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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Snake Tattoo Meaning
Snake Tattoo Meaning (at-a-glance):
- Renewal
- Protection
- Transition
- Mystery
- Defense
- Magic
- Infinity
- Sexuality
- Hidden
- Grounded
- Transformation
Snake tattoos are classic. Utterly classic. Ok, so I’m biased.
I’ve got quite a few serpentine tattoos. I’m just compelled that way. Fortunately, snake tattoo meanings are as diverse as my own views/moods/persuasions. In other words, theses silky ink-sentinels are so vast in their symbolic potential, that they accommodate my own complexities without fail.
If you’re a diverse soul, and recognize the depth of your own diversity, a snake tattoo might appeal to you too.
Why? Let’s take a look at snake symbolism throughout various cultures.
In Greek myth, snakes are symbolic of health and healing as we see them associated with Asclepius (see the Staff of Asclepius tattoo meaning here), who was a renowned deity of medicine, healing and said to grant regenerative powers. That sense of renewal comes from the snake who sheds off the old (skin) and emergest shiny, bright and new after each shedding.
Snakes in many cultures (African, Chinese, Native American Hopi to name a few) are associated with water, and this emphasizes their connection to healing. Why? Because water is symbolic of healing, cleansing and purifying.
Are you intent on personal purification? Is the concept of healing, renewing and clarifying vital to you? If so, you may owe it to yourself to research this aspect of snake tattoo meaning. The more you research this angle of snake symbolism, the more you may find yourself empowered by it.
Asclepius’ snake is singular, but myth also shows many deities with double-snakes, and these will have powerful meanings of balance, duality, and joining opposing elements for the purpose of unification – even enlightenment. You can learn more about these symbolic concepts of double-snakes on my Caduceus tattoo symbolism page.
Are you acutely aware of the inherent polarities in all life? Do you constantly seek temperance and happy-mediums and balance? If so, you may want to look into some very ancient wisdom about the double-snake symbolism. For example, you can look to ancient alchemy who use the double-snake illustration as a sign-post to denote the conjugation of opposites with a goal for higher (illumined, balanced, advanced) results (offspring/progeny – a union of two causing a birth of something new and fundamentally more advanced). You can also research double-snake symbolism in Hindu myth/legend where you’ll learn about a metaphysical connectionas discussed in the kundalini phenomenon.
Snakes are also protective symbols. They are considered protectors of the underworld in Greco-Roman ideology, and are often seen in funerary art to convey guardianship over burial sites. Countless ancient cultures recognize snakes as protectors of abstruse mysteries, and that’s why we see snakes commonly adorn magical personalities through history. Whether a priestess like Pythia or a sage like Hermes, when you see a snake associated with powerful archetypes of deep (esoteric/occult) wisdom, it is a symbol of protecting sacred knowledge. Let’s face it, the snake can be a pretty intimidating force, and so, it’s a perfect icon for guarding that which is profoundly mystical. Just another aspect to consider while you contemplate snake tattoo meaning.
As you continue your research about snake symbolism, you’re going to find tons of meanings and varying discussions about what this noble creature represents. That’s why I find it so appropriate as a tattoo. The snake is a shifter, and as my own inner landscape shifts, I find my snake tattoos are fully qualified to shift with me. To be sure, snakes can accommodate fathoms of moods, meanings and ideas – and so they make perfect emblems of power.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these scant thoughts on snake tattoo meaning. Check out the links below for more rounding-out of your research:
Snake Symbolism (full-detail article)
Snake Totems
Double-Snake symbolism
Caduceus Tattoo Meanings
Staff of Asclepius Tattoo Symbolism
Uroboros Symbolism (the snake that devours its own tail)
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Personal Observations, Reptile Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: cleansing, defense, divination, divine, enlightenment, grounded, healing, health, intelligence, magic, magical, magick, mystery, mystical, myth, power, protection, purification, rebirth, renewal, sexuality, snake, spirituality, transformation, transition, unification, unity, wisdom
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
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 »
Tags: calm, faith, guidance, hope, joy, love, motherhood, peace, promise, protection, purity, spirituality, trust, truth
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Skull Tattoo Meaning
Skull tattoo meaning and symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Mortality
- Protection
- Intimidation
- Death
- Intellect
- Warning
- Impermanence
- Big juju
Other than looking incredibly bad-ass, skull tattoo meaning can be powerfully profound to the wearer. I personally love skull tattoos, and if I didn’t already have a bonzer theme going, I’d likely be skulled up with the best of them.
