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Fire Tattoo Symbolism

Monday, April 5th, 2010
Fire Tattoo Symbolism

Fire Tattoo Symbolism


Fire Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Power
  • Passion
  • Heat
  • Desire
  • Consumption
  • Energy
  • Transformation
  • Vitality
  • Sensuality

Mostly, fire shows up as an element within a tattoo – like a design enhancement to really drive home the idea of passion within the whole piece of art.

To me, fire symbolism in a tattoo talks about conversion and transformation.  Nothing comes away from fire unchanged.  Fire transforms everything within its path.  Fire alters the structure, function, appearance and even chemical compositions of everything it touches.  This reminds me of the alchemical credo: Transmogrification.

We see this kind of conversion in the alchemical phoenix.  Just when this regal bird is utterly consumed in flame, and we think its at the end of its cycle – it reemerges from its own ashes - transformed, renewed, purified.

Purification is a big symbolic bi-product of fire.  Sterilization, cleansing – even baptismal concepts are associated with fire.  If you’re looking for a tattoo element that conveys a sense of being reborn, fire might be a great tattoo element.  Or, perhaps you feel as though you are emmerging from a difficult ordeal, and you feel renewed on your life-path, a fire tattoo might be a good way to express that experience.

Countless ancient cultures have held fire as a symbol of hearth and home.  From the home fires of Hestia burning a sense of welcome and warmth, to the bonfires of Belanus (Celtic god) marking victory in protecting the clans against encroaching warlords – fire is a clear symbol of keeping community together.  Consider your own community – do the fires of connection and inclusion burn brightly within your own clan?  Are you the protector and the way-seer for your people?  If so, a fire tattoo might further embolden your passion for keeping your family together, safe and protected.

Fire reminds us of our passions – on a sexual level as well as spiritual levels. Flames are often depicted in ancient art to convey a sense of deep ardor (love) and burning desire.  It’s not all about sex though.  If you feel consumed by your faith, and surrender to your spiritual path daily – a fire tattoo might be a way to burn that ideal in your psyche.

Astrological speaking, there are three fire signs within the western zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.  This denotes a personality with fiery passion.  If you’re getting a tattoo of your fire sign (your own, or of someone you love as a memorial tattoo), you may want to incorporate fire along with your astrological sign to convey a sense of adventure, boldness and high-energy.  Check out more on astrology signs and symbolism here.

If you need more kindling for your fire tattoo ideas, check out my Fire Symbols page here.

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 2 Responses »
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Moon Tattoo Meaning

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Moon Tattoo Meanings

Moon Tattoo Meanings

Some Moon Tattoo Meanings
at-a-glance:
  • Dreams
  • Intuition
  • Feminine Power
  • Divine Light
  • Shadow
  • Magic
  • Purity
  • Hidden Strength
  • Sensuality
  • Mysticism
  • Cycles
  • Subtle Energy
  • Mystery
  • Influence
  • Eternity
  • Fertility

All life is touched and stimulated by the moon, especially dark life.  Flora and fauna dance in lunar reels, enchanted by the wax and wane of the moon. 

Crazy mushrooms sweat from her silvery touch.  Oceanic mouths open and close in serenade to the lunar phases.  And those of us who are linked-in with hidden powers of the cosmos are prompted to bask in lunar rays for unique illuminations.

To be sure, when discussing moon tattoo meanings, we are diving into esoteric depths, where dreamscapes replace common landscapes and quicksilver visions lace our views.

The moon is a life affirming symbol.  It appears to be constantly changing, and so therefore it reminds us of the consistency of all life.  It is also symbolic of the cyclical nature of time – even karma.  Life moves in non-linear terms, and we all know karma is a big circle (what comes around goes around).  The moon in her phases reminds us of this kind of infinite process of recycling and regeneration.

Moon tattoos may hold a powerful appeal to women as we are inevitably tied to her cycles with our own.  Further, the moon is symbolic of feminine power and fertility.  Countless goddesses in myth are featured with the silvery moon to convey hidden power, secret wisdom and subtle influences. 

There are women who are capable of outwardly reflecting their inner pools of light and energy.  You know who you are.  Those of us who have easy access to these internal energy sources can intimately relate to the magnetism of the moon.  I think it’s the undercurrent of infinite potential that electrifies those of us who are plugged into lunar energy.  For those of you, a moon tattoo might be the ink that flips your spiritual switches.

Of course, men feel lunar luminescence too!  And, although the moon mostly resonates with feminine archetypal identification, there are very male associations too.   Off the top of my head I can think of some Native American tribes, Japanese, the Maori, African too – these ancient cultures prescribe male gender to the moon.  Also, the moon was (still is) a pivotal influence in hunting cultures and in these realms we see male deities – lunar gods.  In these scenarios the moon is consulted for optimal hunting and agricultural excellence.  All sources of provision which is a strong yang calling.

