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Cloud Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

 

Cloud Tattoo Symbolism

Cloud Tattoo Symbolism

Potential Cloud Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance
:

  • Mystery
  • Illusion
  • Dreams
  • Intuition
  • Culmination
  • Secrets
  • Potential
  • Emotional
  • Epiphany
  • Revelation

Of course, cloud tattoos don’t have to have meaning or symbolism (gasp, did I just say that?!?).  Often clouds are used in tattoos as accentuation’s, great design elements.  Or, sometimes cloud tattoos are even used as clever cover-ups.

For those of us (like moi) who tend to read symbolism into everything, clouds never leave us high and dry in their symbolic meaning.

In Greco-Roman mythology, clouds are considered homesteads of the gods.  Clouds always clung to Mount Olympus, home of the gods, and so therefore they became synonymous with deific dwelling places.  By the same token, clouds were considered to be an accumulation of godly messages.  Storm clouds then would signal bad news & light-bright puffy clouds would be carriers of significantly more hopeful messages.

In Chinese symbolism, clouds represent transition and transformation.  Clouds seen in ancient Chinese art often point to the process of transformation from primitive/banal to ascended/spiritual.   It would seem this path to soulful evolution is just as transitory and unpredictable as clouds themselves.  Fitting symbol for the ways of spiritual progress.

Hindu and Tibetan perspectives about clouds reveal concepts of transition too – but in more of a temporary way.  In this view, clouds are symbolic of impremance.  If you’re into zen, a cloud tattoo feature might be the perfect way to convey your devotion to impermanence, and your whole understanding of detachment.

Clouds combine the symbolism of both air and water.  In deeply esoteric and occult symbolism, air represents the realms of the mind (thought, mentality).  Water represents themes of emotion, intuition and the psyche.  Combined then, cloud tattoos in this way of thinking might convey a message of tempering & balancing emotion with intellect

Clouds also hold rain, and that is an ancient symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity.

I hope these thoughts on cloud tattoo symbolism clear away any fog you might have. 

Keep breezing through potential symbolism with these other pages of interest:

Native American Wind Symbol

Cloud Meanings in the Tarot

Air Totems

Sylphs: Air Elementals

Water Symbolism

Lotus Tattoo Meaning

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Lotus Tattoo Meaning

Lotus Tattoo Meaning

Lotus Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance
:

  • Light
  • Awareness
  • Illumination
  • Opening
  • Renewal
  • Creation
  • Life
  • Balance
  • Revelation
  • Direction

Much of the sacred symbolism behind the lotus comes from its relationship with the elements of water  and fire

It grows in the water, and so therefore the lotus is a natural tribute to water-affiliated concepts like: Dreams, Emotion, Intuition, Awareness, Purification. 

The lotus blossom opens each morning, unfolding its vitality in the face of the dawning sun.  This is the solar connection – the link to fire which proffers symbolism of: Passion, Vitality, Revelation, Clarity, Life and Vision.

These powerful symbolic meanings combined with the lush, elegant lotus make for a dynamic tattoo – especially for people wanting to convey a gentle opening to the profound simplicity of Nature as an analogy for walking along the spiritual path.

Lotus tattoo meaning is deeply rooted in spiritual purity.  The Buddha for example is seen emerging from the lotus. In fact the mantra “mani padme” meaning “jewel of the lotus” is a reference to Nirvana. 

Observation, meditation and focus upon the lotus is encouraged as a doorway to unique realms of perception.  The lotus is a portal to magnificent awareness – and many masters (ancient and modern alike) recognize this enchanting power of this beguiling blossom.  A lotus tattoo might serve as a constant reminder of the majesty it represents.

The lotus is symbolic of many vast concepts in ancient culture, such as:

  • The human heart
  • Unmanifested potential
  • The process of universal creation
  • The eight (petals) directions – navigation
  • Awareness rising out of chaos (blooms from murky water)

The blooms emerging from water, along with distinctly delicate features of the lotus are reminiscent of feminine qualities.  Egyptian, Hindu, Japanese and Indian cultures all recognize the theme of birth and renewal through the lotus. 

Are you birthing a new phase in your life that offers a gentle clarity in your inner views?  Are you emerging from chaos into a lucid illumination?  Are you seeking a daily devotion that represents renewal and rebirth?

A “yes” to any one of these questions might make you give more consideration to the lotus tattoo meaning.  If the lotus symbolism calls to you with a subtle song of tender elegance, it’s worth your time to look more deeply into its petals for meaning in your own life.

To be sure, there is a lot more involved to lotus symbolism than what I’ve covered here.  Do more research on your own – I guarantee your investment to learning more about the lotus will be enlightening.

Some other pages of interest:

Symbolic Flower Meanings

Flower Color Meanings

Nature Symbolism

Chakra Symbolism

Sun Symbolism

Water Symbolism