Animals tattoos that Symbolize Love

Animals to Tattoo that

Symbolize Love

	Dolphin: Due to its association with Delphi, which signifies the love embodied within the womb. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was said to take the form of the dolphin and was also known as the Woman of the Sea. When depicted on an anchor or pierced with a trident the Dolphin is a symbol of the church being guided by the love of Christ.
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	Dove:  Slavic legend states that upon dying, the soul is transformed into a Dove which wings its way into the loving heavens. In Hinduism the Dove is an emblem of spirit, and the inifinite capacity the spirit has for love. In Greco-Roman mythology, the dove was a sacred creature to Aphrodite/Venus. Ancient Jewish practices permitted the Dove to be sacrificed as a love gift which signified the purification of a new mother after childbirth. In the West, the Dove (as well as turtledoves) symbolize love and are frequently seen in wedding traditions.
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	Horse: In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse is equated with practicality and love. As highly skilled horsemen, the Celts attributed the horse to Epona, also known as the Horse Goddess. Among other attributes, Epona was known for abundance, love and fertility. In Mesopotamia there arose a legend that the sun was drawn by a Horse riding across the horizon - the Horse was known as the embodiment of love for the land as it carried life-giving light and warmth with it.
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	Ladybug: Best known as an emblem of luck, the Ladybug is a love symbol also. Asian traditions hold to the belief that if caught and then released, the Ladybug will faithfully fly to your true love and whisper your name in his/her ear. Upon hearing the Ladybug's message your true love will hurry his/her way to your side. Ancient farmers of the land have considered the Ladybug a good omen as she controls aphid populations. The number of spots on a Ladybug's back is said to indicate the number of months to pass before the wish for love comes true.
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	Starfish: In Christian symbolism the Starfish represents the Virgin Mary (Stella Maris which means Star of the Sea) who lovingly creates safe travel over troubled waters and is also seen as an emblem of salvation during trying times. The star as well as the Starfish are seen as celestial symbols and as such, they represent infinite divine love. In addition to love, the Starfish also holds characteristics such as guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition.
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	Swan:  Swans holds a multitude of representations including love, grace, purity, beauty and sincerity. Another attribute of Aphrodite, the Swan also symbolized chastity. The Celts believed the Swans were benevolent dieties and legend has it that their images were forged into silver medallions worn around the neck for protection. In Hinduism, the Swan is known as the Hamsa bird and signifies the divine mind and the breath of spirit. The Swan is also another symbol of the Virgin Mary and the purity and love she symbolizes.

Circle Symbolism

Circle Symbolism

Some circle symbol meaning keywords to contemplate:

Inclusion, Wholeness, Focus, Unity, Nurturing, Cycles, Initiation, Everything, Perfection, Womb, Centering, Revolution, Infinity, Mobility, Completion

Circle symbol meaning is universal it represents the infinite nature of energy, and the inclusivity of the universe.

Since ancient times circles have represented the cycles of time, specifically in the movements of the seasons. In the revolutions of the earth around the sun.

In alchemical symbolism the circle is a center point of focus. Circles are a feature in alchemical art. Circles are an emphasis on the featured work within its contoured border.  If fire is a feature in the work, a circle around it will illuminate the focus of fire.

Northern Native Americans believe the circle is the sun, the moon and her children, man and woman. Native perspective is vastly deep. And so, the circle also embodies a spiritual energy all things - sun, moon, etc holds spiritual connotations. Consider the circle symbol meaning in conjunction with the Native medicine wheels. Here we sense the integration of energy and matter - spirit and man, combining for the purpose of greater spiritual understanding and evolution.

Circles were protective emblems to the Celtic. Circles were often drawn as protective boundaries, not to be crossed by enemy or evil. Circles were also Celtic symbols of the cosmos - representing the intangible procession of time.

In Chinese symbology, the circle expresses the shape of heaven, with earth signified by a square. When we see a square inside a circle in Chinese art, it represents the union between heaven and earth. The deeply significant yin yang symbol is circular, and thus speaks to us of encompassing the whole of duality with intent for unified balance.

 Dr. Carl Jung viewed the circle as an geometric archetype of the psyche. When combined with a square it explains the relationship or balance between psyche and body.

