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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)

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

Peacock Tattoo Meanings

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Peacock Tattoo Meanings

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: