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Dove Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Dove Tattoo Symbolism

Dove Tattoo Symbolism


Dove Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Love
  • Hope
  • Faith
  • Truth
  • Peace
  • Trust
  • Purity
  • Guidance
  • Calmness
  • Protection
  • Inspiration
  • Spirituality
  • Redemption
  • Motherhood
  • Transcendence
  • Divine Messages
  • Virginal Qualities

The dove flies through infinite realms of legend, lore and myth – charting a vast migratory path of symbolism.

In Christianity, we see the dove prominently featured with both Christ, and his mom, Mary.  In this light, the dove is a symbol of divine inspiration (messages from divine realms).  In Christian wisdom, the dove is also a symbol of faith and sacrifice.  It’s considered a noble attribute and portrays purity in faith.  Does your soul yearn to aspire to the highest heights of your Christian faith?  A dove tattoo might be a gentle testimony to your spiritual devotion.

We see the dove in Arthurian legend too.  Where the dove is depicted in art pertaining to King Arthur, it is synonymous with the Holy Grail.  As a symbol of the Grail, the dove represents everlasting life, purity of intent and the vessel of higher knowing.  I talk a little bit more about this aspect on my Dove Symbolim in the Tarot page.

The dove gets its peace symbolism from countless sources.  From Christianity to Celtic myth, the dove seems to be a universal symbol of well-being.  I particularly like its appearance with Hachiman, a Japanese war god.  It’s alliance with this war monger deity marks a time of peace after battle.  Are you fighting for a grand cause?  Perhaps a dove might be a tattoo to convey light at the end of your plight and a time of rest after much toil.

Are you a mom?  You might be interested to know the dove is a symbol of motherhood.  It’s associated with the Mother Mary, Ishtar and Aphrodite/Venus – all divine mothers of their time.  Doves were fabled to have fed Zeus – a nutritive and motherly gesture.  A little-known fact about doves is they produce a kind of milk to feed their fledgling young.  It’s an odd trait, but our ancestors recognized this unique ability of the dove and ever since, the dove has been a tantamount symbol of a good mother.  So, if you take great pride in being a supportive mom, a dove tattoo might be a perfect symbol to convey this special joy.

Migrate to similar symbolism on your personal flight for more tattoo meanings:

Dove Symbolism (a full page devoted to dove meanings on Whats-Your-Sign.com)

More Dove Symbolism (including Native American thoughts on the dove) on my blog.

Bird Symbolism

Birds of Motherhood

Celtic Bird Symbolism

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Elephant Tattoos

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Elephant Tattoos

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

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Bull Tattoo Symbolism

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Bull Tattoo Symbolism

Bull Tattoo Symbolism

Bull Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Provision
  • Confidence
  • Fertility
  • Virility
  • Charged
  • Power
  • Protection
  • Sacred
  • Peace
  • Holy
  • Provision
  • Stability
  • Forceful
  • Assistance
  • Grounding
  • Natural
  • Assertive
  • Satisfaction
  • Comfort

Bull tattoo symbolism can go in two directions.  They can convey power, authority and confidence.  Or, they can illustrate peace and a deep honor for the sacredness of spirituality.  Which direction you move with your bull tattoo will be up to you.

As a symbol of power and confidence we look to the bull’s massive physical stature for these identifications.  It is a mammoth mammal weighing in around 1000-2500 pounds (about the same weight as some vehicles!) We are all familiar with the term “charging bull” and so imagine a raging beast this size.  That’s a clear image of solid, unstoppable assertiveness.  To be sure, if you want your tattoo to express a powerhouse of will, and a force to be reckoned with – the bull is a clear choice.

The bull also shares symbolism with the Taurus sign in the astrological zodiac.  In this perspective, the bull is symbolic of stability, comfort and self-assurance.  If any of you know a Taurus, you will know they can be stubborn.  They know right and wrong in their guts and they will defend their positions just as vehemently as a charging bull does.  They will not be swayed.  So, a bull tattoo might be a good choice to honor the bullish tendencies of the Taurus (if you or a loved one is the sign of a Taurus). 

The bull (or Ox) is also in Chinese astrology and represents attributes like: Loyalty, reliability, strength, steadiness, determination.

I’ve seen many rodeo pros and enthusiasts with bull tattoos.  They’ve told me their tattoo represents their ability to harness raw power as they all straddle and ride the bull for those legendary eight seconds.  Bull tattoo symbolism also carries a message of “facing down fear” for many bull riders and rodeo pros.

As an ancient archetype, the bull is symbolic of fertility, virility and sexual strength.  The bull has been honored by ancient cultures at being well endowed and so (from a typically male and very human perspective) honored for its ability to please its mate.

