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

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.

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

• Power
• Domination
• Authority
• Invincibility
• Victory
• Warrior
• Strength
• Creation
• Destruction
• Control
• Protection
• Provision
• Respect
• Courage in battle

Getting a Thunderbird tattoo will incorporate an intense Native American symbol into your awareness that is both extremely powerful and protective.

Depending upon which tribe you consult the Thunderbird serves as a mammoth warrior spirit.  You know when war is afoot because blinding beams of lightning shoot from the Thunderbirds eyes, and deafening cracks of thunder are heard in the skies from the flapping of Thunderbird wings.  In this light, Thunderbird tattoo symbolism heats the blood and prepares the wearer of the tattoo for battle. 

Thunderbirds are also extremely protective of warriors and peace-makers alike.  In fact, the Thunderbird gives strength and protection to fierce warriors who call upon the spirit bird.  The bird also favors peace keepers and when a wise elder in a tribe is ready to pass into the spirit realms, the Thunderbird is said to swoop down and carry away the soul of the tribal member so that he/she can live with the Thunderbird spirit lands in a place of honor.

Plains tribes describe four special kinds of Thunderbirds; one for each of the four corners of the Universe.  When getting your Thunderbird tattoo, you may want to think about each of these and their symbolic meanings:

• The Golden Thunderbird of the East
  Symbolic of new beginnings and where creation stirs at the cusp of dawn. With the rising sun, a dawning of something greater overwhelms us.  As the warmth of a new day presses upon us, our own divine spark ignites and we are newly aware of far more potential in life than ever before. In this spiritually-focused quadrant, the Golden Thunderbird eyes shine vibrantly upon us and scintillate our souls with creative wisdom.  This divine Thunderbird represents: Spirit, Creativity, Beginnings, Clarity, Illumination
• The Black Thunderbird of the West
  Symbolic of conclusions because this Thunderbird traces the path of the setting sun.  With this earthy, grounded vision we contemplate the material, and the bounty borne from the mouth of matter. In this physically-focused quadrant, the Thunderbird reminds us of our roots, our tribe, and our foundations.  The Black Thunderbird is symbolic of: Transition, Maturity, Materialism, Home, Hunting and Working with our Hands to achieve our needs. 
• The White Thunderbird of the North
  Symbolic of the high peaked mountains and the heavens, this Thunderbird reminds us of our ability to think and strategize for a better way of life. This Thunderbird brings us wisdom, science and knowledge accumulated through natural life cycles.  This knowledge is purified atop the tips of sky-clad, ice-capped mountains of wisdom. After purification, this wisdom trickles to our awareness and we prepare for Intellectual illumination. In this mentally-focused quadrant, the greatest reaches of our comprehension roll back into us, causing avalanches of deductive reason. The White Thunderbird is symbolic of: Intellect, Cunning, Reasoning, Telepathy, Understanding, Perception and Strategy
• The Red Thunderbird of the South
  A symbol of ancient bloodlines we share with all Native people in the vastness of humankind.  This Thunderbird flies through ancestral lineage and reveals our history in waves of pride-filled emotion.  The heart of this Thunderbird beats within us too because we are reminded of the collective heart beat – the rhythmic lub-dub we all share.  This Thunderbird represents the sacred bond of blood brothers and sisters within the cosmic clan of humankind.  The Red Thunderbird teaches us about relationships, family connections, community and partnerships.  Consequently, this Thunderbird is symbolic of: Love, Connection, Empathy, Compassion, Honor, Respect, Family, Bloodlines, and how we relate to our global community.

Don’t stop here.  Get more information on the Thunderbird to expand your understanding about Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism by clicking on the links below:

Thunderbird Symbolism (the full article)

Bird Totems

Nature Symbolism

Native American Symbolism

Shark Tattoo Meaning

Shark Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):

• Power
• Assertiveness
• Instinct
• Focus
• Authority
• Effectiveness
• Calculated
• Confident
• Protection
• Graceful
• Strength
• Fearlessness
• Energy
• Knowing
• Self-assurance
• Survivor

Shark tattoo meaning deals with the indomitable spirit of the shark. These creatures are built for survival, (they haven’t evolved much in over 400 million years!).   As such they are perfect for people who want a tattoo to signify they are survivors.  Symbolically, this speaks to our human hearts, and tells us:

a) We are born perfectly designed (how can you improve perfection?).
b) Whatever life throws at us, we will survive.

