- Tiger Tattoo Meaning
Tiger Tattoo Meaning (at-a-glance):
- Stealth
- Duality
- Royalty
- Strength
- Intellectual prowess
- Strategy
- Watchfulness
- Shapeshifting
- Supernatural powers
- Courage
- Heroism
- Determination
In Chinese symbolism the tiger represents both Yin and Yang energies. The tiger is powerful because it strength comes from both lunar and solar sources (symbolically). It is at once mystical and magical in lunar light – as well as commanding and authoritative by solar shine.
The Tiger is the third in the Chinese zodiac line-up and correlates to the sign of Gemini; an air sign which corresponds to symbolism of diversity, constant activity and intellectual superiority.
Tigers (and panthers) are sometimes represented on the Chariot card in the Tarot which is derived from the myth of Dionysus/Bacchus. In this case, tiger tattoo meaning is associated with drive, determination, perseverance, and a blinding need to reach a goal.
In the myths of Japan, the tiger is almost always connected with heroism, warriors and victory in battle for its keen intelligence, stealthy mannerisms and undeniable power.
Tigers are also associated with military, strategy and war heroes in Eastern Indian culture. In Hindu myth, the tiger is often linked with primal urges – urges that can be destructive while extremely effective in creation too. Witness to this destructive/creative tiger-force are the goddesses Kali and Durga who claim the tiger as their companion in deific art.
In Indian Buddhism, the tiger is a spiritual symbol. In this case, tiger tattoo meaning is connected with the tiger prowling through the jungle. This represents the spiritual path, and the tiger is symbolic of emerging from the jungles of distractions. Because Buddhists observed the tigers ability to navigate even in the dark, and by the moon – the tiger is symbolic of the light within…..that soulful, inner light that (ideally) navigates mankind.
Tigers standing at the front of sacred entrances (temples, tombs, etc) in Asian traditions signify protection and guardianship of souls.
If you found this page on tiger tattoo meaning interesting, you may also enjoy:
Chinese Tiger Symbolism (full article)