Snake Tattoo Meaning

Snake Tattoo Meaning (at-a-glance):

• Renewal
• Protection
• Transition
• Mystery
• Defense
• Magic
• Infinity
• Sexuality
• Hidden
• Grounded
• Transformation

Snake tattoos are classic.  Utterly classic.  Ok, so I’m biased.

I’ve got quite a few serpentine tattoos.  I’m just compelled that way.  Fortunately, snake tattoo meanings are as diverse as my own views/moods/persuasions.  In other words, theses silky ink-sentinels are so vast in their symbolic potential, that they accommodate my own complexities without fail.  

If you’re a diverse soul, and recognize the depth of your own diversity, a snake tattoo might appeal to you too.

Why?  Let’s take a look at snake symbolism throughout various cultures.

In Greek myth, snakes are symbolic of health and healing as we see them associated with Asclepius (see the Staff of Asclepius tattoo meaning here), who was a renowned deity of medicine, healing and said to grant regenerative powers.  That sense of renewal comes from the snake who sheds off the old (skin) and emergest shiny, bright and new after each shedding. 

Snakes in many cultures (African, Chinese, Native American Hopi to name a few) are associated with water, and this emphasizes their connection to healing.  Why? Because water is symbolic of healing, cleansing and purifying. 

Are you intent on personal purification?  Is the concept of healing, renewing and clarifying vital to you?  If so, you may owe it to yourself to research this aspect of snake tattoo meaning.  The more you research this angle of snake symbolism, the more you may find yourself empowered by it.

Asclepius’ snake is singular, but myth also shows many deities with double-snakes, and these will have powerful meanings of balance, duality, and joining opposing elements for the purpose of unification – even enlightenment.  You can learn more about these symbolic concepts of double-snakes on my Caduceus tattoo symbolism page.

Are you acutely aware of the inherent polarities in all life?  Do you constantly seek temperance and happy-mediums and balance?  If so, you may want to look into some very ancient wisdom about the double-snake symbolism.  For example, you can look to ancient alchemy who use the double-snake illustration as a sign-post to denote the conjugation of opposites with a goal for higher (illumined, balanced, advanced) results (offspring/progeny – a union of two causing a birth of something new and fundamentally more advanced).  You can also research double-snake symbolism in Hindu myth/legend where you’ll learn about a metaphysical connectionas discussed in the kundalini phenomenon.

Snakes are also protective symbols.  They are considered protectors of the underworld in Greco-Roman ideology, and are often seen in funerary art to convey guardianship over burial sites.  Countless ancient cultures recognize snakes as protectors of abstruse mysteries, and that’s why we see snakes commonly adorn magical personalities through history.   Whether a priestess like Pythia or a sage like Hermes, when you see a snake associated with powerful archetypes of deep (esoteric/occult) wisdom, it is a symbol of protecting sacred knowledge.  Let’s face it, the snake can be a pretty intimidating force, and so, it’s a perfect icon for guarding that which is profoundly mystical.  Just another aspect to consider while you contemplate snake tattoo meaning. 

As you continue your research about snake symbolism, you’re going to find tons of meanings and varying discussions about what this noble creature represents.  That’s why I find it so appropriate as a tattoo.  The snake is a shifter, and as my own inner landscape shifts, I find my snake tattoos are fully qualified to shift with me.   To be sure, snakes can accommodate fathoms of moods, meanings and ideas – and so they make perfect emblems of power.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these scant thoughts on snake tattoo meaning.  Check out the links below for more rounding-out of your research:

Snake Symbolism (full-detail article)

Snake Totems

Double-Snake symbolism

Caduceus Tattoo Meanings

Staff of Asclepius Tattoo Symbolism

Uroboros Symbolism (the snake that devours its own tail)

Frog Tattoo Symbolism

Frog Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance:

• Transformation
• Good luck
• Sensitivity
• Perceptive
• Renewal
• Intuitive

Some folks are completely enchanted by frogs.  My friend Julie loves them, and has the most gorgeous back piece of brilliant viridian tree frogs. 

