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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 | 1 Response »
Tags: faith, faithful, fidelity, good luck, grounded, hope, luck, military, navigation, oceans, protection, sacrifice, safety, salvation, seas, security, stability, travel, water, will
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 | 1 Response »
Tags: balance, cosmos, cycles, death, duality, feminine, femininity, honor, impermanence, inevitability, infinity, life, mortality, patience, phases, polarity, spirituality, temperance, time, transition, union, unity, universe
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 | 1 Response »
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 | 1 Response »
Tags: cycles, divine, divinity, dreaming, dreams, energy, enternity, faith, feminine, fertility, goddess, illumination, infinite, initiation, insight, intuition, magic, mystery, mysticism, nature, passion, psychic, purity, sensuality, shadow, strength
Friday, January 15th, 2010
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.
Posted in Military Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: authority, betrayal, clarity, devotion, duality, enlightenment, faith, freedom, integrity, intelligence, liberation, lovelorn, mentality, military, pain, revenge, ritual, sacrifice, skill, solitude, spirituality, strength
Friday, September 4th, 2009
Heart Tattoos and Heart Meanings
Symbolic meaning of heart tattoos
(at-a-glance):
- Love
- Acceptance
- Central
- Whole
- Vitality
- Friendship
- Compassion
- Spirituality
- Honor
- Sacred
- Emotion
- Courage
- Life
- Hope
- Passion
- Luck
- Faith
- Trust
Heart tattoos typically convey love, friendship and they commemorate our feelings of adoration. They also represent unity and the centralization of life as the human heart is the center engine of life.
The heart symbol itself reminds me of a vessel holding pure potential of love. I get this from my education in the Tarot where the suit of cups is associated with love, connectivity, intuition, emotion and passion. The suit of cups in Tarot corresponds to the suit of hearts in conventional playing card decks.
The heart symbol also talks about procreation; creating something wholly unique and divine from the union of partnership (like the birth of a child from a union). Why? because the lower portion of the heart symbol represents a triangle, which is an ancient symbol for creation, creativity, and the birth of something new from the culmination of sacred love.
Heart tattoos can also represent a deep spiritual love. To wit, ancient Greeks and Egyptians believed the heart was the center of emotional, spiritual and intellectual life for humans. The Greeks were convinced the heart was the source of emotional intelligence and specialized thought was born from the heart (not the brain).
I’ve seen heart tattoos with feathers, and this reminds me of the legendary “weighing of the soul” ritual performed by Egyptians during mummification. Anubis weighed the heart against the weight of a feather. If the heart was lighter than a feather, then the spirit of the deceased was light enough to ascend through the Corridors of Judgment. This is symbolic of purity in spirit, integrity and a soul worthy of progressing into the Afterlife.
In Buddhism, the heart is associated with the Dharmacakra; the Wheel of Law. In this context, heart tattoos will be symbolic of the perfection of the Universe. It also conveys mindfulness, spiritual devotion and compassion.
In Christianity the heart will continue its theme of love and unity. The Sacred Heart tattoo (a heart with a hovering flame wrapped in thorns) is symbolic of the capacity of Christ’s compassion – a symbol of his enduring belief in the potential of brotherly/sisterly love. It is an icon that beckons humankind to keep the fire of the soul well tended – even in the face adversity.
Heart tattoos with arrows through the heart hold similar meanings. These typically represent lasting love in the face of hardship. They are also symbolic of Cupids (Eros in Greek myth) arrow piercing the heart and forever joining lovers with his amorous aim.
If you need more information on the heart, check out my full article on Heart Symbolic Meaning here.
Posted in Christian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 2 Responses »
Tags: acceptance, afterlife, courage, devotion, emotion, faith, friendship, honor, hope, life, love, luck, passion, sacred, spirituality, trust, unity, vitality, wholeness
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Bull Tattoo Symbolism
Bull Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Provision
- Confidence
- Fertility
- Virility
- Charged
- Power
- Protection
- Sacred
- Peace
- Holy
- Provision
- Stability
- Forceful
- Assistance
- Grounding
- Natural
- Assertive
- Satisfaction
- Comfort
Bull tattoo symbolism can go in two directions. They can convey power, authority and confidence. Or, they can illustrate peace and a deep honor for the sacredness of spirituality. Which direction you move with your bull tattoo will be up to you.
As a symbol of power and confidence we look to the bull’s massive physical stature for these identifications. It is a mammoth mammal weighing in around 1000-2500 pounds (about the same weight as some vehicles!) We are all familiar with the term “charging bull” and so imagine a raging beast this size. That’s a clear image of solid, unstoppable assertiveness. To be sure, if you want your tattoo to express a powerhouse of will, and a force to be reckoned with – the bull is a clear choice.
