What does your Tattoo Mean?

Ever wondered or wanted to know what the meaning for certain images were while planning your tattoo. Always wanted to know what the meaning might be of the tattoo you already have? 

Well you will find it here in our blog on image symbolism to help you plan or expand on your next tattoo. 

A person can find symbolic meaning in all cultures over the centuries. 
Images have always been a part of our lives. 
Signs and symbols are everywhere in our lives. 
Incorporating our own personal symbols into our lives can help us in self-discovery and self-expression.

Symbolism can represent our, philosophies, our cultural History, express our inner Awareness, give us personal Identity.


We have searched and searched and included everything we could find to help you from Aztec, Celtic, Oriental, Native and  Egyptian symbolic meanings to colour, shape and image meanings. Whether you want something to represent luck or love or you have a specific image in mind the symbolism for it is explained here. Enjoy! And we hope it helps!

Egyptian Symbolism

    Egyptian Symbolism

Egyptian Symbols were often used to depict ideas which would be difficult to elucidate through more concrete modes of expression. These ideas, thoughts, beliefs or perceptions often transcended the realms of reality. Egypt’s symbolic orientation can be confirmed by the fact that these symbols were not just used as architectural embellishments but they also held a sacrosanct place in rituals related to religion and magic.

Eye of Horus or Eye of Ra

Symbolizes healing and protection. 

Egyptian Alphabet

Amenta

This symbol represents the Underworld or Land of the Dead. 

Ankh

The Ankh was used to symbolize eternal life or the existence of life in the netherworld. It is also used in Egyptian hieroglyphics to represent life and living. 
However a completely contradictory theory states that the ankh is a symbol of the male and female genitalia. The ankh symbols found in the New Kingdom depicted a triangular structure in the loop at the upper end. This was interpreted as a representation of the triangular female mound. The long stump that extended down was considered to be the phallic representation while the horizontal dissecting line stood for the children or the union between the male and female
A third theory states the ankh symbolizes the movement of the sun or more specifically the sunrise with the central lop representing the sun or Ra a principle deity in the ancient Egyptian Religion while the stump was used to depicted the path of the sun and the horizontal line was used to represent the horizon.

Ba

The Ba is what we might call someones personality. It would leave the body at the time of death. During the days the Ba would make itself useful, at night it would return to the tomb. At this time, it would look for the person to which it belonged. This would be the mummy, however, often the egyptians would supply the Ba with a statue in the likeness of the deceased in case the mummy was lost or damaged.

Canopic Jars   

During mummification the internal organs were removed and placed in four containers. These containers often have human or animal-headed stoppers. 

  Imsety: The human headed guardian of the liver

Qebekh-sennuef: The falcon headed guardian of the intestines.

Hapy: The baboon headed guardian of the lungs

Duamutef: The jackal or wild dog headed guardian of the stomach.

Deshret

The Red Crown. This was the crown that represented Lower Egypt (northern).

Djed

It is believed that the Djed is a rendering of a human backbone. It represents stability and strength. 

Feather of Maat

Represents truth, justice, morality and balance. I

Fetish of Osiris

An animal skin hanging from a stick, this is a symbol of Osiris and Anubis.

Flail and Crook

A symbol of royalty, majesty and dominion.

Hedjet

The White Crown. This was the crown of Upper Egypt (southern).

Ieb

This symbol represents a heart. The Egyptian believed the heart was the center of all consciousness, even the center of life itself.

Imenet

           
These symbols represent the west or western desert AKA the land of the dead. The horizon on which Ra dies at night and enters the underworld.

 Ka

The ka is usually translated as "soul" or "spirit" The ka came into existence when an individual was born. 

Maat

Represents truth, justice, morality and balance. Deities are often seen standing on this symbol, as if standing on a foundation of Maat.

 Neter

The Gods or having to do with the gods.

Palm Branch

The Egyptians would put a notch in a palm branch to mark the passing of a year in the life of a pharaoh. It symbolized the measure of time.

Pet

This symbol depicts the sky as a ceiling which drops at the ends, the same way the real sky seems to reach for the horizon. It symbolizes the heavens.

 Primordial mound

The Egyptians believed that during creation this hill rose out of the sea of chaos to create dry land. 

Ra

The sun was the primary element of life in ancient Egypt, we find this importance reflected in the art and religion. Some of the most popular gods had a solar connection. 

Sa

This symbol means protection. 

