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Snake Tattoo Meaning

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Snake Tattoo Meaning

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 »
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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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Cloud Tattoo Symbolism

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

 

Cloud Tattoo Symbolism

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 »
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Hourglass Tattoo Meaning

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

 

Hourglass Tattoo Meaning

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 »
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Scorpion Tattoos

Sunday, September 6th, 2009

Scorpion Tattoos and Scorpion Meaning

Scorpion Tattoos and Scorpion Meaning

Scorpion Tattoos and Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Protection
  • Rebellion
  • Attachment
  • Retaliation
  • Aggression
  • Power
  • Warning
  • Mystery
  • Energy
  • Transition
  • Calculated
  • Stealth
  • Healing
  • Logic
  • Survival
  • Mysticism
  • Resilience
  • Guardianship
  • Self-defense
  • Altered perception

If you’re zealous about researching tattoo meanings to personal satisfaction, you’re going to run into sources touting scorpion tattoos as representations of dark traits like death, darkness or treachery.  If you want more of those kinds of meanings for scorpion tattoos, you can look elsewhere.

I’m not of the same mind, as I don’t believe in death.  Rather, we can look at the death theme associated with the scorpion as a time of transition from one phase of life into another. 

In this way, the scorpion tattoo can be a symbol of freedom from limiting beliefs about death.

The Egyptians were big on one life ending as a means to begin another life in the Afterworld.  And the scorpion was a powerful guardian to the ancient Egyptians and their concept of  life-after-life.

In fact, the scorpion was an attribute of the goddess Selket who was a guardian of transitioning souls.  Selket also protected canopic jars and various rituals of the mummification process that insured transition from one life to the next. 

This makes the scorpion a powerful guardian of soul-evolution.  – A protector of different kinds of life.  It also makes the scorpion a symbolic sentinel of the mysteries of the Afterworld.

In African aboriginal lore, the scorpion is associated with life and so-called death too.  The sting of a scorpion is said to have intense healing qualities and so this creature was greatly honored.  It was both highly respected because one sting could also prove lethal. 

Scorpion stings can also trigger hallucinogenic effects and so the theme of transition continues.  In this light, the scorpion (sting) is a catalyst for reaching altered states of consciousness. 

This puts scorpion tattoos in the psychedelic category – a message of limitless perception.  It’s also a shamanic creature due to its hallucination-sparking stings as shamans could utilize their venom for spirit journeying.

The scorpion is a master at survival.  It takes advantage of every opportunity for the sake of its existence as many kinds of scorpions live in brutally harsh environments.  This makes the scorpion a symbol of victory over adversity.

Scorpions are also associated with the sun.  Therefore, scorpion tattoos will have sun-like qualities including: Energy, Vitality, Clarity, Focus and Radiance.

The scorpion is a representation of the zodiac sign of Scorpio, and in this context a scorpion tattoo will convey attributes of: Boldness, Dynamism, Mystical Power, Secretiveness and Seduction.

Read more about this topic to fill out your research on scorpion tattoos:

Scorpion Symbolic Meaning (full article)

Scorpio zodiac sign meanings

Solar Animals: Radiating Symbolism

Insect Totems and Meanings

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
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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

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Mammal Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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Meaning of Butterfly Tattoos

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

Meaning of Buttefly Tattoo

Meaning of Buttefly Tattoo


Meaning of Butterfly Tattoos
(at-a-glance):

  • Metamorphosis
  • Beauty
  • Peace
  • Immortality
  • Dreams
  • Spirituality
  • Transformation
  • Thoughts
  • Life
  • Playfulness
  • Tranquility
  • Delicateness
  • Fertility
  • Love
  • Intuition
  • Resurrection
  • Tenderness
  • Appreciation

When considering the meaning of butterfly tattoos, I always think of psyche in Greek myth, where the term psyche is alternatively used with life.  In fact, the term psyche is translated to mean “breath of life.”  Further, Psyche in Greek myth is a companion to Eros (Cupid).  All this  plays nicely with the ephemeral butterfly symbolism of love, intuition, life, peace, adoration and beauty.

The meaning of butterfly tattoos may also deal with transformation because of the butterfly’s impressive evolution through life.  Follow this path of metamorphosis:

  • Egg (beginning/birth)
  • Larva (dependence/socialization)
  • Caterpillar (independence/awareness)
  • Chyrsalis (withdrawal/death to a singular way of being)
  • Butterfly (emergence/illumination/awakening/evolution into a new phase of life)

Pretty impressive, when we look at this amazing transformation with spiritual eyes.  Indeed, if you’re getting a butterfly tattoo – it is a symbol of significant transition and change in your life.

The Japanese consider the butterfly to be a symbol of fine beauty and delicate feminine qualities.  Geisha’s are commonly identified with butterflies.

In esoteric Christian symbolism & art the butterfly is an icon of immortality and the resurrection of not only Christ, but an awakening to the higher love each human holds in his/her heart.

In Celtic symbolism the butterfly holds similar attributes and represents beauty, love, honor.  It is also a symbol for the soul in the Celtic mindset. (more on the Celtic meaning of butterfly can be found here).

In Chinese symbolism the butterfly is a sign of good luck, joy, abundance, health and blessing.

I hope you have enjoyed these symbolic thoughts on butterfly tattoos.

Flit through my other butterfly pages for more symbolic nectar in your search for meaningful tattoo information.

Symbolic Meaning of Butterfly (full post)

More Butterfly Meanings  (including butterflies in dreams)

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos | 6 Responses »
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