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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
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
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
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
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 »
Tags: beauty, devotion, divinity, duality, expansion, heart, honesty, honor, life, light, love, memorial, memory, passion, resurection, romance, secrets, sensuality, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transformation, trust, truth, victory, vitality
Friday, October 9th, 2009
Aztec Tattoo of Creation
This Aztec tattoo stylized Aztec spiral symbol. Each medallion in this Aztec symbol represents:
- Creation
- Vitality
- Life
- Astrology (cosmos)
- Order
Each of the spiral medallions also represent a seed of the Universe and also symbolizes a unique phase of life:
- Birth
- Childhood
- Adulthood
- Death
- Afterlife
This Aztec symbol is associated with the legend of Huitzilopochtil who created the moon by tossing his sister into the skies, the sun was made the same way as Huitzilopochtil hurled his brother into the skies. The earth was made when Huitzilopochtil danced a spiral dance with his brother and sister (now the sun and the moon). The seas were made by Huitzilopochtil’s sweat from the spiral dance.
These spiraling seeds of life are all moving together in perfect harmony – just as all the stars and planets are moving in gravitational orbit with perfection. The Aztecs understood human life works in the same kind of rhythmic pattern, and this Aztec tattoo deftly depicts the flowing nature of life in all its perfection.
Another form of the Aztec legend states that in the beginning, there was an expansive void from which Ometeotl, the first Aztec god(dess) created himself. Ometeotl was androgynous: both male and female, light and dark, good and evil (Ometeotl is represented by the center spiral seed in the Aztec tattoo symbol shown above). Ometeotle birthed four children, who were deities and they were called the four Tezcatlipocas. These four gods are represented in the four surrounding “spiral seeds” (medallions in the symbol) and are known as:
- Quetzalcoatl: God of light, wind, mercy and rules the southern directions
- Huitzilopochtli: God of energy, war, vitality, strategy and rules west directions
- Xipe Totec: God of agriculture, spring, renewal, gold and rules the north
- Tezcatlipoca: God of discernment, night, secrets, magic and rules the east
These four deities and their maker, Ometeotle, were considered responsible for all life and order as it is known today. Hence, this is a powerful symbol of life; a powerful Aztec tattoo conveying cosmic order and harmony between all the elements.
Other pages of interest for your tattoo research:
Moon Symbolism
Sun Symbolism
Native American Symbolism
Mayan Symbolism
Posted in Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: afterlife, astrology, awareness, balance, birth, cosmic, cosmos, creation, creativity, death, energy, faith, force, god, harmony, humanity, life, longevity, order, perfection, power, universe, vitality, wisdom
Friday, October 9th, 2009
Hunab Ku Tattoo Symbolism
If you’re considering getting a Hunab Ku tattoo, here are some thoughts about the origin and symbolism of this mark.
The Hunab Ku is beleived to be ancient Mayan symbol which is a center feature in their sacred wheels of time or calendar systems. There are also theories the symbol may belong to the ancient Aztecs. The symbol is a vital cornerstone into understanding the cycles of life (and also the core feature to understanding Mayan myths).
The symbol Hunab Ku literally translates to mean: “One Giver of Movement and Measure” or “The One Source of Energy.” With this kind of powerful concentration of energy, the Hunab Ku is also a symbolic representation of god; the one god, or the high god among the Mayans (although this observation hasn’t been proven, and you should read the “note” section at the end of this post).
And so, the Hunab Ku tattoo, can eloquently represent:
- the movement of life energy
- the cycle of life on a grander scale
- the order and balance of the cosmos
- the god force or infinite power available in all life
According to Mayan scholar Jose Arguelles, the Hunab Ku is the principle of life beyond the cosmos. He says “It may be described as possessing a simultaneous spin and counter-spin motion radiating outward from a center-point of indescribable energy that pulses at a specific rate. That pulse is the principle of life and all-pervading consciousness imminent in all phenomenon.”
Visually, we can see this symbol depicts the ancient tenet of balance in all things. It’s even reminiscent of the classic yin yang symbol found in Asian symbology. We see an equal balance of light and dark in the Hunab ku tattoo. Ergo, this carries deep symbolism of finding a balance. Balance in polarities like:
- shadow self and light self
- happy and sad
- mother and father
- night and day
- right and left
- sun and moon
Note: As with all ancient symbols, origins and traditional meanings can get fuzzy over time. It’s important to know this symbol (illustrated above) is likely a modernization, and probably doesn’t look exactly as it did in ancient Mesoamerica.
Furthermore, there is very little agreement about the actual meaning of the Hunab Ku. My thoughts on the the Hunab Ku concept are based on my observations of the indigenous culture and my impressions about the symbol. With a little research, you’ll find varying ideas about Hunab Ku.
At the end of the day, all you can rely on is what your heart and soul tells you about this piece. Personally, I think that’s how our ancient Mayan and Aztec ancestors would want it.
Other pages of interest:
Mayan Symbols
Yin Yang Symbols
Native American Symbols
Spiral Symbolism
Posted in Astrological Tattoos, Celestial Tattoos, Good Luck Tattoos, Indigenous Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Native American Tattoos, Personal Observations, Planet Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: awareness, balance, consciousness, cosmos, energy, enlightenment, faith, force, god, illumination, life, movement, polarity, power, sacred, spiritual, time, vitality
Sunday, September 6th, 2009
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 »
Tags: aggression, courage, death, energy, healing, life, logic, mystery, mysticism, power, protection, rebellion, stealth, survivor, transition, vitality, warning
