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Falcon Tattoo Meanings

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Falcon Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Falcon Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism


Falcon Tattoo Meanings
(at-a-glance):

  • Freedom
  • Focus
  • Vision
  • Determination
  • Divine Messages
  • Royalty
  • Devotion
  • Nobility
  • Honor
  • Strength
  • Skill
  • Aspiration
  • Strategy
  • Vitality
  • Clarity
  • Higher Ideals

Vision, vision, vision.  That’s what a falcon tattoo meaning says to me.  What kind of vision?   A passionate one.  An empirial aim for a higher ideal.  

Why do I feel that?  Because the falcon is a noble bird whose acumen for reaching greater heights  is legendary.

The Egyptians knew it.  That’s why the falcon is a noble companion and consort of their sun god, Ra.  With its association with solar power, Ra (and the falcon) were tantamount to superior vision.  They weren’t just one step removed from god – they were god.  We’re talking divine embodiment here – tapping into raw, primal heat.  Egyptians were savvy about the ways of the falcon, sure – but they were more aware of the spirit of the falcon which seemed to circle the sun with ferocious determination and ceaseless courage. 

That’s what I’m talking about when that concept of “vision” keeps flying through my observations about the falcon.  Falcon tattoos encourage us to scale the heavens of our own potential, fly fearlessly into the fire of the sun, and keep reaching higher – reaching for more – keep rising to hit the target of personal vision.

We get the sense of this in ancient Europe too where the falcon is a symbol of obtaining the “prize.”  The sport of falconry – training a raptor in the art of the hunt is highly honorable (when executed in the authentic tradition).  Training a falcon takes time, devotion, commitment – it requires focus on the skills and talents inherent in the bird too. 

True, the falcon does what it does naturally:  Hone in on the prey, and master the capture.  However, it takes the vision and focus of the falconer to refine these primal impulses in a falcon.  It also takes cooperation.  That’s one of the reasons falconry is relegated to royalty – because it recognizes respect and honor between man and beast.

That spirit of collaboration between human and raptor is key in a falcon tattoo.  It talks about communion with a divine essence with a bird of indomitable courage and ceaseless gumption.

Furthermore, if you’re thinking of getting a falcon tattoo, know that it’s more than a statement of power.  Know that you’re invoking the fine-bright, blinding power of the sun within that tattoo.  Know that the falcon can aid in your journey of commitment to your highest vision.  Know that in your flights of higher ideals, the falcon is a companion in your vision.  A true, revolutionary ally on your path to clarified focus.

These are just a few (rather passionate) thoughts about the falcon tattoo meanings. 

Do as the falcon does, and climb to ever higher reaches in your understanding by taking a look at a few other pages I’ve written about falcon symbolism:

Falcon Meaning and Symbolism (on Whats-Your-Sign.com)

Falcon Symbolism in the Tarot(on TarotTeachings.com)

The Peregrine Parable(a story of the spirit indwelling all of us, including the falcon – on my TokenRock blog)

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.

Meaning of Knife Tattoos

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Meaning of Knife Tattoos

Meaning of Knife Tattoos

Knife tattoos, they could convey a million reasons to the owner…from devotion to military obligation to expressing the sharp edge of betrayal.

Here are some at-a-glance symbolic suggestions pertaining to knife tattoos:

  • Authority
  • Skill
  • Revenge
  • Betrayal
  • Solitude
  • Sacrifice
  • Military duty/service
  • Strategy
  • Sharp Intellect
  • Steely Resolve
  • Flawless Clarity
  • Singularity in Focus
  • Duality
  • Pain
  • Ritual
  • Accomplishment
  • Freedom

Most of my friends with knife tattoos tell me they got them when they were young.  These tattoos often signify a lost love, and the knife conveys a cold, steely pain encountered with having been cut by the brutality of a lovers neglect or betrayal.  In this scenario, we could also say a tattooed knife could symbolize a “cutting away” from a bad relationship – slicing through the trauma & difficulties caused by a lover and becoming liberated from the drama of a dysfunctional relationship.

Many times a knife tattoo can express a feeling of sacrifice.  This conveyance is ancient, and deeply rooted in many religious/spiritual sects in which sacrifices have been (and still are in some cases) practiced for eons.  Do you find yourself in a position of intense sacrifice?  Do you hold to a singular devotion, faith or purpose that you would die for?  An ornate, glistening knife tattoo might be something to consider to outwardly express that kind of intensity.

Interestingly, in Buddhist symbology the knife often represents cutting the ties of material gain.  Are you vehemently against consumerism? Do you find materialism is the bane of your existence, holding you back from true freedom and enlightenment?  In this sense, a knife may be an appropriate way to galvanize the act of liberating oneself from the binding ties of materialistic urge and greed.

When I think of knives, and knife tattoos, I think of the suit of swords in the Tarot.  This esoteric suit represents challenges, usually wrought from mental nuances like doubt, fear, worry.  In a cavalcade of (often tormented) archetypes in these cards, we see a constant struggle to slice through confusion.  The knife in these cards symbolizes the double-edged nature of the mind

The mind can be a remarkable representative of clarity and can expertly slice through befuddlement.  Simultaneously, the mind can be a true enemy, turning and stabbing its owner in the back.  I suspect a larger indwelling presence is designed to navigate the strokes of a knife.  But, until we can all commune with that presence, a knife might be an apropos tattoo to express that dual nature of the mind – both helpful and potentially cruel.

