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Horned God Tattoo

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Horned God Tattoo Symbolism

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

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Personal Observations, Reptile Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Dog Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Monday, March 29th, 2010
Dog Tattoo Meaning and 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

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
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Knot Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Knot Tattoo Symbolism

Knot Tattoo Symbolism

Knot Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance:

  • Connection
  • Community
  • Bond
  • Family
  • Magic
  • Intertwining
  • Network
  • Promises
  • Marriage
  • Protection
  • Good luck
  • Reminder
  • Vows/Faith
  • Linking
  • Release

Lots of cultures use the knot as a symbol for family ties, marriage and various connections in the community.  The term “tying the knot” came from Victorian era, a subtle way of saying a marriage is underway between couples obviously in love.

The love theme continues in ancient Rome where the knot is commonly seen in artistic renderings of Venus as well as Cupid.  In this aspect, the knot symbolizes union, and eternal bonds of love. 

In Celtic symbolism, knots will convey many different meanings – from signifying clans, family heritage, to expressing ties between human, animal, and the elemental and spiritual realms.  

Celtic knots, and so Celtic knot tattoos also convey a sense of continuity.  It’s a common myth that Celtic knots have no beginning and no end – and although this is a mistruth, the symbolism of infinite status of life is very accurate.  The ancient Celts, especially the druids had a keen sense of life and the afterlife and inherently understood the eternally cyclical nature of life.  Knots were a common motif to convey these eternal connections and revolutions in nature.

Egyptians also utilized knot motifs to express infinite life. For example, the Knot of Isis is kind of a spin-off of the ankh, it is said to symbolize the immortal status and the ties between the goddess and the divine.

Ancient European practitioners of magic, and even ancient Celtic druids are known to tie knots in sympathetic rituals.  This practice of tying knots is a galvanizing act of binding for many purposes.  A knot tattoo in this respect may convey a need to bind together loose ends within your life.  It can also be a symbol of protection – binding fears, or malevolent energy. 

Sympathetic magic is also powerful when untying knots.  A tattoo of a knot untied could resemble the need to surrender, let go of ties that bind, or come loose from limited living/thinking.

For example, Buddhist knots are untied to signify a spiritual adept releasing him/herself from the ties of materialism.  If your higher spiritual ideals are about opening yourself up, surrendering and untying the binds of worldly convention.

Continuing the spiritual symbolism of knot tattoos, we can look to several religious orders who have incorporated knots into their symbolexicons.  Like the Franciscan friars of old Catholicism.  Knots are used in their order to symbolize obedience and the vows of poverty and celibacy – a devotional emblem to their faith.

In Chinese symbology, the knot is a symbol of good luck.  It represents the binding of good energy, and the knot is an obstacle – prohibiting the entry of negative energy.  In this way, the knot is a symbol of protection from harming influences too.

Hopefully, these observations about tattoo symbolism might inspire you to fashion your own symbolic knots.  Are you are wanting to immortalize your undying devotion for clan, affiliation or lover?  Or, are you looking for a way to permanently express your spiritual liberation or obedience?  Whatever you are wanting to express, a knot tattoo might be the ink for you.

Still got loose ends about knot tattoos?

Take a look at my page on Celtic Knot symbolism here.

Thanks to Cari Buziak for the Celtic knot design shown above.

Posted in Celtic Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
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Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism

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

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Elephant Tattoos

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Elephant Tattoos

Elephant Tattoos

Symbolism of Elephant Tattoos
(at-a-glance):

  • Wisdom
  • Power
  • Strength
  • Peace
  • Luck
  • Longevity
  • Memory
  • Wisdom
  • Happiness
  • Nobility
  • Family/Community
  • Creation/Maternal
  • Good judgement
  • Fidelity
  • Determination
  • Invincibility
  • Consideration

Elephant tattoos, overwhelmingly seem to denote strength.  It’s no wonder – the animal is mammoth in size.  Weighing at over four tons and hitting over 10 feet tall, the elephant is a behemoth symbol conveying incredible power.

In spite of its girth, wildlife experts will tell you the elephant’s temper (unless provoked) is pretty low-key.  This is where many people derive special symbolism.  People who gravitate to elephant tattoos are often extremely powerful and can easily dominate – yet they prefer to keep peace and keep things calm.  Gentle Giants they could be described – just like elephants.

Elephants are extremely protective of their young and members of their herd.  This offers symbolism to people getting tattoos who place the value of their families above everything else.  Elephants will die to protect their family.  If you share the same fiercely protective instinct for your family, an elephant tattoo might be fitting for you.

The elephant is sacred to Buddha.  Legend indicates before Mahaprajapati Gautami’s incarnation as the Buddha, he developed in the womb in the form of a white elephant.  The white elephant is a pristine symbol of Buddhism to this day.  When associated with the Buddha, the meaning of an elephant tattoo conveys compassion, truth, peace, love and kindness.

Ganesha, a well-known Hindu deitiy has the head of an elephant.  Ganesha is thought to bring luck, and move obstacles out of the way for the pure of heart and intent.  A Ganesha tattoo often commemorates the god, and serves as a reminder that all hindrances are removed in faith and purity of intent.  Ganesha, is also a patron deity of art, science and as his elephant qualities imply, he is considered a god of great wisdom and discernment.

In regions of Tibet the elephant is associated with creation.  More specifically, ancient text depict an elephant holding up entire universe.  When the elephant is seen in ancient architecture holding up vast structures, carved in pillars and foundational stonework, this is symbolic of the stabilizing presence of the elephant and the legend of the elephant bearing the weight of the world – keeping the world on in place.  We also see this stabilizing symbolism of the elephant in India. People who “feel the weight of the world on their shoulders” may gravitate to elephant tattoos, and may be attracted to the elephant as a totem and as a giver of strength. 

Aristotle claimed the elephant abstained from sex while his mate was pregnant – a whole two years.  This lead to symbolism of chastity, patience, consideration and exhibiting thoughtful devotion in a relationship. This also carries meanings of prudence and moderation, which may appeal to some looking to commemorate these themes by getting an elephant tattoo.

Pliny, a Roman philosopher of the natural world had dealings with elephants while he served in the Roman Empire Army.  He said the elephant was every bit a sacred animal and symbolized renewal.  Pliny wrote that when elephants bathed in the rivers at night, this was symbolic of of purifying itself in the new moon. 

Roman perspectives also observed the elephant to be legendary for long lives – so they deemed the creature to be symbolic of immortality, longevity and living in harmony with divinity and nature. 

Alchemically, the elephant is attuned with Mercury, and thus shares symbolism of high intellect, communication, commerce and shrewd discernment.

Other pages to help expand your research on elephant tattoos:

Elephant Symbolic Meanings (full article)

Chakra Animals (including the elephant)

Elephant as a Good Luck Symbol

Elephant as an Earth Symbol

Elephant Meanings in Dreams

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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