Therefore, the Chinese dragon tattoo meaning is that of power, luck, and wisdom. Ouroboros is a Greek word meaning “tail devourer.”. It is drawn differently depending on the context. You may want to design something personal, draw inspiration from your cultural background, or grab an idea from pop culture. For the Egyptians, the snake was the symbol of power and protection. When the snake releases its tail, a prophesied apocalypse, the battle known as Ragnarök, will begin. As the snake travels upward, it awakens a vital, spiritual energy that has been dormant. The neo traditional snake tattoo is proof that what is not so easily accepted often makes for the most unforgettable art. In alchemical tradition, as well as in Gnosticism and Hermetism ouroboros was associated with cyclicality. A snake tattoo on detainees commonly means treason. Ancient alchemists were concerned with the idea of transformation, both scientifically and spiritually. Gnosticism is an umbrella term that deals with ancient belief systems of a similar ilk. The wrapping of the serpentine around a precious item or He represents the outward expansion of the universe from a tiny point of origin. It is a representation of a life force, an energy that exists in all of us. The snake tattoo can represent birth, magic, renewal, defense, mystery, and especially protection. A snake biting its own tail and forming a circumference is usually used to represent an eternal principle. This sterling silver ring measures approximately 8.5 mm wide at its top (and 4mm wide at its narrowest point). Snakes are deadly predators that often hold deadly, toxic venom within them that makes them a deadly foe for many animals and even humans. Grecian philosophers took note of the snake symbol in Egypt. It is a very ancient symbol depicting a serpent swallowing its tail and forming a circle. It is a reminder that everything has its harmonious opposite. They are also markings used on divining tools. Death doesn’t play favorites, it comes for us all. Leaf: Associated qualities: Harmony, balance, nurturance, peace, healing, wisdom, nature, protection, the wild, dryads, resurrection, survival, cycle of life, slumber. In this context, the serpent is said to be a manifestation of the snake god Mehen. To these scholarly philosophers, the ouroboros represented a spiritual transcendence. It’s the interconnected core of so many belief systems. The serpentine Chinese dragons feature heavily in Chinese art, architecture, and embroidery – and are a highly popular choice of dragon tattoo design. Hourglass Tattoos: Meanings, Tattoo Designs & Ideas, Octopus Tattoos: Meanings, Artists, Tattoo Designs & Ideas, Jesse Smith: “Around then I was getting a lot of sh*t for tattooing New School”, American Traditional Flower Tattoos: A Visual Guide, The Everlasting American Traditional Tattoo Lettering, An expression of our origins as a species. In Japan, the Hebi (snake) is also a popular tattoo subject. Still not sure what kind of ouroboros tattoo you’d like? It has multiple meanings across multiple cultures. One of the main meanings is renewal and rebirth, which are linked to the constant change of skin of snakes. The world serpent, also known as Jörmungandr, is an agent of chaos in Norse mythology. Snake Tattoo Symbolism in Different Cultures. Get a Jörmungandr tattoo and spread your grim prophecy. Serpent Among hawks, sharks, and panthers, snakes are also some of the most famous tattoos that someone can get. Today, the legacy continues with our modern tattoo art. In a world so weighed down and busy, it’s no wonder people crave a spiritual awakening. Ouroboros Tattoo The Ouroboros was the symbol of a snake eating its own tail. The world serpent, also known as Jörmungandr, is an agent of chaos in Norse mythology. At snake or snake tattoos may have different Meanings. If you want to show off your love of all things Norse- you may want to add some runes to a world serpent design. Every night Ra slices off the head of the snake demon. Old School Tattoos & #8211; History and Inspiration, Lily Allen's Tattoos - Symbolic and Regretful, Scarification in Africa: Traditions are Ending, V for Vendetta: Remember, Remember, the 5th of November, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z Tattoos: The Best Anime and Manga Inspired Arts #1, Curiosities about Lucky Tattoo & #8211; First tattoo artist in Brazil, Mara Salvatrucha & #8211; MS13 and Tattoos. Pick a few symbols for a large tattoo 36. The Egyptian texts featured long, twisted snakes that could coil themselves into any position. We continue that legacy with heart shaped snakes in our ouroboros tattoos. Later they were used to distinguish members of a tribe or to symbolize a warrior’s status. The