To the Maori, the mako shark (mako meaning shark or shark tooth) is a sacred fish because of its status as “king of the waters.”  To their natural way of viewing life, the shark is a powerful symbol of victory and superior power to the Maori.  I’ve seen a few Maori shark tattoos (shark teeth, specifically) and indeed their bold presence is equally bold in symbolism.

Celtic shark tattoos will capture the symbolism of the scythe because ancient Celts (who were quite sea-savvy) observed the dorsal fin of the shark to look a lot like a sickle or scythe (the crescent blade used to harvest wheat. Also a sacred Druidic tool).  As scythes are synonymous with harvesting and also the closing of an agricultural season, the shark to the ancient Celts would speak of respectfully gathering resources while opportunity is available.  It also speaks of transition, cycles and acknowledging the passage of one phase of life into another.

Shark tattoos are considered symbols of protection – especially for sailors, pirates and those who travel often (particularly by sea).

Interestingly, the Hindu god Vishnu is sometimes shown leaping out of the mouth of a shark.  This can be interpreted several ways.  Predominantly it signifies the dominance of Nature; that Nature and her creatures must be respected – never underestimated.  This illustration also puts sharks on a divine level, having same status as gods and goddesses.  This reinforces shark symbolism of power and authority.

For more soulful insights and other pages of similar symbolism visit:

Shark Symbolism: Living Life Full-On

Water Symbolism: Emotional Intelligence

Water Totems: Swimming with Symbolism

Cat Tattoo Symbolism

Cat Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
 

• Independence
• Mystery
• Magic
• Secretiveness
• Feminine/Goddess Energy
• Stealthy
• Hidden power
• Aloofness
• Solitude
• Companionship
• Renewal
• Transformation
• Freedom
• Vitality
• Transition
• Luck
• Cleverness
• Intelligence
• Playfulness
• Wandering spirit
• Incarnation
• Apathy
• Authority
• Protection
• Royalty
• Shapeshifting
• Shadows
• Watchfulness
• Psychism
• Grace
• Beauty
• Adoration

With a long list of symbolic meanings like this, there are plenty of reasons to consider a cat tattoo for your next ink adventure.

We can make sense of some of these symbolic attributes by investigating the various cultural/mythological deities associated with cats.  Many of these deities are goddesses and have feminine/lunar qualities which carry themes of: Fertility, Nurturing, Emotion and Intuition to name a few. 

Here are some deities associated with cats to round out your research into cat tattoo symbolism:

• Artemis (Greek): Lunar goddess associated with hunting, fertility & protector of the sacredness of Nature.
• Diana (Roman): Also a moon goddess who help all wildlife and Nature as sacred. Governed the sacred act of the hunt.
• Hecate(Greek): Goddess guardian of the sacred feminine, holder of magic knowledge, cycles, transition, shapeshifting
• Bast (Egyptian): Solar goddess, fiercely protective of children and matron of childbirth, magic, ritual and sacred feminine
• Freyja (Norse): Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, childbirth and good taste. Cats pulled her chariot.

I have several friends with cat tattoos.  Most of them tell me the reason for their cat-inspired ink is to memorialize the passing of a dear feline friend.  Those who aren’t commemorating their pet, tell me they got their cat tattoo as a symbol of protection.  They understood the ways of ancient mythological gods/goddesses and drew upon the protective qualities of the cat as a means to bolster their own confidence.

In fact, to the ancient Celtic way of thinking cats were consideredthe guardians of the Otherworld (or Underworld, depending which texts you read from various regions). Stoic, silent and mysterious, it’s clear why cats make outstanding Otherworld guardians. They keep the secrets of the Otherworld eternally to themselves, as the gaze with guile upon a world that does not see or understand the depth of their knowledge.  Astute, crafty and clever, cats were considered residents of Celtic mystic realms too. When invoked, cat energy can grant the caller a variety of insights regarding esoteric, ethereal knowledge.  These powerful meanings in Celtic lore often play an important role in selecting cats for tattoos.