If you already have gobs of skull tattoos (like potato chips or cookies, you can’t have just one skull tattoo), or if you are thinking about getting your first, I have some symbolic suggestions for your creative contemplation.
Skulls (and therefore skull tattoos) are very big juju in aboriginal tribes (I’m talking African, Australian, and even Native American). Skulls of the dead were retained and placed prominently at entryways. This warded off “evil spirits” but mostly (effectively) kept unwelcome guests at bay. This is also a tactic of many other ancient tribal communities. It’s a clever protection method, really. Honestly, wicked-grinning skulls instead of “welcome” mats at the front door is a pretty clear message. What better way to say “go away.” This might be the message you want to convey with your skull tattoos. If you’re an anti-social type, a skull tattoo might be the perfect way to say “buzz off bozo.”
Skulls have also been used as tools of intimidation in history. Ruthless dictators and rulers collected skulls and strung them out as trophies – much in the same way a buck’s head is mounted on a hunters wall. In this way, dominance is shown. Skulls might also be used to adorn a conquered village. A flag or some other makers mark would be left with the skull garland at the scenes of war crimes. This is a way to put a signature on the gruesome handiwork of raping and pillaging. Lord Dracul was notorious for this; strewing skulls along villages he’d plundered as a calling card. A way to say “been here, took everything, and leaving the skulls to prove it.” If you dig Dracul’s vibe, and intimidation is your game – a skull tattoo might be your thing.
Now, I’m a deeply spiritual geek. This makes me ponder silver linings and philosophical implications in most things – including skulls. If you’re like me, maybe you’re looking for a softer side of skull tattoo meaning.
If so, consider the ancient Celts, who viewed the skull as symbolic of the anima, or the spark of life. Specifically, the Celts knew the skull was the seat of the soul. It housed the power-horse of human motivation; the mind. Celts were crazy about trinities, the two eyes and nose form a unique triangle in the skull – something the Celts considered to be symbolic of creation, cycles and the power inherent in life. I’ve written a whole page on Celtic skull meaning here, check it out. Pretty fascinating stuff.
Other philosophical fodder of the skull pops up in the Renaissance. In this era, artists included skull imagery to convey a sense of impermanence as well as the folly of vanity. Skulls in the Renaissance were symbolic of earthly things, greed and superficiality. They were also a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly life. “Everybody dies” is the theme here.
In alchemical symbolism the skull is considered the throne of higher intelligence. It is symbolic of consciousness, rationality and prudence. The skull is a elite icon distinguishing man from beast.
The skull is the last bone in the human body that surrenders to decay. In other words, it sticks around the longest. This is symbolic of the lasting legacy of human ingenuity. These kinds of symbolic themes are also seen in paganism and occult theological groups of the day.
These are just a few ideas as you contemplate your skull tattoos or embark on getting your very first skull tattoo.
Don’t miss my other page on Celtic Skull Meanings here.
Or my post on Skull and Snake Symbolism in Mexican Myth here.
Or maybe you might dig my skull thoughts on my Death Card Meaning in the Tarot here.
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Military Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: creation, death, fear, fearlessness, impermanence, intellect, intimidation, magic, mentality, mind, mortality, occult, power, protection, soul, spirit, spirituality, warning
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Cloud Tattoo Symbolism
Potential Cloud Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Mystery
- Illusion
- Dreams
- Intuition
- Culmination
- Secrets
- Potential
- Emotional
- Epiphany
- Revelation
Of course, cloud tattoos don’t have to have meaning or symbolism (gasp, did I just say that?!?). Often clouds are used in tattoos as accentuation’s, great design elements. Or, sometimes cloud tattoos are even used as clever cover-ups.
For those of us (like moi) who tend to read symbolism into everything, clouds never leave us high and dry in their symbolic meaning.
In Greco-Roman mythology, clouds are considered homesteads of the gods. Clouds always clung to Mount Olympus, home of the gods, and so therefore they became synonymous with deific dwelling places. By the same token, clouds were considered to be an accumulation of godly messages. Storm clouds then would signal bad news & light-bright puffy clouds would be carriers of significantly more hopeful messages.
In Chinese symbolism, clouds represent transition and transformation. Clouds seen in ancient Chinese art often point to the process of transformation from primitive/banal to ascended/spiritual. It would seem this path to soulful evolution is just as transitory and unpredictable as clouds themselves. Fitting symbol for the ways of spiritual progress.
Hindu and Tibetan perspectives about clouds reveal concepts of transition too – but in more of a temporary way. In this view, clouds are symbolic of impremance. If you’re into zen, a cloud tattoo feature might be the perfect way to convey your devotion to impermanence, and your whole understanding of detachment.
Clouds combine the symbolism of both air and water. In deeply esoteric and occult symbolism, air represents the realms of the mind (thought, mentality). Water represents themes of emotion, intuition and the psyche. Combined then, cloud tattoos in this way of thinking might convey a message of tempering & balancing emotion with intellect.
Clouds also hold rain, and that is an ancient symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity.
I hope these thoughts on cloud tattoo symbolism clear away any fog you might have.
Keep breezing through potential symbolism with these other pages of interest:
Native American Wind Symbol
Cloud Meanings in the Tarot
Air Totems
Sylphs: Air Elementals
Water Symbolism
Posted in Celestial Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: clarification, clarity, dreams, emotion, epiphany, evolution, fertility, god, illusion, impermanence, intellect, intuition, messages, mind, mystery, prosperity, revelation, secret, secrets, soul, spirit, spirituality, transformation, transition
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Lotus Tattoo Meaning
Lotus Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Light
- Awareness
- Illumination
- Opening
- Renewal
- Creation
- Life
- Balance
- Revelation
- Direction
Much of the sacred symbolism behind the lotus comes from its relationship with the elements of water and fire.
It grows in the water, and so therefore the lotus is a natural tribute to water-affiliated concepts like: Dreams, Emotion, Intuition, Awareness, Purification.
The lotus blossom opens each morning, unfolding its vitality in the face of the dawning sun. This is the solar connection – the link to fire which proffers symbolism of: Passion, Vitality, Revelation, Clarity, Life and Vision.
These powerful symbolic meanings combined with the lush, elegant lotus make for a dynamic tattoo – especially for people wanting to convey a gentle opening to the profound simplicity of Nature as an analogy for walking along the spiritual path.
Lotus tattoo meaning is deeply rooted in spiritual purity. The Buddha for example is seen emerging from the lotus. In fact the mantra “mani padme” meaning “jewel of the lotus” is a reference to Nirvana.
Observation, meditation and focus upon the lotus is encouraged as a doorway to unique realms of perception. The lotus is a portal to magnificent awareness – and many masters (ancient and modern alike) recognize this enchanting power of this beguiling blossom. A lotus tattoo might serve as a constant reminder of the majesty it represents.
The lotus is symbolic of many vast concepts in ancient culture, such as:
- The human heart
- Unmanifested potential
- The process of universal creation
- The eight (petals) directions – navigation
- Awareness rising out of chaos (blooms from murky water)
The blooms emerging from water, along with distinctly delicate features of the lotus are reminiscent of feminine qualities. Egyptian, Hindu, Japanese and Indian cultures all recognize the theme of birth and renewal through the lotus.
Are you birthing a new phase in your life that offers a gentle clarity in your inner views? Are you emerging from chaos into a lucid illumination? Are you seeking a daily devotion that represents renewal and rebirth?
A “yes” to any one of these questions might make you give more consideration to the lotus tattoo meaning. If the lotus symbolism calls to you with a subtle song of tender elegance, it’s worth your time to look more deeply into its petals for meaning in your own life.