Frogs are like little evolutional miracles transforming right under our noses.  In their one life-cycle, the whole of evolution is revealed (that is, if you take a Darwinian approach).  Whether you dig evolutionism, or you are creationist, there is no denying the frog is a marvel at transformation. 

In just a short 12 weeks, the frog will move from an exclusively all-water environment to a more liberated existence as a both land & water dweller.  The gills it used in its underwater life will be replaced with lungs as an adult.  The rudder tail it had to aid in swimming as a little nipper will drop off in adulthood.  Some really major and incredible transformations take place in frogdom.  That’s why, so often a frog tattoo is symbolic of immense and profound transitions within the owners life.  I’m talking about changes that totally change the inner and outer landscape of a person’s life.  The frog is a totem for people who have undergone such overwhelming transition. 

The frog is proof that transformation can lead to liberation.  How so?  Metaphorically, transformation allows the frog to walk in two worlds.  Through a mind-blowing self-evolution the frog emerges victor of both water and as an adult, it becomes quite adept at land life too.  This is also symbolic of adaptation.  If you feel like you are treading water in certain areas of your life, and teetering on the land masses of other parts of your life – the frog might be a reminder that you really CAN live both worlds…you just have to be prepared to make adjustments to make it work.  You’ve got to be willing to undergo major inner changes in order for your outer worlds to become more inhabitable.  That’s what frog tattoo symbolism is best at conveying.

Perhaps this kind of symbolism is what the ancient Egyptians were tapping into when they assigned the frog as a sacred symbol of birth as well as resurrection.  They had a frog-headed goddess named Heket.  She was present at each new birth, and exhaled the breath of new life into the nostrils of each newborn Egyptian child.  I think the spirit of renewal, transformation and adaptation is passed through her breath too.  She imbues a sense of natural revolution.  She puts new humans at ease with the concept of cyclical change.

Change is a common theme of water in esoteric symbolism.  A frog’s environment is mostly water, and so therefore the frog itself is associated with symbolic attributes of water which include:

• Intuition
• Emotion
• Fluidity
• Change
• Purification

Frogs come in a myriad of colors, but we most often thing of green – this is symbolic of new growth, good health and even wealth.  Consider the color green, and those associations start to make sense: Green is the color of the heart chakra, which is connected to themes of love and health.  Green is also the color of new life we see sprouting out in the spring time – which points to abundance in growth and harvest.  Agriculturally, green is akin to income – green goodness means produce to have and sell.  In short, life is good when crops are green. 

Our Native Americans recognized these subtle connections.  They recognized the life cycles of the frog, as well as its watery realms and the color of its skin.  All these cues are symbolic in Native wisdom.  Mostly, the frog is symbolic of purification to many Native American tribes.  The Aztecs and Mayans especially linked the frog with rains – which equates to agricultural success in that region of the world.  To them, the frog was a rain bringer.  Some legends even say the frog was a rain-maker.  And so, the frog in this light would be symbolic of life – specifically, a symbol of the continutation of life.

In China and Japan the frog is considered good luck.  My friend Cinchy is from a Japanese family, and she got a frog tattoo as a symbol of good luck with her business – especially as she travels the world.  In her native country, the frog is said to be a companion to world-travelers, and will give travelers the best of luck in all their journeys.  If you do a lot of traveling (especially travel by water), and want a symbol of protection during travel – a frog tattoo might be a good one for you.

These are just some thought I’ve thrown out about frog tattoo symbolism.

I’ve written more about frog symbolism, and these thoughts might help you as you investigate the meaning of frogs for you next tattoo:

You can catch the full article on Frog Symbolism here

Horned God Tattoo Symbolism

Cernunnos is the ancient Celtic god who is also known as the ”horned god” or “horned one.”

I’ve seen two Cernunnos tattoos, and they totally rocked my socks.  After talking with the owners of these tattoos and combining my own knowledge/observations about this deity, I’ve decided to share a few thoughts about possible meanings of the horned god tattoo with you.

