Beltaine Sun and Moon

Beltaine Ink

This lovely tattoo comes from the even lovelier Larissa who made a great May Queen for some recent Beltaine festivities I attended. It was inked at Electric Voodoo Tattoo in Springfield, Missouri. This tattoo is just the first in a series of many great tattoos I was able to snap photos of while celebrating the day. I hope you all had as good a Beltaine as I did!

Botticelli Ink

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Okay, so it's still in progress but I don't care. This Birth of Venus, from the original Botticelli masterpiece, is too gorgeous to not post. This lovely tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of artist Shannon Archuleta and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Venus, or Aphrodite if you're more inclined to the Greek side of things, was born from the foam, we all know that. But what many people don't realize is that, according to Hesiod, she was born from the foam of the ocean because Uranus was castrated by his son Cronus. Said member was thrown into the sea which became pregnant and voila! Venus. Her older, Greek name, Aphrodite, comes from aphros "sea foam". How's that for a birth story?

Back Snowflake

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This lovely tattoo, on this even lovelier back, comes from the Flickrstream of Sweetz_Eyez and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Colorful Snowflakes

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

These pretty snowflakes come from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Shannon Archuleta who works out of San Francisco. Shannon's work has been featured previously several times on NeoPagan Ink. To see more of her work visit: Cat People Tarot, Mandala Back Piece and the Colorful Eastern Dragon.

Snowflake

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This lovely snowflake comes from the Flickrstream of Augrust and is licensed under Creative Commons. This was created by the artists at Dejavu Tattoo Studio out of Chiangmai, Thailand.

Just a pretty little welcome to winter!

Swamp Thing, Dead Lady

Click image(s) to see larger version(s).

These gorgeous tattoos come from the Flickrstream of Sfllaw and is licensed by Creative Commons.

Looks like Swamp Thing on the left and maybe a dead zombie gypsy on the right? Anyway, enjoy!

Haida Ink

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This awesome tattoo, of an egg, a raven, a whale and a woman with a labret piercing, comes to us from the Flickrstream of Zach_ManchesterUK and is licensed under Creative Commons. It was designed by Haida artist Freda Diesing.

The Haida were and are American Indians of the northern coast of British Columbia near the border of Alaska. Like many native peoples their use of symbols and mythic figures on masks, totem poles, etc., often denote lineage and status. Unfortunately, much of their myths have been lost to time leaving us with only educated guesses as to the meaning of many of their symbols. We do know that the raven features heavily in Haida mythology and art and serves as their trickster who provides freedom but also threatens chaos.

Lotus

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Creativemuffin and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked by Kelly at Tattoo Zone is Rockaway, New Jersey.

We will first turn to Egypt. As the lotus sinks under the water at night and reemerges when the sun returns it was closely associated with the sun. It was also linked with the idea of rebirth and was thus closely tied to Osirian cult as Osiris ruled over death.

The lotus features more heavily in several Asian religions, especially Buddhism and Hinduism. Many deities are depicted as standing upon lotus flowers; Vishnu, Brahma and the goddesses Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Kubera are among the most closely associated with the lotus. Within the realm of Buddhism it is said that everywhere Gautama Buddha stepped a lotus would spring forth.

Alchemical Elements

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

These tattoos come from the Flickrstream of Notquitetrish and is listed as All Rights Reserved but is featured here by kind permission of the owner. (Thanks!)

These tattoos feature the alchemical symbols for the four elements. The top tattoo represents Earth and the next is Air followed by Fire. The next is the symbol for Water followed by the astrological symbol for Leo the Lion.

Nile River Goddess

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo image comes from the Flickrstream of Thomas Hawk and is licensed under Creative Commons.

The goddess on Jessica's forehead is commonly known as the Nile River Goddess. The original figurine dates from about 4000 BCE which makes this goddess older than the Pharaohs. It is thought that her arms are raised in prayer to the star Sirius as the annual flood, which brought life, prosperity and power to Egypt, occurred for thousands of years on the day Sirius appeared in the heavens.