I love knives, and used to collect them – I never really knew why – they just gravitated to my curiosity.  Much later, I invested some time in understanding why blades appealed to me.  It’s their cleanliness, the shine, their ability to carve through metaphorical crap.  So utilitarian, yet so beautiful and elegant too.  A magnificent, multi-purpose tool – that, when well-crafted could also be a work of art. 

So you see, the knife, as with any tattoo – is most profound when we assign our own understanding to it.

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the symbolic meaning of knife tattoos.  Take some time to consider what  the knife represents to you. 

Because of my odd enchantment with blades, I’ve written more about the symbolism of them. Check it out: Symbolic Meaning of Swords on my other website.

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

Feather Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism

Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism

Feather Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Higher mind
  • Freedom
  • Ascended thoughts
  • Enlightenment
  • Honor
  • Soul’s journey
  • Dreams
  • Inspiration
  • Levitation
  • High spirit
  • Uplifting
  • Hope
  • Promise
  • Faith
  • Weightless
  • Purity
  • Truth
  • Magic
  • Spiritual messages
  • Flying high
  • Limitlessness
  • Transformation
  • Rejuvenation
  • Free spirit
  • Travel
  • High class or status

Feather tattoos are often seen featured in Native American themed ink, and in this context the symbolism deals with approaching nature and the power of birds with honor.  Native Americans used feathers in ritual because they knew the spirit of the bird was represented by the feather.  Bird spirits are extremely powerful in purifying the spirit and cleansing the energetic environment.  Waving a feather over a sacred fire with pure intent is a way of uplifting the soul and expressing gratitude to bird spirits.

Feathers in Native American minds as well as many other cultures deals with communication.  Feathers are often viewed as messages from the spirit world, and feather tattoos will convey powerful ideals about holy exchange.  Indeed, many schools of thought believe seeing feathers on our path is a direct message from a loved one who has transitioned into the spirit side of life (deceased).

In Celtic symbolism and myth, Morrigan wore an intricate cloak of feathers (typically raven feathers) as a means to transform into a bird.  Legend indicates her ability to shift into bird form allowed her higher reasoning, and a “bird’s eye view” into spiritual realms.  In this form she could also easily travel the earth and spy about on people of interest to her motives.

If Egyptology is your thing, then a feather tattoo might symbolize the wisdom of the goddess Maat who is a matriarchal figure of truth and justice.  During mummification, Anubis and Maat compared the weight of heart against the weight of the feather to determine the purity of the soul (and eligibility for the entrance into the Afterlife without consequence).  If the heart was light as a feather, the soul was deemed pure and the spirit could move freely into further evolution.

As mentioned, Native American wisdom understands the feather to be an embodiment of bird spirit.  Eagle feathers had special meaning and were given to warriors as a tremendous honor of bravery and courage.  It indicated a nobility of the heart and allowed the recipient to take flight easily on spirit journeying. 

In this way, feathers are also status symbols in many cultures.  Plumed knights, feathered headdresses, feathered cloaks – these are all symbolic of higher class of people – usually for the brave hearted, or the spiritual master.

A more expanded view of feather tattoos deal with thought, intellect and the higher mind.  This is because feathers (birds) are associated with air, the skies, and the heavens.  This also forms a logical connection with dreams, inspiration, spiritual ascension and higher intelligence.

If you need more information on this subject, check out these pages:

Symbolic Meaning of Feathers (full article)

Bird Totems and Meanings

Nature Symbolism

Dolphin Tattoos

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Dolphin Tattoos and Meanings

Dolphin Tattoos and Meanings

Dolphin Tattoos and Meanings
(at-a-glance):

  • Intelligence
  • Playfulness
  • Friendship
  • Freedom
  • Intuition
  • Sensitivity
  • Dreaming
  • Connection
  • Happiness
  • Protection
  • Love

Dolphin tattoos may convey a sense of playfulness by the wearer as the dolphin itself is renowned for its sense of play, joy and freedom.

Dolphins are well noted for their intelligence.  In ancient Greece, the dolphin symbolized god-like intelligence and was associated with the powerful god Apollo.  Apollo is also a deity who represents light and so dolphin tattoos will convey higher thought, and an illumined life.  As an associate of Apollo the dolphin will also have kingly traits like: Strength, Power and Authority.  We also see these themes in the dolphin’s association with Poseidon.  Indeed, the Greeks dubbed the dolphin as the “King of the Sea” and with this moniker, kingly attributes will also apply to the dolphin.

The ancient Greeks also viewed the dolphin as the transporter of souls to Isles of the Blessed.  In this light we pick up symbolic themes of transition, transformation and ascending to new levels of being.  Symbolism of resurrection and dolphins also shows up in Christian art as the dolphin is also featured as a carrier of souls.  In this respect, dolphin tattoos may also represent the light of Christ comforting and guiding souls to their final spiritual home.

The dolphin may also have lunar meanings too.  It’s semi-circle body shape (notably seen during airborne flips) looks like crescent moons.  The dolphin is also a companion of Aphrodite who maintains feminine and moon symbolism.  With moon associations comes traits like: Intuition, Dreaming, Psychism, Depth, Emotion.

Two dolphin tattoos together will represent both sun and moon.  It also symbolizes duality, partnership, cooperation and balance.

Other pages of interest for your dolphin tattoo researching pleasure:

Symbolism of the Dolphin (full article)

Symbolism of Water

Symbolism of the Moon