Pagan tattoos - amulets, symbols, designs and photos of works, places of application (on the arm, chest, shoulder)

Tattooing is one of the oldest directions of development of fine arts. Therefore, the pagan style still retains its relevance, thanks to the deep sacred meaning, the beauty of the images.

Before the arrival of Christianity, most European nations had centuries-old traditions of pagan beliefs and rituals. Many elements of paganism still retain their importance in the cultural and religious life of society. Including preserved and traditional patterns, drawings used to decorate their own bodies.

Tattoos in the pagan style are quite popular as they are characterized by beauty and deep semantic content.

Why do Pagan tattoos

Initially, various body carvings were used as amulets, which were supposed to protect against the influence of evil spirits. It was believed that such tattoos carry deep sacred meaning and energy potential.

In the modern world the sacral role of tattoos has strongly decreased, at the forefront there came the aesthetic parameters of the figure able to emphasize the individual characteristics of the personality.

Choice of color palette

Most pagan tattoos are performed in a monochrome style, the main color is black. But there are quite a few colored compositions reflecting the ancient beliefs in a modern reworking.

To a choice of color of the future tattoo it is necessary to concern as much as possible responsibly. Many chromotherapists believe that properly chosen color can improve a person's psychological state, to give confidence in their own abilities, to maintain a high vitality.

Basic Symbolism

Most pagan tattoos are performed in the form of various combinations of geometric figures. The main ones include:

Rectangles.
Circles.
Squares.
Solstices (swastikas).

Combining these simple elements it is possible to receive a tattoo practically of any complexity and size, from the most simple and unassuming to supercomplicated images, which can put not every tattoo master.

Often occur and more difficult images, for example, stylized pictures of animals, images of gods or mythical scenes.

Scandinavian tattoos

One of the main themes of pagan tattoos - Scandinavian. This style is divided into two big directions:

Runic drawings. Each rune carries a certain meaning and energy, so it is important to combine them correctly, focusing not only on aesthetics, but also on the semantic meaning of the runes. The ancient Scandinavians believed that such a tattoo can affect the life of the bearer and if the wrong choice of runes bring bad luck and even contribute to death.
Drawings of gods and animals. Usually included in any thematic scenes, such as a sailing ship with venerated gods or warriors.

The most popular in the modern world are the runic Scandinavian tattoos. Therefore, it is important to understand the meaning of the basic runes used in the creation of such ornaments. The most common symbols include:

Sovela. It looks like a double lightning bolt and symbolizes spirit warriors. It is considered a symbol that brings good luck. That is why it was applied to the buttonholes of the SS troops during Hitler's reign in Germany.
Uruz. It denotes indomitable energy, strength, desire for change and progress.
Feu. Responsible for the financial well-being, attracts wealth and easy to find new types of income.

There are 25 runes, respectively, the variety of possible combinations is very large. Therefore, carefully study the meaning of the characters that make up the runes before you put it on your body.

Among the images of gods and animals is especially popular drawing of a wolf. The ancient Scandinavians wolf symbolized the monster that could cause the end of the world. But over time, the dark meaning of the symbol has changed, now the image of this animal reflects the omnipotence and generosity of the "king of the northern forests.

Second in popularity after the wolf is a tattoo depicting Odin - the supreme deity of the Scandinavian pagan pantheon. It is believed that it has great protective power, reflecting negative influences on the bearer.

Pagan tattoos of the Slavs

Slavic tattooing traditions were somewhat similar to Scandinavian, but had a number of original differences. For example, tattoos were not applied to people under the age of 33. It was believed that any tattoo, applied before this age would interfere with the normal development of the person.

Another distinction - tattoos had the right to wear only certain categories of people, such as wise men, engaged in esoteric and magical practices.

Some of the most popular Slavic tattoos include:

Svetoch. This amulet promotes the realization of desires and goals.
Burdock. Slavic symbol of luck, able to help in the realization of the innermost dreams. In the center burdock can inscribe an additional rune to complement the meaning of the picture.
Symbol of Rod. The most popular and versatile amulet, contributing to the comprehensive improvement of the life of the wearer.

In addition to amulets, a popular direction of Slavic pagan tattooing is the creation of various ornaments. Such patterns are applied in the form of rhombuses, squares, spirals and crosses connected with each other. Floral and foliate ornaments are especially well suited for decorating the female body.

In addition to the most popular Slavic and Scandinavian tattoos, there are other trends that develop a pagan style, such as Celtic ornaments and runes and various traditional oriental tattooing trends.

Therefore it is better to consult with a competent tattoo-master when choosing a figure among all variety of possible variants. Only a specialist will be able to choose the most appropriate and aesthetic design, properly apply it to your skin.