Compass and Sun

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

These images come to us from Scarlet who was kind enough to share two of her tattoos. Here's what Scarlet had to say about the top tattoo:

If I remember, it was called "Black Horse Tattoo" in Ironwood, MI and the guy (the owner, I believe) was incredible... unfortunately, I couldn't get back up there to get my new one...

The tiny mark is a compass/medicine-wheel located above and behind my right hip. It was my reward for putting myself through a series of coming-of-age and dedication rituals to mark my passage onto my new path and took me three years to get the courage to do. It was the perfect way to mark my journey and meant so much to me, even though it is very small. I like to say that it's so I always have a compass with me and so I can never get lost! lol! Wherever I go, there I am!

The second tattoo of the sun was inked by the fine folks at Body Ritual of Milwaukee. Here's what Scarlet had to say about it:

The Sun is the closest I have yet come to finding a "patron"... while many witches feel called by the moon, I've always been fascinated by the sun, the power it holds, the gifts it brings us and how our Earth interacts with it. The four major rays with four additional minor rays, echos the pattern of my earlier tattoo and its same symbolism (directions, elements, seasons of the year, the crossroads, etc), but now the mid-directions and the wheel of the year play a part. I searched for some time to find an appropriate image for the center, considering yin-yang, a pentacle or even a tree of life, but realised if I had to pick a "matron" that it would be the element of water, embodied most powerfully in my life by my spiritual and physical closeness to the Great Lake Michigan. I chose a rolling wave of Her holy waters to honor Her role in my spiritual life in partnership with the all-powerful Sun. I got this tattoo to honor those entities and the knowledge that they will forever impact my life. This one, also, being longer then the first, taught me the value of meditating during application and how discomfort can be a valuable magickal tool...

Thanks so much to Scarlet for sharing her tattoos and the hands down best tattoo explanations ever offered up to NeoPagan Ink!

Taniwha

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of claytonjayscott.com and is licensed by Creative Commons.

This tattoo features a Maori being called a Taniwha. They are associated with specific locales and are protectors of their local tribes. They live in deep water, either in rivers, caves or in the ocean. They are particularly closely associated with any deep body of water than can be dangerous. While they can be violent toward those that would hurt their tribe they are benevolent toward those they guard often warning them of impending danger. To learn more about these fascinating beings, visit Wikipedia.

P.S. Be sure to check out the comments to read what the owner has to say about the significance of this tattoo.

Colorful Eastern Dragon

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This colorful dragon image comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Shannon Archuleta, who works out of San Francisco, California, and is licensed by Creative Commons.

The dragon, whether Eastern or Western style, is one of the most popular of all tattoo images and for good reason. They typically represent fire, air and, above all, strength. The dragon above is one of the Eastern style which usually have no wings but still fly through the air by magical means. We can also tell this is an Eastern dragon because of its long, lithe, sinewy body that curves and bends much like a snake. In the Asian traditions dragons are benevolent creatures often serving as good luck symbols and much used in art throughout history. This is in direct contrast to the European type of dragon which is usually a beast of evil, destruction and fear. In China the dragon is also associated with the weather and is a bringer of rain.

The Dragonfly

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This nifty dragonfly tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Fabi Dorighello and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was created by the fine folks at Dark Side Tattoo out of Sao Paulo. (At least I think that's where they're located; I don't understand Spanish so I could be wrong. UPDATE: In the comments section Clare has informed me that the language in question is Portuguese, not Spanish, and the shop is indeed in Sao Paulo. You'll have to forgive me folks, I'm a moron when it comes to geography and languages. Thanks Clare!)

