Leo Zodiac Tattoo Meanings: Lion Design Ideas And Pictures

Leo tattoos are distinguished by the fifth sign of the zodiac for those who were born between July 23rd and August 22nd. The lion, which is a symbol of Leo, is linked to Greek mythology.

The story goes that the gods made a lion that was so powerful his pelt was not able to be penetrated for the purpose of testing the strength of Hercules.

Eventually as legend goes the lion was slain, but the gods were so impressed with his courageousness that they gave him the name of Leo and placed him in the heavens among the stars.

Meaning of Leo Tattoos Are Generally Associated With The Zodiac Sign
Leo tattoos are representative of daring and courageous attributes. Those born under this sign are generally considered to be brave and outspoken, while also being extremely passionate and reserved when necessary. One of the main reasons for getting a Leo tattoo is being born under this particular zodiac sign.

The most popular design choice is the lion. The images are typically the male lion with a huge mane and can be accompanied by aspects of nature, as the ones from the wild are chosen most often.

Leo Tattoo Design Ideas: Lions And Glyphs
One of the most common Leo tattoos is the lion and the symbol that is associated with Leo - the upside down 'U'. It is often called Leo's Glyph. This is drawn with spirals that curl to the outside on each side of the 'U.' The curl on the left side of the 'U' is generally larger than the other curl.

This is often said to look like a lion's mane, but others believe it is representative of the heart. Another embellishment often seen around the design is the sun, since it is the planet that is associated with the astrological sign of Leo. There are often stars, flames and fireballs used in the design as well.

Leo is also a considered a 'fire sign' so this is the reason for including flames. The sun is sometimes used as a standalone design to symbolize Leo.

Personality Driven Leo Tattoo Idea
Part of the personality of a Leo is they are romantics and it is said they often wear their heart on their sleeve. Therefore, another Leo tattoo may be a heart, although this is much less common than the lion design itself.

The reasoning behind the heart is that since Leos are romantics, they live in the fifth house. The fifth house rules love, passion and pleasure.

Leo Tattoos Symbolize Bravery And Courageousness
Leo tattoos are generally placed on an area of the body where it can easily be seen. This is in keeping with the personality of Leo - bold, brave and outspoken.

Sometimes the Leo tattoo is chosen for reasons other than a birth sign. Since they represent bravery, people who have lived through a harrowing experience will sometimes get this tattoo as a symbol of their triumph and bravery.

The lion's mane is an important aspect of the design since it is believed that a large mane is directly linked to how brave or strong the lion is.

Whatever the reasoning behind the Leo tattoo, they are a beautiful choice and can be as detailed as the person desires. Colors associated with Leo tattoos are gold, yellow, marigold and ruby red.
The 'sardonyx' or ruby is the birthstone of individuals born under the zodiac sign of Leo.

Celtic & Irish Tattoo Meanings: Pictures & Design Ideas

Irish tattoos are a direct statement of the culture of the Irish people. Celtic tattoos are some of the most stylish of designs around today. The history of these tattoos are one of the reasons that they are so desirable.

Worn as an expression of the pride of their ancestry, many choose the Celtic tattoo because it is surrounded by mystique. This tattoo can actually be traced back to around 500 A.D.

Celtic And Irish Tattoo Meanings
Celtic tattoos have a wide range of styles and designs. The main reason they are so popular is the meaning behind them. They are more than simply a design - the meaning behind these tattoos are symbolic to the ancient Celtic way of life. From swords to crosses, these tattoos are a symbol of the history and religious beliefs of this heritage.

Although some may choose this tattoo because of the intricacy of the design and the universal symbol of the cross, there are many who wear it as a birthright. The Irish cross is different and this is what makes it stand out from other crosses.

Celtic Tattoo Ideas And Design Styles
They are often designed with Celtic knots placed at the points where the parts of the cross meet. The knot is representative of life. The belief that there is no beginning and no end is expressed in the Celtic knot.

Since this is such an intricate design, it requires skill to draw this tattoo. It is not just a series of lines; it is quite elaborate when done correctly.

The cross is actually a symbol that represents the four elements - water, fire, wind and earth - and today's tattoos often have the added features of vines and swirls and intricate geometric designs. The center of the cross represents life, which is surrounded by the natural elements.

Celtic Tattoo History And Specific Meanings
The Irish cross tattoo was placed on warriors many years ago before they went to battle to protect them from their enemies. The claddagh is an example of an Irish tattoo with a meaning that according to Irish culture is a symbol of love and friendship.

