  Whatever you are wanting to express, a knot tattoo might be the ink for you.

Still got loose ends about knot tattoos?

Take a look at my page on Celtic Knot symbolism here.

Thanks to Cari Buziak for the Celtic knot design shown above.

Yin Yang Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Yin Yang Tattoo Symbolism

Yin Yang Tattoo Symbolism

Yin Yang Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance
:

  • Complimentary
  • Duality
  • Integration
  • Communion
  • Balance
  • Interfusing
  • Polarity
  • Acceptance
  • Equilibrium
  • Opposition
  • Attraction
  • Symmetry
  • Cycles
  • Nature

I know, how can I have both “opposition” and “attraction” in the same list?  Well, with a the Yin Yang symbol, nothing is as simple as it seems

This sign embodies both light and dark, male and female, open and closed, sun and moon – the contrasts go on ad infinitum.

In the strictest sense, the Yin Yang is the Chinese symbol of dualism in unity.  It conveys a sense of perfect balance and harmony between opposite forces.

Those who are called to have the Yin Yang tattoo permanently marked upon your body will sense the deeper meaning of this.  That in this Universe there is a constant “push-pull” – a natural tension that when expressed, creates life.

The owner of this tattoo will also know that although this friction is the spark of expansion and creation – these cosmic polar forces have no need to be at war in order to manifest growth. 

Quite the contrary.  True knowers of this sacred symbol will recognize communion and fusion between opposites.  From this accepting fusion is born dynamic evolution.

Some common symbolic assignments for each half of the symbol:

Yin: Female, Moon, Shadow, Subtle, Soft, Intuitive, Earth
Yang: Male, Sun, Light, Action, Hard, Rational, Sky

To be sure, neither yin nor yang represent negative or positive.  Rather, the commingling of both are the expression of perfect harmony.

This is my philosophical take on the Yin Yang tattoo symbolism, if you want more nitty gritty stuff on this magnificent emblem, check out my Yin Yang Symbolism page on Whats-Your-Sign.com

Om Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Om Tattoo Symbolism

Om Tattoo Symbolism

Om tattoo symbolism
at-a-glance
:

  • Totality
  • Sustaining
  • Perpetuation
  • Threefold/Trinity
  • Sacred
  • Divine Expression
  • Indestructible word (truth)
  • Creation
  • Evolution
  • Manifestation

It’s amazing how a whole procession of meanings can tumble out of one little symbol.  The om symbol (a.k.a.: ohm, aum, omkar) is one such symbol – proof that BIG symbolism often comes in tiny packages.

Getting an om tattoo will convey an understanding of very primitive, ancient universal principles.  This symbol is actually a conveyance of sound – the sound of life.  Emitting the aaaaaauuuuuummmm sound from the vocal chords, is mimicking the harmonic tone of all creation. 

There are theories that the core of existence vibrates at a set-point.  From an abyss of nothingness there is uttered a divine call.  It is as if the cosmic mouth opens and presses out a sweet song of creation across the void. 

So, we can see how this one symbol packs a lot of power.  The song of creation is nestled in the sound of “om”  actually, there are three sacred vocalizations “ah” “uh” and “hmmm” – each slight nuance is made through the movement of the mouth & the focus of high intent.

This three-part verbal expression of the om is symbolic of so much. The advent and culmination of triangular principles like:

  • dawn, afternoon, dusk
  • creation, sustaining, destruction
  • conscious, unconscious, subconscious

Vastly powerful concepts all rolling around in verbal expression, tied to this sacred symbol.  The om is expressed most commonly in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.

To be sure, the om tattoo symbolism conveys a reverence for life, an honor for creation and an understanding of the divine motion of the Universe.

Getting an omkar tattoo will galvanize these really heady concepts.  Permanent, ritualistic ink of this symbol is an appropriate conveyance of sacred awareness – timeless awareness – affinity for unifying forces scintillating within the core of natural progression.

Am I being over-dramatic about this om tattoo symbolism?  Maybe.  But to me, this symbol (and every symbol we boldly brand upon our bodies) is a very, very big deal. 

If we are going to ink it, we had better have an understanding as permanent and deep as our ink is.

Don’t stop here with your research.  Keep exploring this magnificent Check out the Wiki on om symbolism here.  I think you’ll like what you read there.