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Horned God Tattoo

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Horned God Tattoo Symbolism

Horned God Tattoo Symbolism

Cernunnos is the ancient Celtic god who is also known as the ”horned god” or “horned one.”

I’ve seen two Cernunnos tattoos, and they totally rocked my socks.  After talking with the owners of these tattoos and combining my own knowledge/observations about this deity, I’ve decided to share a few thoughts about possible meanings of the horned god tattoo with you.

Cernunnos (horned god) tattoo meanings at-a-glance:

  • Fertility
  • Virility
  • Strength
  • Honor
  • Courage
  • Connection
  • Community
  • Shamanism
  • Cycles of Time
  • Stability
  • Balancing Duality
  • Sexual Power
  • Male Power
  • Female Power
  • Unity with Nature

The horned god is (obviously) set apart from the rest of Celtic deities because of his spectacular antlers perched atop his head.  Cernunnos’ totem animal is the stag, and where the beast is not depicted in ancient artwork, the horns on Cernunnos’ head mark the shamanistic connection with the stag.  Both antler and animal are symbolic of male assertion, dominance, thrust, sexual superiority and action.  Antlers are visible symbols of authority in the wild – and the bigger the rack – the more powerful the owner.  It has to do with survival of the fittest.  Only the largest and strongest rack of horns can insure a stag will lay with his mate and thus propel his lineage.  Same holds true with the horned god.  In this way, the horned god tattoo might be a the ticket if you are looking for artistic ways to express your confidence and full capability to provide for your community. 

Cernunnos is nota statement of male dominance.  Far from it.  His horns are also a feminine quality when they are rendered as a crescent atop his head (instead of antlers).  The crescent horns are symbolic of the crescent moon – which hearkens to feminine power.  Also, the torc  (a gold or copper piece of jewelry commonly worn amongst Celts) is symbolic of feminine energy.  That the horned god wears the torc is a statement about balance and thoughtful union between male and female dualities.  This balance is inherent in Nature, and Cernunnos is a major spokesgod for this kind of natural synchronicity.  If you honor the energy of male as much as female (and vice versa), a Cernunnos tattoo will reinforce that stance.

The horned god is often depicted with a snake too (sometimes even a horned snake).  This is symbolic of sensory perception.  Snakes experience their world in uncommon ways.  Through tongue and skin their primary data-gathering is accomplished.  This is symbolic of sensual knowing – tactile understanding.  Snakes are also symbolic of transition and transformation.  It has to do with the shedding of their skin.  If these aspects of the horned god tattoo really sing to you, then make sure to include Cernunnos’ totem snake in your design.

This is just a small portion of the potential tattoo symbolism behind the horned god. 

Get full disclosure of the Cernunnos, The Horned God Symbolic Meanings here.

Other pages of interest:

Stag Tattoo Symbolism

Deer Symbolism (general)

Torc Symbolism

Snake Symbolism (general)

Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Personal Observations, Reptile Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Elephant Tattoos

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Elephant Tattoos

Elephant Tattoos

Symbolism of Elephant Tattoos
(at-a-glance):

  • Wisdom
  • Power
  • Strength
  • Peace
  • Luck
  • Longevity
  • Memory
  • Wisdom
  • Happiness
  • Nobility
  • Family/Community
  • Creation/Maternal
  • Good judgement
  • Fidelity
  • Determination
  • Invincibility
  • Consideration

Elephant tattoos, overwhelmingly seem to denote strength.  It’s no wonder – the animal is mammoth in size.  Weighing at over four tons and hitting over 10 feet tall, the elephant is a behemoth symbol conveying incredible power.

In spite of its girth, wildlife experts will tell you the elephant’s temper (unless provoked) is pretty low-key.  This is where many people derive special symbolism.  People who gravitate to elephant tattoos are often extremely powerful and can easily dominate – yet they prefer to keep peace and keep things calm.  Gentle Giants they could be described – just like elephants.

Elephants are extremely protective of their young and members of their herd.  This offers symbolism to people getting tattoos who place the value of their families above everything else.  Elephants will die to protect their family.  If you share the same fiercely protective instinct for your family, an elephant tattoo might be fitting for you.

The elephant is sacred to Buddha.  Legend indicates before Mahaprajapati Gautami’s incarnation as the Buddha, he developed in the womb in the form of a white elephant.  The white elephant is a pristine symbol of Buddhism to this day.  When associated with the Buddha, the meaning of an elephant tattoo conveys compassion, truth, peace, love and kindness.

Ganesha, a well-known Hindu deitiy has the head of an elephant.  Ganesha is thought to bring luck, and move obstacles out of the way for the pure of heart and intent.  A Ganesha tattoo often commemorates the god, and serves as a reminder that all hindrances are removed in faith and purity of intent.  Ganesha, is also a patron deity of art, science and as his elephant qualities imply, he is considered a god of great wisdom and discernment.

