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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, Religious Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
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, 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
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Caduceus Tattoos
Caduceus Tattoos
(meanings at-a-glance):
- Healing
- Renewal
- Life
- Vitality
- Harmonization
- Unification
- Integrity
- Authority
- Health
- Circulation
- Honor
- Travel
- Protection
- Fair trade
- Commerce
- Transcendence
- Dualism
- Magic
- Wisdom
- Equilibrium
- Fertility
- Transformation
Caduceus tattoos should not to be confused with the Staff of Asclepius tattoos. Even though both have come to be known as symbols of healing and the medical field, the caduceus is much more dynamic in its meanings (as you will see while comparing the at-a-glance symbolism between the two tattoos).
At its core, caduceus tattoos are symbolic of unification of opposites: Male/Female, Yin/Yang, Light/Dark. The harmony of dual forces is seen by the opposing snakes wrapped around the staff.
Themes of healing, homeopathy, nature and holistic approaches to health are captured in the serpents too. Snakes in ancient Greece, where this symbol originates, were symbolic of transformation.
The shedding of the serpents’ skin is symbolic of slipping off the old self (illness) and moving freely in the fresh, newly healed self (wellness).
The wings of caduceus tattoos symbolize higher thoughts, higher mind, high integrity and the intent to serve others in a higher capacity.
The staff or center rod in the caduceus symbol represents power, unification, and connection between heaven and earth (as well as the point of focus between duality). The staff is the connection between high and low (thought and body) and facilitates easy communication between the two.
Caduceus is a symbol of messengers in myth such as the Greek Hermes (Mercury in Roman myth) because the center staff conveys transportation of energy between mind and body (heaven and earth, male and female, shadow and light, etc.).
Deities who adopt the caducues include:
- Hermes (Greek): Travel, Commerce, Trade, Speed, Messenger
- Mercury (Roman): Speed, Intelligence, Youthfulness, Health
- Anubis (Egyptian): Afterlife, Spirit, Protection, Preservation
- Baal (Phoenician): Fertility, Abundance, Agriculture, Leadership
- Ishtar (Babylonian): Fertility, Sensuality, Military, Love, Passion
- Isis (Egyptian): Magic, Femininity, Motherhood, Fertility, Protection, Beginnings, Nature
For more information on this subject:
Caduceus Symbolic Meaning (full article)
Staff of Asclepius Tattoo Meaning
Snake Symbolism
Staff Symbolism in Tarot
Symbolism of Wings
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Egyptian Tattoos, Mythological Tattoos, Occupational Tattoos, Reptile Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | 1 Response »
Tags: authority, commerce, fertility, harmony, healing, health, honor, leadership, life, magic, power, protection, renewal, transformation, travel, vitality, wisdom
Monday, May 11th, 2009
Ankh tattoos
Ankh tattoos have various meanings according to the bearer of the symbol.
Here are some meanings at-a-glance:
- Authority
- Protection
- Power
- Unification
- Vision
- Magic
- Mystery
- Hidden wisdom
- Sacred
- Life
- Provision
- Truth
- Growth/evolution
- Covenant
- Divine
- Combination
- Afterlife
- Immortality
At their most basic, ankh tattoos represent life and the abundance available to mankind in living life.
Specifically, the ankh symbol illustrates the combination of elements to create life.
The loop at the top is symbolic of the sun as it joins the earths horizon. This union between sun and earth as conveyed in the ankh symbol is profound for the ancient Egyptian mindset which is where this symbol originates. The sun sweetly kisses the lands of Egypt – providing vital growth and abundance. With the combination of the all-powerful sun and the earth along with her waters – all life in Egypt is promised to prosper.
The ankh is also a symbol of combination of male and female powers as well as the connection between sun and earth. These conjugative associations are sacred as we see the ankh is a symbol of the union between Osiris and Isis – prime deities of the ancient Egyptians.
Egyptians also may have held the ankh symbol as a key which unlocks the gateways into the realms of mystery – even the realms of the dead. In this light the loop on the top is considered a portal with the other side of the opening leading to shifted consciousness and an altered state of being. This concept is enhanced by the discovery of many ankhs in Egyptian funerary art.
In this same vein, ankh tattoos could symbolize immortality as Egyptian writing indicates the ankh represents “The Life to Come” meaning afterlife. Similarly, the ankh could express the belief that there is no death.
For more information, you might be interested in my page on the ankh symbol meaning in the Tarot here.
Posted in Egyptian Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: accomplishment, afterlife, authority, combination, covenant, immortality, life, magic, mystery, partership, power, protection, union, wisdom
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Shou Symbol Tattoo Meaning
The Shou symbol is a powerful Asian icon that represents long life and immortality. It is a symbol that comes from the Taoist philosophy which touts connection with Nature as the true way or path to enlightenment.
This symbol is prolific in Asian art to denote happiness, harmonic life and longevity.
The Shou tattoo meaning embodies five tenets in Asian/Taoist philosophy which are:
- Nobility
- Strength
- Wisdom
- Responsibility
- Awareness
You can see the four corners of these tenets in the Shou symbol. The fifth element is represented in the center of the Shou symbol – of the five tenets, Wisdom is held in the center because one must have wisdom to discern how to utilize the other four tenets.