The design is two hands holding a heart and contains a crown. There are rings that are made with this design as well that are often given as a token of affection.

The shamrock is another Irish tattoo that is often seen. This is a symbol of good luck and is quite popular. The shades of green that are used for this tattoo can vary, but the basic meaning is still the same.

Another reason the Irish tattoo is so popular is that they can be beautiful in any size. Large designs or small, they are so complex and this is what adds to their beauty.

The Irish flag is often seen as a tattoo. This is a symbol of freedom for those who have Irish heritage. One of the more whimsical tattoos associated with the Irish is a leprechaun. This tattoo is often seen on men and is considered somewhat of a good luck charm.

According to Irish folklore, the leprechaun was the guardian of the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The story is that if you can get to the end of the rainbow before it disappears, you will have found the pot of gold. Perhaps a metaphor for living a successful life.

Joker Tattoo Meanings: Pictures And Inspired Design Ideas

Why are Joker tattoos such a popular design? They are likely more popular among those who are either devout fans of the Batman comic, movie and television series, or get pleasure from the association the joker has with mischievousness.

The joker meaning is usually one or the other - foolish or full of mischief and a little evil. The popularity of the Joker tattoo is more much dominant among men than women. However, we do see requests amoung women from time to time.

Joker Tattoo Meanings And Personality
They are often associated with having somewhat of an insane personality. The Batman series further popularized this notion. The type of Joker tattoo desired is dependent on the person choosing the design. The focus is typically on the smile because this is the distinctive characteristic of the Joker.

Also associated with a deck of playing cards, the Joker represents the only card in the deck that does not have a numerical value. As such, it is considered the 'wild card.' This is often why people get a tattoo of the Joker. They may see themselves as the 'wild card' in the deck of life. Others may choose the Joker because they enjoy card games or gambling.

Tattoo Design Techniques And Ideas
Colors and shading used to create a Joker tattoo are part of the detail that makes this a highly desirable tattoo. The detail and the mixture of the colors - green, yellow and black - are shaded to give the tattoo the look desired.

The makeup is often smeared around the mouth as well to give the Joker his evil and insane look. It is important that the tattoo artist master the lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth to get the right look of this tattoo.

Jack Nicholson And Heath Ledger Joker Portrayal
The Joker tattoo may be chosen because of the popularity of the movie or because the person is a fan of either Jack Nicholson or Heath Ledger, who both played the infamous character. The latter is chosen as a remembrance to the actor. There are also plenty of Jack Nicholson fans as well who enjoyed his portrayal of the Joker and have gotten tattoos of his mischievous portrayal of the villain.

The Joker is portrayed as the bad guy, always making a mess of everything, but he is still considered by many to be charming and fun to watch. For many, this tattoo is chosen for the little 'joker' that lives in all of us. Some people get enjoyment out of the scoundrels as well as the good guys. The fact that they have so much fun while creating havoc just appeals to that side of us.

Joker Tattoo History And Popularity
This character first appeared in 1940 in the Batman comics. Since then, movies and television have given the Joker a status that has only grown more popular over the years. Celebrities are even sporting this tattoo. For example, the keyboardist for Bon Jovi has a Joker tattoo on his chest.

The popularity of this tattoo does not seem to be waning in the least. In fact, it is gaining. Jokers are present in Tarot cards as well and this has an entirely different meaning for some who choose this design.

The presence of the Joker in Tarot cards is dependent on the position. If it is facing upright, this is considered to be a sign of a new beginning. If it is facing down, this means there are important choices that must be made before starting the new beginning. The Joker in Tarot cards is referred to as the 'Fool'.

Ladybug Tattoo Meanings: Pictures And Popular Style Ideas

Why are ladybug tattoos so popular? This is a subject that is debatable. Some say it is because the ladybug possesses a perfect visual balance of beauty and cuteness, while others say the ladybug is a symbol of love and compassion. Still others say it is a symbol of good fortune and luck.

Whatever the true meaning behind the reason for getting a ladybug tattoo, they are an awfully appealing creature - almost everyone agrees on this.

Ladybug Tattoo Meanings And Ideas
The meaning may have something to do with the ladybug's demeanor when they are disturbed. They can actually bite, although most people do not realize this, they also release a small amount of their own blood when angry. The blood is a yellow-orange color and it can stain. Therefore, the ladybug may be chosen because it is cute, but can be quite unladylike when provoked.

