Health and beauty

This is a simple, yet comprehensive, guide for the tattoo enthusiast to look at some of the symbolic meanings behind many of the most common tattoo designs. It can also be a great opportunity for one to find different symbols and ideas they can incorporate into their own ink.
Anamorphosis Tattoos

Anamorphosis is an artistic technique that creates an optical illusion. It allows the artist to conceal images or messages and was made famous in the Renaissance period by artists like Da Vinci. When the observer shifts their position then a hidden aspect of the image can be seen. Only the most skilled artists can come up with such intricate and creative designs but when done correctly they are breathtaking. It can allow a tattoo enthusiast to embed a secret message to the world that can only be seen by those who have a keen eye.
Anarchy Tattoos

Usually decorated with a capital “A” wrapped around with an “O”; “A” is for anarchy and “O” is for order. When they are combined they mean “Anarchy is Order”. Most of the people who get this type of tattoo see themselves as outliers of the acceptable society and do not adhere to the social norms. The anarchy symbol has been used by many different types of groups over the years including punks and members of the gay community. Today many people who wear the anarchy tattoo oppose globalization and the capitalist market and instead promote a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
The Anchor Tattoo

The anchor tattoo is very symbolic and his a rich history behind it. The ancient Romans believed the anchor was what secured the ship from being consumed by the ocean. In the early 1900’s American sailors would come back home and get an anchor as a rite of passage. Many people apply this to their life spiritually by looking to the anchor as a symbol of stability. The stormy motif is used to represent the stormy seas of life but that there is also something to help hold everything in place.
Anemone Flower Tattoos

Anemone flowers are a symbol of dying hope. In Hebrew it is known as the “Kalanit” and is one of the most well-known flowers in Israel. They were referred to as “the flower of the wind” because it was thought that the wind enabled it to bloom. The anemone flower is usually associated with sleep and death and was used in both World War I and World War II to symbolize the fallen soldiers. These flowers symbolize the cycle of life and death, procreation, and rebirth.
Angel Tattoos

Angel tattoos are one of the most common and religious icons one can get. There are so many types of angels that one can choose to depict an image of love with cherubs or even an image of war and salvation with the Archangels. Angels are believed to be the anthropomorphic winged messengers of God. Angels are mentioned in the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths and have various depictions. Many symbols associated with the angels are halos, trumpets, swords, and large wings. Angel tattoos do not only symbolize a religious affiliation or a message of faith, but they also convey a message of guidance and protection. As a tattoo it can be a very powerful centerpiece.
Ankh Tattoos

Ankhs were an important religious symbol in Ancient Egyptian society and meant “life”. The Ankh was a hybrid of two symbols; the cross and the circle. Many people theorize that it is a depiction of the sunrise or sunset. Others claim that it is a symbol of fertility that combines an image of the phallus and the womb to represent an ongoing cycle. Regardless, it is a phenomenal design for a tattoo that can be combined with other religious symbols or motifs that can range from a small arm tattoo to a huge back piece.
Ankle Tattoos

Ankle tattoos are most commonly associated with women due to its delicate and sexy nature. Most ankle tattoo designs are simple motifs or deigns like flowers and butterflies. It is also assumed that an ankle piece will be smaller in size. Ankle tattoos can be easily flaunted or easily concealed for any purpose. Something to consider is that it will be a relatively painful process but because of its small size it will be less expensive. Something to note is that you should not get an ankle tattoo because it is cheaper but rather because you think it is sexy and exciting; ink that is well invested in is well worth it for health safety and personal satisfaction.
Aquarius Tattoos

Aquarius is a sign that is part of the Western astrological system. Aquarius is associated with air and is also one of the four fixed signs along Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus. People born in the Aquarius period are associated with thought, perspective, and communication. The main depictions of Aquarius are two wave-like lines parallel to each other and someone dumping out water from a jug.
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