When a symbol, (any symbol) is shown with a circle around it the symbol beckons the viewer to be drawn in, and included in the experience of whatever symbolic message the center may hold.

Consider these cirlces: 
Planets, Sun, Clock faces, Wheels, Seeds, Eyeballs, Coins, Rings, Cells, Fruit, Egg

In a broad sense, these random circular objects can be assembled like puzzle pieces to provide a big picture of our view of nature.

Good Luck Tattoo Symbols

Good Luck Symbols

Since as long as we've been human we have sought out a good luck symbol to protect us from all manner of negative influences.

A good luck symbol of any kind is steeped in superstition, and tied to the psyche of mankind. This is because symbols of good luck are symbols of our own hopes, and indications that we are cabable of fearing for our own safety.

There is no harm in adopting a symbol for good luck as long as we realize the power is not in the symbol itself. Rather, the "luck" is in the focus we give to the symbol.

Here are a few of these good luck symbol meanings - adopt them in good health, and know that it is your own perception that leads to protection.

Acorn:

 During the Norman Conquest, the English carried dried acorns to protect themselves from the brutalities of the day. Considered to be an emblem of luck, prosperity, youthfulness and power.

 It also represents spiritual growth


Skull:

 Mostly understood as a symbol of warning, the skull was often used by ancient cultures to ward off any type of evil influence or illness. It's philosophically viewed as the seat of intelligence, spirit and the spark of human life.

 The skull is also the remnant of the body that is the most resistant to decay - another sign of its strength as a symbol.

 Many primitive cultures believed wearing skulls would insure protection and well-being. 

Star:

 Legend claims this geometric symbol was designed by Pythagoras to represent perfection. It was also known as the Wizard's Star in the Middle Ages and was worn as an embelm on clothing to represent the mysteries of the Universe.

 The Lucky Star is such because in ancient times it was believed good fortunes were determined by the Stars.

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Caduceus:

Used as a good luck symbol in Egypt, India and ancient Greece, this emblem was said to ward off sickness, quarrels, and bring peace to any situation. The wings represent those on on the feet of Mercury who was the messenger of all the Greek gods. The snake symbolism speaks of the balance between good and evil. 

Shamrock and Clover:

 Specifically, the four-leaf clover is revered in Celtic myth for its emerald green hue and its vigorous growth. Each leaf symbolizes a different lucky characteristic:
 1) Fame,
 2) Wealth,
 3)Love,
4) Health. 

If you wear a lucky clover, your sweetheart will come to you, if you possess one, no evil can harm you, and if you dream of one you will live happily for the rest of your days.

Hand:

 A symbol of spiritual power, strength, domination, and protection. The Hand of Fatima (Muhammad's daughter) is worn as a good luck symbol in Islam - each finger representing an attribute
1) Faith,
2) Prayer,
3) Pilgrimage,
4) Charity,
5) Fasting.

 In ancient Europe a hand held up was believed to protect against the "evil eye."

Horseshoe:

 Another ancient emblem used to ward off the "evil eye." Common legend is that the ends must be pointing up (keeping all the good luck in). There are theories that the magic of this symbol is in its shape - that of the horned moon. 

Keys:

 Three keys worn together are said to unlock the doors of
 1) wealth,
 2) health,
 3) love.

The ancient Greeks used one key as a symbol for knowledge and life. A gold and silver key crossed is a papal emblem of authority and translates to mean the "keys to the kingdom of heaven." 

Shamrock and Four Leaf Clover Tattoo Symbolism

    Shamrock Symbolism   

Symbolic shamrock meaning got its most popular reputation in Ireland around the fifth century. During this time Saint Patrick was going about the business of introducing and establishing Christianity among the people.

St. Patrick must have understood this as legend indicates he utilized the three leafed clover as an illustration of the Christian holy trinity. Each leaf representing: Father, Son, Holy Ghost

The three portrusions may also be symbolic of the three theological virtues found in first Corinthians 13:13 - Faith, Love, Hope

This spiritual teaching tool caught on and spread amongst the community because to this day the symbolic shamrock meaning is iconic of St. Patrick and his spiritual passion. The symbolic meaning of clover may deal with spiritual development, but the use of the clover's trefoil growth might not have been original to Saint Patrick.