Scarab

Called the dung beetle because of its practice of rolling a ball of dung across the ground. The Egyptians observed this behavior and equated it with the ball of the sun being rolled across the sky. They confused this balled food source with the egg sack that the female dung beetle laid and buried in the sand. When the eggs hatched the dung beetles would seem to appear from nowhere, making it a symbol of spontaneous creation. In this role it was associated with the sunrise.

Sed
This is a representation of the pavilion used in the Heb-Sed ceremonies.

Sekhem

This is a symbol of authority.

Sesen

A Lotus Flower. This is a symbol of the sun, of creation and rebirth. Because at night the flower closes and sinks underwater, at dawn it rises and opens again. According to one creation myth it was a giant lotus which first rose out of the watery chaos at the beginning of time.

She

A pool of water. The Egyptians portrayed bodies of water by means of equally spaced vertical wave lines. When these lines are inclosed by a rectangle it denotes a lake or pool. The Egyptians believed water was the primeval matter from which aII creation began. 

Shen

A loop of rope that has no beginning and no end, it symbolized eternity. The sun disk is often depicted in the center of it. The shen also seems to be a symbol of protection. It is often seen being clutched by deities in bird form

Shenu

More commonly know as a cartouche. The shape represents a loop of rope in which a name is written. A protector of that name. 

Sistrum

The sistrum was a sacred percussion instrument used in the cult of Hathor. The sistrum consisted of a wooden or metal frame fitted with loose strips of metal and disks which jingled when moved. This noise was thought to attract the attention of the gods

Rekhyt

This bird is called the Lapwing, it is identified by its head crest, Its wings are pined back preventing it from flying. This symbol signifies a group of people. 

Tiet

The exact origin of this symbol is unknown. In many respects it resembles an ankh except that its arms curve down. Its meaning is also reminiscent of the ankh, it is often translated to mean welfare or life. 

Udjat

The sound eye of Horus. Symbolizes healing and protection.

Uraeus

The cobra is an emblem of Lower Egypt.  It is used as a protective symbol, the Egyptians believed that the cobra would spit fire at any approaching enemies.

Ushabtis

Literally translated it means "to answer." It is a small mummiform figure placed in tombs to do work in the afterlife on behalf of the deceased.

Was

This is a symbol of power and dominion. 

Winged Solar Disk

This is a form that the god Horus Behudety (Horus of Edfu) takes in his battles with Seth.

Feng Shui Tattoo Symbolism

FENG SHUI TATTOO SYMBOLISM

Feng shui symbols were used for centuries in feng shui because of the power of symbols and associations, as well as their historical associations. If a certain feng shui symbol does not resonate with you, choose one that does. Make it work for you, express the energy you need, and bring good feng shui into your life. What is important to understand is that, in order for feng shui to work i, you do not necessarily have to apply traditional Chinese symbols. You have to apply culturally specific symbols that resonate with you. 


You should use the energy of symbols that you are familiar with; in other words, the symbols that you emotionally respond to. 

What is very important to understand is that, in order for feng shui to work, you do not necessarily have to apply traditional Chinese feng shui symbols. The energy you need can be expressed in endless ways

Most of us are familiar with the look of many feng shui items such as the Chinese coins tied with a red string, the three legged toad, the dragon, the gods of wealth, etc. 


The reason symbolic level of feng shui works is because of the energy specific symbols bring into your tattoo, as well as because of their connection with the subconscious level of your mind. The stronger your connection with these symbols, the more you like them, the more powerful they become for you.

Popular Chinese feng shui symbols:

Love & Marriage Feng Shui

• Double Happiness Sign: There is perfect symmetry, flow and balance in the Chinese double happiness sign, which speak of the possibility of a lasting harmonious energy in a love relationship. 

• Dragon  is a powerful and auspicious traditional feng shui cure and an excellent feng shui symbol of strong yang / male energy. A pearl, or a crystal, in the feng shui dragon's claw symbolizes wealth, power and an abundance of opportunities.
  
  As a popular feng shui cure, dragons come in many sizes and variations of materials and color. A green dragon, for example, is an excellent feng shui cure  health  while a golden dragon can be a great feng shui cure for wealth and abundance.

• Dragon and Phoenix The dragon & phoenix pair is a classical feng shui cure for keeping (or attracting) the energy of harmonious communication in a marriage. In most representations, the dragon & the phoenix form a dance, or a circle of two energies that resembles the yin yang symbol.
  
