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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Rose Tattoo Meaning
Rose tattoo meaning
At-a-glance:
- Honor
- Heart
- Devotion
- Purity
- Love
- Revelation
- Expansion
- Resurrection
- Beauty
- Divinity
- Victory
- Passion
- Balance
- Sensuality
- Spirituality
- Duality
- Romance
- Memory
- Secrets
- Vitality
- Trust
- Creativity
I see rose tattoos a lot. It’s no mystery why. The rose is an incredibly powerful image whose symbolism transcends in elegant ways.
Interestingly, many people with rose tattoos adore their personal blossoms, but are unaware of some of its ancient mysteries. Let’s take a moment to smell the sweet scent of rose symbolism through the various perspectives:
Roman – Honor the Fallen: In the height of their time, roses and rose petals were strewn across the bodies and/or grave sites of soldiers. Red roses were used to symbolize blood shed for the Roman Empire. Red is associated with Mars, the god of war. It’s also associated with Venus, goddess of love. The intoxicating scent of roses lifted through the air, and carried the spirits of fallen heroes into the loving arms of Venus with Mars looking on with fierce pride. There are themes of resurrection here, which can be incorporated into your own ideas of rose tattoo meaning.
Greek – Erotic Creative Vision: The rose is associated with heavy-hitters in Greek myth like Aphrodite (lovely love goddess), Hecate (the insanely powerful dominatrix of the intangibles), Dionysus (that affectionate hedonistic party animal). We see themes of eroticism, mystery and sensuality in these Greek gods who partake of the velvet realms of the rose. I’m particularly intrigued by the rose’s association with the classic Greek Muses, especially Erato who was a heart-stopping beauty. She was gifted with spectacular creativity too. Roses are symbolic of her ability to pierce the heart of man with her intoxicating song and beauty. And so, your rose tattoo can woo the creative, sensual muse and goddess from within.
Rosicrucian/Alchemical - Unfolding Progress: The Rosicrucian’s, an elite fleet of visionaries formed under the fatherly tutelage of Dr. Christian Rosenkreuz held the rose at the center of their symbolic focal point. The rose is featured as a symbol of spiritual progress – an unfolding or blossoming to ever grander heights in human evolution. Traditional rosy crosses are multi-layered. The center section of the rose is symbolic of unity and reminds the observer that god is the glue of all life. Other layers will point to initiation and progress along the pilgrimage to enlightenment. So, if you are experience a resurgence of the soul – a rose tattoo meaning may convey a sense of transformation, blossoming and unfolding beautifully to share new depths of yourself with the world.
Christian – Unblemished Bliss: The rose often adorns the beloved Mary in Christian art as a symbol of purity, innocence, beauty, sacrifice and perfection. From fragrance to visage – the rose is a fitting brand for the blessed Mary. The “Rose of Sharon” is symbolic of the Church. Colors also play a part in rose meanings in Christian thought. White roses are symbolic of purification. Red roses serve as a memorial to the blood of the slain Christ. If you have aims to express your faith in deeply symbolic ways, then a rose tattoo may be for you.
This is a little trip around the world in terms of seeking rose tattoo meaning.
Want more?
I don’t blame you – I always want more too. . . and here are some links that provide exactly that:
Symbolic Rose Meaning
Language of Flowers (including the rose)
The Rose as a Flower Zodiac Sign
More Symbolic Meanings of the Rose (on my blog)
Symbolism of Flower Colors
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Flower Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Plant Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: beauty, devotion, divinity, duality, expansion, heart, honesty, honor, life, light, love, memorial, memory, passion, resurection, romance, secrets, sensuality, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transformation, trust, truth, victory, vitality
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
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.
Posted in Christian Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: achievement, black magic, chivalry, desire, destiny, fantasy, goals, heroism, isolation, love, prison, protection, sactuary, spirituality, stability, strength, structure, wealth, white magic
Friday, September 4th, 2009
Heart Tattoos and Heart Meanings
Symbolic meaning of heart tattoos
(at-a-glance):
- Love
- Acceptance
- Central
- Whole
- Vitality
- Friendship
- Compassion
- Spirituality
- Honor
- Sacred
- Emotion
- Courage
- Life
- Hope
- Passion
- Luck
- Faith
- Trust
Heart tattoos typically convey love, friendship and they commemorate our feelings of adoration. They also represent unity and the centralization of life as the human heart is the center engine of life.
The heart symbol itself reminds me of a vessel holding pure potential of love. I get this from my education in the Tarot where the suit of cups is associated with love, connectivity, intuition, emotion and passion. The suit of cups in Tarot corresponds to the suit of hearts in conventional playing card decks.