Ancient Celts revered the clover because of the trinity of its leaves too. These people had a deep understanding of their connection with nature, and had a myriad of powerful beliefs based on triads, as we see in the triskelion, triple spiral, triquetra, Druid marks, and various knot-work illustrated by the artists of the time. The occurrence of three's, depending on how they were depicted, indicated aspects of goddesses, gods, time, and balance of energies pertaining to the triple mark.

The clover was seen as a substantial food source for livestock which lent attributes of abundance, provision, and nurturing to the list of symbolic shamrock meaning.

Furthering the symbolism of abundance, clover growth is prolific with very little provocation. This would have indicated stability, expanse and fecundity to the Celts and their ilk.

 FOUR LEAF CLOVER

The notorious four-leaf clover is still considered a good luck symbol today because of its rarity. 

Each leaf symbolizes a different lucky characteristic: Respect, , Wealth, Love, Health

From a spiritual perspective, the four-leaf clover may represent the same divine triune as the one prescribed by Saint Patrick: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost with the fourth leaf symbolizing man or humanity. Therefore the presence of this fourth leaf (mankind) signifies redemption.

Meaning of clover and shamrocks deals with growth, financial gain, success, good health and achievement. 

Largely due to its color, as green is typically a brain trigger for refinement, wellness and satisfaction. The smell of clover is sweet, and studies have shown it induces a feeling of calm - this is also adds to the symbolism of attainment and contentment associated with shamrocks.

Chakra Animal Tattoos

Chakra Animals and their Symbolic Meanings

There is a symbolic chakra animal living within each of the prime power centers. Animals are endlessly meaningful in their messages, personalities and meanings and Chakras serve as a phenomenal reference for the circuitry, or pattern of human energy.

Using the symbolism of the chakras combined with their animals and their colours puts astoundingly effective tools in our hands for growth and healing.

Chakra	Color	Animal Symbol	Animal Attributes	Animal Message
Root	Red	Elephant	Charges through blockages. Protects. Remembers. Loves closeness. Social. Effective.	I provide
Sacral	Orange	Crocodile	Encourages creativity. Balances. Goes deep and resurfaces. Changeable.	I develop
Solar Plexus	Yellow	Ram	Motivates. Determination. Will. Expansive power.	I recharge
Heart	Green	Antelope	Inspires. Tenderness. Leaps over pettiness. Grace.	I share
Throat	Blue	White Elephant	Purifies. Communicates. Mastery. Harmonizes.	I express
Third Eye	Indigo	Black Antelope	Explore inner realms. Journeying. Trust. Vision. Truth.	I guide
Crown	Violet	Egg	Potential. Purity. Limitlessness. Ascension	I reveal

Chakra Tattoo Symbolism

  Simple Chakra Symbol meanings  

For centuries, chakra symbol mandalas have been utilized to focus in on certain attibutes of the body, mind and spirit. 

When a certain chakra "or energy centre" is focused upon, the mind is able to trigger growth and healing by connecting to the energy resonating to that particular chakra.

We can focus upon these energy centers by utilizing the power of chakra symbol mandalas.

Below are all seven chakra symbols, with basic meanings and associations. The following guides can help you pick the chakra for you whether you are adding a Chakra to your tattoos for emotional, mental or physical reasons.

Root Chakra Symbol Mandala Meanings:

Grounding, material security, balance of physical body, clearing of fear.

Color	Ruby Red
Symbol	Lotus flower with four petals, representing a strong foundation
Element	Earth
Verb	To be
Location	Base of the spine in the area of the perineum
Gland	Adrenal glands
Sense	Smell
Physical Body Areas Governed	Legs and feet, knees, hips and the skeletal system, bones, lower digestive functions, excretory functions, teeth, anus, prostate, adrenals, kidneys, and sexual activity.
Emotions Governed	Physical survival, the primal instincts, feelings of fight or flight
Gemstones	Ruby, garnet, coral, and bloodstone
Essential Oils	Oil of clove, cypress, marjoram, cedar, and myrrh
Lessons to Learn	To feel safe and secure in this physical world and to satisfy our basic needs.