serpent grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail. A Japanese snake tattoo … Snake Tattoo Meaning The serpent is a resilient and unpredictable creature which has become the subject of phobia for many people. With its strike which is as fast as lightning, it has been associated with rain because rain enters the earth and bringing forth life. The first known ouroboros symbol is in the Enigmatic Book of the Underworld, a text found in King Tut’s tomb. Jörmungandr is the massive sea serpent, or world serpent, in Norse mythology that will inevitably cause Ragnarok. Man with an incredible mask 38. A person wearing a snake figure would be protected at all times. Meanings of snake tattoo Designs: Since there are so many cultures that have some meaning attached to the snake, the tattoo with this motif has both positive and negative connotations. At times, they become overheated which causes them to enter a delirious state. It was especially significant for the Greeks to use a snake to represent the concept of eternal life. The serpent also provides duality to tattoo when combined with other more positive associations, such as the heart, rose, or even a skull. Photographs of tattooed Soviet prisoners, held in police files until now, are about to be published for the first time. In short, the Egyptians believed in the big bang theory before modern scientists ever came up with it. In traditional Japanese tattoos, the snake holds a wide range of meanings and performs a number of important functions. The snake sheds its skin, an act of simultaneous creation and destruction. This is interesting, as Ra also has a snake enemy in those shadowy lands. Eagle inked in a tribal style 39. Closely linked to alchemy, Gnostic people often use the ouroboros as a symbol of eternity and unity. The ouroboros is a fascinating, mystical symbol, and something you’ll never get tired of as a tattoo. This piece is not for personal use (well, unless you are ~Pyratus) and is not f... Midgar serpent tattoo A tattoo commission for . The creature was tossed into the water by Odin, but it began to grow to epic proportions from there. Aug 29, 2015 - A tattoo commission for . The rune is Algiz which represents protection. When it comes to ouroboros tattoos, there are so many directions to consider. It is also a phallic symbol, the procreative force, and the presence of a serpent is a universally associated with pregnancy. One of the main meanings is renewal and rebirth, which are linked to the constant change of skin of snakes. One of the sneakiest and deadly hunters on land, snakes are some of the coolest tattoos that you can get with immense symbolic meaning. (See the meaning of ouroboros tattoos). The serpent is a charming yet spine-chilling reptile, often seen as a cold-blooded symbol, both literally and figuratively. Or perhaps you want to remember that you will answer to your god in the afterlife. In other tattoo cultures, the snake is a powerful motif of immortality, re-birth and fertility due to the reptile’s ability to shed its skin. The ouroboros symbolizes spiritual concepts that govern so many of our belief structures. At that time, there were a few spiritual theorists searching for the right way to worship and be holy. He is central to the Egyptian religion as a life-giving deity. The outward expansion of the cosmos from one point of origin. It is perfect for mystics, or people who have just lost someone they love. The ouroboros exists in different cultures, so it can be drawn in a variety of styles. We will delve further into symbolism and history, but for now, some basic talking points. In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr (Old Norse: Jǫrmungandr, meaning \"huge monster\"), is a sea serpent, the middle child of the giantess Angrboða and Loki. A tattoo of an eagle is a popular symbol to represent being patriotic to the world of the U.S Navy. Circular images often represent the sun god in ancient Egypt. The Gnostic people interpreted Christianity in a vastly different way than we know it today. Others tend to look for deeper meanings of the tattoos they are going to ink. A Viking with a horned helmet was never depicted in Viking lore, and the only verified Viking helmet (found in a burial mound near Gjermundbu, Norway) did not have horns. See more ideas about world serpent, ouroboros, ouroboros tattoo. The dragon that’s not 42. The mythological theory is that this galaxy was a serpent made of light that moves through the sky. An ouroboros is an easy reminder of it without looking too grim. Creation from destruction and vice versa. Snakes have always played vivid parts in frightening and fascinating mankind. Prior to this text, however, no one had seen the Ouroboros