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)

Fox Tattoo Symbolism

Fox Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance): 

• Clever
• Playful
• Focused
• Shapeshifting
• Skillful
• Secretive
• Resourceful
• Health
• Sexuality
• Lucky
• Vitality
• Guile

Symbolism of the fox has tricky connotations.  In fact, the fox is connected with the trickster archetype, Loki in Norse myth.  Native American mythology of North America indicates the fox as a trickster too – but of a morally neutral position – ambivalent to consequences too.

In truth, the fox is incredibly intelligent.  It gets its tricky symbolism because it’s astoundingly adept at escaping traps, evading predators and moving around (particularly at night) in its environment.

Symbolism of shapeshifting comes into play from Chinese symbolism as well as Japan, Native North American Indians, Eastern India, to name a few. These and other various cultures recognized the fox’s ability to adapt to its environment and escape from harm by seemingly supernatural means. 

Fox tattoo symbolism in this light will indicate: Intelligence, adaptability, strategy – and a stealthy (but lovable) way of moving in social circles.

As a symbol of sexuality, we think of the term “foxy” as an adjective for sultry beauty.  Indeed, Chinese lore indicates various fox parts (testicles, tail, teeth, claws) were used as aphrodisiacs.  Thankfully, we have tattoos to convey sexual prowess- no need to go chopping up fox parts.  Sheesh.

In European folklore the fox is symbolic of stealth, cunning and slyness. 

The red fox is particularly symbolic of sexual prowess (red being a symbolic color of the root chakra, or primal energy).  The red fox is also associated with the realm of solar animals and carries meanings of: Vitality, Life, Energy and Health

It’s black feet and legs are symbolic of that sneaky nature I’ve been talking about here.  It conveys a feeling of being able to shadow about, and obtain things in a cloaked manner.

Here are a few other pages that will enhance your thoughts about fox tattoo symbolism:

• Fox Symbolism
• Symbolic Fox Sightings