The Spiritual Meaning Of Tattoos (In Dreams & Reality)

Do you want to know the spiritual meaning of tattoos?

Or are you confused that the term ‘spiritual’ and ‘tattoos’ are used together?

Most people used to believe that tattoos were only worn by criminals and goths dressed in black.

But now, they are a part of mainstream cultures all across the world.

Nobody wants a tattoo that is meaningless.

But can a tattoo have a spiritual meaning?

Could it connect you with the balance of life, energy, and the universe?

Could it help you heal and give you protection?

In this guide, we’re looking into the spiritual meaning of tattoos and how to get tattooed right.

Let’s dive in!

spiritual meaning of tattoos

Spiritual meaning of tattoos

Here’s a reason why tattoos have been regarded as spiritual by societies all across the world for millennia, and why they’re still popular today.  But what do tattoos say about a person? And what do tattoos represent spiritually?

What is the spiritual meaning of tattoos?

The spiritual meaning of tattoos has an effect on your chakra energy fields and every tattoo has a different effect. Many spiritual tattoos have the capacity to heal, strengthen your connection to your beliefs, and even repel harmful forces from your life.

As you know, everything has vibrational energy.

Spiritual tattoos allow you to connect with the balance of life, energy, chakras, and the universe.

meaning of tattoos symbols

Do you think you’re suffering from low vibrational energy? Find out the 50 low vibrational energy signs here. 

Symbolism of tattoos

Before we get into the spiritual meaning of tattoos, let’s get some history lessons first.

According to History of Tattoos, 36% of Americans aged 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo.  Tattoos have been present for thousands of years, but they have become more popular in recent decades. 

Tattoo trends may not change as rapidly as cosmetics or hair trends, but the popularity of some tattooing styles and patterns does.

Tattoos featuring mustaches, infinity symbols, and nearly everything linked to the Harry Potter series, for example, were popular in the 2010s. This is especially the case on Tumblr.

Geometrical tattoos were popular back in the day. Minimalism and realism gained appeal as small tattoos were trendy for the first time.

history of tattoos timeline

Colorful tattoos, although trendy when they first came about, ultimately stopped getting hype. Black and grey work then again started creeping back into the spotlight.

Although mustache tattoos aren’t really a thing anymore, several trends for 2023 draw inspiration from the past, even as new techniques drive the industry forward.

Because nostalgia is heavily influencing the tattoo culture, several designs that were popular in the 1990s are getting popular again.

But as more and more people are having their spiritual journeys, spiritual tattoos are also getting more popular. These are what some people consider tattoos for spiritual protection.

Do you think you’re having your spiritual awakening? Here are 31 physical symptoms of spiritual awakening

tattoo with meaning for man

Who invented tattoos

So, where did tattoos originate from?

Tattooing is incredibly old for something so typically associated with youth. according to Nina Jablonski, director of Penn State’s anthropology department and author of Skin: A Natural History, people have probably had tattoos for over 10,000 years.

Otzi the Iceman, whose mummified remains were found in the Alps between Austria and Italy in 1991, has the earliest reported tattoos. He died about 3300 B.C.

But the technique of putting color beneath the skin’s surface has been a thing even before Otzi.

Tattooing is believed to have originated in Japan around the Paleolithic era, and inked Egyptian mummies, mostly female, have been discovered going back to the time of the pyramids.

the great sphinx under the stars

Excavation of Siberian graves in 1948 found remains over 2,000 years old, painted with tattoos of animals and mythical beings.

Tattooing was practiced in ancient China, as well as among Celtic and Northern European tribes such as the Picts.

Picts literally means “painted people”.  Also in Samoa and the Polynesian islands, where the name “tatou” originates.

Tattooing is as common as it is old, appearing on every inhabited continent. So is the spiritual meaning of tattoos.

Spiritual Meaning Of Tattoos

A type of traditional tattooing is starting to fade in Papua, New Guinea. Tribes like the Motu, Waima, Aroma, and Hula historically used to rule the shores.

Their people followed their tattoo practices rigorously.

Men had large chest tattoos symbolizing their triumph in the headhunt. They also tattoo themes of the heavens and nature.

tattoo on left or right arm meaning

Spiritual tattoos for females are quite different though. Women were tattooed from head to toe

But what does a woman’s tattoo symbolize in this culture?  

Women’s tattoos demonstrate their value in this culture.

Women would spend hours each day, sometimes weeks at a period, having a lemon tree thorn hammered into their skin as part of a traditional procedure to become an adult, until the wounds were painful and bleeding.

The tattooist would next massage the skin with a water-charcoal combination. The ash permanently stained the skin after combining it with the blood.

ancient symbols of protection tattoos

This signifies much more than just fashion. To begin, the tattoos reflect a foundation of New Guinea culture.