Sacral Chakra Mandala Meanings:

Sexual creativity, primal understanding, relief of tension, augment relationships 

Color	Orange
Symbol	A lotus flower with six petals
Element	Water
Verb	To feel
Location	In the lower abdomen, between the waist and the pubic bone, about two inches below the navel
Gland	Gonads
Sense	Taste
Physical Body Areas Governed	Reproductive and sexual organs, sacral vertebrae, stomach, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, the upper intestines, spleen, and the auto immune system.
Emotions Governed	Sensuality and sexual energy, self-acceptance, intimacy, pleasure, our emotional nature and personal relationships.
Gemstones	Aventurine, citrine and carnelian
Essential Oils	Sandalwood, ylang ylang
Lessons to Learn	To bond with others in an emotionally healthy way and to express our creativity freely

Solar Plexus Chakra Mandala Meanings:

Personal power, sensitivity, clearing of anger, augment joy.

Color	Yellow
Symbol	A Lotus with 10 petals
Element	Fire
Verb	To Act or To Do
Location	Near the Navel
Gland	Pancreas
Sense	Sight
Physical Body Areas Governed	Pancreas, kidney, liver, stomach, small intestines, spleen, adrenals, gall bladder
Emotions Governed	Mental acuity, vitality, desire, sense of identity and sense of belonging, will, power, ego.
Gemstones	Topaz, calcite and citrine
Essential Oils	Bergamot, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Chamomile
Lessons to Learn	To fully experience who we are without fear or a need to control.

Heart Chakra Mandala Meanings:

Protection, love, harmony, connection, release of rejection, augment love. 

Color	Soft green or sometimes pink
Symbol	A lotus flower with twelve petals
Element	Air
Verb	To love
Location	In the center of the chest, near the heart
Gland	Thymus
Sense	Touch
Physical Body Areas Governed	Thymus, heart, lungs and diaphragm, circulatory system, rib cage, thoracic vertebrae, breasts, esophagus, shoulders, arms and hands
Emotions Governed	Love and compassion, healing, relationships, hope, trust, forgiveness, compassion
Gemstones	Jade, aventurine, rose quartz, rhodochrosite
Essential Oils	Jasmine, lavender, and marjoram
Lessons to Learn	To feel compassion and connectedness, both with ourselves and others

Throat Chakra Mandala Meanings:

Higher communication, proper judgment, ideal resolutions, release of temerity, augment self-expression. 

Color	Blue
Symbol	A lotus flower with sixteen petals
Element	Sound
Verb	To speak
Location	At the base of the throat
Gland	Thyroid gland
Sense	Hearing
Physical Body Areas Governed	Thyroid gland, throat, ears, parathyroid gland, trachea, neck and shoulders, esophagus, vocal cords, cervical vertebrae of the spine, mouth, teeth and gums
Emotions Governed	Self expression, creativity, communication, self knowledge, faith, trustfulness, honesty; connected to our career.
Gemstones	Lapis, turquoise, azurite, blue topaz
Essential Oils	Frankincense, eucalyptus
Lessons to Learn	To speak the truth and to be heard, to hear the truth from others

Third Eye Chakra Symbol Meanings:

Spiritual connectedness, insight, visualization into manifestation, clearing of grief, augment healing and imagination.

Color	Indigo
Symbol	A lotus flower with two large white petals
Element	Light (some references say Time)
Verb	To see
Location	In the middle of the forehead, between and above the eyes
Gland	Pineal and to some extent the pituitary
Sense	Sixth sense or higher mind
Physical Body Areas Governed	Pineal gland, pituitary gland, brain, nose, eyes, ears, neurological system
Emotions Governed	Intuition, insight, imagination, ESP
Gemstones	Amethyst, moonstone
Essential Oils	Jasmine and mint
Lessons to Learn	To use intuition and insight instead of judgement based on the physical senses

Crown Chakra Symbol Meanings:

Divine connectedness, pure being, perception beyond the confines of space and time, at one with everything. 