Here are a few snippets of lunar goodness from around the world:

Alchemical:  The moon coincides with the qualities of silver - a purifying, clarifying energy.  Reflective.  Strong, yet malleable.  It’s the “Lesser Work” in the evolutional scale of human development.  When joined with the sun (gold), the twain hold hands in a cosmic balance – the Greater Work of the balanced soul commences.

Archetypal:  The moon is the “Queen of Heaven”…goddess, mother, lover, priestess.  That’s some powerful archetypal energy and if these grand myths run through your lunar bloodlines, a moon tattoo might be the perfect conveyance.

Taoism: The moon is yin, and referred to as the “eye that shines through the darkness” – this is symbolic of illumined vision of a spiritual/enlightened nature.

Egyptian:  The moon is often linked to Isis, also known as the Queen of the Heavens – a cosmic creatrix. 

Native American: Depending which tribe you’re consulting, there are legends of the Great Woman (or Old Woman) beaming in the moon, she is eternal, and ever-watching over her children (all of creation) with objective knowing. 

Totemic:  The moon calls to many animals (including humans), and you might find moon tattoo inspiration from her many suitors in the animal kingdom.  Any critter with horns will be associated with the moon, like bulls - it’s the crescent horns they are reminiscent of the crescent moon – also symbolic of cycles, fertility.  Most nocturnal creatures are lunar affiliated too.  Rabbits, toads, cats….all great partners to moon energies.

I’ve written loads more on lunar symbolism. 

Check it:

Symbolic Moon Facts  (includes more about animals & dieties associated with the moon).

Native American Moon Sign

Native American Full Moon Meanings

Astrological Moon Sign Personality Types

The Moon Shining in the Tarot

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
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Aztec Tattoo of Creation

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Aztec Tattoo of Creation

Aztec Tattoo of Creation

This Aztec tattoo stylized Aztec spiral symbol.  Each medallion in this Aztec symbol represents:

  • Creation
  • Vitality
  • Life
  • Astrology (cosmos)
  • Order

Each of the spiral medallions also represent a seed of the Universe and also symbolizes a unique phase of life:

  • Birth
  • Childhood
  • Adulthood
  • Death
  • Afterlife

This Aztec symbol is associated with the legend of Huitzilopochtil who created the moon by tossing his sister into the skies, the sun was made the same way as Huitzilopochtil hurled his brother into the skies.  The earth was made when Huitzilopochtil danced a spiral dance with his brother and sister (now the sun and the moon).  The seas were made by Huitzilopochtil’s sweat from the spiral dance.

These spiraling seeds of life are all moving together in perfect harmony – just as all the stars and planets are moving in gravitational orbit with perfection.  The Aztecs understood human life works in the same kind of rhythmic pattern, and this Aztec tattoo deftly depicts the flowing nature of life in all its perfection.

Another form of the Aztec legend states that in the beginning, there was an expansive void from which Ometeotl, the first Aztec god(dess) created himself.  Ometeotl was androgynous: both male and female, light and dark, good and evil (Ometeotl is represented by the center spiral seed in the Aztec tattoo symbol shown above).  Ometeotle birthed four children, who were deities and they were called the four Tezcatlipocas.  These four gods are represented in the four surrounding “spiral seeds” (medallions in the symbol) and are known as:

  • Quetzalcoatl: God of light, wind, mercy and rules the southern directions
  • Huitzilopochtli: God of energy, war, vitality, strategy and rules west directions
  • Xipe Totec: God of agriculture, spring, renewal, gold and rules the north
  • Tezcatlipoca: God of discernment, night, secrets, magic and rules the east

These four deities and their maker, Ometeotle, were considered responsible for all life and order as it is known today.  Hence, this is a powerful symbol of life; a powerful Aztec tattoo conveying cosmic order and harmony between all the elements.

Other pages of interest for your tattoo research:

Moon Symbolism

Sun Symbolism

Native American Symbolism

Mayan Symbolism

Posted in Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Hunab Ku Tattoo Symbolism

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Hunab Ku Tattoo Symbolism

Hunab Ku Tattoo Symbolism

If you’re considering getting a Hunab Ku tattoo, here are some thoughts about the origin and symbolism of this mark.

The Hunab Ku is beleived to be ancient Mayan symbol which is a center feature in their sacred wheels of time or calendar systems.  There are also theories the symbol may belong to the ancient Aztecs.  The symbol is a vital cornerstone into understanding the cycles of life (and also the core feature to understanding Mayan myths).

