Lion Tattoo Symbolism


Symbolic Lion Tattoo Ideas

Lions are Symbolic of: Strength, Courage, Purity, Honesty, Loyalty, Protection, Nobility, Integrity, Power, Authority, Bravery

In Egypt, two lions shown together 'back to back' symbolize East meeting West; sunrise and sunset. 
Also in Egypt, Babylonia, Assyria, China and Japan large statues of lions were/are erected in front of temples and sacred places, representing the lion's protective qualities. In art of all kinds, including tattoo symbolism there is a theme of guardianship.

Roman Myth:
Lion's are associated with love...a virile, masculine, strong libido kind of love and are connected to amorous deities such as Cybele, Aphrodite/Venus and Dionysus/Bacchus.

Christinanity:
The lion is a symbol of God for it's regal stature, and lends a visual icon to the concept of power and justice. Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia stands a spiritual godhead. In the symbol and seal known as the "Lion of Judah" attributed to the Israelite tribe of Judah the lion is symbolic of Christ.

Buddhism:
Buddha and Krishna both are linked to the lion for their radiating energies, golden auras, and their security, wisdom, knowledge on a higher spiritual level.

Astrology:
The lion is the zodiac (animal) representing the sign of Leo in astrology. It is ruled by the sun. It's the fifth sign of the zodiac which lends an adventuresome, high-spirited energy. Intelligent, shrewd, exuberant and savvy in the ways of balance/justice, natural leaders are born under the sign of Leo.

Alchemy:
The red lion is symbolic of sulfur which is the masculine principle and all it's assertive qualities. A green lion in alchemy represents the beginning of alchemical work, as well as feminine qualities (lunar too). Two lions tattooed together in an alchemical light can represent the harmonic relationship between male and female. Two lion tattoos may also represent the dualistic nature of Mercury (symbolic of quicksilver and the unification of opposites).

 Chinese Symbolism:
Protection, guardian, luck, strength and expediency of power. Depicted with an orb, the lion is symbolic of the celestial relationships between earth and sun and the interplay between the duality of life and nature. Tattooed with certain flowers, the lion symbolizes the balance between fragility and strength as well as the recognition of feminine wisdom.

Lions are solar animals, which mean their tattoos will signify sun-like qualities such as:
 Brilliance, Vitality, Life, Expansion, Dominion