In regions of Tibet the elephant is associated with creation.  More specifically, ancient text depict an elephant holding up entire universe.  When the elephant is seen in ancient architecture holding up vast structures, carved in pillars and foundational stonework, this is symbolic of the stabilizing presence of the elephant and the legend of the elephant bearing the weight of the world – keeping the world on in place.  We also see this stabilizing symbolism of the elephant in India. People who “feel the weight of the world on their shoulders” may gravitate to elephant tattoos, and may be attracted to the elephant as a totem and as a giver of strength. 

Aristotle claimed the elephant abstained from sex while his mate was pregnant – a whole two years.  This lead to symbolism of chastity, patience, consideration and exhibiting thoughtful devotion in a relationship. This also carries meanings of prudence and moderation, which may appeal to some looking to commemorate these themes by getting an elephant tattoo.

Pliny, a Roman philosopher of the natural world had dealings with elephants while he served in the Roman Empire Army.  He said the elephant was every bit a sacred animal and symbolized renewal.  Pliny wrote that when elephants bathed in the rivers at night, this was symbolic of of purifying itself in the new moon. 

Roman perspectives also observed the elephant to be legendary for long lives – so they deemed the creature to be symbolic of immortality, longevity and living in harmony with divinity and nature. 

Alchemically, the elephant is attuned with Mercury, and thus shares symbolism of high intellect, communication, commerce and shrewd discernment.

Other pages to help expand your research on elephant tattoos:

Elephant Symbolic Meanings (full article)

Chakra Animals (including the elephant)

Elephant as a Good Luck Symbol

Elephant as an Earth Symbol

Elephant Meanings in Dreams

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Personal Observations, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Bear Tattoo Symbolism

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

Bear Tattoo Symbolism
Bear Tattoo Symbolism

Bear Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Resurrection
  • Power
  • Fertility
  • Dominion
  • Fortitude
  • Motherhood
  • Protection
  • Supernatural forces
  • Initiation
  • Confidence

In ancient hieroglyphs the bear is thought to be the liaison, or Great Communicator between earth and sky.

Native North American Indian minds held the bear as a symbol of freedom and a ritual rites of passage.  Certain tribes understood the cycles of time and life.  Ergo, the bear is a marker for such passage because of the females unique process of birthing.   In a Native American light, the bear is symbolic of the potential potential power found in the concept of peace because this large, ferocious looking animal is actually quite peace-loving.

In Japanese lore the bears and therefore bear tattoo symbolism represents wisdom, stoicism, patience, strength and benevolence.  The bear was a sacred oracle to Ainu, who are an indigenous tribe of Japan.  These people were animists, (similar to other aboriginal people like Native American Indians of North America) and so their perspective of bear symbolism is a valid one.  Further, these people adopted ritualistic tattooing.

In Celtic symbolism, the bear is considered for her lunar power.  To the ancient Celtic mind the bear is associated with the moon, and thus carries a feminine theme with concepts such as: childbearing, mothering, and fiercly protective of family and young.  The bear is associated with the Celtic goddess  Artio.  Indeed, there is evidence of a powerful bear cult in which ancient Celts convened to honor and worship this magnificent creature.  Interestingly, and in spite of it’s nurturing connotations the bear is also a symbol for warriors and military to the Celts.

In Chinese symbolism the bear is associated with Yang enegy - masculinity, power, force, domination, authority.  Chinese legend states that if a woman dreams of a bear whilst pregnant, she will give birth to a boy (a very big deal in China).  She-bears are symbolic of maternal wisdom in Chinese symbolism.

Alchemically, bear tattoo symbolism can mean prime matter – the foundation – the first building block in alchemical symbolism.  In alchemy, the bear is also duplicitous in its symbolism depending upon whether the bear is hibernating, or active.  If hibernating, the bear is symbolic of the female, passive, dormant nature of potential (moon/quicksilver).  If active, the bear represents assertive, male, confident domain (sun/gold).

In Greco-Roman mythology the bear is represented by Diana/Artemis, goddess of the hunt and shares more affiliations with lunar symbolism.  Ursa major and Ursa Minor are the constellations of the Great and Little bears in the heavens.  These constellations represent Diana/Artemis, and also mark the seasons (more symbolic connections to the cycles of time and nature).

Shamanistically speaking, the bear is a protective, warrior representative.  It is invoked for the purpose of shielding the tribe from negative influences.  It’s energy is also called upon to calm and settle anxious tribes (hibernation).

If you found this post on bear tattoo symbolism helpful, you may also appreciate these:

Symbolic Meaning of the Bear (full length article).

Native American Indian Symbolism of the Bear. 

Crossing Paths with the Bear – Quick Symbolic Take

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos | No Responses »
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