Ladybug tattoos are colorful and the designs are often quite realistic. Usually offering a feminine look, but we're also beginning to see an increase in the amount of tribal designs as well. They can range from a single bug to a chain of ladies. They are often part of a design that includes flowers and other elements of nature.

Choosing A Location For The Design
The ladybug tattoo is a choice that women make often because they are small, easily concealable, and can be placed practically anywhere on the body. The feet are one of the places ladybug tattoos are most often requested. The arm or hand is another spot for the ladybug tattoo and some people have even had them tattooed on their face.

More Ladybug Tattoo Meanings And History
The ladybug meaning is largely dependent on the insect itself. They are, as previously mentioned a sign of good luck. Killing a ladybug is widely regarded as bad luck. The number of spots on the insects back is supposed to tell you how many years of good fortune to expect.

All of these aspects are taken into consideration when choosing a tattoo of a ladybug. The beliefs associated with this critter are often the decision maker for getting this type of artwork. The red color is linked to vitality, passion, love, energy and heat. Other subjects related to a ladybug tattoo include friendship, luck, happiness, protection and good deeds.

An old belief that is associated with this insect is that if a person is ill and a ladybug lands on them, it will take the illness from the person. This is one reason the ladybug is considered to be a sign of continued good health and vitality.

Blending With Other Tattoo Designs
One reason for choosing a ladybug design is the way they compliment other types of tattoos. For example, they look great with floral designs as well as butterflies and other nature related concepts.

There are not many insects that can claim to be this adorably cute, while maintaining such a high level of enchanting beautiful. The ladybug is often enhanced for tattoo purposes such as adding features like bows or larger eyes. We've also seen some rather creative artwork where the black dots on the body of the ladybug have been turned into hearts or stars.

Horse Tattoo Meanings: Ideas And Pictures For Girls And Guys

Horse tattoos are a little out of the ordinary, or at least they are not quite as common as many other popular design choices, but mankind's passion for these beautiful creatures has been in existence for a very long time. Early man drew pictures of horses on the walls of caves.

There were certain tribes in ancient times that worshiped horses. The horse has been man's companion for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, Pegasus, the winged horse is known for the magical powers he possesses as well as being immortal.

Horse Tattoo Meanings
The meaning associated with horse tattoos today likely has a lot to do with the companionship they have provided to mankind over the years. Warriors of old believed the horse was their most faithful companion and would not go into battle without them. The horse is a majestic animal and can recognize their owners in addition to returning the love they receive from them.

Horse tattoos can be a symbol of faithfulness, strength and beauty. Noblemen used to keep horses in stables where they were well taken care of and bred for sports and for transportation. Owning several horses was considered to be a sign of wealth.

Passion For The Racehorse
The racehorse is another reason for horse tattoos. There are several in the world of racing today that are considered legends. Winning the prestigious races such as the Kentucky Derby assures the horse of a lifetime of ease when they are too old to race. The owners of these racehorses will sometimes get tattoos that are symbolic of their horse.

Horse Tattoo Symbolism
Often a horse tattoo will be a symbol of strength such as one carrying a warrior into battle. Celtic horses are popular choices for tattoos. Rodeo riders often choose the horse tattoo because this is their life. They love the horses and are more comfortable on a horse than anywhere.

As you can see, the basic meaning of a horse tattoo is strength and courage in recognition for carrying man and providing companionship over several thousand years.

The horse is also credited as being one of the largest providers when it came to improving civilization. They have contributed in so many ways that they are viewed as one of the most noble animals on earth.

Native Americans recognize the horse as a messenger. Believing that they relayed spiritual knowledge to humans and thereby provided wisdom, the horse is immensely popular as a tribal tattoo.

The belief held by the Native Americans was that the horse was a wild and powerful spirit but when mutual respect between man and horse was achieved, this power could be harnessed. These are just a few of the reasons the horse tattoo has become so popular.

Women Often Adore Horse Tattoos
The horse tattoo for women is a symbol of stamina, strength, stability and often chosen for the special bond they have created with horses. The preferred horse tattoo for most women is the stallion. This is due to the untamed beauty that is symbolized by the stallion.

Also, in many cases there is a strong bond between girls and horses at a very young age, as many girls wish for a pony during their adolescent years.

Tattoo Style Ideas
The typical drawings for these designs show the animal in motion, with their manes flowing as if the wind were at their back. The tattoo can be of a personal favorite horse, a favorite breed or one that simply catches the eye of the individual.

Larger designs are typically located on the back or the torso area of the individual, while the arms and shoulder area is always a popular area for these gorgeous animals to be inked.