Color	Violet
Symbol	A lotus flower with 1000 petals
Element	Cosmic energy or thought
Verb	To know
Location	Top of the head
Gland	Pituitary and to some extent Pineal
Sense	None. Beyond sensory
Physical Body Areas Governed	Pituitary and pineal glands, brain, hormone system, nervous system, top of head
Emotions Governed	Peace, understanding and knowledge, enlightenment, conscious awareness, divinity
Gemstones	Clear quartz, white jade, diamonds
Essential Oils	Lotus
Lessons to Learn	Divine meaning of life

Power of Numbers in Tattoos

Adding Number Symbolism to your Tattoo

Numerology can be used to help add meaning to your tattoo by having a certain number of a specific element in your tattoo, or even by adding in the number it self. 

Every number has a certain power which is expressed both by its symbol to denote its representation and by its connection to universal principles. Numbers have relationships with all things in nature, making them powerful symbolic expressions.

Basically numerology is the study of numbers and their influence in our lives.

One: 

One primarily deals with strong will, positivity, pure energy. The number One reflects new beginnings, and purity. The symbolic meaning of number One is further clarified when we understand One represents both kinds of action: physical and mental. This combined with Ones urgency for new beginnings, we begin to see Ones recurring in our lives indicates a time to exert our natural forces, take action, and start a new venture. One encourages us our action will be rewarded in kind.

Two:

 The symbolic meaning of number Two is kindness, balance, tact, equalization, and duality. The number Two reflects a quiet power of judgment, and the need for planning. Two beckons us to choose. The spiritual meaning of number Two also deals with exchanges made with others, partnerships (both in harmony and rivalry), and communication. Two urges us out of our indecision, calls us to unite with like-minds, and like-ideals. Two asks us to exert our natural flow of judgment to do what is best for our souls.

Three:

 The spiritual meaning of number Three deals with magic, intuition, fecundity, and advantage. The number Three invokes expression, versatility, and pure joy of creativity. Three is also a time identifier as it represents Past, Present and Future. Consecutive Threes can symbolize the need to express yourself creatively, or consider your present directional path in relation to past events and future goals. Three can also represent promising new adventures. Three typically symbolizes reward and success in most undertakings.

Four: 

The symbolic meaning of number Four deals with stability and invokes the grounded nature of all things. Consider the four seasons, four directions, four elements all these amazingly powerful essences wrapped up in the nice square package of Four. Fours represent solidity, calmness, and home.  Fours can also indicate a need for persistence and endurance.

Five: 

The spiritual meaning of number Five deals with travel, adventure, and motion. With the highs that come with these attributes, Fives also carry instability and unpredictability, and radical changes. The spiritual meaning of Five draws our attention to the wonder of life, and beckons us to appreciate the perception of chaos all around us. Five has wild vibrations: primitive and erratic. When Five continues to pop up in your life be prepared for some action, like a trip. Remember, trips aren't all necessarily taken physically. Some of the best journey's are taken in the mind and spirit.

Six:

 The symbolism behind number Six is legend. With Venus as its ruler, Six represents harmony, balance, sincerity, love, and truth. Six naturally reveals solutions for us in a calm, unfolding manner. We invoke the Six when we need delicate diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters. The spiritual meaning of number Six also deals with enlightenment; specifically "lighting" our path in areas we require spiritual and mental balance. Sixes beckon us to administer compassion and consciously choose forgiveness in a situation.

Seven:

Sevens, like Threes, deal with magical forces. Sevens deal with esoteric, scholarly aspects of magic. Representative of scholarly activities, mystery, and the focused search for esoteric meanings. Seven deals with the activation of imagination and manifesting results in our lives through the use of conscious thought and awareness. Ruled by Saturn, Seven can represent impractical dreaming, but with a deeper understanding of the aspects of Seven, you can quite deftly utilize its magical vibration to your own benefit.

Eight:

 The symbolism backing number Eight deals largely with business, success, and wealth. This is due to the fact that Eight represents continuation, repetition, and cycles. Such elements are seen in arenas where success is obtained simply because of dogged determination and repetition. Also, matters of business and wealth largely depend on cycles to fulfill their manifestation. It's like the snowball analogy: As it continues to roll, in gets bigger and bigger with each revolution. Eight represents that kind of momentum.