symbol. Here are some meanings associated with the snake tattoo: The bad or The sun rises and the journey continues, only to happen again the next night. The Ouroboros means “One who eats oneself” which leads to one’s destruction. Meaning of Snake or Serpent Tattoo. Animal Tattoos: What Does Elephant Tattoo Mean? A Celtic dragon tattoo The Great Red Serpent in a Celtic knotwork dragon tattoo After Christianity arrived in these regions, the dragons shifted away from being symbols of power and wisdom to being symbols of strife and infertility . Opposing concepts make an eternal harmonious loop. Aztec Tattoo Designs Originally, Aztec tattoos were only done in a ritual to honor an Aztec god. This may also be referred to as enlightenment. An ouroboros can be a way to accept death as a part of life. Jörmungandr lives in the sea and can cause terrible storms. Want to hear the first song with sounds recorded on Mars? However, the origin of the myth about the giant serpent that encircles the whole world and devours its own tail, lays in the much more remote past. Here, we talk exclusively about the oriental snake, as seen in many beautiful and fearsome Japanese tattoo art and what they mean to the people of Japan and Asia. It is this yin/yang type concept that inspires black and white ouroboros tattoos. Ouroboros tattoos may represent different concepts, including: Yes, but this phenomenon isn’t necessarily related to the ouroboros symbol. Ouroboros Tattoos: Meanings, Placement, Tattoo Designs & Ideas. It is a mystic set of beliefs, and it existed when there was no formal version of Christianity. So, what does Mehen/the Egyptian Ouroboros Symbolize? BBC Culture decodes the body art. Snakes are reactive creatures, and can sometimes misinterpret their flickering tails for prey. A ubiquitous creature, it seems to have existed since the beginning of time. The eternal balancing act between dark/light, day/night, friend/foe, life/death. The snake wrapped in a dagger usually represents fighting skills, covert and deadly. As a result, it received the name of the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. The offspring of Loki and a giantess named Angrboða, the world serpent has two ominous siblings, each a monster in their own right. When the Kundalini life force awakens, the symbolic snake uncoils and travels through the spine. Among its many attributes are protection from illness, disaster, and bad fortune. The Norse Ouroboros legend focuses less on the “creation” side and more on the destruction. If the concept feels new to you, consider its Christian cousin: do unto others as you would have done unto you. In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr (Old Norse: Jǫrmungandr, pronounced [ˈjɔrmunˌɡandʀ], meaning "huge monster"), also known as the Midgard (World) Serpent (Old Norse: Miðgarðsormr), is a sea serpent, the middle child of the giantess Angrboða and Loki. An ouroboros with runes may represent mysteries and the desire for spiritual knowledge. Maybe a Kundalini tattoo will remind you to move in a more enlightening direction. They represent the mysterious, the mystical, and the unknown. The snake demon Apophis embarks on a nightly mission to kill Ra and prevent the sunrise. As such, the symbolic interpretation will change with setting as well. It is said that this serpent now encircles the entire earth, holding its tail in its mouth. The sea serpent tattoo carries a traditional style but does not make use of many colors. These funerary texts are not uncommon in Egyptian tombs. The symbolism is basically the same, with a few tweaks. Rattlesnake Tattoo Meaning Known as the ‘rattler is a symbol of potency and fertility. For some cultures and people, the snake represents good and for others evil. They are often black and white or sometimes in two opposing colors. The MUA said that only the creators of the show know the true meaning behind the tattoo. Wrap your eyes around our ouroboros tattoo gallery for some slithery inspiration! Thy who rule over the world 34. If you want to double down on your esoteric symbols, look no further than the all seeing eye. This reinforces the idea of eternal life, natural cycles, and time not having a beginning or end. Snake tattoos can also be associated with death, because sometimes it can kill with a poisonous bite. On the day of Ragnarok it is said to rise from the sea floor spewing ash and poison into the air. Snake tattoos also represent wisdom and protection, particularly from the results of bad decisions. It’s a form of Chaos which deals with destruction! It features twice in the text, which tells the story of Ra and Osiris, the respective gods of the sun and the underworld. Quetzalcoatl Tattoo Meaning Quetzalcoatl is