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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

Stag Tattoo Meaning

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Stag Tattoo 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

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

Sun Tattoo Meanings

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Sun Tattoo Meanings

Sun Tattoo Meanings

Sun Tattoo Meanings
at-a-glance
:

  • Energy
  • Warmth
  • Vitality
  • Unification
  • Radiance
  • Spirit
  • Power
  • Focus
  • Abundance
  • Rejuvenation
  • Growth
  • Radiance
  • Illumination
  • Enlightenment
  • Glory
  • Strength
  • Divinity
  • Masculinity
  • Dominance
  • Wealth
  • Seasons/Time/Cycles
  • God

The sun is a provisioner of life.  Think about it, centuries before the advent of electricity, the sun predicted human cycles of life, availability of food, and therefore was a symbol of general well-being.

It still serves these purposes for the less technologically inclined cultures, and certainly this sense of well-being has not changed in the plant and animal king/queendoms.

In this line of thought, the sun is symbolic of productivity, vitality, energy and the ability to sustain vibrancy.  Are you a natural cheerleader?  Do you easily energize others? Are you able to project your passion as brightly as the sun and inspire others along the way?  If so, a sun tattoo might be a great way to convey these gifts.

The sun is the male (yang) counterpart to feminine moon.  It has a dynamic brilliance that is undeniable.  In generalized symbolic terms the sun represents an outgoing, radiant behavior.

Are you a leader?  Do you provide for your tribe or clan?  Are you always buoying, supporting and shining a light of clarity out for others to see?  If so, a sun tattoo may really resonate with you.

In early cultures, and even in certain spectrums of worship today, the sun is a representative of the divine.  In its male form, it was known as a god with very dominating, commanding, forceful influences. 

As a spiritual symbol, the sun is symbolic of consistency on our spiritual walk.  It also reminds us of our ability to radiate with the power of essential, spiritual beatitudes (truth, love, patience, compassion, etc).  The sun is also an icon of illumination and enlightenment in spiritual symbolism.  Is your spiritual evolution a primary focus in your life right now?  These sun tattoo meanings may brighten your objectives in a permanent way.

The sun has a very dynamic, vibrant personality and so those of you who lean to the sun tattoo may mimic this kind of active, energetic behavior.  If you were born under the sun signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius you may also gravitate to sun tattoos as these astrological signs are associated with the element of fire. 

For thousands of years the sun has featured prominently in the human consciousness.  This makes it “numero uno” in symbolism and so attributions of unification, solidarity, centering and singular view play a big part in sun tattoo meanings.  The sun sits in a throne in the center of our solar system – this makes it a prime focal point.  If you have something in your life that is central, perhaps a sun tattoo can convey this importance. 

In all cases, we all revolve around the sun, so its symbolism is going to be gargantuan and blindingly spectacular.

If you need more information on sun symbolism, like how various cultures viewed the sun as a symbol of life, strength and power…check out my other pages on the sun:

Sun Symbolism

Fire Symbolism

Native American Sun Symbols

Sun Animal Totems

Sun Yantras

Sun Symbolism in the Tarot

Bull Tattoo Symbolism

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Bull Tattoo Symbolism

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

Shark Tattoo Meaning

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Shark Tattoo Meaning

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

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Cat Tattoo 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

Bear Tattoo Symbolism

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

Bear Tattoo Symbolism
Bear Tattoo Symbolism

Bear Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Resurrection
  • Power
  • Fertility
  • Dominion
  • Fortitude
  • Motherhood
  • Protection
  • Supernatural forces
  • Initiation
  • Confidence

In ancient hieroglyphs the bear is thought to be the liaison, or Great Communicator between earth and sky.

Native North American Indian minds held the bear as a symbol of freedom and a ritual rites of passage.  Certain tribes understood the cycles of time and life.  Ergo, the bear is a marker for such passage because of the females unique process of birthing.   In a Native American light, the bear is symbolic of the potential potential power found in the concept of peace because this large, ferocious looking animal is actually quite peace-loving.

In Japanese lore the bears and therefore bear tattoo symbolism represents wisdom, stoicism, patience, strength and benevolence.  The bear was a sacred oracle to Ainu, who are an indigenous tribe of Japan.  These people were animists, (similar to other aboriginal people like Native American Indians of North America) and so their perspective of bear symbolism is a valid one.  Further, these people adopted ritualistic tattooing.

In Celtic symbolism, the bear is considered for her lunar power.  To the ancient Celtic mind the bear is associated with the moon, and thus carries a feminine theme with concepts such as: childbearing, mothering, and fiercly protective of family and young.  The bear is associated with the Celtic goddess  Artio.  Indeed, there is evidence of a powerful bear cult in which ancient Celts convened to honor and worship this magnificent creature.  Interestingly, and in spite of it’s nurturing connotations the bear is also a symbol for warriors and military to the Celts.

In Chinese symbolism the bear is associated with Yang enegy - masculinity, power, force, domination, authority.  Chinese legend states that if a woman dreams of a bear whilst pregnant, she will give birth to a boy (a very big deal in China).  She-bears are symbolic of maternal wisdom in Chinese symbolism.

Alchemically, bear tattoo symbolism can mean prime matter – the foundation – the first building block in alchemical symbolism.  In alchemy, the bear is also duplicitous in its symbolism depending upon whether the bear is hibernating, or active.  If hibernating, the bear is symbolic of the female, passive, dormant nature of potential (moon/quicksilver).  If active, the bear represents assertive, male, confident domain (sun/gold).

In Greco-Roman mythology the bear is represented by Diana/Artemis, goddess of the hunt and shares more affiliations with lunar symbolism.  Ursa major and Ursa Minor are the constellations of the Great and Little bears in the heavens.  These constellations represent Diana/Artemis, and also mark the seasons (more symbolic connections to the cycles of time and nature).

Shamanistically speaking, the bear is a protective, warrior representative.  It is invoked for the purpose of shielding the tribe from negative influences.  It’s energy is also called upon to calm and settle anxious tribes (hibernation).

If you found this post on bear tattoo symbolism helpful, you may also appreciate these:

Symbolic Meaning of the Bear (full length article).

Native American Indian Symbolism of the Bear. 

Crossing Paths with the Bear – Quick Symbolic Take