Bulls are also consummate providers for mankind.  For example, they’ve walked with farmers in the agricultural process for centuries – enabling man to grow and harvest.  In this light, the bull tattoo can serve as a reminder we can work with nature and our animal kin in order to meet our needs.

This aspect of provision is also symbolic of peace, harmony and cooperation.  Bulls have been labeled the “beasts of burden” taken on tremendous tasks of strength in order to help mankind in our labours.  Bulls do this with a stoic nobility.  Peacefully providing their power for our benefit.  It’s no wonder the normally calm-natured animal is held sacred by so many.

Other pages of interest for your tattoo research:

Bull Symbolism (full article)

Bull Symbol in the Tarot

Celtic Bull Symbolism

Cow Symbolism

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
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Meaning of Butterfly Tattoos

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

Meaning of Buttefly Tattoo

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
  • Appreciation

When considering the meaning of butterfly tattoos, I always think of psyche in Greek myth, 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 a companion to Eros (Cupid).  All this  plays nicely with the ephemeral butterfly symbolism of love, intuition, life, peace, adoration and beauty.

The 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 a singular way of being)
  • Butterfly (emergence/illumination/awakening/evolution into a new phase of life)

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.

The Japanese consider the butterfly 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.

I hope you have enjoyed these symbolic thoughts on butterfly tattoos.

Flit through my other butterfly pages for more symbolic nectar in your search for meaningful tattoo information.

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 | 6 Responses »
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Bear Tattoo Symbolism

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

Bear Tattoo Symbolism
Bear Tattoo Symbolism

Bear Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Resurrection
  • Power
  • Fertility
  • Dominion
  • Fortitude
  • Motherhood
  • Protection
  • Supernatural forces
  • Initiation
  • Confidence

In ancient hieroglyphs the bear is thought to be the liaison, or Great Communicator between earth and sky.

Native North American Indian minds held the bear as a symbol of freedom and a ritual rites of passage.  Certain tribes understood the cycles of time and life.  Ergo, the bear is a marker for such passage because of the females unique process of birthing.   In a Native American light, the bear is symbolic of the potential potential power found in the concept of peace because this large, ferocious looking animal is actually quite peace-loving.

In Japanese lore the bears and therefore bear tattoo symbolism represents wisdom, stoicism, patience, strength and benevolence.  The bear was a sacred oracle to Ainu, who are an indigenous tribe of Japan.  These people were animists, (similar to other aboriginal people like Native American Indians of North America) and so their perspective of bear symbolism is a valid one.  Further, these people adopted ritualistic tattooing.

In Celtic symbolism, the bear is considered for her lunar power.  To the ancient Celtic mind the bear is associated with the moon, and thus carries a feminine theme with concepts such as: childbearing, mothering, and fiercly protective of family and young.  The bear is associated with the Celtic goddess  Artio.  Indeed, there is evidence of a powerful bear cult in which ancient Celts convened to honor and worship this magnificent creature.  Interestingly, and in spite of it’s nurturing connotations the bear is also a symbol for warriors and military to the Celts.

In Chinese symbolism the bear is associated with Yang enegy - masculinity, power, force, domination, authority.  Chinese legend states that if a woman dreams of a bear whilst pregnant, she will give birth to a boy (a very big deal in China).  She-bears are symbolic of maternal wisdom in Chinese symbolism.

Alchemically, bear tattoo symbolism can mean prime matter – the foundation – the first building block in alchemical symbolism.  In alchemy, the bear is also duplicitous in its symbolism depending upon whether the bear is hibernating, or active.  If hibernating, the bear is symbolic of the female, passive, dormant nature of potential (moon/quicksilver).  If active, the bear represents assertive, male, confident domain (sun/gold).

In Greco-Roman mythology the bear is represented by Diana/Artemis, goddess of the hunt and shares more affiliations with lunar symbolism.  Ursa major and Ursa Minor are the constellations of the Great and Little bears in the heavens.  These constellations represent Diana/Artemis, and also mark the seasons (more symbolic connections to the cycles of time and nature).

Shamanistically speaking, the bear is a protective, warrior representative.  It is invoked for the purpose of shielding the tribe from negative influences.  It’s energy is also called upon to calm and settle anxious tribes (hibernation).

If you found this post on bear tattoo symbolism helpful, you may also appreciate these:

Symbolic Meaning of the Bear (full length article).

Native American Indian Symbolism of the Bear. 

Crossing Paths with the Bear – Quick Symbolic Take

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos | No Responses »
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