one of 3 gods credited with creating the world. When the Snake accompanies women, usually female deities and the Great Mother, it is often depicted twining round them or held in their hands. The Norse ouroboros legend is one of the most epic incarnations of the great snake. It’s a relatively simple image with complex symbolism. Two great empires divided 37. The chaotic, spiritual forces that govern our everyday world and the cycles therein. The snake tattoo also represents for many having defeated an addiction, and now conquering the world. Mehen always protects Ra, and Apophis always tries to kill him. Celtic Sea-Serpent Tattoo Meanings Celtic sea-serpent tattoos often represent a connection to the Moon – from its control over the tides to how it intervenes in lives. This image represents courage, honor, friendship, power, freedom and strength. To the ancient Greeks, the self ouroboros represents: Within Hindu spirituality, there is a concept known as Kundalini. As “Oura” meant “tail”, “robos” meant “eating”, the word’s meaning might be that “He Who Eats His Own Tail”. According to the Prose Edda, Odin took Loki's three children by Angrboða—the wolf Fenrir, Hel, and Jörmungandr—and tossed Jörmungandr into the great ocean that encircles Midgard. This tattoo often fits a caring person be they a teacher, healer, mother figure or caring leader. The great self-eating serpent lends itself well to tattoos. In ancient Egyptian texts and artwork, the Ouroboros may represent: In one image in King Tut’s tomb, the serpent wraps itself around the sun god, Ra. As such, sea-serpent tattoos have the added meaning of duality – life and death, yin and yang. Snakes can also be considered as God's messengers, especially white ones. As such, it is open to artistic interpretation. In the Hindu faith, the coiled snake lays at the base of your spine. The word Kundalini translates to “coiled snake.”. It deals with many concepts people would consider “new age.”. We may never be able to solve the serpent mystery, but Erin did share how the tattoos are created. They liked it so much, they brought it into their belief systems. 5 Brazilian cemeteries that attract lovers of art and history, 5 sights that are tombs & #8211; and you didn't even realize, The most beautiful libraries in the world, 5 cemeteries around the world that are amazing open air museums, Poster Collection Honors 100 Years of Bauhaus School, Dudes Factory and mcbess & #8211; Vintage Illustrations, Funeral LEGO: A playful way to talk about death with children, Discotheques: meet the photographic project that portrays women from the vinyl universe, Photographic exhibition “Radiolas” arrives at MIS-SP, Atlas of Beauty: Photographer underscores women's diversity around the world, Photos of a surfer facing temperatures of -30 ° this winter in the USA, The amazing Haloween costumes and make-up from Kawasaki Parade, Japan. Gnosticism has had a resurgence in recent years. In psychoanalysis they are symbols of eroticism; For the Egyptians, they are associated with wisdom or, in some Egyptian cultures, North America and Central America symbolize hell or the "world of the dead"; In the Chinese horoscope, they represent the people born in the year of the snake, who are considered wise and calm; In some parts of the East, they are considered divine and sacred animals, which offer protection against negative energies and give strength and knowledge; In Buddhism they are also considered sacred and protective against negative energies because a snake tempted the Buddha to the path of luxury and greatness and was unsuccessful; In Norse mythology, a snake coiled around the earth symbolizes the sea. Jan 17, 2021 - Explore C T's board "World Serpent" on Pinterest. The offspring of Loki and a giantess named Angrboða, the world serpent has two ominous siblings, each a monster in their own right. To transcend or become enlightened requires an awakening to oneness. Kaya na Gandaia releases single with Lei Di Dai and reggae star Pato Banton, Get carried away by Terry Blade's musicality in “Silent Treatment”, Flying Rabbit takes you on a psychedelic trip to “Eclectic Playground”, Cassette sales grow 94% in the UK in 2020, Documentary “Quebra Tudo” shows political history of rock in Hispanic America, Farmer Gang: band unites the best of rock, blues, jazz and latin, “Going Home”: let yourself be carried away by the electronic indie pop of the French Deleo, Inspirations: triangle tattoo and its meaning. Before you make your ink appointment, let’s get to know the origins of this interesting symbol. Mystics often believe that there is no “I” or “you,” we are one. The Grecian concept of the Ouroboros is similar to the Egyptians. For Native Americans the eagle represents grace and the balance between heaven and earth and has a deep spiritual meaning : the eagle flies close to the sun , the creator, who dominates the earthly lives . The main action he is given credit for is bringing knowledge to humans and teaching them how to cultivate those skills. Tattoos, motorcycles, graffiti, music are some of my passions and my main topics on BlendUp. Many designs feature a “half and half” colored ouroboros. But let’s recap some key concepts all the same. In this context, the snake can also represent reincarnation: A process also known as Metempsychosis or the transmigration of souls. 