A scorpion tattoo might not be extremely popular but this rare tattoo is a wonderful design.
As one of the most poisonous insects, scorpions are rather fearsome. However, it has strong ties with ancient cultures and religions. It draws its rich and deep meaning with the history and stories attached to it. As a tattoo, scorpions can represent the wearer’s unique personality.
Brief History of Scorpion Tattoo
The scorpion has already been around for millions of years. In fact, they have predated humans for millions of years. This could be the reason that ancient civilizations and religions have adapted the insect in their culture.
The scorpion has ties with the Mayan, Buddhism, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations. Nonetheless, the scorpion is mostly known for its ties with the Zodiac signs. It is known as the symbol for Scorpio, the eight sign of the Western Zodiac.
Scorpion tattoos weren’t really mainstream but a few traditional tattoos draw inspiration from the insect. However, this element is getting more and more popular these days.
Scorpions and Mythologies
Several cultures and religions see scorpions as both good and bad omens. Getting scorpion tattoos could be good or bad, depending on the culture that influences it.
In Mayan culture, the scorpion is known as a medical symbol. It’s linked to surgeries because of the scorpion’s method in killing its preys. It is known to numb its victim before going for the kill.
In Egyptian mythology, scorpions have become an emblem for protection. This follows after the legend of Isis who used gigantic scorpions to protect her while finding Osiris’ body. Apart from that, Egyptians pray to the goddess Sekhmet to ease the pain during childbirth. The deity is also known as the scorpion goddess. Now, the place is filled with the world’s most poisonous scorpions.
For Buddhism, scorpions are emblems found on many amulets and weapons. In a way, they also see the insect as a symbol of protection.
When it comes to Greek mythology, scorpions played the biggest role helping the goddess of the hunt, Artemis, kill the hunter Orion. Apart from that, the Greeks also use this creature to symbolize fighters and warriors with a quick speed who deliver deadly results.
Nonetheless, there are also many religions who see this creature as a symbol of evil. For some, it’s a bad omen.
Symbolic Meaning of Scorpions
As a symbol, scorpions can have varying meanings. Nonetheless, all of them were adapted from the scorpions characteristics and manners. Nonetheless, here are the general meaning of a scorpion:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Defense and control
- Power
- Fear
- Intimidation
- Loyalty
- Sexuality and seduction
- Death
Scorpion tattoos can also symbolize strength and warriors in life. This is used as symbol for fighting for life. Therefore, it can be a symbol for those who are battling chronic diseases such as cancer.
Scorpions and Sex
Scorpions are pretty much a symbol for both sexuality and seduction. There are many people who relate to the scorpions and tend to have brief passionate moments with their partners. However, they end up breaking the relationships earlier and tend to enjoy being alone.
Apart from that, scorpions find a mate with an exotic dance of passion and control. The scorpion sex dance is known to be beautiful, and filled with control and calculation.
This is why a scorpion tattoo is a great design for those who are pretty much confident in their sexuality and sensuality.
The Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
As previously mentioned, scorpions are known as the symbol of the eight Western Zodiac sign – Scorpio. Tattoo enthusiasts who mainly get this tattoo are usually under the sign.
Scorpios often have the same traits and here are the positive and negative ones.
Positive traits include:
- Loyal and dignified
- Devoted
- Focused
- Sensitive
- Sensual
- Intuitive
- Ambitious
- Brave
Negative traits:
- Secretive
- Manipulative
- Jealous
- Resentful
Of course, Scorpios have varying combinations of the traits. Some might have the majority of the said traits while some are not as what you expect them to be.
Scorpion Tattoo Meanings
Other tattoo enthusiasts see a scorpion tattoo differently than the general meaning. They might have their own story regarding this and instead of the popular meaning, they can go for their own understanding.
But of course, scorpion tattoos have some general meaning. Some of these are rather negative and those who see the negative side of these creatures could see that rather than the positive. This might be one of the reasons it is one of the rarer tattoos.
Nonetheless, a tattoo does not define the person. It only helps others understand a part of them.
Therefore, here are some of the meanings of a scorpion tattoo in varying situations.
- Tribal – If the wearer has a tribal scorpion tattoo, is is often for protection against evil spirits.
- Women – If a woman has a scorpion tattoo, it symbolizes their strength. They can take on anyone regardless of that person’s size, status, or position. This is adapted from the scorpion’s ability to defend itself even if it’s smaller than most creatures.
- Scorpion and roses – Both of these elements are two things at once. Scorpions may be small but they are intimidating. Roses are beautiful, but anyone can get hurt with its thorns. Suffice to say, both of these should only be admired from afar. When someone gets this as a tattoo, it could mean that they can both be pleasant but dangerous.
Negativity Surrounding Scorpion Tattoos
Just as many religions see scorpions as bad omen, some meanings of the scorpion tattoo are negative. Here are some of what they could mean:
- HIV positive – It is said that in the gay community, those who wear scorpion tattoos are HIV positive.
