Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism
Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Power
- Domination
- Authority
- Invincibility
- Victory
- Warrior
- Strength
- Creation
- Destruction
- Control
- Protection
- Provision
- Respect
- Courage in battle
Getting a Thunderbird tattoo will incorporate an intense Native American symbol into your awareness that is both extremely powerful and protective.
Depending upon which tribe you consult the Thunderbird serves as a mammoth warrior spirit. You know when war is afoot because blinding beams of lightning shoot from the Thunderbirds eyes, and deafening cracks of thunder are heard in the skies from the flapping of Thunderbird wings. In this light, Thunderbird tattoo symbolism heats the blood and prepares the wearer of the tattoo for battle.
Thunderbirds are also extremely protective of warriors and peace-makers alike. In fact, the Thunderbird gives strength and protection to fierce warriors who call upon the spirit bird. The bird also favors peace keepers and when a wise elder in a tribe is ready to pass into the spirit realms, the Thunderbird is said to swoop down and carry away the soul of the tribal member so that he/she can live with the Thunderbird spirit lands in a place of honor.
Plains tribes describe four special kinds of Thunderbirds; one for each of the four corners of the Universe. When getting your Thunderbird tattoo, you may want to think about each of these and their symbolic meanings:
- The Golden Thunderbird of the East
Symbolic of new beginnings and where creation stirs at the cusp of dawn. With the rising sun, a dawning of something greater overwhelms us. As the warmth of a new day presses upon us, our own divine spark ignites and we are newly aware of far more potential in life than ever before. In this spiritually-focused quadrant, the Golden Thunderbird eyes shine vibrantly upon us and scintillate our souls with creative wisdom. This divine Thunderbird represents: Spirit, Creativity, Beginnings, Clarity, Illumination - The Black Thunderbird of the West
Symbolic of conclusions because this Thunderbird traces the path of the setting sun. With this earthy, grounded vision we contemplate the material, and the bounty borne from the mouth of matter. In this physically-focused quadrant, the Thunderbird reminds us of our roots, our tribe, and our foundations. The Black Thunderbird is symbolic of: Transition, Maturity, Materialism, Home, Hunting and Working with our Hands to achieve our needs. - The White Thunderbird of the North
Symbolic of the high peaked mountains and the heavens, this Thunderbird reminds us of our ability to think and strategize for a better way of life. This Thunderbird brings us wisdom, science and knowledge accumulated through natural life cycles. This knowledge is purified atop the tips of sky-clad, ice-capped mountains of wisdom. After purification, this wisdom trickles to our awareness and we prepare for Intellectual illumination. In this mentally-focused quadrant, the greatest reaches of our comprehension roll back into us, causing avalanches of deductive reason. The White Thunderbird is symbolic of: Intellect, Cunning, Reasoning, Telepathy, Understanding, Perception and Strategy - The Red Thunderbird of the South
A symbol of ancient bloodlines we share with all Native people in the vastness of humankind. This Thunderbird flies through ancestral lineage and reveals our history in waves of pride-filled emotion. The heart of this Thunderbird beats within us too because we are reminded of the collective heart beat – the rhythmic lub-dub we all share. This Thunderbird represents the sacred bond of blood brothers and sisters within the cosmic clan of humankind. The Red Thunderbird teaches us about relationships, family connections, community and partnerships. Consequently, this Thunderbird is symbolic of: Love, Connection, Empathy, Compassion, Honor, Respect, Family, Bloodlines, and how we relate to our global community.
Don’t stop here. Get more information on the Thunderbird to expand your understanding about Thunderbird Tattoo Symbolism by clicking on the links below: