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Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Badger Tattoo Meaning
Badger tattoo meaning
at-a-glance:
- Determination
- Cunning
- Intelligence
- Protection
- Slyness
- Defense
- Prosperity
- Survival
- Magic
- Deception
- Solitude
Badgers are rugged, persistent creatures and know how to: a) get what they want, and b) survive. They will fill these very basic needs with remarkable ferocity too, if need be. Do you feel like you need to defend yourself or your territory at all costs? Are you looking for a symbol of tenacity, endurance and vicious fortitude? The badger might be a great totem tattoo to convey your own ability to obtain your desires through rigorous determination.
Badgers are incredibly intelligent too. Their intelligence is two-fold: They can strategize, sure, but they also maintain uncanny sensory perceptions. They are infinitely linked to their surroundings and they have the ability to perceive even the smallest shifts in their environment. Their cunning allows them to strategize their actions to their best advantage.
In Japan, badgers are considered symbolic of self-advancement. There is a sense of personal achievement and industry where the badger is concerned. A badger is considered to look after its own interests, and can be deceitful in satisfying his own needs. Success in business sometimes call for a self-serving attitude, and this is why the badger is considered a prosperous symbol in business. They’re often seen as statues standing at the front door of business establishments in Japan. When they are, it’s a cue there’s a very shrewd and cunning business owner at the helm. This might be noteworthy for you if you are in need of toughening your personal resolve in business – or adopting a more strategic mentality in your industry.
The badger does a lot of digging, and in esoteric symbolism this links the animal to the earth - a very grounded, nurturing, foundational energy. Furthermore, the burrowing badger is a symbol of magic, because this act is symbolic of returning to the Source. Burrowing into the earth is also akin to returning to the womb in metaphorical symbolism. A return to our Source (as in a Divine Force), our roots, our home, the earth…these are all profound messages the badger bears. And, returning to the womb of our inception has crazy-magical connotations. If you are on a journey to return to your true nature, and all the primal energy you represent – a badger tattoo might be just the image to ignite your return.
In Native American symbolism the badger is linked with both earth, but also the moon. It is a nocturnal creature, which would explain its association with lunar symbolism. The badger is also pretty solitary – a hermit of the forest, and therefore is seen as a secretive being. This reclusive behavior along with moon symbolism make the badger a symbol of self-reflection, intuition, introspection and observation. The badger makes its progress in subtle, hidden movements – something the hermetic practitioner in all of us should respect. If you’re a loner, and you like to get things done in your own unsuspecting yet unusual ways – the badger might be a tattoo to convey you silent power.
I’ve written a page on general badger meanings - check it out here: Badger Symbolic Meanings.
You might also be interested in my page on animal tracks, where I’ve written about badger tracks symbolism.
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: cunning, defense, determination, fierce, grounded, intellect, introspection, intuitive, magic, observation, perception, perceptive, persistence, prosperity, protection, sly, solitude, strength, survivor
Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Stag Tattoo Symbolism
Stag tattoo meaning
(at-a-glance):
- Heroism
- Confidence
- Pride
- Nobility
- Strength
- Virility
- Cycles
- Provision
- Protection
The stag is a symbol of strength in countless cultures, legends and myth throughout history and across the globe. Why? Gee, just take a look at one – in the wilderness or even in a National Geographic mag – these beasts are stunning to behold.
Most notably, their antlers are symbolic of their dominance within the ranks of Nature. The bigger the rack – the more virile they are considered (by both doe and in human archetypal understanding). In their environment – antlers are tools and weapons. In a battle of territory and sexual conquest, size does matter and a massive antler-arrangement goes a long way to insure proper respect. Same holds true with a stag tattoo sporting an awesome fan of antlers. They’re symbolic of age (wisdom), elitism and superiority.
Antlers are also considered a solar feature by many Native perspectives. It’s because antlers resemble expanding rays of the sun. If we add solar symbolism to stag antlers, we get a symbolic mix of: Vitality, Energy, Radiance and Right-Action.
A stag tattoo meaning can also point to the recycling nature of all life. Here again, it’s their antlers that point to this aspect. Stags grow antlers in the Spring (symbolic of birth, renewal, the return of life), and fall off in the Fall (symbolic of death, introspection and hibernation). Are you keen about your own personal cycles of being? Do you profoundly feel the rise and fall of Nature and Time? The Stag might help you express these stirrings in a bold way.
Of course, if you’re a hunter, a Stag tattoo might be common sense. Let’s hope you’re in touch with the ancient history behind hunting, and the fact of interconnectivity of all life. Maybe a Stag tattoo can galvanize the concept of becoming one: The hunter and the hunted sharing an infinite bond – a shamanistic sharing of souls.
