Tattoos have been a way to represent individuality for thousands of years, and that includes representing religious and spiritual beliefs.
Spiritual tattoos aren’t just artistic expressions but symbols of personal faith and deep spirituality. From ancient religious symbols to contemporary designs, each spiritual tattoo has a story to tell.
If you’re thinking about getting a spiritual tattoo or are simply interested in the meaning behind spiritual tattoo ideas, this article dives deep into the topic.
What Are Spiritual Tattoos?
Spiritual tattoos are tattoos that carry a significant spiritual or religious meaning. These tattoos are often chosen to represent personal beliefs, philosophical or religious concepts, or to commemorate spiritual journeys.
The designs can vary widely depending on the individual’s beliefs and the symbolism they wish to convey.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of spiritual tattoo ideas and designs.
Spiritual Tattoo Symbols and Meanings
Buddha
The Buddha tattoo is a symbol of inner peace and enlightenment.
Siddartha Gautama (Buddha) sat under the bodhi tree for six years until, one day, he found an end to his quest for enlightenment.
The sense of inner peace that the Buddha found while sitting under the bodhi tree is also sought out by others around the world, and people symbolise their journey with Buddha tattoos.
Chakras
Chakra (Sanskrit for wheel) refers to the energy points in your body that run from your head to your lower spine. Chakras are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay open and aligned, as they correspond to nerves, major organs and areas of the body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
When it comes to spiritual tattoos, people often get the seven chakras tattooed along their spine to correlate with the position of the chakras.
Hamsa Hand
The hamsa hand is a palm-shaped amulet that is a popular symbol in North Africa and the Middle East. The hamsa hand is also a popular spiritual tattoo as it is said to protect from evil spirits and bring good luck to those who wear it.
Om
Om is said to be the first vibrational sound of the universe. The sound of new beginnings and endings and the sound of the connection that runs between humanity.
The Om symbol is a popular tattoo used by many yogis, as it’s often the mantra used at the beginning or end of a yoga class. It symbolises completion and connection with a universal god.
Lotus flower
The lotus flower is known for growing in mud and murky waters to reach the sunlight and blossom out of the water.
Due to its journey of growing through the mud and blooming above the water, showing the world its beauty, the lotus is a tattoo symbol of positive energy and strength.
Evil eye
A traditional symbol from Roman and Greek times, the evil eye is said to protect against evil spirits, the true evil eye. Therefore, those who wear evil eye tattoos have them as a symbol to ward off evil spirits and protect them from bad luck.
Serpent
The serpent tattoo has a range of different meanings in different cultures.
As serpents shed their skin, it can symbolise transformation, healing and rebirth. While in other cultures, it can represent wisdom and knowledge or protect against danger.
Koi fish
The koi fish is a popular symbol in Japanese culture. Koi fish spiritual tattoos represent peace, rejuvenation and new opportunities.
Mandala
The mandala design is one of the most popular symbols in Hindu and Buddhist culture.
Mandala is Sanskrit for circle and symbolises the universe in its ideal form: balanced and full of joy. Mandala spiritual tattoos are a symbol of the wearer’s life journey and are one of the most unique tattoo styles.
Tree of Life
Thought to have developed in central Asia, the Tree of Life symbol has also been adopted by many cultures, including Ancient Egypt and Celtics.
The Tree of Life tattoo symbolises the cycle of life, growth and interconnectedness. It’s also a symbol of strength, wisdom and harmony between the earth and the sky, with its roots growing deep into the ground and its branches reaching high into the heavens.
Many people get the Tree of Life tattoo as a reminder that we’re all connected, while others get it as a reminder that everything happens in cycles: birth, growth, death and rebirth.
Cross
The cross is one of the most recognised spiritual and religious symbols in the world.
In Christianity and Catholicism, the cross is where Jesus died for everyone’s sins. Today, people get cross tattoos as a symbol of their devotion to the religion as well as a representation of God’s love.
Yin and yang
Yin-yang is a Chinese symbol that represents interconnected forces. Yin-yang is a circle split into two equal shapes, with each side of the circle holding a small entity of the other.
Yin is the black portion of the symbol, and yang is the white portion. Yin, on the right side, represents masculinity, while yang, on the black side, represents feminity. The dots on each side of the circle represent that everything is connected, and they can’t exist without each other.
Yin-yang is a popular spiritual tattoo to express the importance of balance and harmony in one’s life.
Eye of Horus
Much like the evil eye in Greek and Roman culture, the Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents protection and healing. It’s believed that those with Eye of Horus tattoos attract good health and ward off negative energies.
Get Your Spiritual Tattoo at Celebrity Ink
Would you like to get a spiritual tattoo but aren’t sure what to get?
Whether it’s a mandala design or a yin-yang symbol, there are so many different spiritual tattoo ideas and designs you can choose from.
Book an appointment at your nearest Celebrity Ink studio to discuss your ideas with a tattoo artist who can create a design and bring your vision to life. No matter if you’re a Christian or Buddhist or simply love the idea of spiritual tattoos, we look forward to inking your skin with a belief you hold close to your heart.