Nine: 

The spiritual meaning of number Nine bring us to the very height of vibrational frequencies in this number sequence. Nine represents attainment, satisfaction, accomplishment, and our success to achieve an influence in our circumstances. The spiritual meaning of number Nine deals with intellectual power, inventiveness, influence over situations and things. Nine beseeches us to recognize our own internal attributes, and extend these abilities out into the world to make a positive, influential difference.

Octopus Tattoo Symbolism

Octopus

Octopus  attributes : Will, Focus, Magic, Reason, Illusion, Defense, Mystery, Strategic, Potential, Knowing, Diversity, Creativity,, Flexibility, Expansion, Complexity, Intelligence, Adaptability, Insatiability, Unpredictability

Diverse and impressive, octopus animal symbolism requires years of exploration and demands innumerable pages of symbolic explanation.

 As a creature of the water, the octopus holds animal symbolism pertaining to:

Purity

Psyche

Motion

Emotion

Fluidity

Intuition

Creativity

Flexibility

Water carries these attributes for several reasons. It is influenced by the wax and wane of the moon, and the moon is associated with psyche, intuition and emotion. The moon and water are also feminine or yin attributes. Water takes the form in which it is held – this makes it symbolic of flexibility, adaptability and creativity. Creation is born from a balance between expansive freedom and working within an established parameter. Water perfectly illustrates this balance.

The octopus moves skillfully in a realm that is in constant motion. Ever changing, shifting, and wafting in accordance with the pull of the moon, the octopus’ depth of mystery is enhanced by its own environmental aura.

Although vastly mobile and quite the traveler, the octopus is primarily a bottom dweller. In symbolic (totem) terms this is analogous of being grounded while still having the ability to exist in the watery world of the psyche. Those with the octopus as their totem would do well to recognize this analogy. It reminds us that we may be spiritual and intuitively gifted; nonetheless we are physical beings and must temper our psychic gifts with strong foundational grounding.

Octopi are invertebrates, meaning they do not have a structured spinal column. This is symbolic of agility, grace and flexibility. She is able to slip out of the tightest places, and ambulate as if she is the embodiment of water itself. Take the time to observe the way the octopus moves – it’s hypnotic. As a totem, the octopus reminds us to loosen up – relax. She reminds us that we may move towards our goals in unorthodox ways and still achieve the same (if not better) results.

The octopus can detach a limb at will to serve as a distraction against would-be predators. From a totem perspective we could translate this to mean that we ourselves have the ability to cut loose excess baggage in our lives in order to achieve our desire. The octopus can also regenerate these limbs. The ability to grow back a part of the body that has been removed is symbolic of: Time, Unity, Cycles, Evolution, Regeneration

This ability reminds us that our essence is never lost to us. Even the parts of ourselves we give up (such as our addictions as mentioned above) are never permanently removed. We are the sum of our parts (for better or worse) and even those parts we set aside shape our personality upon our path in life. This is a lesson in acceptance, forgiveness, diversity, and embracing all of our facets.

The octopus is extremely intelligent with the ability to reason, strategize, and recall information. The octopus reminds us to use our logic to our highest advantage. She urges us to be the master of our intelligence, not the slave. By using our reasoning skills the way the octopus does we are utilizing a tool.

Sparrow Tattoo Symbolism

Sparrow Tattoo

Symbolic Sparrow meaning:, Joy, Inclusion, Creativity, Simplicity, Protection, Community, Productivity, Friendliness

All too often we take the little Sparrow for granted - small though she may be, she is certainly powerful. It is her slightness in size that gives her advantages. She reminds us we do not have to have the big stuff (cars, houses, etc.) to be important, and we do not have to have the loudest voice in order be heard.

Sparrows derive power and protection from their numbers. Always in a clan, they move in clusters, eat in clusters, and are always content as such. This can be quite intimidating to some would-be predators. Safety in numbers is a lesson the Sparrow has to share with us.

The Sparrow is ever vigilant in her goals. She is always bustling for her food, foraging for her nests, and gathering for her young. Fastidious and productive, the Sparrow is a reminder that idle hands (and idle minds) should be avoided in order to live a full, healthy life.

She is a master of flight, and camouflage, and as such the Sparrow teaches us to use our creativity to get around in life - think outside the box, and be creative in solving our problems.

