The art of tattooing dates back thousands of years and spans the entire world. Originally possessing spiritual power amongst the people of the South Pacific, European sailors coopted the practice and began to cover themselves in images precious to them. Many vintage tattoos depict nautical themes and the sailor’s life. While tattoos promulgated throughout the world during the period of...
Representing the power of the creatures they come from, talon and claw tattoos vary widely, but typically convey ferocity. Combatting courageously to break through limitations, claws tear through their impediments to reach freedom. The ripping of flesh releases one's inner demons resulting in personal victory. Overcoming that which binds allows a flood of positivity to bring restorative healing. For those...
The swordfish, also called the marlin, symbolizes speed and concentration. These amazing swimmers can reach speeds of nearly 70 miles per hour. That means if a swordfish sees something it wants, it's probably going to get it! They also represent courage, virtue and strength. This is because swordfish are tied to unicorns in astrology and mythology. In primal astrology, Sagittarius...
"The unexamined life is not worth living." With these words, Socrates defended his actions in Plato's Apology as he was being tried for impiously corrupting the minds of the young. He was found guilty and sentenced to death for sharing his wisdom. But failing to do so would have been a fate even worse than death. Perhaps this is why...
Ants are extremely strong creatures. In fact, a leaf cutter ant can carry up to 50 times its own body weight. They are also fierce fighters. They will fight to the death with animals much bigger and stronger than themselves in order to protect their queen and offspring. They are also incredibly intelligent. The living structures that they build as...
Do you feel lucky? Slot machine tattoos show off your love of life's gambles. A true gambler knows that every decision in life is like the pull of a slot machine. You can lose a thousand times in a row, and then come up with the ultimate jackpot. Nothing in life feels like that winning pull. It's what makes the...
Even if the deck is stacked against you, as long as you have one more chip to anti up, you're not out of the game. A poker chip tattoo represents more than just a love of gambling. It represents a love of life because that chip is more than just currency for the game. It represents another chance to win,...
We know now that volcanic eruptions are not caused by "the rage of the gods," but when you observe the paralyzing rivers of hot lava and sun-cancelling clouds of ash, it's easy to see why people once believed such things. A volcano tattoo suits the man with a fiery heart and an explosive personality. It symbolizes the potential of rebirth...
There's something special about the walrus that makes it a quirky, compelling tattoo. Its appearance has an almost humanoid charm. With his upturned snout and whiskers, the walrus brings to mind a regal, dignified gentleman. Your walrus tattoo can include little accessories--a top hat, a monocle--as a nod to old-fashioned sophistication. A walrus tattoo also signifies the eccentric, the strange....
There's a certain quiet wisdom about the toad, that pond-dweller that features heavily in many myths and fairy tales. Toads may be humble creatures, but there is rich symbolism in a toad tattoo. The toad is an emblem of transition and transformation because it develops in distinctive growth cycles. A toad tattoo could indicate that its wearer has reached his...