  Historically, there are many specific elements that add to the power and the good luck associations of the dragon & phoenix symbol in Chinese culture. This couple is the most powerful motif in all Chinese imperial design. As both the dragon & the phoenix are mythical creatures, they can be represented in slightly different ways, depending on artists' vision, as well as specific associations

• Mandarin Ducks If you grew up in China or Japan, where the Mandarin ducks are wide-spread - you most probably have heard stories about the love and devotion of Mandarin ducks. They mate for life and are considered loyal and devoted to their chosen partner.
  
  Because in symbolic feng shui level one works with images and symbols to represent the desired energy, the Mandarin ducks have become the perfect feng shui cure for love. That is, in Chinese culture. Does that mean you have to use it? If you like it, certainly go for it; if you do not feel the love attraction when you look at the Mandarin ducks, rest assured there are hundreds of images out there that can speak to you of love and devotion. 

• Peony Flowers  The universal language of flowers crosses any cultural boundaries, interpretations or meanings. The feng shui use of the flowers symbol is based on the same universal feeling that flowers evoke in all humans - a feeling of beauty, grace, and a delicate, alive sensuality. 

Wealth Feng Shui

• Gold Arrowana or Koi Fish The symbology of fish, in general, is closely associated with the energy of water. The mysterious, the unknown, the bringer of life - all these (and more) are associations with the power of the waterelement. Feng shui adds the dimension of prosperity and abundance to the meaning of water. So, to put it in very simple terms, water is a life giver, thus a symbol of continuous abundance, and the fish would be a giver of sustenance, or nourishment, thus sure associated with health, wealth and prosperity. 

The symbol of fish was celebrated as sacred in many cultures and in many stages of human history - from Greek and Roman mythology to the worlds of Celts, Hindu, Buddhism and Christianity. 

In Chinese culture the symbol of fish is generally attributed two qualities. The first one is the aspect of abundance (because of the above mentioned qualities, as well as the ability of fish to quickly reproduce in quite big quantities). Then, of course, the Chinese word for fish (yu) is pronounced the same way as abundance! The other, less known aspect of Chinese fish symbology, is the fidelity and good companionship association, because many fish swim in pairs. 

• Arowana is undeniably the most prized fish for feng shui wealth purposes. Also called the dragon fish (because of its scales, as well as overall look though to be similar to the Chinese dragon); live arowanas can command quite high prices. Some of the fish behaviour can explain its wealth associations, too; arowanas are known to grow very fast, as well as become quite dominant/more powerful while getting older. In feng shui, arowana is used not only as symbol for wealth, but for power and authority, too. As compared to other feng shui fish, arowana is usually depicted alone.


• Koi is the next prized fish in the feng shui world. A decorative variety of carp, koi come in several bright colours such as red, yellow, blue, white and sometimes black. The typical number for Koi fish in a feng shui is 9 (8 brightly coloured koi and 1 black koi fish). The black fish is there to neutralize bad luck. You can also find feng shui cures with 2 koi fish, this being a feng shui cure to attract love and fidelity. There are also painting with any number of koi fish in a stream, which is used to represent a fresh flow of abundance. Still, best numbers are considered either 9 or multiples of 9.


• Goldfish are sometimes confused with koi because there is some similarity between them. Their application is also very similar to koi fish. The golden colour of the goldfish brings the desired association with gold and the gracious movement creates good energy. The feng shui number rules for the goldfish are the same as for the koi.

Good Fortune and Protection Feng Shui

• Chinese Unicorn (Chi Lin) is a mythical Chinese creature with the head of a Dragon, the body of a Horse, and the scales of a Carp fish. Also called the Dragon Horse, or the Chinese Unicorn, Chi Lin brings strong, protective feng shui energy with blessings of good health and prosperity

• Fu Dogs   or Imperial Guardian Lions, are a strong feng shui protection symbol. Fu Dogs were also a traditional feng shui symbol of family wealth and social status.
  
  Fu Dogs are usually displayed as a couple. The male Fu Dog is holding a globe under his right paw, which signifies control over his domain and protection of his home. The female Fu Dog is holding a cub under her left paw, signifying strong maternal protective instincts.
  
  It is interesting to note that the lion is not an animal indigenous to China. History says that travelers brought stories about lions as a Buddhist protector of Dharma, and statues of lions were modeled in feng shui after the travelers' descriptions and after the native dogs. 