To be sure, there is a lot more involved to lotus symbolism than what I’ve covered here. Do more research on your own – I guarantee your investment to learning more about the lotus will be enlightening.
Some other pages of interest:
Symbolic Flower Meanings
Flower Color Meanings
Nature Symbolism
Chakra Symbolism
Sun Symbolism
Water Symbolism
Posted in Egyptian Tattoos, Flower Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Plant Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: awareness, balance, clarification, creation, creativity, direction, enlightenment, evolution, evolved, fertility, illumination, intelligence, intuition, life, light, opening, passion, perception, purity, renewal, revelation, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, vision, vitality
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Hourglass Tattoo Meaning
Hourglass Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Waiting
- Patience
- Impermanence
- Death
- Transition
- Time
- Temperance
- Cosmos
- Cycles
- Balance
- Inevitability
- Mortality
I have a 3 friends with hourglass tattoos.
Steve is serving life in prison – no parole. His hourglass tattoo signifies the inevitability of his situation. In his case, the tattoo is a stern marker of the unchangeable truth of his future. There is only time. This is his harsh reality: His scenery will not change until his death.
If life finds you waiting, waiting, waiting for the next phase, an hourglass tattoo might be a good reminder that this too shall pass – change is inevitable – and one way or another – the scenery is going to change.
Another buddy of mine, Grayson, got an hourglass tattoo for much brighter reasons. To him, an hourglass is symbolic of the balance seen in the Universe. In script font, he had this tattooed around the timepiece:
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”
Of course, this passage is from the legendary poem Auguries of Innocence by William Blake.
This is a great conveyance. Ancient alchemists had similar ideas about the symbolic meaning of the hourglass. They pictured one half of the glass as symbolic of the sky. The lower half representing the earth. Energy passes between the two and expresses a pervasive feel of balance, duality, and the infinite cycles of life passing between experiences of mundane and ethereal.
Are you awestruck by the wonder and inevitability inherent in the cycles of life and the cosmos? Are you needing to memorialize your knowledge that all life prevails (one way or another) with the passing of time? If so, an hourglass tattoo might be your thing.
Most of us are familiar with the saying “she has an hourglass figure.” The hourglass has a curvaceous appeal, very feminine.
My friend Sable picked up on this sensual look with her ink. Her hourglass tattoo represents the Divine Feminine and how power can be derived through specifically female cycles of life. She understands female rites. From maiden, mother to crone and beyond – her hourglass tattoo captures all the elements of feminine progress. Her piece galvanizes her understanding of what it means to be a fully developed woman. Fascinating, really.
Speaking of gender, another view at the hourglass can reveal two triangles: One erect and one inverted, each meeting tip-to-tip. This is a common motif of male (erect) and female (inverted). An hourglass tattoo might be a unique way to convey the timeless connection between male/female. Or, perhaps even a way to express the endless dance between polarity (yin/yang, light/dark, creation/destruction, moon/sun, etc).
Whether you are wanting an expression of “tempus fugit” (time flies) or looking for an unorthodox expression of the phases of life-at-large…I hope these observations help you in your tattoo research.
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
Tags: balance, cosmos, cycles, death, duality, feminine, femininity, honor, impermanence, inevitability, infinity, life, mortality, patience, phases, polarity, spirituality, temperance, time, transition, union, unity, universe
Friday, February 12th, 2010
Mermaid Tattoo Meaning
Mermaid Tattoo Meaning
at-a-glance:
- Seductive
- Alluring
- Feminine
- Emotional
- Tempestuous
- Wild
- Intuitive
- Reflective
- Enchanting
- Free
- Fluid
- Sensual
- Elusive
If you have an irrepressible love for the sea and this worlds’ oceans, a mermaid tattoo might be a very fitting symbol for you.
Mermaids in myth are legendary for their unpredictability, and tempestuous ways. Just like their home, the ocean, mermaids will never be bound to orthodoxy or convention. Are you a wild one? A renegade? If so, perhaps the mermaids song sings in your soul – a song of passion and unbridled freedom.