Celtic symbolism hold the Stag in high regard. A symbol of masculine fortitude and an icon of virile power. In their myths, a white Stag was considered a message of divine importance. Tons of heros of Celtic legend were lead to (enlightenment?) victory by a white stag.
More information about this unique symbolism can be found here:
Symbolism of the Deer
White Deer Symbolism
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: bold, confidence, cycles, fertility, heroism, honor, noble, protection, provision, sacrifice, sexuality, strength, stud, survivor, virtue, vitality
Monday, April 5th, 2010
Fire Tattoo Symbolism
Fire Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Power
- Passion
- Heat
- Desire
- Consumption
- Energy
- Transformation
- Vitality
- Sensuality
Mostly, fire shows up as an element within a tattoo – like a design enhancement to really drive home the idea of passion within the whole piece of art.
To me, fire symbolism in a tattoo talks about conversion and transformation. Nothing comes away from fire unchanged. Fire transforms everything within its path. Fire alters the structure, function, appearance and even chemical compositions of everything it touches. This reminds me of the alchemical credo: Transmogrification.
We see this kind of conversion in the alchemical phoenix. Just when this regal bird is utterly consumed in flame, and we think its at the end of its cycle – it reemerges from its own ashes - transformed, renewed, purified.
Purification is a big symbolic bi-product of fire. Sterilization, cleansing – even baptismal concepts are associated with fire. If you’re looking for a tattoo element that conveys a sense of being reborn, fire might be a great tattoo element. Or, perhaps you feel as though you are emmerging from a difficult ordeal, and you feel renewed on your life-path, a fire tattoo might be a good way to express that experience.
Countless ancient cultures have held fire as a symbol of hearth and home. From the home fires of Hestia burning a sense of welcome and warmth, to the bonfires of Belanus (Celtic god) marking victory in protecting the clans against encroaching warlords – fire is a clear symbol of keeping community together. Consider your own community – do the fires of connection and inclusion burn brightly within your own clan? Are you the protector and the way-seer for your people? If so, a fire tattoo might further embolden your passion for keeping your family together, safe and protected.
Fire reminds us of our passions – on a sexual level as well as spiritual levels. Flames are often depicted in ancient art to convey a sense of deep ardor (love) and burning desire. It’s not all about sex though. If you feel consumed by your faith, and surrender to your spiritual path daily – a fire tattoo might be a way to burn that ideal in your psyche.
Astrological speaking, there are three fire signs within the western zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. This denotes a personality with fiery passion. If you’re getting a tattoo of your fire sign (your own, or of someone you love as a memorial tattoo), you may want to incorporate fire along with your astrological sign to convey a sense of adventure, boldness and high-energy. Check out more on astrology signs and symbolism here.
If you need more kindling for your fire tattoo ideas, check out my Fire Symbols page here.
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 2 Responses »
Tags: consumption, desire, energy, heat, passion, power, sensuality, sexuality, strength, transformation, vitality
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
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)
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: ascension, aspiration, clarity, cooperation, courage, determination, devotion, divinity, focus, freedom, honor, passion, power, royalty, skill, solar, spirit, strategy, strength, sun, tradition, vision, vitality
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Moon Tattoo Meanings
Some Moon Tattoo Meanings
at-a-glance:
- Dreams
- Intuition
- Feminine Power
- Divine Light
- Shadow
- Magic
- Purity
- Hidden Strength
- Sensuality
- Mysticism
- Cycles
- Subtle Energy
- Mystery
- Influence
- Eternity
- Fertility
All life is touched and stimulated by the moon, especially dark life. Flora and fauna dance in lunar reels, enchanted by the wax and wane of the moon.
Crazy mushrooms sweat from her silvery touch. Oceanic mouths open and close in serenade to the lunar phases. And those of us who are linked-in with hidden powers of the cosmos are prompted to bask in lunar rays for unique illuminations.
To be sure, when discussing moon tattoo meanings, we are diving into esoteric depths, where dreamscapes replace common landscapes and quicksilver visions lace our views.
The moon is a life affirming symbol. It appears to be constantly changing, and so therefore it reminds us of the consistency of all life. It is also symbolic of the cyclical nature of time – even karma. Life moves in non-linear terms, and we all know karma is a big circle (what comes around goes around). The moon in her phases reminds us of this kind of infinite process of recycling and regeneration.
Moon tattoos may hold a powerful appeal to women as we are inevitably tied to her cycles with our own. Further, the moon is symbolic of feminine power and fertility. Countless goddesses in myth are featured with the silvery moon to convey hidden power, secret wisdom and subtle influences.
