Scorpion Tattoos and Tattoo Designs - Symbolism and Meaning

Thursday 29th of January 2009 01:52:03 PM [Add To This Article]

Scorpion Tattoo Designs:
The Soul and Spirit Behind the Sting

"He who has been stung by a scorpion is afraid of its shadow."
(Spanish Proverb)

The scorpion is a creature that has been both feared and revered across the ages. Its brutal sting is as captivating as its aggressive nature. Men and women; modern and primitive; nearly all have at some time or another been exposed to its intimidating charm. As a symbol through many cultures of wisdom, death and self-destruction, the scorpion has taken on new meaning to people across the ages. And one of today's popular expressions is in the world of body art. Each year, more and more men and women are opting for scorpion tattoo designs in an attempt to absorb this animal's qualities, both positive and sinister, into their own inner machinations.

The Scorpion Through History and Myth
Despite popular belief otherwise, the scorpion is not an insect, but an arachnid (in the same phylum as the horse-shoe crab!) Before emerging on land, the scorpion was first a creature of the sea. It wasn't until an estimated 440 million years ago that they first migrated to the dry land. Unlike many of their kind, scorpions are born live, and aren't hatched from eggs. Another weird singularly strange fact that separates the scorpion from the rest of the animal kingdom is a strange fluorescent capability that is manifested by UV rays!

In the world today, there are over 1500 species of scorpions. And despite all of the hype, only 25 varieties of scorpion and scorpion venom are capable of killing people. As a matter of fact, in more and more pet shops across the country you'll find various varieties of scorpions for sale as pets! Resilient creatures, their bodies are capable of living up to a year without food and/or water! However, these long periods without food may have led to the cannibalistic tendencies that mandate that scorpions live as loners.

Native Americans have awarded the scorpion with the totem spirit status, and believe that as such, Scorpion warns of danger or an impending transformation. The scorpion has been used by Native Americans and their followers in starkly beautiful tribal tattoo designs and armbands.

In Yoga, the scorpion represents the spinal fire more commonly known as the kundhalini. This would make the scorpion an appropriate design to place on or near your back or tailbone.

In dream interpretation, the scorpion can represent bitter words or negative attitudes. If you happen to dream that a scorpion bites you, it's an indicator that you'll overcome you approaching hard times and obstacles. If, however, you kill the scorpion then it is a warning that you should beware of false friends.

The scorpion has also been used to represent death, destructive forces, disaster, darkness and venom. It can also hint of acquiring esoteric or forbidden knowledge. Remember the myth behind the Scorpion King?

In ancient practice, initiation into many pagan rights would be scheduled to take place under the sign of the scorpion (Scorpio). Antares, a star in the Scorpio constellation, has been generally accepted as a harbinger of evil omens and catastrophic events.

For these many reasons, druids, shaman, wise women and Magi have revered the symbol of the scorpion. It has been depicted in art, myth and everyday decorations of people both ancient and modern. Today, the scorpion tattoo design is one that demands respect, and invites curiosity into the mysteries that the wearer may bear.

The Scorpion and Astrology
In astrology, the sign of the scorpion, or Scorpio, is unique to those born between the dates of October 24 and November 22. Scorpios are under the water element (which makes sense when you know their sea faring origins) and are ruled by the planet of Pluto. Scorpios are typically very observant, intense, strong-willed, determined and secretive. They have the capacity to be both forceful and courageous, and are usually up for a good fight (if only for the sake of argument). Scorpios will often feel a stronger attraction to the occult than the other signs and on a downside- can be willful, vindictive, jealous, sullen, bitter and sarcastic.

Another common vice shared amongst Scorpios is a tendency to misuse, abuse or over emphasize the role of sex in their lives. Because of this (or perhaps in spite of it) Scorpios have a very passionate streak in their lives.

Scorpios are generally proud of the fact that they are Scorpios. You'll often find them wearing jewelry, clothing, and tattoos that sport the scorpion design.

And like real scorpions, Scorpios don't often associate well with other scorpions. This especially holds true for relationships with other scorpions. The cannibalistic tendencies start to emerge, and the relationships are often fated to failure even before they truly get started.

Scorpion Tattoo Design Variations
Scorpions have several variations and appear in nearly any tattoo gallery you can find. Because even the diverse breeds of scorpions resemble each other very closely, with variations only in size, color and proportion, you'll also find a lot of flash tattoo designs available.

Some different scorpion picture designs include:
Red Scorpions
Black Scorpions
Golden Scorpions
Giant Scorpions (featured in full-body art)
Scorpion tails and scorpion stingers
Female scorpions (which tend to be larger than their male counterparts)
Scorpions in a desert setting
Water scorpions, and
Scorpions fighting to the death.

Whatever scorpion design you chose, it's also important to find a good placement for your body art. Arms, armbands, wrist tattoos, chest designs, back designs, tailbone, calves, thighs, ankles and hips are all common places to find scorpion tattoo designs.

As far as subject for tattoos, scorpions leave you with a multitude of choices and the opportunity to take a popular image and design it with your own unique style.

Those who bear the mark of the scorpion feel no reason to fear its shadow.