The bull also shares symbolism with the Taurus sign in the astrological zodiac. In this perspective, the bull is symbolic of stability, comfort and self-assurance. If any of you know a Taurus, you will know they can be stubborn. They know right and wrong in their guts and they will defend their positions just as vehemently as a charging bull does. They will not be swayed. So, a bull tattoo might be a good choice to honor the bullish tendencies of the Taurus (if you or a loved one is the sign of a Taurus).
The bull (or Ox) is also in Chinese astrology and represents attributes like: Loyalty, reliability, strength, steadiness, determination.
I’ve seen many rodeo pros and enthusiasts with bull tattoos. They’ve told me their tattoo represents their ability to harness raw power as they all straddle and ride the bull for those legendary eight seconds. Bull tattoo symbolism also carries a message of “facing down fear” for many bull riders and rodeo pros.
As an ancient archetype, the bull is symbolic of fertility, virility and sexual strength. The bull has been honored by ancient cultures at being well endowed and so (from a typically male and very human perspective) honored for its ability to please its mate.
Bulls are also consummate providers for mankind. For example, they’ve walked with farmers in the agricultural process for centuries – enabling man to grow and harvest. In this light, the bull tattoo can serve as a reminder we can work with nature and our animal kin in order to meet our needs.
This aspect of provision is also symbolic of peace, harmony and cooperation. Bulls have been labeled the “beasts of burden” taken on tremendous tasks of strength in order to help mankind in our labours. Bulls do this with a stoic nobility. Peacefully providing their power for our benefit. It’s no wonder the normally calm-natured animal is held sacred by so many.
Other pages of interest for your tattoo research:
Bull Symbolism (full article)
Bull Symbol in the Tarot
Celtic Bull Symbolism
Cow Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
Tags: abundance, assertion, beauty, comfort, confidence, courage, determination, fertility, force, materialism, nature, peace, persistence, power, progress, provision, satisfaction, stability, strength, virility
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism
Feather Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Higher mind
- Freedom
- Ascended thoughts
- Enlightenment
- Honor
- Soul’s journey
- Dreams
- Inspiration
- Levitation
- High spirit
- Uplifting
- Hope
- Promise
- Faith
- Weightless
- Purity
- Truth
- Magic
- Spiritual messages
- Flying high
- Limitlessness
- Transformation
- Rejuvenation
- Free spirit
- Travel
- High class or status
Feather tattoos are often seen featured in Native American themed ink, and in this context the symbolism deals with approaching nature and the power of birds with honor. Native Americans used feathers in ritual because they knew the spirit of the bird was represented by the feather. Bird spirits are extremely powerful in purifying the spirit and cleansing the energetic environment. Waving a feather over a sacred fire with pure intent is a way of uplifting the soul and expressing gratitude to bird spirits.
Feathers in Native American minds as well as many other cultures deals with communication. Feathers are often viewed as messages from the spirit world, and feather tattoos will convey powerful ideals about holy exchange. Indeed, many schools of thought believe seeing feathers on our path is a direct message from a loved one who has transitioned into the spirit side of life (deceased).
In Celtic symbolism and myth, Morrigan wore an intricate cloak of feathers (typically raven feathers) as a means to transform into a bird. Legend indicates her ability to shift into bird form allowed her higher reasoning, and a “bird’s eye view” into spiritual realms. In this form she could also easily travel the earth and spy about on people of interest to her motives.
If Egyptology is your thing, then a feather tattoo might symbolize the wisdom of the goddess Maat who is a matriarchal figure of truth and justice. During mummification, Anubis and Maat compared the weight of heart against the weight of the feather to determine the purity of the soul (and eligibility for the entrance into the Afterlife without consequence). If the heart was light as a feather, the soul was deemed pure and the spirit could move freely into further evolution.
As mentioned, Native American wisdom understands the feather to be an embodiment of bird spirit. Eagle feathers had special meaning and were given to warriors as a tremendous honor of bravery and courage. It indicated a nobility of the heart and allowed the recipient to take flight easily on spirit journeying.
In this way, feathers are also status symbols in many cultures. Plumed knights, feathered headdresses, feathered cloaks – these are all symbolic of higher class of people – usually for the brave hearted, or the spiritual master.
A more expanded view of feather tattoos deal with thought, intellect and the higher mind. This is because feathers (birds) are associated with air, the skies, and the heavens. This also forms a logical connection with dreams, inspiration, spiritual ascension and higher intelligence.
If you need more information on this subject, check out these pages:
Symbolic Meaning of Feathers (full article)
Bird Totems and Meanings
Nature Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: dreams, enlightenment, faith, freedom, honor, hope, inspiration, justice, magic, promise, purity, renewal, spirit, spirituality, truth