Other pages of interest:
Chinese Symbols
Good Luck Symbols
Other Symbols for Longevity (Asian)
Posted in Good Luck Tattoos, Oriental Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos, Symbolic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: awareness, consciousness, enlightenment, happiness, immortality, life, long life, longevity, luck, lucky, nobility, philosophy, responsibility, spiritual, spirituality, strength, tao, wisdom
Friday, May 1st, 2009
Spider Tattoo Meaning
Spider Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):
- Thouroughness
- Connectivity
- Secretivness
- Thoughtfulness
- Practicality
- Magic
- Creation & Creativity
- Simplicity
- Luck
- Motherhood
- Progess
Spiders (and therefore spider tattoo meaning) share their symbolism with the webs they weave. Countless ancient cultures hailed the spiderweb as a connective matrixfrom which all of creation emerged. As the web mimics the interconnectivity of life/nature – the spider, then, is the creatrix.
For example, in India the spider is a weaver of reality and is a symbol of cosmic order. In this light, the web of reality is spun from the womb of the spider and so, the spider is also a representation of the Upanishads (spiritual wisdom) because the spider is both the creator and the inhabitant of wisdom. Spider tattoo meaning can also be connected to the Hindu concept of Maya (illusion) too as spiders weave crazy webs affecting perception.
The spider is often considered a solar creature and is associated with the sun because of its radiating legs & radiating webs. In this respect, the spider is also symbolic of: Life, vitality, health, radiating energy.
In Islam, white spiders are considered good luck symbols. Black spiders…not-so-much. 
Alternatively, the spider is also thought of as a lunar creature and is linked with moon symbolism too: Passivity, intuition, mysticism, shadows, cycles, time.
Mythological deities associated with the spider:
- Neith (Egyptian – the great weaver goddess)
- Anansi (African – spider god who tutored humans how to weave)
- Grandmother Spider (Native American Indian of Southwestern tribes - nature spirit connected to creation & wisdom)
- Arachne (Greek goddess turned into a spider after she bested the jealous Athena in weaving skills)
Furthermore, the spider has eight legs which is symbolic of infinity, cycles, time, progression and harmonic balance (more on meaning of number eight here).
For more information on spider tattoo meaning follow these links:
Symbolic Spider Meaning (full article)
White Widow Spider Meaning
Good Luck Animals (including spiders as lucky omens)
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Native American Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: awareness, connection, creativity, luck, magic, motherhood, progress, protection, vitality, wisdom
Friday, May 1st, 2009
Celtic Raven Tattoo Meanings
Raven meanings for Celtic Tattoos
(at-a-glance)
- Military
- Magic
- War
- Oracle
- Prophecy
- Shadow
- Memory
- Secrets
- Warning
- Protection
- Solitude
Raven meaning for Celtic tattoos is based on Celtic myth and legend. Tales of the heroic Chuhulian, Bendegeit Bran, Lugh all speak of the raven in a prophetic capacity as well as power and protection. Meanings of retribution come into play with female Celtic figures of power such as the raven goddesses Morrigan, Macha and Badbh.
Legend conveys the powerful Celtic goddess, Morrigan descending upon battlefields in the shape of 100s of ravens. Morrigan, in the form of these shimmery black winged legions, would consume the souls of fallen warriors in battle and carry their souls appropriate spiritual realms.
Raven meanings of wisdom, prophecy and knowledge-keeping is connected with the Welsh hero Bran, the Blessed whose name means raven.
Bran was the holder of ancestral memories, and his wisdom was legendary. So much so, that he had his head (the vessel of his powerful wisdom) removed and interred in the sacred White Mount in London.
Ravens are still roosting there (in the Tower of London), and they’re thought to keep Bran’s wisdom protected and alive by their presence. This plays in nicely with symbolism of protection the raven has in Celtic symbolism.
Raven meanings are also associated with the Celtic high king, Lugh who is considered a masterfully skilled in smithing, crafting, prophecy, swordsmanship, art and generally, an all-wise king.
In their association with the mighty Lugh, ravens take on a prophetic capacity. Ravens were an oracle for Lugh, forewarning him of invasions and other information that allowed him to lay clever military strategy.
To be sure, raven meanings speaking of keeping and protecting sacred wisdom and mystic law. It is thought ravens consume the soul upon physical death so that soul-knowledge will not die with the body – but rather lives on while carried aloft raven wings.
For more information on raven meanings click here.
Find even more inspiration for your Celtic tattoos by visiting my Celtic Animal Meanings page (according to the Ogham) here.
Posted in Animal Tattoos, Bird Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: magic, memory, military, oracle, prophcy, protection, secrets, shadows, solitude, war, warning, wisdom
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Grapevine Tattoos
Grapes and Grapevine Tattoo Meanings
(at-a-glance):
- Abundance
- Life
- Pleasure
- Joy
- Fullness
- Vintage
- Ripeness
- Flourishing
- Prospering
- Faith
- Wisdom
- Fertility
- Youthfulness
- Celebration
Grapes and grapevine tattoos remind us of the Latin tenet in vino veritas, which means “in wine there is wisdom.”
Wine is a derivative of grapes, and was considered to be the nectar of the godsin Greco-Roman myth. Therefore, grapes and grapevines are seen as the purest essence of godliness – namely immortality.
Grapes, grapevines and wine are associated with the Greco-Roman gods Dionysus/Bacchus.
Grapes are commonly seen in Christian art to convey the association between wine and the blood of Christ. In this light, grapes are symbolic of sacrificeand the overflowing abundance of divine love.
The grapevine is also symbolic of the Israelites, and the tree of the Messiah is sometimes compared to a grapevine in the old testament.
Grapevine tattoos convey:
- Protection from evil spirits.
- An abundant life.
- A zest for living well.
- A devotion to the fruits of the spirit.
- The desire for prosperity, fertility and beauty in life.
Posted in Christian Tattoos, Plant Tattoos, Spiritual Tattoos | No Responses »
Tags: faith, fertility, joy, life, pleasure, wisdom, youth
