Panther Tattoo Symbolism

Panther tattoo symbolism
at-a-glance:

• Power
• Stealth
• Action
• Protection
• Dark Mystery
• Attraction
• Sensuality
• Deep Magic
• Feminine Power
• Solitary
• Stealthiness
• Invincibility
• Shadow Self
• Shamanic Sight
• Secret Keeper
• Sorcery
• Intelligence
• Ferocity
• Agility
• Stamina
• Patience
• Silence
• Honor

In order to familiarize ourselves with the power and purpose that backs up panther tattoos, it behooves us to observe a bit about the panther in the wild.

In their natural habitat, panthers are stalkers.  They track movements of their prey, stealthily prowl and ambush the object of their hunt from a blind-side.  This is symbolic of strategy.  The panther contemplates its most advantageous tactic.  Are you a calculating individual?  Do you sit back and observe your surroundings before you act?  Do you take in the details, and then pounce on opportunities when the timing is right?  If this sounds like you, then the panther may be the perfect totem tattoo for you.

Not only do these magnificent creatures symbolize intelligence and tact, they also represent deep aspects of magic.  This is largely due to their native habitat.  The panther dwells within the deepest regions of the darkest jungles.  In ancient cultures the panthers home is within the richest wombs of the earth – where moist emerald jungles teem with life, breathe with diversity and glisten with rich vitality. 

It is here the panther claims its kingdom and silently roams its dense and exotic realms.  There is much that remains unknown within the folds of the jungle – and the unknown is the gateway to magic.  It makes sense the panther is the keeper of this dark, sacred magic.  Do the realms of shadow, and the lands of exotic unknowns excite you?  The panther tattoo is a fitting memorial for this kind of fascination.

The sense of magic and the idea of the panther as a sacred “secret keeper” is enhanced by it’s obsidian hues.  Black panthers are symbolic of the night – where secrets are kept tightly locked away from the light of the sun.  Black is a color of mystery and silence and deep secrets.  Black is also a very lunar energy and can be associated with the Divine Feminine.

Interestingly, the panther is a solitary creature, preferring its own company over anyone else’s.  Outside of a mother raising her cubs, panthers live, hunt and evolve alone. This is symbolic of the Hermit - an ancient archetype of one who contemplates and evolves in unique understandings due to living a solitary life.  Living in this manner causes unorthodox insights, and brings one closer to understanding various precious secrets of life because there are no distractions. 

Just something to consider as you embark upon your exploration of getting a panther tattoo.  If you tend to enjoy solitude, contemplating the deeper mysteries in life, the panther may be calling to you.

The panther is also considered a symbol of protection, and many South American myths identify the panther as the guardian of spirit worlds.  In the wild, panthers hunt during dusk and dawn – these are considered to be powerful moments in time among ancient cultures.  Dusk and dawn are moments of transition and magical metamorphosis – moments of infinite potential. 

This, combined with it’s sleek black coat, piercing eyes and consummate hunting skills makes the panther a legendary guardian of other realms, and spiritual worlds.  Are you the protector of your own special worlds?  Are you the guardian of your clan or tribe?  Perhaps a panther tattoo is the right emblem to convey your powerful ability to guard that which is precious to you.

On the prowl for more information? I don’t blame you, I’m always prowling around for more too.  Take a look at my Panther Symbolism page for more intriguing symbolic tidbits.

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