Lion Tattoo Ideas
There's no denying it, the lion is a ferociously vital symbol, conveying courage, strength, pride and royalty among many other traits. Read on for different cultural perspectives into lion meaning and symbolism as you contemplate wicked cool tattoo ideas.
In Egypt, two lions shown together (back to back) symbolize East meeting West; sunrise and sunset. It's a cyclical theme that reminds us of the waxing and waning nature of all life.
Also in Egypt as well as Babylonia, Assyria, China and Japan grand statues of lions were erected in front of temples and sacred places. This is an attribute of the lion's protective qualities. In expressive art of all kinds, including lion tattoo symbolism there is a theme of guardianship.
Some keywords to think about while exploring your meaningful lion tattoo ideas...
Symbolic Lion Meanings
- Power
- Purity
- Courage
- Honesty
- Loyalty
- Bravery
- Strength
- Nobility
- Integrity
- Authority
- Protection
Lion Tattoo Symbolism in Greco-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.
Lion Tattoo Meaning in 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.
Lion Tattoo Ideas from Buddhism:
Buddha and Krishna both are likened to the lion for their radiating energies, golden auras, and their security/wisdom/knowledge on a higher spiritual level.
Lions are solar animals, which mean their tattoos will signify sun-like qualities such as:
Lion Symbolism Linked with the Sun
- Life
- Dominion
- Vitality
- Expansion
- Brilliance
Lion Tattoos in Astrology:
The lion is the zodiac (animal) representing the sign of Leo in astrology. It is ruled by the sun (more solar animal symbolism applies here). 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.
Lion Tattoo Symbolism in 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).
Lion Tattoo ideas from the perspective of 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.
If you need more information on lion tattoo ideas and lion symbolism, check out these wicked-awesome sources:
There's more great information available to you, just check out the symbolic links provided at the end of this page. Enjoy!
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