Speaking of song, the mermaid is heralded for her enchanting voice. Apart from her astonishingly striking beauty, mermaid song holds irresistible attraction. Melodic narcotic.
Indeed, she uses her looks and voice to woo unsuspecting souls at sea. Depending on which myth you’re reading, a mermaid’s purpose for luring seafarers could be to offer refuge, salvation or pleasure. On the flip-side, she could be offering death.
I totally dig this whole “righteous vs. evil” two-face potential of the mermaid. It screams duality to me, and of course underscores the theme of unpredictability. A friend of mine, Monica, got a mermaid tattoo to convey her “flavor of the moment” attitude. She takes a great deal of pride in her nature – which is technicolor, varied and mind-bogglingly changeable. Her moods undulate like the seas. She recognizes in herself the ability to be utterly charming, compassionate and kind – whilst at the same time, she knows she is capable of dastardly deeds. She’s okay with that, and her mermaid tattoo conveys that kind of cool self-confidence required to look with honesty at both sides of her behavioral coins. Rock on Mon.
This kind of emotive metamorphosis is also associated with the moon, which the mermaid holds sacred. We’ve all heard of unpredictable behavior and events around various phases of the moon….it’s why the root of “lunacy” is based on the Latin word for moon: Luna. We know mermaids are energetically connected with the moon because the sea is influenced by it. Also, in ancient depictions of mermaids, they are often shown with mirrors – which is a symbol of the moon. So, we’re talking about a very yin, or femininine aspect here.
To be sure, mermaids are symbolic of sensuality, and I’ve known several people (men and women) who pressed ink to flesh in mermaid-form as a way to express their inner voluptuousness. Where convention and taboo sometimes prohibits provocative behavior, a mermaid tattoo can speak for us in terms of eroticism and sexual confidence. Very cool.
In myth (mostly Celtic, ancient European), mermaids were very big juju in terms of knowing. They were thought to have deep psychic connection which makes utter sense as we learn the element of water is connected to concepts like: Dreaming, Intuition, Emotion, Deeper Knowing. In this line of thought, mermaids are knowers of deeper, darker aspects of the soul. Just as the sea holds unknown mysteries, so too do our own psyche’s – but legend indicates mermaids can see clear to the core of a human. That kind of “clear-knowing” might also be a symbolic sea treasure as you consider mermaid tattoos.
These are just few thoughts about mermaid tattoo meaning for your contemplative pleasure.
Swim ’round my other page on Mermaid Meaning and Symbolism here. You might find more inspiration for you mermaid tattoo from that article too.
Surf around a few other pages you might like:
Water Symbolism
Symbolic Undines (Water Elementals)
Nature Symbolism
Moon Symbolism
Dolphin Symbolism
More on Mermaid Meaning and Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: alluring, connected, connection, elusive, emotional, enchanting, feminine, free, intuitive, magic, moon, mystery, perceptive, provocative, psychic, reflective, seductive, sensual, sexual, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, tempestuous, unpredictable, wild
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Yin Yang Tattoo Symbolism
Yin Yang Tattoo Symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Complimentary
- Duality
- Integration
- Communion
- Balance
- Interfusing
- Polarity
- Acceptance
- Equilibrium
- Opposition
- Attraction
- Symmetry
- Cycles
- Nature
I know, how can I have both “opposition” and “attraction” in the same list? Well, with a the Yin Yang symbol, nothing is as simple as it seems.
This sign embodies both light and dark, male and female, open and closed, sun and moon – the contrasts go on ad infinitum.
In the strictest sense, the Yin Yang is the Chinese symbol of dualism in unity. It conveys a sense of perfect balance and harmony between opposite forces.
Those who are called to have the Yin Yang tattoo permanently marked upon your body will sense the deeper meaning of this. That in this Universe there is a constant “push-pull” – a natural tension that when expressed, creates life.
The owner of this tattoo will also know that although this friction is the spark of expansion and creation – these cosmic polar forces have no need to be at war in order to manifest growth.
