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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

Rose Tattoo Meaning

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Rose Tattoo Meaning

Rose Tattoo Meaning

Rose tattoo meaning
At-a-glance:
 
  • Honor
  • Heart
  • Devotion
  • Purity
  • Love
  • Revelation
  • Expansion
  • Resurrection
  • Beauty
  • Divinity
  • Victory
  • Passion
  • Balance
  • Sensuality
  • Spirituality
  • Duality
  • Romance
  • Memory
  • Secrets
  • Vitality
  • Trust
  • Creativity

I see rose tattoos a lot. It’s no mystery why.  The rose is an incredibly powerful image whose symbolism transcends in elegant ways. 

Interestingly, many people with rose tattoos adore their personal blossoms, but are unaware of some of its ancient mysteries.  Let’s take a moment to smell the sweet scent of rose symbolism through the various perspectives:

Roman – Honor the Fallen:   In the height of their time, roses and rose petals were strewn across the bodies and/or grave sites of soldiers.  Red roses were used to symbolize blood shed for the Roman Empire.  Red is associated with Mars, the god of war.  It’s also associated with Venus, goddess of love.  The intoxicating scent of roses lifted through the air, and carried the spirits of fallen heroes  into the loving arms of Venus with Mars looking on with fierce pride.  There are themes of resurrection here, which can be incorporated into your own ideas of rose tattoo meaning.

Greek – Erotic Creative Vision:  The rose is associated with heavy-hitters in Greek myth like Aphrodite (lovely love goddess), Hecate (the insanely powerful dominatrix of the intangibles), Dionysus (that affectionate hedonistic party animal).  We see themes of eroticism, mystery and sensuality in these Greek gods who partake of the velvet realms of the rose.  I’m particularly intrigued by the rose’s association  with the classic Greek Muses, especially Erato who was a heart-stopping beauty.  She was gifted with spectacular creativity too.  Roses are symbolic of her ability to pierce the heart of man with her intoxicating song and beauty.  And so, your rose tattoo can woo the creative, sensual muse and goddess from within.

Rosicrucian/Alchemical - Unfolding Progress:  The Rosicrucian’s, an elite fleet of visionaries formed under the fatherly tutelage of Dr. Christian Rosenkreuz held the rose at the center of their symbolic focal point.  The rose is featured as a symbol of spiritual progress – an unfolding or blossoming to ever grander heights in human evolution.  Traditional rosy crosses are multi-layered.  The center section of the rose is symbolic of unity and reminds the observer that god is the glue of all life.  Other layers will point to initiation and progress along the pilgrimage to enlightenment.  So, if you are experience a resurgence of the soul – a rose tattoo meaning may convey a sense of transformation, blossoming and unfolding beautifully to share new depths of yourself with the world.

Christian – Unblemished Bliss:  The rose often adorns the beloved Mary in Christian art as a symbol of purity, innocence, beauty, sacrifice and perfection.  From fragrance to visage – the rose is a fitting brand for the blessed Mary.  The “Rose of Sharon” is symbolic of the Church.  Colors also play a part in rose meanings in Christian thought.  White roses are symbolic of purification.  Red roses serve as a memorial to the blood of the slain Christ.  If you have aims to express your faith in deeply symbolic ways, then a rose tattoo may be for you.

This is a little trip around the world in terms of seeking rose tattoo meaning. 

Want more

I don’t blame you – I always want more too. . . and here are some links that provide exactly that:

Symbolic Rose Meaning

Language of Flowers (including the rose)

The Rose as a Flower Zodiac Sign

More Symbolic Meanings of the Rose (on my blog)

Symbolism of Flower Colors

Grapevine Tattoos

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Grapevine Tattoos

Grapevine Tattoos

Grapes and Grapevine Tattoo Meanings
(at-a-glance):

  • Abundance
  • Life
  • Pleasure
  • Joy
  • Fullness
  • Vintage
  • Ripeness
  • Flourishing
  • Prospering
  • Faith
  • Wisdom
  • Fertility
  • Youthfulness
  • Celebration

Grapes and grapevine tattoos remind us of the Latin tenet in vino veritas, which means “in wine there is wisdom.”

Wine is a derivative of grapes, and was considered to be the nectar of the godsin Greco-Roman myth.  Therefore, grapes and grapevines are seen as the purest essence of godliness – namely immortality. 

Grapes, grapevines and wine are associated with the Greco-Roman gods Dionysus/Bacchus. 

Grapes are commonly seen in Christian art to convey the association between wine and the blood of Christ.  In this light, grapes are symbolic of sacrificeand the overflowing abundance of divine love.

The grapevine is also symbolic of the Israelites, and the tree of the Messiah is sometimes compared to a grapevine in the old testament.

Grapevine tattoos convey:

  • Protection from evil spirits.
  • An abundant life.
  • A zest for living well.
  • A devotion to the fruits of the spirit.
  • The desire for prosperity, fertility and beauty in life.

Sunflower Tattoo Meaning

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Sunflower Tattoo Meaning

Sunflower Tattoo Meaning

Sunflower Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):

  • Faith
  • Longevity
  • Spiritual knowing
  • Healing
  • Nourishment
  • Focus
  • Good luck
  • Magic
  • Worship
  • Flexibility

Sunflower tattoo meaning is mostly derived from solar (sun) symbolism which deals with:

  • Vitality
  • Life
  • Warmth
  • Provision
  • Pleasure
  • Light

The sunflower moves itself in the most direct position in front of the sun so it can get the maximum amoung of sun rays.  This is symbolic of spiritual faith, and worship because we follow our belief system as the sunflower moves to face the life-giving rays of the sun.

The sunflower is the Greek symbol of Clytie (a water nyphm) who turns into a sunflower after grieving over the loss of her love (Apollo). 

The mythological symbolism here is that Clytie (in the form of a sunflower) is always facing the sun, looking for Apollo’s chariot to return and she might be joined again with her love.  The sunflower is also a symbol of Daphne (another Greek nymph).

In Chinese symbology, the sunflower (and sunflower tattoo meaning) deals with long life, good luck and is considered very auspicious.  It’s yellow collor signifies vitality and intelligence.  It’s a symbol of happiness too.

In esoteric Christianity, the sunflower is a symbol of Gods love.  This tattoo can also represent the unwavering faith that guides the soul to the highest spiritual attunement.

For more resources:

Flower Meanings, including Sunflower Meanings

Flower Color Meanings