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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

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 »
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Skull Tattoo Meaning

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

 

Skull Tattoo Meaning

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 »
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Hourglass Tattoo Meaning

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

 

Hourglass Tattoo Meaning

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 | 1 Response »
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Meaning of Knife Tattoos

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Meaning of Knife Tattoos

Meaning of Knife Tattoos

Knife tattoos, they could convey a million reasons to the owner…from devotion to military obligation to expressing the sharp edge of betrayal.

Here are some at-a-glance symbolic suggestions pertaining to knife tattoos:

  • Authority
  • Skill
  • Revenge
  • Betrayal
  • Solitude
  • Sacrifice
  • Military duty/service
  • Strategy
  • Sharp Intellect
  • Steely Resolve
  • Flawless Clarity
  • Singularity in Focus
  • Duality
  • Pain
  • Ritual
  • Accomplishment
  • Freedom

Most of my friends with knife tattoos tell me they got them when they were young.  These tattoos often signify a lost love, and the knife conveys a cold, steely pain encountered with having been cut by the brutality of a lovers neglect or betrayal.  In this scenario, we could also say a tattooed knife could symbolize a “cutting away” from a bad relationship – slicing through the trauma & difficulties caused by a lover and becoming liberated from the drama of a dysfunctional relationship.

Many times a knife tattoo can express a feeling of sacrifice.  This conveyance is ancient, and deeply rooted in many religious/spiritual sects in which sacrifices have been (and still are in some cases) practiced for eons.  Do you find yourself in a position of intense sacrifice?  Do you hold to a singular devotion, faith or purpose that you would die for?  An ornate, glistening knife tattoo might be something to consider to outwardly express that kind of intensity.

Interestingly, in Buddhist symbology the knife often represents cutting the ties of material gain.  Are you vehemently against consumerism? Do you find materialism is the bane of your existence, holding you back from true freedom and enlightenment?  In this sense, a knife may be an appropriate way to galvanize the act of liberating oneself from the binding ties of materialistic urge and greed.

When I think of knives, and knife tattoos, I think of the suit of swords in the Tarot.  This esoteric suit represents challenges, usually wrought from mental nuances like doubt, fear, worry.  In a cavalcade of (often tormented) archetypes in these cards, we see a constant struggle to slice through confusion.  The knife in these cards symbolizes the double-edged nature of the mind. 

The mind can be a remarkable representative of clarity and can expertly slice through befuddlement.  Simultaneously, the mind can be a true enemy, turning and stabbing its owner in the back.  I suspect a larger indwelling presence is designed to navigate the strokes of a knife.  But, until we can all commune with that presence, a knife might be an apropos tattoo to express that dual nature of the mind – both helpful and potentially cruel.

I love knives, and used to collect them – I never really knew why – they just gravitated to my curiosity.  Much later, I invested some time in understanding why blades appealed to me.  It’s their cleanliness, the shine, their ability to carve through metaphorical crap.  So utilitarian, yet so beautiful and elegant too.  A magnificent, multi-purpose tool – that, when well-crafted could also be a work of art. 

So you see, the knife, as with any tattoo – is most profound when we assign our own understanding to it.

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the symbolic meaning of knife tattoos.  Take some time to consider what  the knife represents to you. 

Because of my odd enchantment with blades, I’ve written more about the symbolism of them. Check it out: Symbolic Meaning of Swords on my other website.

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Castle Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Castle Tattoo Symbolism

Castle Tattoo Symbolism

Castle tattoo symbolism and castle tattoos stand for:

  • Protection
  • Defense
  • Achievement
  • Wealth
  • Goals
  • Integrity
  • Honor
  • Fantasy
  • Imprisonment
  • Sanctuary
  • Spirituality
  • Strength
  • Structure
  • Foundation
  • Stability

Above all, castle tattoos symbolize protection and we get that understanding from their function in their heyday when castles were utilized to protect inhabitants from invaders and battle.  Castles protected the common good of the community – not only royalty were kept safe within castle walls, but livestock were also lead inside for refuge during harsh weather.

Tattoos illustrating moats and drawbridges sometimes symbolize defense of the owner.  We get a sense of isolation or protection of someone who wears a castle that is cut off by a dividing moat.

I’ve had friends in prison who chose castle tattoos to convey their time of incarceration.  They explained to me they felt both safe from the outside world, but also isolated too.  I got a sense of duality from my buddies.  In a way, their castle represented grieving at their loss of freedom, but the castle also represented a certain strength and fortitude as they endured the challenges of prison life.