• Red Bat The bat is considered an auspicious classical Chinese feng shui symbol of good fortune and prosperity. In classical feng shui applications Bat is considered a symbol of wealth and used as a wealth cure because the same word/pronunciation for Bat - "Fook" - also means "Prosperity" in Chinese. Bat also came to represent happiness and longevity, so it is an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture. 

• Tortoises  are considered guardians of good feng shui energy and the roots of their symbolism and feng shui use go deep to the feng shui beginnings. The are used as a protection and energy strengthening cure when placed on your back. A black tortoise, as a feng shui energy enhancer for your career - it will help attract a smooth, grounding energy for your business projects and promotions in your career. Used to bring a stable, protective, grounding energy. There are also feng shui tortoises with specific designs on their back, as well as feng shui terrapins, which should not be confused with feng shui turtles, as their feng shui use is slightly different.

• Various Flowers, such as Orchids, Cherry Blossoms

• Peony  One of the most sensual flowers with a delicious scent, the peony has long been used in feng shui as a cure for love & romance. This especially applies to a couple of pink peonies. The symbol of peony is often considered a metaphor for female beauty.

• Lotus  The lotus flower symbolizes the ultimate perfection; its purity is not touched by the mud from which it originates. In Chinese medicine, every part of the lotus plant, from roots to petals, has medicinal properties, thus making this symbol an even more potent feng shui cure for health and harmony .

• Cherry Blossoms  The blossoming flowers of cherry, as well as apple, dogwood, peach or other similar trees, have always been used to bring the energy of new beginnings, a sense of freshness and innocence. Most often the image of cherry blossoms is used as a love & marriage cure, but can also be used as feng shui cure for health.

• Orchid   This beautiful flower is considered a classical feng shui symbol of fertility. The orchid bringing the energy of an untainted natural symmetry, it has also become a symbol of a quest for perfection in any areas of one's life. Abundance, perfection, spiritual growth, beauty and purity - with such powerful universal symbolism attached to it, no wonder orchids have become a very popular house plant in the West! 

• Narcissus  In Chinese culture the structured energy of the narcissus flower is believed to bestow the flowering of one's career, talents and abilities. It is often used as a feng shui career cure, believed to help one get proper rewards for his or her hard work. White color narcissus is used more often in feng shui career applications versus the yellow one.

• Chrysanthemum  The feng shui symbol of a chrysanthemum flower is one of a life of ease and balance. At the same time, this flower is considered to have strong yang energy, so it is used to attract good luck to you.

• Mystic Knot Symbol is one of the most often used symbols in feng shui. Being a combination of six times the infinity symbol, this feng shui knot symbolizes a long and happy life full of good fortune. Mystic knot is sometimes referred to as the endless knot, because it looks like it swallows its own tail.
  
  In Buddhism, the mystic knot is one of the 8 magical auspicious objects. This symbol implies there is no beginning and no ending, reflecting Buddhist philosophy of endless rounds of birth and rebirth. As a feng shui cure, the mystic knot represents a harmonious flow of auspicious energy uninterrupted by any setbacks, accidents or misfortunes.
  
  It is believed that the presence of the feng shui mystic knot will benefit every aspiration of your life, thus this feng shui symbol is often used in feng shui amulets for love, abundance, feng shui protection , feng shui for career

•  Horse brings the energy of success, fame, freedom and speed. 

Health, Longevity & Happiness Feng Shui

• Butterfly Symbol The most common feng shui use of the butterfly symbol is as a feng shui cure for love and romance, probably because love is the most transformative feeling that makes you feel like flying.It can help energize the free flow of creative energy in your life and gracefully guide you through the transformational stages in your life,  

• Sau, the God of Longevity Long life, fame and fortune - these highly sought after attributes are believed to be brought into any space by Fuk Luk Sau, the three feng shui gods of wealth. As with most feng shui cures, the Fuk Luk Sau, or three feng shui gods of wealth, are there to bring what humans keep aspiring for through centuries - wealth, power and good luck, in addition to healthy and long life.

• Lucky Bamboo  Bamboo in itself is an amazing plant that brings a very peaceful and wise energy. It teaches the ultimate wisdom: how to be flexible and hollow (open) on the inside, so that the spirit can freely flow and heal your being.

• Images of Birds

• Phoenix   The mythical Phoenix is the most famous bird in feng shui, and it is often paired with the Dragon as a feng shui symbol of marital happiness. On its own, the Phoenix has Yang energy, when paired with the Dragon it symbolizes Yin, or female energies. The Phoenix symbolizes the energy of great strength, resilience and transformation, as it is able to raise form its own ashes to reach greater heights. The feng shui element associated with the Phoenix is Fire. 