There are women who are capable of outwardly reflecting their inner pools of light and energy. You know who you are. Those of us who have easy access to these internal energy sources can intimately relate to the magnetism of the moon. I think it’s the undercurrent of infinite potential that electrifies those of us who are plugged into lunar energy. For those of you, a moon tattoo might be the ink that flips your spiritual switches.
Of course, men feel lunar luminescence too! And, although the moon mostly resonates with feminine archetypal identification, there are very male associations too. Off the top of my head I can think of some Native American tribes, Japanese, the Maori, African too – these ancient cultures prescribe male gender to the moon. Also, the moon was (still is) a pivotal influence in hunting cultures and in these realms we see male deities – lunar gods. In these scenarios the moon is consulted for optimal hunting and agricultural excellence. All sources of provision which is a strong yang calling.
Here are a few snippets of lunar goodness from around the world:
Alchemical: The moon coincides with the qualities of silver - a purifying, clarifying energy. Reflective. Strong, yet malleable. It’s the “Lesser Work” in the evolutional scale of human development. When joined with the sun (gold), the twain hold hands in a cosmic balance – the Greater Work of the balanced soul commences.
Archetypal: The moon is the “Queen of Heaven”…goddess, mother, lover, priestess. That’s some powerful archetypal energy and if these grand myths run through your lunar bloodlines, a moon tattoo might be the perfect conveyance.
Taoism: The moon is yin, and referred to as the “eye that shines through the darkness” – this is symbolic of illumined vision of a spiritual/enlightened nature.
Egyptian: The moon is often linked to Isis, also known as the Queen of the Heavens – a cosmic creatrix.
Native American: Depending which tribe you’re consulting, there are legends of the Great Woman (or Old Woman) beaming in the moon, she is eternal, and ever-watching over her children (all of creation) with objective knowing.
Totemic: The moon calls to many animals (including humans), and you might find moon tattoo inspiration from her many suitors in the animal kingdom. Any critter with horns will be associated with the moon, like bulls - it’s the crescent horns they are reminiscent of the crescent moon – also symbolic of cycles, fertility. Most nocturnal creatures are lunar affiliated too. Rabbits, toads, cats….all great partners to moon energies.
I’ve written loads more on lunar symbolism.
Check it:
Symbolic Moon Facts (includes more about animals & dieties associated with the moon).
Native American Moon Sign
Native American Full Moon Meanings
Astrological Moon Sign Personality Types
The Moon Shining in the Tarot
Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | 1 Response »
Tags: cycles, divine, divinity, dreaming, dreams, energy, enternity, faith, feminine, fertility, goddess, illumination, infinite, initiation, insight, intuition, magic, mystery, mysticism, nature, passion, psychic, purity, sensuality, shadow, strength
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
Monday, January 18th, 2010
Panther Tattoo Symbolism
Panther tattoo symbolism
at-a-glance:
- Power
- Stealth
- Action
- Protection
- Dark Mystery
- Attraction
- Sensuality
- Deep Magic
- Feminine Power
- Solitary
- Stealthiness
- Invincibility
- Shadow Self
- Shamanic Sight
- Secret Keeper
- Sorcery
- Intelligence
- Ferocity
- Agility
- Stamina
- Patience
- Silence
- Honor
In order to familiarize ourselves with the power and purpose that backs up panther tattoos, it behooves us to observe a bit about the panther in the wild.
In their natural habitat, panthers are stalkers. They track movements of their prey, stealthily prowl and ambush the object of their hunt from a blind-side. This is symbolic of strategy. The panther contemplates its most advantageous tactic. Are you a calculating individual? Do you sit back and observe your surroundings before you act? Do you take in the details, and then pounce on opportunities when the timing is right? If this sounds like you, then the panther may be the perfect totem tattoo for you.
Not only do these magnificent creatures symbolize intelligence and tact, they also represent deep aspects of magic. This is largely due to their native habitat. The panther dwells within the deepest regions of the darkest jungles. In ancient cultures the panthers home is within the richest wombs of the earth – where moist emerald jungles teem with life, breathe with diversity and glisten with rich vitality.
It is here the panther claims its kingdom and silently roams its dense and exotic realms. There is much that remains unknown within the folds of the jungle – and the unknown is the gateway to magic. It makes sense the panther is the keeper of this dark, sacred magic. Do the realms of shadow, and the lands of exotic unknowns excite you? The panther tattoo is a fitting memorial for this kind of fascination.
The sense of magic and the idea of the panther as a sacred “secret keeper” is enhanced by it’s obsidian hues. Black panthers are symbolic of the night – where secrets are kept tightly locked away from the light of the sun. Black is a color of mystery and silence and deep secrets. Black is also a very lunar energy and can be associated with the Divine Feminine.