She beckons us to keep our burdens as light as we can in order to avoid a heavy heart.

Dove Tattoos Symbolism

  Dove Symbolism  

Dove symbolic meanings: - Love - Grace - Promise - Devotion - Divinity - Holiness - Sacrifice - Maternal - Ascension - Purification - Messenger - Hopefulness

The dove has seemingly inexhaustible sources of symbolic flavor throughout most histories, cultures and myth.

Doves produce their own milk, called "crop milk" or "pigeons milk." An oddity in nature for birds to produce their own milk to feed their young. From this unique ability, we can glean symbolism of nurturing. Doves are commonly considered a symbol of motherhood.

Doves often cease their foraging for food just before their babies are born. This temporary starvation insures a pure formulation of milk (otherwise their offspring could not digest bits of solid food in the milk). That's another confirmation about maternal attributes as well as self-sacrifice for the sake of their progeny.

The dove is even associated with several mother figures in historical dove symbolism. The dove is commonly seen in Christian art with Mary as a symbol of care, devotion, purity and peace. 

The dove is a companion of Ishtar too, the Great Mother of Assyrian culture. In this motherly light, the dove elicits a promise of hope and salvation.

Aphrodite (Venus in Roman myth), the voluptuous goddess-mother of love, is often featured with a dove nearby in artistic portrait. Here we get the sense of higher love; a love that is as large as the goddess herself. A kind of love that turns a blind eye to the typical foibles and downfalls of mankind - and sees right into the heart of pure potential that is revealed only by viewing the soul through the lenses of love. 

As a love symbol, the dove conveys a kind of soulful ascension - a higher admiration for the true value of unconditional love.

Dove symbolism is often equated to heavenly visitations. John the Baptist even remarked (Matthew 3:16) how the "Spirit of God descended like a dove upon us." Methinks this is more than poetic license. Why? Because, almost unanimously birds (of all kinds) have been viewed as celestial messengers. Doves in particular - with their docile appearance and soft ministrations - can easily be angelic doppelgängers:

Doves are kind of fussy. Observe them in groups, and you'll note they can be twitchy and nervous, a sign of their highly developed sense of presence. They are intimately aware of their environment.

Hachiman, a Japanese god of war claims the dove as a sacred symbol. Amidst clamor, battle and jarring conflict, the dove of Hachiman is a symbol of the peace that will ensue after war has ended.

The dove is a symbol of the souls sojourn after physical life has retired. Slavic legend claims the dove is a symbol of the souls release from earth-bound duty. In fact, when a dove is seen, it is a clear sign of the soul's return to celestial realms. 

The dove's most popular appearance in spiritual consciousness is that of the Holy Spirit in Christian wisdom.

Blackbird Tattoo Symbolism

The Symbolism of Blackbird

Blackbirds and birds of black or dark colors are special among their airy clan as they are the symbolic of: - Mystery - Magic - Secrets -The Unknown - Pure Potential - Non-obvious Perception

Birds robed in black do not give up their secrets easily.  Black birds demand our commitment to learning their wisdom, and do not reveal their meanings both dark and light sides of energy.

The symbolic meaning of blackbirds is eternally linked to the dark vs light phases of the moon.Lunar understanding requires a different use of the senses. Sense which can only be utilized when transformative devotion is made. A commitment to higher knowing (flight) and an acceptance of the void (infinite vastness that eludes the ego and rational mind).

This is a fundamental concept of alchemy which is: Transition and Transformation. The bird is symbolic of life in the heavens, higher ideals, higher path of knowing, and the color black is symbolic of pure potential. Between the two, there is no limit to human transformation - all we have to do is close the shutters of the rational mind, and start sojourning with our darkly feathered friends.

Black birds (in general) are archetypes of living life in higher realms, and are symbolic of:

Higher Intelligence

Higher Thought

Higher Ideals

This is because birds are (metaphorically and mythologically speaking), situated in proximity to the higher energies of the Universe. This also positions them as heavenly or divine oracles and messengers in cultural myths across the globe.

Through consistent unveiling of your inner depths, positive/active utilization of these inner impulses the esoteric secrets become exposed to the light of your own consciousness.