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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 | No Responses »
Tags: faith, faithful, fidelity, good luck, grounded, hope, luck, military, navigation, oceans, protection, sacrifice, safety, salvation, seas, security, stability, travel, water, will
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
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Cloud Tattoo Symbolism
Potential Cloud Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Mystery
- Illusion
- Dreams
- Intuition
- Culmination
- Secrets
- Potential
- Emotional
- Epiphany
- Revelation
Of course, cloud tattoos don’t have to have meaning or symbolism (gasp, did I just say that?!?). Often clouds are used in tattoos as accentuation’s, great design elements. Or, sometimes cloud tattoos are even used as clever cover-ups.
For those of us (like moi) who tend to read symbolism into everything, clouds never leave us high and dry in their symbolic meaning.
In Greco-Roman mythology, clouds are considered homesteads of the gods. Clouds always clung to Mount Olympus, home of the gods, and so therefore they became synonymous with deific dwelling places. By the same token, clouds were considered to be an accumulation of godly messages. Storm clouds then would signal bad news & light-bright puffy clouds would be carriers of significantly more hopeful messages.
In Chinese symbolism, clouds represent transition and transformation. Clouds seen in ancient Chinese art often point to the process of transformation from primitive/banal to ascended/spiritual. It would seem this path to soulful evolution is just as transitory and unpredictable as clouds themselves. Fitting symbol for the ways of spiritual progress.
Hindu and Tibetan perspectives about clouds reveal concepts of transition too – but in more of a temporary way. In this view, clouds are symbolic of impremance. If you’re into zen, a cloud tattoo feature might be the perfect way to convey your devotion to impermanence, and your whole understanding of detachment.
Clouds combine the symbolism of both air and water. In deeply esoteric and occult symbolism, air represents the realms of the mind (thought, mentality). Water represents themes of emotion, intuition and the psyche. Combined then, cloud tattoos in this way of thinking might convey a message of tempering & balancing emotion with intellect.
Clouds also hold rain, and that is an ancient symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity.
I hope these thoughts on cloud tattoo symbolism clear away any fog you might have.
Keep breezing through potential symbolism with these other pages of interest:
Native American Wind Symbol
Cloud Meanings in the Tarot
Air Totems
Sylphs: Air Elementals
Water Symbolism
Posted in Celestial Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: clarification, clarity, dreams, emotion, epiphany, evolution, fertility, god, illusion, impermanence, intellect, intuition, messages, mind, mystery, prosperity, revelation, secret, secrets, soul, spirit, spirituality, transformation, transition
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
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Hourglass Tattoo Meaning
Hourglass Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Waiting
- Patience
- Impermanence
- Death
- Transition
- Time
- Temperance
- Cosmos
- Cycles
- Balance
- Inevitability
- Mortality
I have a 3 friends with hourglass tattoos.
Steve is serving life in prison – no parole. His hourglass tattoo signifies the inevitability of his situation. In his case, the tattoo is a stern marker of the unchangeable truth of his future. There is only time. This is his harsh reality: His scenery will not change until his death.
If life finds you waiting, waiting, waiting for the next phase, an hourglass tattoo might be a good reminder that this too shall pass – change is inevitable – and one way or another – the scenery is going to change.
Another buddy of mine, Grayson, got an hourglass tattoo for much brighter reasons. To him, an hourglass is symbolic of the balance seen in the Universe. In script font, he had this tattooed around the timepiece:
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”
Of course, this passage is from the legendary poem Auguries of Innocence by William Blake.
This is a great conveyance. Ancient alchemists had similar ideas about the symbolic meaning of the hourglass. They pictured one half of the glass as symbolic of the sky. The lower half representing the earth. Energy passes between the two and expresses a pervasive feel of balance, duality, and the infinite cycles of life passing between experiences of mundane and ethereal.
Are you awestruck by the wonder and inevitability inherent in the cycles of life and the cosmos? Are you needing to memorialize your knowledge that all life prevails (one way or another) with the passing of time? If so, an hourglass tattoo might be your thing.
Most of us are familiar with the saying “she has an hourglass figure.” The hourglass has a curvaceous appeal, very feminine.
My friend Sable picked up on this sensual look with her ink. Her hourglass tattoo represents the Divine Feminine and how power can be derived through specifically female cycles of life. She understands female rites. From maiden, mother to crone and beyond – her hourglass tattoo captures all the elements of feminine progress. Her piece galvanizes her understanding of what it means to be a fully developed woman. Fascinating, really.
Speaking of gender, another view at the hourglass can reveal two triangles: One erect and one inverted, each meeting tip-to-tip. This is a common motif of male (erect) and female (inverted). An hourglass tattoo might be a unique way to convey the timeless connection between male/female. Or, perhaps even a way to express the endless dance between polarity (yin/yang, light/dark, creation/destruction, moon/sun, etc).
Whether you are wanting an expression of “tempus fugit” (time flies) or looking for an unorthodox expression of the phases of life-at-large…I hope these observations help you in your tattoo research.
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: balance, cosmos, cycles, death, duality, feminine, femininity, honor, impermanence, inevitability, infinity, life, mortality, patience, phases, polarity, spirituality, temperance, time, transition, union, unity, universe
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
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
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
Posted in Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: acceptance, attraction, balance, communion, complimentary, creation, cylces, duality, equal, equilibrium, evolution, faith, harmony, infinity, integration, interaction, nature, negative, opposition, perfection, polarity, positive, spirituality, symmetry, union, unity, universal law, universe
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
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.
Posted in Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: ancient, communication, creation, creativity, divine, divinity, expression, harmony, honor, life, manifestation, motion, perpetual, power, reverence, sacred, sound, sustaining, totality, unification, union, universe, voice
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 | No Responses »
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