Interestingly, the panther is a solitary creature, preferring its own company over anyone else’s. Outside of a mother raising her cubs, panthers live, hunt and evolve alone. This is symbolic of the Hermit - an ancient archetype of one who contemplates and evolves in unique understandings due to living a solitary life. Living in this manner causes unorthodox insights, and brings one closer to understanding various precious secrets of life because there are no distractions.
Just something to consider as you embark upon your exploration of getting a panther tattoo. If you tend to enjoy solitude, contemplating the deeper mysteries in life, the panther may be calling to you.
The panther is also considered a symbol of protection, and many South American myths identify the panther as the guardian of spirit worlds. In the wild, panthers hunt during dusk and dawn – these are considered to be powerful moments in time among ancient cultures. Dusk and dawn are moments of transition and magical metamorphosis – moments of infinite potential.
This, combined with it’s sleek black coat, piercing eyes and consummate hunting skills makes the panther a legendary guardian of other realms, and spiritual worlds. Are you the protector of your own special worlds? Are you the guardian of your clan or tribe? Perhaps a panther tattoo is the right emblem to convey your powerful ability to guard that which is precious to you.
On the prowl for more information? I don’t blame you, I’m always prowling around for more too. Take a look at my Panther Symbolism page for more intriguing symbolic tidbits.
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: action, agile, attraction, faith, feminine, guardian, honor, infinite, intelligence, invincible, magic, mystery, patience, power, protection, secret, sensuality, shadow, shamanism, spiritual, stamina, stealth, strength, wisdom
Friday, January 15th, 2010
Meaning of Knife Tattoos
Knife tattoos, they could convey a million reasons to the owner…from devotion to military obligation to expressing the sharp edge of betrayal.
Here are some at-a-glance symbolic suggestions pertaining to knife tattoos:
- Authority
- Skill
- Revenge
- Betrayal
- Solitude
- Sacrifice
- Military duty/service
- Strategy
- Sharp Intellect
- Steely Resolve
- Flawless Clarity
- Singularity in Focus
- Duality
- Pain
- Ritual
- Accomplishment
- Freedom
Most of my friends with knife tattoos tell me they got them when they were young. These tattoos often signify a lost love, and the knife conveys a cold, steely pain encountered with having been cut by the brutality of a lovers neglect or betrayal. In this scenario, we could also say a tattooed knife could symbolize a “cutting away” from a bad relationship – slicing through the trauma & difficulties caused by a lover and becoming liberated from the drama of a dysfunctional relationship.
Many times a knife tattoo can express a feeling of sacrifice. This conveyance is ancient, and deeply rooted in many religious/spiritual sects in which sacrifices have been (and still are in some cases) practiced for eons. Do you find yourself in a position of intense sacrifice? Do you hold to a singular devotion, faith or purpose that you would die for? An ornate, glistening knife tattoo might be something to consider to outwardly express that kind of intensity.
Interestingly, in Buddhist symbology the knife often represents cutting the ties of material gain. Are you vehemently against consumerism? Do you find materialism is the bane of your existence, holding you back from true freedom and enlightenment? In this sense, a knife may be an appropriate way to galvanize the act of liberating oneself from the binding ties of materialistic urge and greed.
When I think of knives, and knife tattoos, I think of the suit of swords in the Tarot. This esoteric suit represents challenges, usually wrought from mental nuances like doubt, fear, worry. In a cavalcade of (often tormented) archetypes in these cards, we see a constant struggle to slice through confusion. The knife in these cards symbolizes the double-edged nature of the mind.
The mind can be a remarkable representative of clarity and can expertly slice through befuddlement. Simultaneously, the mind can be a true enemy, turning and stabbing its owner in the back. I suspect a larger indwelling presence is designed to navigate the strokes of a knife. But, until we can all commune with that presence, a knife might be an apropos tattoo to express that dual nature of the mind – both helpful and potentially cruel.
I love knives, and used to collect them – I never really knew why – they just gravitated to my curiosity. Much later, I invested some time in understanding why blades appealed to me. It’s their cleanliness, the shine, their ability to carve through metaphorical crap. So utilitarian, yet so beautiful and elegant too. A magnificent, multi-purpose tool – that, when well-crafted could also be a work of art.
So you see, the knife, as with any tattoo – is most profound when we assign our own understanding to it.
I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the symbolic meaning of knife tattoos. Take some time to consider what the knife represents to you.
Because of my odd enchantment with blades, I’ve written more about the symbolism of them. Check it out: Symbolic Meaning of Swords on my other website.
Posted in Military Tattoos, Personal Observations, Prison Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
Tags: authority, betrayal, clarity, devotion, duality, enlightenment, faith, freedom, integrity, intelligence, liberation, lovelorn, mentality, military, pain, revenge, ritual, sacrifice, skill, solitude, spirituality, strength
