Exploring the Depth of Meaning Behind Flower of Life Tattoos

Before we get a tattoo etched onto our body we (have to) make sure that the piece of art holds a deep, soulful meaning that would make up for the tidal waves of needled ruptures we put our skin through.
The Flower of Life tattoo is well-known, not only for its beauty but also for its nuanced symbolism and meaning. The tattoo is typically made up of around 19 tiny circles intertwined to form a larger ring-like shape. The tattoo’s mystifying yet enchanting visage has enticed several architects and philosophers.

What attracts people to the Flower of Life tattoo is how multi-dimensional it is. Giving meaning to the tattoo is like peeling an onion. There is one layer after another of the significance the tattoo symbolises.

Origins of the Flower of Life Tattoo

The history of the Flower of Life tattoo is a mystery in itself. The oldest discovered example is the Temple of Osiris in Abydos, Egypt which dates back 6,000 years. Having said that, many experts believe that the symbol finds its origins way before that. The Flower of Life has adorned the walls of ancient Egyptian temples and caves ever since the advent of Greek civilization. Taking a trip to Asia the Flower of Life can also be found in the ruins of ancient Turkey. All of these findings hint at the possibility that the origins of the tattoo might predate centuries.

Moreover, there have been sightings of the Flower of Life tattoo in the Golden Temple in India that dates back to the 16th century. Additionally, the symbol also appears below the Guardian Lions that stand proudly in front of the imperial palace of Beijing.

What Does the Flower of Life Represent?

So, we get that we have been raving about the tattoo, but why. Before we tell you the meaning of the tattoo it is important to understand the meaning behind it. The design is a geometric pattern that will contain various patterns within it. The Flower of Life tattoo is often taken to represent interconnectedness and unity.

Building on that, experts of the field state the flower of life helps a person connect with other dimensions. This means that the Flower of Life symbol does not reside only on earth but also planets within the universe. This goes to meaning that the power of the symbol extends beyond our reality.

The Meaning of Flower of Life

There are various facets of the symbol’s meaning:

Spirituality

In a spiritual sense the flower of life symbol is thought to contain an energy that connects to creation of life, a blueprint of the existence of the universe. Many spiritual healers and followers believe that the symbol represents the divine feminine and beauty of birth.

Those close to spirituality connect the symbol to various meanings and interpretations, the most prevalent being the connection to something greater than oneself. It is often considered to be a mark of personal transformation and growth. It also serves as a visual reminder that everything within the universe is connected to one another and that we humans are just a facet of it.

This is also one of the reasons why many use the Flower of Life symbol or tattoo for meditation and spiritual purposes. Individuals find a sense of peace and healing by focusing on the beautiful and intricate patterns of the symbol. In fact, the tattoo stays as a constant reminder for those who get it to remain grounded and interlinked to the world around us.

Harmony

Another common interpretation of the Flower of Life symbol is balance and harmony. The symmetry and intertwined framing of the circles exude the meaning that because everything within the universe is connected to each other we have to seek harmony within our own temper to encourage balance within the world.

Healing practices such as Reiki and acupuncture often frame this concept and the core of their holistic healing practices. The laws of these practices are cultivated to bring balance and harmony within the mind, body, and spirit of the individual. One example of this is the fact that Reiki practitioners often use their hands to channel energy through the body. This aims to promote healing by encouraging balance within the body.

For those of us trying to grind through the daily throes of life the Flower of Life tattoo can be a reminder to slow down and try to restore balance within our life. Whether it is between work and life, or caring for others and for oneself. By having the symbol etched on their skin we can use it as a constant reminder to stop and smell the roses.

Fertility

While at one point of life the flower of life tattoo may hold mystical significance for all those who gaze upon it, now in our fast and furious world the tattoo has taken on a more modern meaning. This is the beauty of this tattoo, regardless of the century it is being used in, its meaning can be moulded according to your lifestyle. Many believe the symbol to be demonstrative of divine feminine energy representing nurture, compassion, and fertility.

Placement of the Tattoo

What draws so many to the flower of life tattoo is that it is incredibly versatile, especially when it comes to body placement. The choice of the tattoos location will depend on how well you tolerate pain, the size of the tattoo you are getting, and personal preferences, such as:

Back

Since the surface of the back is broad and completely flat, it becomes the perfect canvas for the massive Flower of Life tattoo. The back allows the tattoo artist to pay attention to detail, quite likely infusing elements and patterns that make the tattoo look larger than life.

Chest

For a more meaningful and personal placement many people opt for the chest as the bearer of the flower of life tattoo. Many who opt for the tattoo prefer to centre the ink to align with their heart, symbolising a connection to their inner self.

Forearm

Many find their forearm to be the perfect candidate for the flower of life tattoo because it would be easily visible and also provide adequate space to ink the tattoo. The constant visibility would serve as a reminder for anyone watching to stay centred and strike a balance within their life.

Thigh

Similar to the back, the thigh offers ample space and surface for a mighty sized flower of life tattoo. This placement is especially popular among women for aesthetic reasons, since it can easily be concealed and revealed according to the occasion.

Wrist

A miniature sized flower of life tattoo is perfect for the wrist. While more subtle, it also allows for easy visibility. In fact, it is one of the best places to ink the tattoo if one wants to constantly be reminded of the tattoo’s purpose.

In Conclusion

The size of the tattoo you get, the placement, the elements you add to it will only matter if you get it done by the right person. The tattoo artist you work with will play a major role in how your ink comes out. Remember, you are getting this tattoo for a very specific purpose, it needs to mean something so make sure you are doing ample research before you set your sights on a professional.