While the traditions are no longer commonly practiced as they once were, the information is being passed down from generation to generation.

At the same time, the themes put into the art indicate the spiritual meaning of tattoos.

When a tribe member was tattooed with a symbol, such as the stars or a predatory animal, he or she was given spiritual power.

The tattoo represents a kind of protection from bad spirits as well as a cleaning of the soul.

According to researchers and authors of The Spiritual Brain, Mario Beauregard, and Denyse O’Leary, spirituality is any experience that is believed to bring the individual into contact with the divine.

protection tattoos from evil

Christina Puchalski, MD, Director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, says that spirituality is that part of humanity that relates to the way humans seek and express meaning and purpose.

Whatever definition resonates with you the most, the truth is that spirituality is a personal journey.

The quest for consciousness and improvement. Tattooing, both globally and in the “west,” provides that degree of personality for many people.

Explore the secret depths of your personality and more with this free moon reading.

Tattooing is a means of expression, even if it does not include a tribal ceremony.

Spirituality manifests itself in a variety of ways; it might take the shape of moving meditation or creativity, or it can refer to creating balance.

Check out the best meditation for spiritual awakening

a woman meditating on her couch

People get more connected to themselves and to their souls through tattooing.

It is a well-established form of spirituality all throughout the world, and while it may be considered taboo by some, it is a way of life for others.

Spiritual Protection Tattoo Ideas

Tattooing oneself in a way that ties you more deeply to the world purifies the mind and soul, and welcomes the energy of the universe. It’s a fantastic way to connect with your spiritual side and beliefs.

There is no single style of spiritual tattooing, and there are several ways in which tattoo location and design may improve connection, purify the soul, and give various benefits to individuals who have them.

Here are some spiritual tattoo ideas:

brass buddha figurine on black surface

1: Buddha

Those who practice Buddha’s teachings can benefit from a profound and purifying spiritual connection to this emblem of inner peace and quiet.

The term ‘Buddha,’ which literally means ‘awakened,’ is a symbol of someone who discovers the road to nirvana or the end of suffering.

This person spreads that knowledge so that others can also experience nirvana. If you’ve had your spiritual awakening and you want to help humanity do the same, this is a good tattoo idea.

It can be a constant reminder of your purpose.

powerful symbols of protection tattoo

2: Hamsa

In certain cultural traditions, the Hamsa sign gives protection from the evil eye. It gives peace,  wealth, and fertility. Having the Hamsa sign tattooed on your body will help you avoid the negative entities of life.

The most commonly agreed-upon meaning of the hamsa tattoo is “protection from evil”. Traditional Hamsa tattoos show a hand with two symmetrical thumbs pointing down or outward.

So if you want a protection tattoo symbol, Hamsa is the way to go.

The hamsa sign is also known as the “Hand of Fatima” in Islamic faiths and the “Hand of Miriam” in Judaism. It has been used in tattooing and spiritual activities throughout the years to symbolize feminine strength and to induce luck.

symbol tattoos with secret meanings

3: Om 

The om sign and sound are considered to “sustain the universe”. In meditation, the mantra OM is a symbol of creativity and balance. It’s the sound that represents the entire cosmos and life itself. You can chant this mantra to welcome healing energy.

Although it is a Hindu religious symbol, it has become a depiction of meditation and is connected with spirituality in the West.

It relates to the soul and Brahma which is the ultimate reality of the universe. 

rare tattoos with meanings

4: Mandala

Mandala is the Sanskrit word for “circle,” and a mandala tattoo is made up of forms and symbols that radiate outwards from the center in a circular pattern. A mandala, like a circle, is designed to represent harmony, eternity, and perfection.

Mandalas can be found in religious settings such as churches and prayer rooms. They have existed in the artwork of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian religions long before tattoos.

In temples, ancient monks made vibrant and detailed mandalas on the sand.

Because it is associated with focus, a mandala is frequently included in the design of a space for prayer or meditation in Hinduism.

A mandala tattoo’s growing effect gives it the look of a flower.

The circular and floral combination of a mandala may express femininity and the blooming of life by blending floral and circular symbolism. It might also symbolize everything from creation to growth and rebirth.

rare tattoos with meanings

5: Reiki

Reiki is a good spiritual healing tattoo.

Reiki can help you connect with your inner energy and enhance many aspects of your life. There are several symbols to choose from, and you should utilize them according to your beliefs and life’s calling.

There’s the Dai Ko Myo (Usui Master Symbol), (Cho ku rei (The Power Symbol), and Raku (The Completion Symbol). Which symbol you choose is entirely up to you.