Cernunnos (horned god) tattoo meanings at-a-glance:

• Fertility
• Virility
• Strength
• Honor
• Courage
• Connection
• Community
• Shamanism
• Cycles of Time
• Stability
• Balancing Duality
• Sexual Power
• Male Power
• Female Power
• Unity with Nature

The horned god is (obviously) set apart from the rest of Celtic deities because of his spectacular antlers perched atop his head.  Cernunnos’ totem animal is the stag, and where the beast is not depicted in ancient artwork, the horns on Cernunnos’ head mark the shamanistic connection with the stag.  Both antler and animal are symbolic of male assertion, dominance, thrust, sexual superiority and action.  Antlers are visible symbols of authority in the wild – and the bigger the rack – the more powerful the owner.  It has to do with survival of the fittest.  Only the largest and strongest rack of horns can insure a stag will lay with his mate and thus propel his lineage.  Same holds true with the horned god.  In this way, the horned god tattoo might be a the ticket if you are looking for artistic ways to express your confidence and full capability to provide for your community. 

Cernunnos is nota statement of male dominance.  Far from it.  His horns are also a feminine quality when they are rendered as a crescent atop his head (instead of antlers).  The crescent horns are symbolic of the crescent moon – which hearkens to feminine power.  Also, the torc  (a gold or copper piece of jewelry commonly worn amongst Celts) is symbolic of feminine energy.  That the horned god wears the torc is a statement about balance and thoughtful union between male and female dualities.  This balance is inherent in Nature, and Cernunnos is a major spokesgod for this kind of natural synchronicity.  If you honor the energy of male as much as female (and vice versa), a Cernunnos tattoo will reinforce that stance.

The horned god is often depicted with a snake too (sometimes even a horned snake).  This is symbolic of sensory perception.  Snakes experience their world in uncommon ways.  Through tongue and skin their primary data-gathering is accomplished.  This is symbolic of sensual knowing – tactile understanding.  Snakes are also symbolic of transition and transformation.  It has to do with the shedding of their skin.  If these aspects of the horned god tattoo really sing to you, then make sure to include Cernunnos’ totem snake in your design.

This is just a small portion of the potential tattoo symbolism behind the horned god. 

Get full disclosure of the Cernunnos, The Horned God Symbolic Meanings here.

Other pages of interest:

Stag Tattoo Symbolism

Deer Symbolism (general)

Torc Symbolism

Snake Symbolism (general)

Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Badger Tattoo Meaning

Badger tattoo meaning
at-a-glance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stag Tattoo Symbolism

Stag tattoo meaning
(at-a-glance):

• Heroism
• Confidence
• Pride
• Nobility
• Strength
• Virility
• Cycles
• Provision
• Protection

The stag is a symbol of strength in countless cultures, legends and myth throughout history and across the globe.  Why?  Gee, just take a look at one – in the wilderness or even in a National Geographic mag – these beasts are stunning to behold. 

Most notably, their antlers are symbolic of their dominance within the ranks of Nature.  The bigger the rack – the more virile they are considered (by both doe and in human archetypal understanding).  In their environment – antlers are tools and weapons.  In a battle of territory and sexual conquest, size does matter and a massive antler-arrangement goes a long way to insure proper respect.  Same holds true with a stag tattoo sporting an awesome fan of antlers.  They’re symbolic of age (wisdom), elitism and superiority.

Antlers are also considered a solar feature by many Native perspectives.  It’s because antlers resemble expanding rays of the sun.  If we add solar symbolism to stag antlers, we get a symbolic mix of: Vitality, Energy, Radiance and Right-Action.

A stag tattoo meaning can also point to the recycling nature of all life.  Here again, it’s their antlers that point to this aspect.  Stags grow antlers in the Spring (symbolic of birth, renewal, the return of life), and fall off in the Fall (symbolic of death, introspection and hibernation).  Are you keen about your own personal cycles of being?  Do you profoundly feel the rise and fall of Nature and Time?  The Stag might help you express these stirrings in a bold way.

Of course, if you’re a hunter, a Stag tattoo might be common sense.  Let’s hope you’re in touch with the ancient history behind hunting, and the fact of interconnectivity of all life.  Maybe a Stag tattoo can galvanize the concept of becoming one: The hunter and the hunted sharing an infinite bond – a shamanistic sharing of souls.