The heart symbol also talks about procreation; creating something wholly unique and divine from the union of partnership (like the birth of a child from a union). Why? because the lower portion of the heart symbol represents a triangle, which is an ancient symbol for creation, creativity, and the birth of something new from the culmination of sacred love.
Heart tattoos can also represent a deep spiritual love. To wit, ancient Greeks and Egyptians believed the heart was the center of emotional, spiritual and intellectual life for humans. The Greeks were convinced the heart was the source of emotional intelligence and specialized thought was born from the heart (not the brain).
I’ve seen heart tattoos with feathers, and this reminds me of the legendary “weighing of the soul” ritual performed by Egyptians during mummification. Anubis weighed the heart against the weight of a feather. If the heart was lighter than a feather, then the spirit of the deceased was light enough to ascend through the Corridors of Judgment. This is symbolic of purity in spirit, integrity and a soul worthy of progressing into the Afterlife.
In Buddhism, the heart is associated with the Dharmacakra; the Wheel of Law. In this context, heart tattoos will be symbolic of the perfection of the Universe. It also conveys mindfulness, spiritual devotion and compassion.
In Christianity the heart will continue its theme of love and unity. The Sacred Heart tattoo (a heart with a hovering flame wrapped in thorns) is symbolic of the capacity of Christ’s compassion – a symbol of his enduring belief in the potential of brotherly/sisterly love. It is an icon that beckons humankind to keep the fire of the soul well tended – even in the face adversity.
Heart tattoos with arrows through the heart hold similar meanings. These typically represent lasting love in the face of hardship. They are also symbolic of Cupids (Eros in Greek myth) arrow piercing the heart and forever joining lovers with his amorous aim.
If you need more information on the heart, check out my full article on Heart Symbolic Meaning here.
Posted in Christian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
Tags: acceptance, afterlife, courage, devotion, emotion, faith, friendship, honor, hope, life, love, luck, passion, sacred, spirituality, trust, unity, vitality, wholeness
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
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
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: compassion, connection, dreaming, freedom, friendship, happiness, intelligence, intuition, joy, love, protection, sensitivity
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Peacock Tattoo Meanings
Peacock tattoo meanings
(at-a-glance):
- Royalty
- Vitality
- Sensuality
- Luxury
- Expansiveness
- Pride
- Nobility
- Generosity
- Immortality
- Longevity
- Love
- Watchfulness
- Sexuality
- Compassion
- Desire
- Beauty
Peacock tattoo meanings commonly deal with the impressively expansive fanning out of the male peacock’s tail feathers. The radiant blue of his body is equally impressive for tattooing.
These striking features make a big statement about the wearer of peacock tattoos.
It says: “I am marvelously unique, and not afraid to show it!”
Themes of nobility and royalty come into play from Chinese symbolism in which the peacock is an emblem of rank and high status. Indeed, peacock feathers were given to recognize impeccable service and honorable rank in positions of military office.
The peacock is a symbol of expansive consciousness in Buddhism. In this light, the bird is a representative of the all-compassionate goddess Kuan-Yin. The “eyes” in the peacock feathers are symbolic of the watchfulness concept - the Watcher in consciousness/meditative terms is the omniscient essence of the soul.
The concept of watching also comes into play in Christian symbolism the “eyes” of peacock tail-feathers represent the eyes of the church/Christ/God watching over the faithful. Esoteric Christianity also views the peacock as an emblem of immortality and resurrection (similar to phoenix symbolism).
In Greek and Roman mythology the peacock is the companion of Hera and Juno (respectively). In this light, peacock tattoo meanings may represent a regal status too, as its symbolic imagery points to the realm of the Empress and High Priestess.
The peacock is also a solar animal and so its character will convey attitudes like: Vitality, radiance, glory, stimulation, life, health, invigoration.
Check out these other pages for more information:
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Military Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 3 Responses »
Tags: awareness, beauty, desire, generosity, honor, immortality, love, nobility, passion, proud, royalty, sensuality, sexuality
Monday, May 4th, 2009
Angel Tattoos and Meaning
Angel Tattoos and meanings
(at-a-glance):
- Hope
- Trust
- Faith
- Messages
- Divinity
- Spirit
- Awareness
- Higher thinking
- Spiritual progress
- Intelligence
- Intermediary
- Innocence
- Purity
- Warrior
- Courage
- Love
- Power
- Protection
Angel tattoos signify the relationship between heaven and earth. Traditionally, angels are viewed as intermediaries or messengers between divine beings (the god of your understanding) and humankind.