I like the theme of shape-shifting when discussing cat tattoos.  In Japan, folk tales describe cats having the ability to walk between worlds.  Other Japanese legends tell of cats joining forces with women to shift their behavior and demeanor.  This tale seeks to explain woman’s unpredictable, sometimes secretive nature. 

Western European folklore also keeps record of cats aiding women in feats of shape-shifting.  Early writings about witchcraft report cats always drawing close to women practicing witchcraft – they were called “familiars.”  The term refers to the ability to move as a cat does in otherworldly ways… shape-shifting or casting out magic by secret means – just as a cat often moves about in sleek, stealthy ways.

Whether you are seeking cat tattoo symbolism in the form of honoring the passing of a beloved pet, or paying homage to ancient goddesses who claimed the cat as their companion in myth – to be sure, the cat is an awesome subject for your next tattoo.

More information for your Tattoo Research:

Cat Symbolism (domestic & general symbolic meanings).

Cat Symbolism in Tarot

Moon Symbolism

Celtic Symbolism

Cats as Celtic Zodiac Sign

Caduceus Tattoos

Caduceus Tattoos
(meanings at-a-glance):

• Healing
• Renewal
• Life
• Vitality
• Harmonization
• Unification
• Integrity
• Authority
• Health
• Circulation
• Honor
• Travel
• Protection
• Fair trade
• Commerce
• Transcendence
• Dualism
• Magic
• Wisdom
• Equilibrium
• Fertility
• Transformation

Caduceus tattoos should not to be confused with the Staff of Asclepius tattoos.  Even though both have come to be known as symbols of healing and the medical field, the caduceus is much more dynamic in its meanings (as you will see while comparing the at-a-glance symbolism between the two tattoos).

At its core, caduceus tattoos are symbolic of unification of opposites: Male/Female, Yin/Yang, Light/Dark.    The harmony of dual forces is seen by the opposing snakes wrapped around the staff. 

Themes of healing, homeopathy, nature and holistic approaches to health are captured in the serpents too.  Snakes in ancient Greece, where this symbol originates, were symbolic of transformation. 

The shedding of the serpents’ skin is symbolic of slipping off the old self (illness) and moving freely in the fresh, newly healed self (wellness).

The wings of caduceus tattoos symbolize higher thoughts, higher mind, high integrity and the intent to serve others in a higher capacity.

The staff or center rod in the caduceus symbol represents power, unification, and connection between heaven and earth (as well as the point of focus between duality).  The staff is the connection between high and low (thought and body) and facilitates easy communication between the two. 

Caduceus is a symbol of messengers in myth such as the Greek Hermes (Mercury in Roman myth) because the center staff conveys transportation of energy between mind and body (heaven and earth, male and female, shadow and light, etc.).

Deities who adopt the caducues include:

• Hermes (Greek): Travel, Commerce, Trade, Speed, Messenger
• Mercury (Roman): Speed, Intelligence, Youthfulness, Health
• Anubis (Egyptian): Afterlife, Spirit, Protection, Preservation
• Baal (Phoenician): Fertility, Abundance, Agriculture, Leadership
• Ishtar (Babylonian): Fertility, Sensuality, Military, Love, Passion
• Isis (Egyptian): Magic, Femininity, Motherhood, Fertility, Protection, Beginnings, Nature

For more information on this subject:

Caduceus Symbolic Meaning (full article)

Staff of Asclepius Tattoo Meaning

Snake Symbolism

Staff Symbolism in Tarot

Symbolism of Wings

Ankh tattoos

Ankh tattoos have various meanings according to the bearer of the symbol.

Here are some meanings at-a-glance:

• Authority
• Protection
• Power
• Unification
• Vision
• Magic
• Mystery
• Hidden wisdom
• Sacred
• Life
• Provision
• Truth
• Growth/evolution
• Covenant
• Divine
• Combination
• Afterlife
• Immortality

At their most basic, ankh tattoos represent life and the abundance available to mankind in living life. 