Celtic symbolism hold the Stag in high regard.  A symbol of masculine fortitude and an icon of virile power.   In their myths, a white Stag was considered a message of divine importance.  Tons of heros of Celtic legend were lead to (enlightenment?) victory by a white stag. 

More information about this unique symbolism can be found here:

Symbolism of the Deer

White Deer Symbolism

Fire Tattoo Symbolism

Fire Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

• Power
• Passion
• Heat
• Desire
• Consumption
• Energy
• Transformation
• Vitality
• Sensuality

Mostly, fire shows up as an element within a tattoo – like a design enhancement to really drive home the idea of passion within the whole piece of art.

To me, fire symbolism in a tattoo talks about conversion and transformation.  Nothing comes away from fire unchanged.  Fire transforms everything within its path.  Fire alters the structure, function, appearance and even chemical compositions of everything it touches.  This reminds me of the alchemical credo: Transmogrification.

We see this kind of conversion in the alchemical phoenix.  Just when this regal bird is utterly consumed in flame, and we think its at the end of its cycle – it reemerges from its own ashes - transformed, renewed, purified.

Purification is a big symbolic bi-product of fire.  Sterilization, cleansing – even baptismal concepts are associated with fire.  If you’re looking for a tattoo element that conveys a sense of being reborn, fire might be a great tattoo element.  Or, perhaps you feel as though you are emmerging from a difficult ordeal, and you feel renewed on your life-path, a fire tattoo might be a good way to express that experience.

Countless ancient cultures have held fire as a symbol of hearth and home.  From the home fires of Hestia burning a sense of welcome and warmth, to the bonfires of Belanus (Celtic god) marking victory in protecting the clans against encroaching warlords – fire is a clear symbol of keeping community together.  Consider your own community – do the fires of connection and inclusion burn brightly within your own clan?  Are you the protector and the way-seer for your people?  If so, a fire tattoo might further embolden your passion for keeping your family together, safe and protected.

Fire reminds us of our passions – on a sexual level as well as spiritual levels. Flames are often depicted in ancient art to convey a sense of deep ardor (love) and burning desire.  It’s not all about sex though.  If you feel consumed by your faith, and surrender to your spiritual path daily – a fire tattoo might be a way to burn that ideal in your psyche.

Astrological speaking, there are three fire signs within the western zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.  This denotes a personality with fiery passion.  If you’re getting a tattoo of your fire sign (your own, or of someone you love as a memorial tattoo), you may want to incorporate fire along with your astrological sign to convey a sense of adventure, boldness and high-energy.  Check out more on astrology signs and symbolism here.

If you need more kindling for your fire tattoo ideas, check out my Fire Symbols page here.

Falcon Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Falcon Tattoo Meanings
(at-a-glance):

• Freedom
• Focus
• Vision
• Determination
• Divine Messages
• Royalty
• Devotion
• Nobility
• Honor
• Strength
• Skill
• Aspiration
• Strategy
• Vitality
• Clarity
• Higher Ideals

Vision, vision, vision.  That’s what a falcon tattoo meaning says to me.  What kind of vision?   A passionate one.  An empirial aim for a higher ideal.  

Why do I feel that?  Because the falcon is a noble bird whose acumen for reaching greater heights  is legendary.

The Egyptians knew it.  That’s why the falcon is a noble companion and consort of their sun god, Ra.  With its association with solar power, Ra (and the falcon) were tantamount to superior vision.  They weren’t just one step removed from god – they were god.  We’re talking divine embodiment here – tapping into raw, primal heat.  Egyptians were savvy about the ways of the falcon, sure – but they were more aware of the spirit of the falcon which seemed to circle the sun with ferocious determination and ceaseless courage. 

That’s what I’m talking about when that concept of “vision” keeps flying through my observations about the falcon.  Falcon tattoos encourage us to scale the heavens of our own potential, fly fearlessly into the fire of the sun, and keep reaching higher – reaching for more – keep rising to hit the target of personal vision.

We get the sense of this in ancient Europe too where the falcon is a symbol of obtaining the “prize.”  The sport of falconry – training a raptor in the art of the hunt is highly honorable (when executed in the authentic tradition).  Training a falcon takes time, devotion, commitment – it requires focus on the skills and talents inherent in the bird too. 