The dragonfly has, in recent years, become a very popular critter to be found on everything from wind chimes, flower pots, clothing and yes, even skin. The dragonfly is a creature of the air as well as the water as they're larvae, called nymphs, are aquatic critters usually found around wetlands, streams and lakes. The dragonfly has plenty of rich folklore surrounding it, mostly expressed through its many names. A fascinating sampling of these names can be found at Crystalinks:

Some of these are Teufelsnadel ("Devil's needle"), Wasserhexe ("Water witch"), Hollenross ("Goddess' horse"), Teufelspferd ("Devil's horse") and Schlangentöter ("Snake killer"). Also the name Snake Doctor has been used in Germany. In England the name Devil's darning needle and Horse stinger have been used. In Denmark the dragonfly have got such different names as Fandens ridehest ("Devil's riding horse") and Guldsmed ("Goldsmith"). Different names of dragonflies referring to them as the devils tools have also occurred in many other European cultures, some examples are the Spanish Caballito del Diablo ("Devil's horse") and the French l'aiguille du diable ("Devil's needle").

As far as specific mythic figures are concerned the dragonfly is historically identified with Daldal, a hero of the Takelma who were American Indians of Oregon, mostly living along the Rogue River. Daldal does great deeds and slays monsters that would threaten his people.

Aside from all of that, the dragonfly can represent change and adaptability. Similar to the butterfly they transform from one flightless state of being to magnificent creatures of the air. And dragonflies, moving forward, backward and side to side in quick succession are masters of the air and a source of inspiration for those of us seeking to roll with the changes of our lives.

Cancer Symbol

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This simple but effective tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Jessica N. Diamond and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Just a simple Cancer symbol to welcome us all into July. Those born under the sign of Cancer, a powerfully watery sign, tend to be emotional, sensitive, compassionate and extremely intuitive people, sometimes even harboring genuine psychic abilities. We are a wishy washy lot who sometimes suffer from indecision and an exaggerated tendency to daydream. Because we tend to feel more deeply than some forgiveness does not come easy for us. But because we are such caring people many of us have a strong desire and natural ability to nurture making us great doctors, nurses, healers, vets or other caregivers. Happy birthday to all of my fellow Cancers. I'm 5 today! (32=3+2=5)

Triple Moons Sunset

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo was created by Randy Fox at Panama Fox Tattoo in Panama City, Florida.

This lovely and unique tattoo comes from Lea Anne and the importance of this tattoo is inspirational, to say the least. Here's what she had to say:

I got this tat a few weeks after I got out of the hospital. I had been suffering from undiagnosed depression for years, and I'd finally broken completely and tried to commit suicide. Fortunately or no, I survived the suicide attempt, but I was in a coma for about a week. I felt like the Goddess took my life in her mouth, chewed me up, and spit me back out--alive. She obviously did not feel that it was time for me to die, despite my best efforts. I got the tat to remind me to live, not just exist. The sunset in the center is to remind me that there is beauty in the world every day, and I should not just notice it, but take part in it.

Thanks to Lea Anne for sharing her gorgeous and meaningful tattoo!

Pentacle and Moon

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here's a very pretty tattoo from the Flickrstream of Dmaelus; it is licensed under Creative Commons.

This pentacle tattoo with the moon and clouds in the background makes me kinda think I might get a similar tattoo one day. All of the elements but fire are represented here, with the moon and clouds representing water. The clouds are also representative of air and the pentacle itself is made of wood, so that takes care of earth. And while I think all of the elements should be honored I too would consider excluding an image symbolic of fire within a similar tattoo. Being a watery person all around I have a healthy respect for fire, and all its associations, as well as a great fear of it.

Earth with Waves

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Augrust and is listed under a Creative Commons License.

Here's a gorgeous Earth to help celebrate the minor Roman holiday of Terra Mater, the Earth Mother.

Odin and the World Tree

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here's another tattoo from Rate My Ink. Artist unknown.

This is Odin, the big boss of the Norse pantheon, hanging from Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Odin is one of those fascinating deities who rule over war and violence as well as poetry, prophecy and magic. By hanging from the tree Odin gained power over the nine worlds, gained the knowledge of the eighteen runes as well as nine magical songs.