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Dove Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Dove Tattoo Symbolism

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 »
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Rose Tattoo Meaning

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Rose Tattoo Meaning

Rose Tattoo Meaning

Rose tattoo meaning
At-a-glance: 
  • Honor
  • Heart
  • Devotion
  • Purity
  • Love
  • Revelation
  • Expansion
  • Resurrection
  • Beauty
  • Divinity
  • Victory
  • Passion
  • Balance
  • Sensuality
  • Spirituality
  • Duality
  • Romance
  • Memory
  • Secrets
  • Vitality
  • Trust
  • Creativity

I see rose tattoos a lot. It’s no mystery why.  The rose is an incredibly powerful image whose symbolism transcends in elegant ways. 

Interestingly, many people with rose tattoos adore their personal blossoms, but are unaware of some of its ancient mysteries.  Let’s take a moment to smell the sweet scent of rose symbolism through the various perspectives:

Roman – Honor the Fallen:   In the height of their time, roses and rose petals were strewn across the bodies and/or grave sites of soldiers.  Red roses were used to symbolize blood shed for the Roman Empire.  Red is associated with Mars, the god of war.  It’s also associated with Venus, goddess of love.  The intoxicating scent of roses lifted through the air, and carried the spirits of fallen heroes  into the loving arms of Venus with Mars looking on with fierce pride.  There are themes of resurrection here, which can be incorporated into your own ideas of rose tattoo meaning.

Greek – Erotic Creative Vision:  The rose is associated with heavy-hitters in Greek myth like Aphrodite (lovely love goddess), Hecate (the insanely powerful dominatrix of the intangibles), Dionysus (that affectionate hedonistic party animal).  We see themes of eroticism, mystery and sensuality in these Greek gods who partake of the velvet realms of the rose.  I’m particularly intrigued by the rose’s association  with the classic Greek Muses, especially Erato who was a heart-stopping beauty.  She was gifted with spectacular creativity too.  Roses are symbolic of her ability to pierce the heart of man with her intoxicating song and beauty.  And so, your rose tattoo can woo the creative, sensual muse and goddess from within.

Rosicrucian/Alchemical - Unfolding Progress:  The Rosicrucian’s, an elite fleet of visionaries formed under the fatherly tutelage of Dr. Christian Rosenkreuz held the rose at the center of their symbolic focal point.  The rose is featured as a symbol of spiritual progress – an unfolding or blossoming to ever grander heights in human evolution.  Traditional rosy crosses are multi-layered.  The center section of the rose is symbolic of unity and reminds the observer that god is the glue of all life.  Other layers will point to initiation and progress along the pilgrimage to enlightenment.  So, if you are experience a resurgence of the soul – a rose tattoo meaning may convey a sense of transformation, blossoming and unfolding beautifully to share new depths of yourself with the world.

Christian – Unblemished Bliss:  The rose often adorns the beloved Mary in Christian art as a symbol of purity, innocence, beauty, sacrifice and perfection.  From fragrance to visage – the rose is a fitting brand for the blessed Mary.  The “Rose of Sharon” is symbolic of the Church.  Colors also play a part in rose meanings in Christian thought.  White roses are symbolic of purification.  Red roses serve as a memorial to the blood of the slain Christ.  If you have aims to express your faith in deeply symbolic ways, then a rose tattoo may be for you.

This is a little trip around the world in terms of seeking rose tattoo meaning. 

Want more? 

I don’t blame you – I always want more too. . . and here are some links that provide exactly that:

Symbolic Rose Meaning

Language of Flowers (including the rose)

The Rose as a Flower Zodiac Sign

More Symbolic Meanings of the Rose (on my blog)

Symbolism of Flower Colors

Posted in Alchemy Tattoos, Christian Tattoos, Flower Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Plant Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 4 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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Feather Tattoo Symbolism

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism

Feather Tattoos and Feather Symbolism

Feather Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):

  • Higher mind
  • Freedom
  • Ascended thoughts
  • Enlightenment
  • Honor
  • Soul’s journey
  • Dreams
  • Inspiration
  • Levitation
  • High spirit
  • Uplifting
  • Hope
  • Promise
  • Faith
  • Weightless
  • Purity
  • Truth
  • Magic
  • Spiritual messages
  • Flying high
  • Limitlessness
  • Transformation
  • Rejuvenation
  • Free spirit
  • Travel
  • High class or status

Feather tattoos are often seen featured in Native American themed ink, and in this context the symbolism deals with approaching nature and the power of birds with honor.  Native Americans used feathers in ritual because they knew the spirit of the bird was represented by the feather.  Bird spirits are extremely powerful in purifying the spirit and cleansing the energetic environment.  Waving a feather over a sacred fire with pure intent is a way of uplifting the soul and expressing gratitude to bird spirits.

Feathers in Native American minds as well as many other cultures deals with communication.  Feathers are often viewed as messages from the spirit world, and feather tattoos will convey powerful ideals about holy exchange.  Indeed, many schools of thought believe seeing feathers on our path is a direct message from a loved one who has transitioned into the spirit side of life (deceased).

In Celtic symbolism and myth, Morrigan wore an intricate cloak of feathers (typically raven feathers) as a means to transform into a bird.  Legend indicates her ability to shift into bird form allowed her higher reasoning, and a “bird’s eye view” into spiritual realms.  In this form she could also easily travel the earth and spy about on people of interest to her motives.

If Egyptology is your thing, then a feather tattoo might symbolize the wisdom of the goddess Maat who is a matriarchal figure of truth and justice.  During mummification, Anubis and Maat compared the weight of heart against the weight of the feather to determine the purity of the soul (and eligibility for the entrance into the Afterlife without consequence).  If the heart was light as a feather, the soul was deemed pure and the spirit could move freely into further evolution.

As mentioned, Native American wisdom understands the feather to be an embodiment of bird spirit.  Eagle feathers had special meaning and were given to warriors as a tremendous honor of bravery and courage.  It indicated a nobility of the heart and allowed the recipient to take flight easily on spirit journeying. 

In this way, feathers are also status symbols in many cultures.  Plumed knights, feathered headdresses, feathered cloaks – these are all symbolic of higher class of people – usually for the brave hearted, or the spiritual master.

A more expanded view of feather tattoos deal with thought, intellect and the higher mind.  This is because feathers (birds) are associated with air, the skies, and the heavens.  This also forms a logical connection with dreams, inspiration, spiritual ascension and higher intelligence.

If you need more information on this subject, check out these pages:

Symbolic Meaning of Feathers (full article)

Bird Totems and Meanings

Nature Symbolism

Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos, Uncategorized | No Responses »
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