True, the falcon does what it does naturally:  Hone in on the prey, and master the capture.  However, it takes the vision and focus of the falconer to refine these primal impulses in a falcon.  It also takes cooperation.  That’s one of the reasons falconry is relegated to royalty – because it recognizes respect and honor between man and beast.

That spirit of collaboration between human and raptor is key in a falcon tattoo.  It talks about communion with a divine essence with a bird of indomitable courage and ceaseless gumption.

Furthermore, if you’re thinking of getting a falcon tattoo, know that it’s more than a statement of power.  Know that you’re invoking the fine-bright, blinding power of the sun within that tattoo.  Know that the falcon can aid in your journey of commitment to your highest vision.  Know that in your flights of higher ideals, the falcon is a companion in your vision.  A true, revolutionary ally on your path to clarified focus.

These are just a few (rather passionate) thoughts about the falcon tattoo meanings. 

Do as the falcon does, and climb to ever higher reaches in your understanding by taking a look at a few other pages I’ve written about falcon symbolism:

Falcon Meaning and Symbolism (on Whats-Your-Sign.com)

Falcon Symbolism in the Tarot(on TarotTeachings.com)

The Peregrine Parable(a story of the spirit indwelling all of us, including the falcon – on my TokenRock blog)

Dove Tattoo Symbolism

Dove Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

• Love
• Hope
• Faith
• Truth
• Peace
• Trust
• Purity
• Guidance
• Calmness
• Protection
• Inspiration
• Spirituality
• Redemption
• Motherhood
• Transcendence
• Divine Messages
• Virginal Qualities

The dove flies through infinite realms of legend, lore and myth – charting a vast migratory path of symbolism.

In Christianity, we see the dove prominently featured with both Christ, and his mom, Mary.  In this light, the dove is a symbol of divine inspiration (messages from divine realms).  In Christian wisdom, the dove is also a symbol of faith and sacrifice.  It’s considered a noble attribute and portrays purity in faith.  Does your soul yearn to aspire to the highest heights of your Christian faith?  A dove tattoo might be a gentle testimony to your spiritual devotion.

We see the dove in Arthurian legend too.  Where the dove is depicted in art pertaining to King Arthur, it is synonymous with the Holy Grail.  As a symbol of the Grail, the dove represents everlasting life, purity of intent and the vessel of higher knowing.  I talk a little bit more about this aspect on my Dove Symbolim in the Tarot page.

The dove gets its peace symbolism from countless sources.  From Christianity to Celtic myth, the dove seems to be a universal symbol of well-being.  I particularly like its appearance with Hachiman, a Japanese war god.  It’s alliance with this war monger deity marks a time of peace after battle.  Are you fighting for a grand cause?  Perhaps a dove might be a tattoo to convey light at the end of your plight and a time of rest after much toil.

Are you a mom?  You might be interested to know the dove is a symbol of motherhood.  It’s associated with the Mother Mary, Ishtar and Aphrodite/Venus – all divine mothers of their time.  Doves were fabled to have fed Zeus – a nutritive and motherly gesture.  A little-known fact about doves is they produce a kind of milk to feed their fledgling young.  It’s an odd trait, but our ancestors recognized this unique ability of the dove and ever since, the dove has been a tantamount symbol of a good mother.  So, if you take great pride in being a supportive mom, a dove tattoo might be a perfect symbol to convey this special joy.

Migrate to similar symbolism on your personal flight for more tattoo meanings:

Dove Symbolism (a full page devoted to dove meanings on Whats-Your-Sign.com)

More Dove Symbolism (including Native American thoughts on the dove) on my blog.

Bird Symbolism

Birds of Motherhood

Celtic Bird Symbolism

Dog Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dogs are associated with both lunar  and solar qualities. 

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

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

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

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

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

Other canine compatriots:

Wolf Symbolism

Coyote Symbolism

Animal Track Symbolism

Fox Symbolism (general)

Fox Tattoo Meanings

Dog Symbolism

Anchor Tattoo Meaning

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