Angel tattoos are often incorporated into memorial tattoos to imply guardianship of the soul. In this light, angels are called upon to protect and guide the souls of our loved ones into the higher (heavenly) realms of life.
Angels are also used in tattoos to convey feelings of power, courage and victory. Throughout history, angels have represented tremendous determination and amazing skills in battle. Take archangel Michael for example. This angel is the ultimate warrior, and his countenance can be used in an angel tattoo to express strength in the face of adversity….particularly strength of a spiritual kind.
And speaking of spiritual faith, angel tattoos are a perfect way to express a deep, unwavering faith. Angels are watchers – they are forever observing and maintaining the spiritual light of the soul. An angel tattoo can remind us of our inner light and we could even say our tattoo angels are a testimony to our faith in keeping ourselves focused on the light of Spirit.
I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on angel tattoos.
You may also be interested in:
Posted in Celestial Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos | 1 Response »
Tags: compassion, consciousness, courage, devotion, divinity, faith, god, honesty, hope, love, power, protection, purity, spirituality, trust, warrior
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Meaning of Ladybug Tattoos
Ladybug Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):
- Protection
- Happiness
- Luck
- Love
- Friendship
- Good deeds done
In Christian symbolism the ladybug is often associated with the Virgin Mary. This connection comes about from the ladybug’s protection of plants (it’s a natural voracious consumer of pests in the garden).
In Chinese symbolism the ladybug is very auspicous and consdiered very good luck. Asian lore indicates if a ladybug lands on your clothing, your true love is sure to come to call. The number of spots on the ladybug is an indication of how many months will pass until you meet your true love.
The ladybug is a common symbol of friendship because it is a natural helper in gardens, and works in harmony with nature (and gardeners).
There are several superstitions around ladybugs that enhance the meaning of ladybug tattoos:
- Finding a ladybug is very good luck and is a sign of good fortune coming your way.
- Killing a lady bug is (obviously) back luck.
- Number of spots on a ladybug is suppose to tell how many years of good fortune you will have.
- A ladybug landing on your hand is a sign of good weather coming.
As ladybugs are commonly red in color, this is symbolic of vitality, love, passion, heat and energy.
For more information and meaning of ladybug tattoos visit:
Ladybug as a Love Symbol
Ladybug Meaning
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: friendship, goodness, happiness, joy, love, luck, protection
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Meaning of Buttefly Tattoo
Meaning of Butterfly Tattoos
(at-a-glance):
- Metamorphosis
- Beauty
- Peace
- Immortality
- Dreams
- Spirituality
- Transformation
- Thoughts
- Life
- Playfulness
- Tranquility
- Delicateness
- Fertility
- Love
- Intuition
- Resurrection
- Tenderness
When considering the meaning of butterfly tattoos, I always think of psyche in Greek thought, where the term psyche is alternatively used with life. In fact, the term psyche is translated to mean “breath of life.” Further, Psyche in Greek myth is companion to Eros (think Cupid). All this plays nicely with the ephemeral butterfly symbolism of love, intuition, life, peace and beauty.
Meaning of butterfly tattoos may also deal with transformation because of the butterfly’s impressive evolution through life. Follow this path of metamorphosis:
- Egg (beginning/birth)
- Larva (dependence/socialization)
- Caterpillar (independence/awareness)
- Chyrsalis (withdrawal/death to pettiness)
- Butterfly (emergence/illumination/awakening)
Pretty impressive, when we look at this amazing transformation with spiritual eyes. Indeed, if you’re getting a butterfly tattoo – it is a symbol of significant transition and change in your life.
Japanese consider the buttefly to be a symbol of fine beauty and delicate feminine qualities. Geisha’s are commonly identified with butterflies.
In esoteric Christian symbolism & art the butterfly is an icon of immortality and the resurrection of not only Christ, but an awakening to the higher love each human holds in his/her heart.
In Celtic symbolism the butterfly holds similar attributes and represents beauty, love, honor. It is also a symbol for the soul in the Celtic mindset. (more on the Celtic meaning of butterfly can be found here).
In Chinese symbolism the butterfly is a sign of good luck, joy, abundance, health and blessing.
Follow these other pages for information on learning more meaning of butterfly tattoos:
Symbolic Meaning of Butterfly (full post)
More Butterfly Meanings (including butterflies in dreams)
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: beauty, fertility, intuition, love, peace, playful, pleasure, progress, soul, spirituality, transformation, transition