Reiki symbols are a type of art that may be used not only for healing but also to help you find love in your life. They show the balance between body and spirituality.

When Reiki practitioners wear these symbols on their skin, they feel more spiritually linked to their bodies. 

They may also be used to bring in many kinds of positive energies, including luck.

Not everyone knows how to practice Reiki. It does take someone with spiritual gifts.

Do you think have spiritual gifts? Here are 32 signs you’re spiritually gifted.

stones with chakra symbols

6: Chakras

The seven chakras are well-known healing zones. They may influence your choice of tattoo design as well as where to get the tattoo.

The spiritual meaning of tattoos when it comes to the chakras depends on where you put the tattoo as well.

The third-eye chakra or the solar plexus chakra is all about confidence and control. The heart chakra is about love and unity in your life.

A lot of people have their chakras blocked. A tattoo is one of many methods to embrace the chakras and enjoy their benefits.

All seven chakras have their own distinct advantages, and some people want to get all seven tattooed on their bodies.

If you want to energize your chakras, here’s a chakra meditation video you can try.

protection tattoos and meanings

7: Trinity Knot

The Trinity knot is one of the Celtic protection tattoos. The three points signify the natural elements of earth, air, and water to the Celts.

On a spiritual level, it is supposed to represent life, death, and rebirth. The emblem is associated with the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to Christians (or Holy Ghost)

In Irish culture, it has become a popular tattoo pattern that symbolizes love and unity.

This symbol has different meanings depending on the culture but throughout the world, the trinity knot is a sign of unending love. 

spiritual tattoos small

Tattooing It Right

When you decide to get a spiritual symbol tattooed, don’t just go online and look at a list of symbols and toss a dart to choose one. Please be patient.

Tattoos last a lifetime, and having the correct symbol will improve your life.

You need to know the spiritual meaning of tattoos first.

Take some time to meditate and consider what the symbols mean and what you want to express. Talk to friends, perhaps someone who is sensitive to direction and assistance.

You will quickly discover to which sign you are being pulled.

Print off the sign so you can show it to your tattoo artist.

This ensures that they do everything correctly and don’t make any mistakes when putting the ink painting on your body.

Before you trust this artist with your body, be sure they are competent at what they do or have expertise with spiritual symbols.

Ask around to discover what other people in your region think about them.

The tattoo will 

This free numerology reading may help give you powerful insight into your soul and life path. Maybe a tattoo will come of it.

spiritual tattoos with meaning

FAQs

What does a semicolon tattoo mean?

It is used to provide a message of hope, courage, and support for those who have struggled with depression, addiction, suicide, and other mental health challenges.

What is a surrealism tattoo?

Surrealism tattoos are unusual, hyperrealistic, and paradoxical images with abstract subjects. Surrealism in tattoos is a continuation and manifestation of surrealism. The style takes its roots in France in the 1920s

Do tattoos have energy?

Tattoos are energy hotspots because the act of piercing the skin and taking blood generates powerful energy, which becomes incorporated into the tattoo. They have a direct effect on your chakra energy fields.

Conclusion

When you get a tattoo, you most probably want it to be something meaningful.

Spirituality plays an important role in shaping your identity.

So something that represents your beliefs is a great way to take your beliefs with you everywhere you may go.

The spiritual meaning of tattoos is important to know before you get one.

Spiritual tattooing has been practiced in various civilizations for thousands of years. They believe that tattoos can connect them more deeply to the spiritual realm.

Many people feel that getting inked by a tattoo artist is both conscious and spiritual in many ways and they are right because tattoos have an effect on your chakra energy fields.

Every tattoo has a different effect. Many spiritual tattoos have the capacity to heal, strengthen your connection to your beliefs, and even repel harmful forces from your life.

A spiritual tattoo may purify your aura and improve your overall well-being.

Tattoos are definitely captivating. Their spiritual origins and meaning add to their depth. This makes having a mandala tattoo such an attractive choice.

Because it may symbolize so many various things to different individuals, your tattoo will always be remarkable and one-of-a-kind.

Now you’ve learned the spiritual meaning of tattoos. Which spiritual tattoo design do you have or would like to have? Let me know in the comments!

AUTHOR

Picture of Breech Mae

Breech Mae

Breech is a freelance creative whose passion lies in writing about spirituality, the law of attraction, and the metaphysical realm. She combines her experiences and research to share knowledge about these concepts. Read more articles by Breech here.

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Spiritual content should be viewed as being for entertainment purposes only and in no way replaces proper legal, financial or medical advice. Like with everything in this reality, we can never know for sure, so exercise your own discernment and only take on as truth that which resonates for you as truth. Keep an open mind, but if something doesn’t resonate, please honour that.

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