The symbol Hunab Ku literally translates to mean: “One Giver of Movement and Measure” or “The One Source of Energy.”   With this kind of powerful concentration of energy, the Hunab Ku is also a symbolic representation of god; the one god, or the high god among the Mayans (although this observation hasn’t been proven, and you should read the “note” section at the end of this post).

And so, the Hunab Ku tattoo, can eloquently represent:

  • the movement of life energy
  • the cycle of life on a grander scale
  • the order and balance of the cosmos
  • the god force or infinite power available in all life

According to Mayan scholar Jose Arguelles, the Hunab Ku is the principle of life beyond the cosmos.  He says “It may be described as possessing a simultaneous spin and counter-spin motion radiating outward from a center-point of indescribable energy that pulses at a specific rate.  That pulse is the principle of life and all-pervading consciousness imminent in all phenomenon.”

Visually, we can see this symbol depicts the ancient tenet of balance in all things.  It’s even reminiscent of the classic yin yang symbol found in Asian symbology.  We see an equal balance of light and dark in the Hunab ku tattoo.  Ergo, this carries deep symbolism of finding a balance.  Balance in polarities like:

  • shadow self and light self
  • happy and sad
  • mother and father
  • night and day
  • right and left
  • sun and moon

Note: As with all ancient symbols, origins and traditional meanings can get fuzzy over time.  It’s important to know this symbol (illustrated above) is likely a modernization, and probably doesn’t look exactly as it did in ancient Mesoamerica. 

Furthermore, there is very little agreement about the actual meaning of the Hunab Ku.  My thoughts on the the Hunab Ku concept are based on  my observations of the indigenous culture and my impressions about the symbol.  With a little research, you’ll find varying ideas about Hunab Ku.  

At the end of the day, all you can rely on is what your heart and soul tells you about this piece.  Personally, I think that’s how our ancient Mayan and Aztec ancestors would want it.

Other pages of interest:

Mayan Symbols

Yin Yang Symbols

Native American Symbols

Spiral Symbolism

Posted in Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Scorpion Tattoos

Sunday, September 6th, 2009

Scorpion Tattoos and Scorpion Meaning

Scorpion Tattoos and Scorpion Meaning

Scorpion Tattoos and Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Protection
  • Rebellion
  • Attachment
  • Retaliation
  • Aggression
  • Power
  • Warning
  • Mystery
  • Energy
  • Transition
  • Calculated
  • Stealth
  • Healing
  • Logic
  • Survival
  • Mysticism
  • Resilience
  • Guardianship
  • Self-defense
  • Altered perception

If you’re zealous about researching tattoo meanings to personal satisfaction, you’re going to run into sources touting scorpion tattoos as representations of dark traits like death, darkness or treachery.  If you want more of those kinds of meanings for scorpion tattoos, you can look elsewhere.

I’m not of the same mind, as I don’t believe in death.  Rather, we can look at the death theme associated with the scorpion as a time of transition from one phase of life into another. 

In this way, the scorpion tattoo can be a symbol of freedom from limiting beliefs about death.

The Egyptians were big on one life ending as a means to begin another life in the Afterworld.  And the scorpion was a powerful guardian to the ancient Egyptians and their concept of  life-after-life.

In fact, the scorpion was an attribute of the goddess Selket who was a guardian of transitioning souls.  Selket also protected canopic jars and various rituals of the mummification process that insured transition from one life to the next. 

This makes the scorpion a powerful guardian of soul-evolution.  – A protector of different kinds of life.  It also makes the scorpion a symbolic sentinel of the mysteries of the Afterworld.

In African aboriginal lore, the scorpion is associated with life and so-called death too.  The sting of a scorpion is said to have intense healing qualities and so this creature was greatly honored.  It was both highly respected because one sting could also prove lethal. 

Scorpion stings can also trigger hallucinogenic effects and so the theme of transition continues.  In this light, the scorpion (sting) is a catalyst for reaching altered states of consciousness. 

This puts scorpion tattoos in the psychedelic category – a message of limitless perception.  It’s also a shamanic creature due to its hallucination-sparking stings as shamans could utilize their venom for spirit journeying.

The scorpion is a master at survival.  It takes advantage of every opportunity for the sake of its existence as many kinds of scorpions live in brutally harsh environments.  This makes the scorpion a symbol of victory over adversity.

Scorpions are also associated with the sun.  Therefore, scorpion tattoos will have sun-like qualities including: Energy, Vitality, Clarity, Focus and Radiance.

The scorpion is a representation of the zodiac sign of Scorpio, and in this context a scorpion tattoo will convey attributes of: Boldness, Dynamism, Mystical Power, Secretiveness and Seduction.

Read more about this topic to fill out your research on scorpion tattoos:

Scorpion Symbolic Meaning (full article)

Scorpio zodiac sign meanings

Solar Animals: Radiating Symbolism

Insect Totems and Meanings

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
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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

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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