Castles can also represent a sense of fantasy as our memories turn back to childhood stories of knights, kings, queens and days of chivalry.  In this view, castle tattoos are symbolic of a golden ideal where righteousness and honor are utmost. 

We can also think upon faerie tales in which young maidens are united with their Prince Charming’s.  This brings about a symbolism of obtaining love or achieving the fondest desires of the heart.

There are spiritual references to castles as symbols of spiritual integrity too.  For example, in the Bible John 14 reveals Christ saying: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions/castles; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”  In some translations, the term “mansions” is referred to as castles.  This “place” of honour for the faithful is considered a Christly castle.  In this way, a castle tattoo can have major spiritual significance for the wearer.

In esoteric symbolism the color of the castle can be telling too.

Black castles represent unsatisfied wishes.  It can depict a dark shadow in the heart of the owner.  Black castle tattoos are also symbolic of isolation and a shadow cast upon one’s fate.

White castles are symbolic of achievement, shining glory, conquering defeat, fulfillment of destiny, and victory in battle.

Also see my page on the Castle as a Tarot Symbol here.

Posted in Christian Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Chain Tattoo Meaning

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

Chain Tattoo Meaning

Chain Tattoo Meaning

Chain Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance): 

  • Confinement
  • Oppression
  • Enslavement
  • Imprisonment
  • Limitation
  • Bondage
  • Brotherhood
  • Remembrance
  • Communication
  • Duty
  • Honor
  • Sacrifice
  • Unity
  • Command
  • Linked
  • Liberation (broken chain)
  • Freedom (broken chain)

Chain tattoos are extremely powerful in their meaning because they deal with issues of freedom and bondage.  And, any time we talk about freedom we’re talking about human rights which strikes at the core of every human heart beat.

Broken chain tattoos can symbolize liberation from a harrowing/challenging time in life.  People who get a tattoo of a broken chain will likely tell you they may have been set free from a terrible burden.  The tattoo represents freedom from bondage – or the removal of a heavy weight upon their heart.

Chain tattoos that are NOT broken may convey the feeling of being limited, enslaved, or imprisoned.  I have a buddy who is serving life in prison and his chain tattoo meaning represents his life of being shackled with no hope of release.  He has 14 links on his chain tattoo.  One for each year he has served.  He’s told me that getting a new link tattooed to an existing chain tattoo for every year served is a relatively common prison ink ritual.

A chain tattoo may also symbolize honoring a bond of service or duty.  It may also convey a feeling of sacrifice.  For example, if you have served in the military, you may have felt bound (chained) to a code of honor.  There is no choice but to serve your country – but your heart may feel chained because of the pain and sacrifice this duty brings.  Chains in a military sense can also symbolize rank and office (ie: chain of command).

On a more uplifting note, chains sometimes symbolize an eternal connection with an ideal or a loved one.  A linked chain has been a symbol of marriage because of the immortal connection soul-mates share.  In this light, the chain stands for eternal love – especially in marriage. 

Homer, the epic poet of ancient Greece (author of the Iliad and the Odyssey) once made a philosophical observation that an ephemeral chain of energetic gold formed a connection between heaven and earth.  He said Zeus hung the chain himself as a way to keep the skies connected to the land. Plato called it a “rope of light” that encircled the Universe, holding all the energy in place.

A golden chain shows up in medieval Christian art as a symbol of divine connection – the chain is symbolic of prayer and it links man to God in unbreakable faith/communication.  Alternatively, chains also take on an oppressive tone, especially when depicted with demonic or devilish imagery.  In this light, chains are symbolic of being defeated by base/materialistic desires.

In ancient Celtic symbolism a chain is shown trailing down from the tongue of the Celtic god Ogmios and it rain to the ears of his followers.  This symbolizes the mesmerizing power of Ogmios’ words, and his effectiveness to capture his listeners attention.

In Indian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, a chain is sometimes used to represent the chain of karma.  Karma is the action of life going through its cycles.  A teacher once told me our individual actions in each life make up our chain of karma and predicts what kind of life we will experience in the next cycle of life.  The term “breaking the chain of karma” refers to changing bad habits (breaking weak links) to liberate oneself from living out undesirable karma in their next life.

Chains can also be a symbol of friendship. More specifically, chains convey a sense of incredible strength and a joining together of a bond that can withstand all tests of time and hardship.

More information on this subject:

Chain Symbolism in Tarot

Posted in Celtic Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Military Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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