• Cranes  The Crane comes next after the Phoenix in its popularity in feng shui applications. The Crane came to symbolize longevity because of its long lifespan. In ancient Chinese legends, the Cranes carry the spirits of the departed to the heavens. Thus, the symbol of cranes is used in feng shui to bring the energy of a long, noble and peaceful life that will eventually lead the human soul to heavens.

• Mandarin Ducks These famous ducks are the "love birds" of feng shui, as they are the most popular traditional feng shui cure for love & romance. Because they mate for life, the Mandarin ducks came to symbolize devotion, fidelity and lifelong affection in the matters of the heart. Mandarin ducks are always used in pairs

• Peacock  Stunning in its beauty, the Peacock is considered the manifestation of the celestial Phoenix on earth. Its mesmerizing colors and the "thousand eyes" look on its tail is considered to promote fame luck in feng shui, as well as enhance one's protection and awareness. Of course, such a stunningly beautiful bird as peacock will also symbolize beauty and the feelings of love and attraction, thus the image of peacock or the peacock feathers are often recommended in feng shui as a love cure for single people to help attract the desired mate.

• Rooster  The Rooster is often used in feng shui for career advancement purposes, because the same Chinese word used for the official is also used for the Rooster's chest. No matter which culture you come from, though, if you watch Roosters you will notice that they tend to be quite bossy.  The Rooster wakes up very early and announces the dawn of a new day/the dispersing of darkness and dark spirits, so the Rooster also came to symbolize the ability to ward off evil spirits.

• Magpie   In feng shui, the magpie is associated with joy, celebration and happiness. It also symbolizes the tendency for nesting, so the image of a magpie is a traditional feng shui cure recommended for those who want to settle down and "nest". Magpies are also associated with marriage, children and happy households.   In ancient China, the arrival of magpies was regarded as an auspicious omen of new opportunities, be it a new job or a new love. The symbol of magpie is often used as a traditional feng shui cure to help remove, or alleviate one's obstacles in career or love life.

• Doves   Peace is the universal energy of doves, no matter which culture one comes from. In feng shui, doves are also sometimes used as a love cure to promote a long and peaceful marriage. One of the Chinese legends affirms that doves were highly favored at the Emperor’s court because of the calming effect of their cooing.

• Buddha brings a peaceful, calm and comtemplative energy in a busy, hectic lifestyle 

• Various Fruits, such as Peaches, Apples, etc. The feng shui energy of fruits is the energy of fruition. The use of specific fruits in traditional feng shui applications is often dictated by classifications from ancient texts as being specific symbols of longevity, wealth, prosperity, fertility, etc.
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• Peach. One of the most popular feng shui fruit symbols, peach is the symbol of immortality. The peach is also known in feng shui as the fruit of heaven because of its prominence in many ancient Chinese legends about the Immortal gods. Peach came to be associated with wealth, health, abundance and longevity. The peach is also known as a feng shui symbol of love and marriage. In China, "love luck" is often referred to as "peach blossoms luck".


• Pomegranate. Because the pomegranate is full of juicy seeds, it symbolizes fertility in feng shui and it is used as a feng shui fertility cure. Pomegranate also symbolizes happiness in the family, as well as good luck for one's descendants. 


• Grapes. In feng shui, grapes symbolize abundance of food, thus abundance of material wealth. Grapes came to represent success and abundance coming to one in the near future, or always being in one's family. Sometimes grapes are also used as a feng shui symbol, or cure for fertility, as well as a cure for turning bad luck into good luck.


• Apple. Apple has always been associated with peace, good health and harmony in one's home. One of the reasons is the fact that in Chinese language the word for "apple" sounds like the word for "peace". Color-wise, red apples are considered to be very auspicious, although or course green and golden/yellow apples are also widely used according to their color properties.


• Pineapple. The sound of the Chinese word for pineapple is close to the sound of “good luck coming your way”, so the pineapple has become a popular traditional feng shui symbol of wealth, fortune and prosperity.


• Oranges. The popularity of oranges in the traditional feng shui applications is explained by the refreshing/cleansing odor, as well as the yang quality of the orange color.  It is believed that citrus fruits can ward off bad luck, thus oranges, along with tangerines and limes are often used in traditional feng shui.