lion tattoo ideas and lion meaning

Lion Tattoo Ideas

Last Updated on October 23, 2020 by Avia

Lion Tattoo Ideas and Lion Meaning

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.

lion tattoo ideas and lion meanings
Lion tattoo ideas and lion meanings

Some keywords to think about while exploring your meaningful lion tattoo ideas…

Symbolic Lion Meanings and Keywords for Lion Tattoo Ideas

  • Power
  • Purity
  • Courage
  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
  • Bravery
  • Strength
  • Nobility
  • Integrity
  • Authority
  • Protection

Lion Symbolism Linked with the Sun

Lions are solar animals, which mean their tattoos will signify sun-like qualities such as:

  • Life
  • Dominion
  • Vitality
  • Expansion
  • Brilliance

Lion Meaning in Culture and Myth

♦  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.

lion tattoo ideas
Exploring lion tattoo ideas

Other Lion Tattoo Ideas

♦  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 and 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.

I hope you have enjoyed these insights about lion meaning and lion tattoo ideas. Check out the articles below for other articles on lion symbolism and more. As always, thanks for reading!

Brightly,

Avia

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meaning of lion totem

More Symbolic Lion Meaning

Lions are highly featured in so many cultural myths not only for their powerful presence, but also for their fierce pride in their clan. Lions remind us of finding strength in support groups as well as deriving a sense of dignity and respect when with our tribe. Get more lion meanings here.

solar animal totem solar animal meaning

Solar Animal Meanings

Solar animal symbolism deals with creatures that correspond with the sun – also known as fire sign animals. This article offers a whole list of animals connected with the sun and sun symbolism. Get all about solar animal meanings here.

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