33. The great serpent can also take the shape of an infinity symbol. But the creature represented in an ouroboros tattoo is no earthly snake. Mehen acts as a protective entity for Ra during the night hours as he journeys through the underworld. He also taught the Mayans about plant medicine and healing. For some cultures and people, the snake represents good and for others evil. At snake or snake tattoos may have different Meanings. There are many methods within Hindu spirituality to awaken your Kundalini life force. A heart shaped serpent may represent eternal love, or a passion for living life to the fullest. They are said to help guide the dead through to the afterlife. In these tattoos, the snake is in a skeletal form. Aztec tattoo symbols and meanings aren’t all deciphered 35. Celestially speaking, the ouroboros also represents the Milky Way galaxy. And they added a cool snake which makes it so metal. These cultures believed that snakes had a role in creating the planets. The rune is Algiz which represents protection. In this context, an ouroboros tattoo may communicate your new age religious beliefs. The tattoo shows the giant serpent out of the sea as it shrieks in anger. There have been many “all is one” symbols throughout history, including the yin yang and the tree of life. Finally, the meaning of the snake tattoo is very complicated and complex. The serpent also represents the endless birth/death cycle- as it does in so many belief systems. It can represent your view on death and the afterlife, your desire for spiritual oneness, or the end of days. Snake Serpent Tattoo Meaning Womma-Jack Tattoo & Art It is phallic, the procreative male force, ‘the husband of all women’, and the presence of a serpent is almost universally associated with pregnancy. Interesting fact: while the above tattoo of a Viking is amazing, the common image we have of the brooding bearded Viking donning a horned helmet is simply a fabrication. If you like our video please subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/2CAyCCz If you’re thinking the end is nigh, why not live a little? Egyptologists have found that the snake eating itself symbol is a flexible one. In Native American and African cultures, the rattlesnake is considered sacred and is linked to rain and lightning. It’s quite an unpleasant sight, something you can google at your own discretion. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled some of the most common ouroboros tattoo designs. The snake shedding its skin is symbolic of the soul shedding its human body at the time of death. As with most of the English language, the word we use for this symbol came from our friends the Greeks. Some people prefer to live with death, rather than deny it because it’s uncomfortable. Snake Tattoo Meaning. Nowadays, tattooing is more popular and socially acceptable. It can be simple and elegant, or ornate and opulent. Kundalini concepts have been gaining popularity over the years. So if you’re a star gazer, this could be a cool take on the ouroboros tattoo. Depicted in many religions but known as a Masonic symbol, the eye represents an all seeing God. Ouroboros Tattoo Meaning Some people may have a tattoo done just because they really like an image and that’s all. Jörmungandr lives in the sea and can cause terrible storms. Life beginning, ending, and beginning again, The soul lives on after death, taking a new form. The Grecian ouroboros represents the birth/death/life cycle. Many iconic civilizations have images and legends that refer to a snake eating its tail. Fenrir TattooNorse TattooViking TattoosTattoo WolfTattoo SymbolsTattoo CelticThai TattooMaori TattoosTribal Tattoos Jörmungandr (the Midgard Serpent) is a sea serpent of the Norse mythology. Although snakes and serpents are associated with betrayal and malignity by Christians, they can be symbols of prudence, because Jesus said to be "simple as doves, but prudent as serpents." Dragons are also seen as protectors, so another meaning to this tattoo could be as a good luck or protective charm. It depicts a snake (or sometimes a dragon), eating its tail.