Quite the contrary. True knowers of this sacred symbol will recognize communion and fusion between opposites. From this accepting fusion is born dynamic evolution.
Some common symbolic assignments for each half of the symbol:
Yin: Female, Moon, Shadow, Subtle, Soft, Intuitive, Earth
Yang: Male, Sun, Light, Action, Hard, Rational, Sky
To be sure, neither yin nor yang represent negative or positive. Rather, the commingling of both are the expression of perfect harmony.
This is my philosophical take on the Yin Yang tattoo symbolism, if you want more nitty gritty stuff on this magnificent emblem, check out my Yin Yang Symbolism page on Whats-Your-Sign.com
Posted in Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: acceptance, attraction, balance, communion, complimentary, creation, cylces, duality, equal, equilibrium, evolution, faith, harmony, infinity, integration, interaction, nature, negative, opposition, perfection, polarity, positive, spirituality, symmetry, union, unity, universal law, universe
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Sun Tattoo Meanings
Sun Tattoo Meanings
at-a-glance:
- Energy
- Warmth
- Vitality
- Unification
- Radiance
- Spirit
- Power
- Focus
- Abundance
- Rejuvenation
- Growth
- Radiance
- Illumination
- Enlightenment
- Glory
- Strength
- Divinity
- Masculinity
- Dominance
- Wealth
- Seasons/Time/Cycles
- God
The sun is a provisioner of life. Think about it, centuries before the advent of electricity, the sun predicted human cycles of life, availability of food, and therefore was a symbol of general well-being.
It still serves these purposes for the less technologically inclined cultures, and certainly this sense of well-being has not changed in the plant and animal king/queendoms.
In this line of thought, the sun is symbolic of productivity, vitality, energy and the ability to sustain vibrancy. Are you a natural cheerleader? Do you easily energize others? Are you able to project your passion as brightly as the sun and inspire others along the way? If so, a sun tattoo might be a great way to convey these gifts.
The sun is the male (yang) counterpart to feminine moon. It has a dynamic brilliance that is undeniable. In generalized symbolic terms the sun represents an outgoing, radiant behavior.
Are you a leader? Do you provide for your tribe or clan? Are you always buoying, supporting and shining a light of clarity out for others to see? If so, a sun tattoo may really resonate with you.
In early cultures, and even in certain spectrums of worship today, the sun is a representative of the divine. In its male form, it was known as a god with very dominating, commanding, forceful influences.
As a spiritual symbol, the sun is symbolic of consistency on our spiritual walk. It also reminds us of our ability to radiate with the power of essential, spiritual beatitudes (truth, love, patience, compassion, etc). The sun is also an icon of illumination and enlightenment in spiritual symbolism. Is your spiritual evolution a primary focus in your life right now? These sun tattoo meanings may brighten your objectives in a permanent way.
The sun has a very dynamic, vibrant personality and so those of you who lean to the sun tattoo may mimic this kind of active, energetic behavior. If you were born under the sun signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius you may also gravitate to sun tattoos as these astrological signs are associated with the element of fire.
For thousands of years the sun has featured prominently in the human consciousness. This makes it “numero uno” in symbolism and so attributions of unification, solidarity, centering and singular view play a big part in sun tattoo meanings. The sun sits in a throne in the center of our solar system – this makes it a prime focal point. If you have something in your life that is central, perhaps a sun tattoo can convey this importance.
In all cases, we all revolve around the sun, so its symbolism is going to be gargantuan and blindingly spectacular.
If you need more information on sun symbolism, like how various cultures viewed the sun as a symbol of life, strength and power…check out my other pages on the sun:
Sun Symbolism
Fire Symbolism
Native American Sun Symbols
Sun Animal Totems
Sun Yantras
Sun Symbolism in the Tarot
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
Tags: clarity, confidence, divinity, enlightenment, faith, glory, god, growth, health, illumination, independence, insight, inspiration, leadership, life, luck, masculinity, power, radiance, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, strength, unification, vibrance, vitality, wealth, wisdom