Specifically, the ankh symbol illustrates the combination of elements to create life.

The loop at the top is symbolic of the sun as it joins the earths horizon.  This union between sun and earth as conveyed in the ankh symbol is profound for the ancient Egyptian mindset which is where this symbol originates.  The sun sweetly kisses the lands of Egypt – providing vital growth and abundance.  With the combination of the all-powerful sun and the earth along with her waters – all life in Egypt is promised to prosper.

The ankh is also a symbol of combination of male and female powers as well as the connection between sun and earth.  These conjugative associations are sacred as we see the ankh is a symbol of the union between Osiris and Isis – prime deities of the ancient Egyptians.

Egyptians also may have held the ankh symbol as a key which unlocks the gateways into the realms of mystery – even the realms of the dead.  In this light the loop on the top is considered a portal with the other side of the opening leading to shifted consciousness and an altered state of being.  This concept is enhanced by the discovery of many ankhs in Egyptian funerary art.

In this same vein, ankh tattoos could symbolize immortality as Egyptian writing indicates the ankh represents “The Life to Come” meaning afterlife.  Similarly, the ankh could express the belief that there is no death.

For more information, you might be interested in my page on the ankh symbol meaning in the Tarot here.

Lion Tattoo Symbolism

Lion Tattoo Symbolism at-a-glance:

• Strength
• Courage
• Purity
• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Protection
• Nobility
• Integrity
• Power
• Authority
• Bravery

Lions are solar animals, which mean their tattoos will signify sun-like qualities such as:

• Brilliance
• Vitality
• Life
• Expansion
• Dominion

In Egypt, two lions shown together (back to back) symbolize East meeting West; sunrise and sunset.  It’s a cyclical theme that reminds us of the waxing and waning nature of all life.

Also in Egypt as well as Babylonia, Assyria, China and Japan grand statues of lions were erected in front of temples and sacred places.  This is an attribute of the lion’s protective qualities.  In expressive art of all kinds, including  lion tattoo symbolism there is a theme of guardianship.

Lion Tattoo Symbolism in Greco-Roman Myth:  Lion’s are associated with love…a virile, masculine, strong libido kind of love and are connected to amorous deities such as Cybele, Aphrodite/Venus and Dionysus/Bacchus.

Lion Tattoo Meaning in Christinanity: The lion is a symbol of God for it’s regal stature, and lends a visual icon to the concept of power and justice.  Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia stands a spiritual godhead.  In the symbol and seal known as the “Lion of Judah” attributed to the Israelite tribe of Judah the lion is symbolic of Christ.

Lion Tattoo Symbolism in Buddhism: Buddha and Krishna both are likened to the lion for their radiating energies, golden auras, and their security/wisdom/knowledge on a higher spritual level.

Lion Tattoos in Astrology: The lion is the zodiac (animal) representing the sign of Leo in astrology.  It is ruled by the sun (more solar animal symbolism applies here).  It’s the fifth sign of the zodiac which lends an adventuresome, high-spritited energy.   Intelligent, shrewd, exuberant and savvy in the ways of balance/justice, natural leaders are born under the sign of Leo.

Lion Tattoo Symbolism in Alchemy: The red lion is symbolic of sulphur which is the masculine principle and all it’s assertive qualities.  A green lion in alchemy represents the beginning of alchemical work, as well as feminine qualities (lunar too).  Two lions tattooed together in an alchemical light can represent the harmonic relationship between male and female.  Two lion tattoos may also represent the dualistic nature of Mercury (symbolic of quicksilver and the unification of opposites).

Lion Tattoo in Chinese Symbolism: Protection, guardian, luck, strength and expediency of power.  Depicted with an orb, the lion is symbolic of the celestial relationships between earth and sun and the interplay between the duality of life and nature. Tattooed with certain flowers, the lion symbolizes the balance between fragility and strength as well as the recognition of feminine wisdom.

If you need more information on lion tattoo symbolism, check out these wicked-awesome sources:

• Symbolic Meaning of Lion
• All About Lion Symbolism
• Lion in Tarot