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EYE OF HORUS TATTOO - In ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus (also called the udjat or utchat or "sound eye") was a powerful symbol and protective amulet. During his battle with Set, Horus’ eye was plucked out and torn apart. But Thoth was able to piece it back together, adding a little bit of magic to it to make up for a tiny piece that was missing. As the regenerated eye of the falcon god Horus, it was worn as a sacred symbol to ensure good health. Among modern tattoos that use ancient Egyptian motifs, the Eye of Horus ranks near the top, along with the Ankh. More Spiritual Tattoos. Also, see the full color flash version too. |
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FAIRY TATTOO - Fairies in tattoo art are sometimes akin to the pinup girl but more often they appear as the mystical and ephemeral winged creatures of the magical world that they symbolize. In some sense, all these types of fantastical and mythical creatures represent our power as thinking beings to imagine, to create or embellish for a myriad of purposes. |
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GREEK CROSS TATTOO - The Greek-Russian Orthodox Cross (also known as the Russian Cross) was first used by Byzantine artists. The bar above the main crossing member represents the abbreviated inscription placed by the Roman governor Pilate which read INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, Latin for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). The origin of the small diagonal beam at the bottom is lost to time but several explanations have been put forth: it is a foot rest and Jesus’ legs were of different lengths; it is a footrest and the earthquake that occurred after his death dislodged it; it represents the robber on his right side who ascended with him to heaven, it symbolizes the main saint of Russia (the most likely explanation), St. Andrew, who was crucified on a torture rack of diagonally crossed beams. More Christian Tattoos |
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HAND OF FATIMA TATTOO - Khamsa, the number five in Arabic, is another name for the hand of Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad’s favorite daughter. Known throughout the Mediterranean region and the Islamic world as a sign of good fortune, it is specifically used to avert the evil eye and has also been used to symbolize the support group, even the blood revenge group (the closest male relatives).
Islamic Tattoos |
Tattoo design excerpts from the Tattoo Encyclopedia: A Guide to Choosing Your Tattoo
by Terisa Green and Greg James
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