Castle Tattoo Symbolism
Castle tattoo symbolism and castle tattoos stand for:
- Protection
- Defense
- Achievement
- Wealth
- Goals
- Integrity
- Honor
- Fantasy
- Imprisonment
- Sanctuary
- Spirituality
- Strength
- Structure
- Foundation
- Stability
Above all, castle tattoos symbolize protection and we get that understanding from their function in their heyday when castles were utilized to protect inhabitants from invaders and battle. Castles protected the common good of the community – not only royalty were kept safe within castle walls, but livestock were also lead inside for refuge during harsh weather.
Tattoos illustrating moats and drawbridges sometimes symbolize defense of the owner. We get a sense of isolation or protection of someone who wears a castle that is cut off by a dividing moat.
I’ve had friends in prison who chose castle tattoos to convey their time of incarceration. They explained to me they felt both safe from the outside world, but also isolated too. I got a sense of duality from my buddies. In a way, their castle represented grieving at their loss of freedom, but the castle also represented a certain strength and fortitude as they endured the challenges of prison life.
Castles can also represent a sense of fantasy as our memories turn back to childhood stories of knights, kings, queens and days of chivalry. In this view, castle tattoos are symbolic of a golden ideal where righteousness and honor are utmost.
We can also think upon faerie tales in which young maidens are united with their Prince Charming’s. This brings about a symbolism of obtaining love or achieving the fondest desires of the heart.
There are spiritual references to castles as symbols of spiritual integrity too. For example, in the Bible John 14 reveals Christ saying: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions/castles; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” In some translations, the term “mansions” is referred to as castles. This “place” of honour for the faithful is considered a Christly castle. In this way, a castle tattoo can have major spiritual significance for the wearer.
In esoteric symbolism the color of the castle can be telling too.
Black castles represent unsatisfied wishes. It can depict a dark shadow in the heart of the owner. Black castle tattoos are also symbolic of isolation and a shadow cast upon one’s fate.
White castles are symbolic of achievement, shining glory, conquering defeat, fulfillment of destiny, and victory in battle.
Also see my page on the Castle as a Tarot Symbol here.