- Russian scorpion tattoo – There are those who believe that a Russian scorpion tattoo could indicate that someone has spent time in jail. Others also see this as a symbol of drug addiction. If the stinger is up, they say the wearer is still using drugs. If the stinger is down, the wearer has quit.
- Cuban or Mexican gang – Apparently, if a Cuban or Mexican gang member is wearing a scorpion tattoo, it could mean they are enforcers or killers. It is believed that the number of squares that make up the tail is the total number of that person’s kills.
However, do not just assume these. It can be a meaning but it could also mean different things seeing as the scorpion is also a symbol for other things, most especially that of the Zodiac sign.
Scorpion Tattoo Design Ideas
There aren’t really very many designs for scorpion tattoos. However, that makes it easier for you to make a more unique design. But there are of course popular designs that are getting more attention these days.
The Scorpio sign – This is perhaps the most popular of all the designs. You can either have a scorpion and then place the Zodiac sign near it or the word “Scorpio”. You can also try to Zodiac sign only, which is a perfect design for those who want smaller tattoos. You can make one of the curves into a scorpion tail for additional flair. But if you really want to stand out, a tattoo of the Scorpio constellation is perhaps the best choice.
Stinging scorpion – If you wanted to make a bad-ass design, a stinging scorpion is your best choice. This is the design that best represent your strength. Usually, the scorpion is seen ready to attack with its stinger poised in the air. You can then try make it look like it’s piercing your skin.
Tribal – Tribal tattoos are known for their bold black ink. You can definitely try this tattoo in different traditional styles and see which one best suits your preferences. This can also be a bigger or a smaller tattoo.
Girly scorpions – Scorpions do not really have to be scary all of the time. If you are the kind of Scorpio who love all things cute and girly, you can definitely make a girly scorpion design – complete with puppy eyes and pastel colors.
Celtic scorpion – Perhaps one of the most amazing designs, a Celtic scorpion is entirely made out of Celtic knots and lines. It’s a unique representation for such a unique characteristic.
More Ideas to Tickle Your Fancy
If you want some ideas for distinct designs, here are some ideas that can inspire your next ink:
- If you want a more bad-ass kind of tattoo, you should focus on its stingers. You’d want to highlight it poising and ready to attack. Or you can add certain elements that will bring other people’s focus on the tail. So, you can add flames or roses.
- Adding elements is also another thing that will make your design more unique and distinct. As much as possible, it should be something that also represent you.
- Scorpions with a quote or your favorite motto or mantra is also a good example. It can have something to do with you getting inspired to continue fighting for your life.
- Skeletal tattoos are amazing. You can either have a design of a skeletal scorpion or you can have it crawling out of a skull.
- 3D or realistic tattoos are still one of the best designs you can get. This takes a great artist to help you since the technique is tough. It takes great skill to make your scorpion tattoo look alive and intimidating as possible. However, with exceptional detailing and technique, it is not impossible.
Tattoo Placement
The placement is as important as the design itself. In fact, the placement could help make or break your tattoo. There are certain things that can make your tattoo look more amazing while some placements will not be the best for certain designs.
Of course, we shall start with the sizes of your tattoo and where it will be best to place them.
Bigger and larger tattoos would look definitely intimidating on the back. You can occupy your entire back to create a huge tattoo design. The chest is also a good place but compared to the area that you can work with, the back is the best choice.
So, what can you put on your chest or your thighs? These areas have sufficient space for big tattoos. But given the space, you’d want to focus more on its length than the total space it occupies. Sure, you can put big tattoos on her but these won’t be as large as the back tattoos.
Since scorpions tend to be longer in length, average-sized tattoos will work best on the sleeves, forearms and legs. You can play with the design and even add some background if you want. Nonetheless, the best design is to focus on the tiniest details.
If you are working on the Scorpion sign, you can have them on smaller areas such as the wrist, inner elbow, base of the neck, sternum, or the ankles.
Aftercare Tips for First Timers
Tattoos are cool. But getting one is painful, no matter where you get or who does it to you. These are wounds and just like any wound, they have to be taken care of until they heal. Of course, how you do your aftercare will greatly impact the result,
That being said, here are some aftercare tips especially for first timers.
Once the tattoo is done, your tattoo artist will put a thin layer of tattoo moisturizer on the area and then cover it with either a plastic wrap or a bandage. It will be very tempting to take it off but don’t. Leave it for a few hours, depending on the size of the tattoo. This will protect it from the sun, infections, and rubbing on your clothes.
You can wash your tattoo after a maximum of 5 hours of having it covered. Do so with mild and hypoallergenic soap and warm water. Use only your hands and do it in a gentle circular motion. Drying it could either be through air drying or dabbing it with clean paper cloth. Do not use coarse material and definitely don’t rub it.
Most importantly, avoid submerging the tattoo in water unless you are washing it. You might also want to avoid the sun.
Your tattoo will look vibrant for the first week or so. But if you don’t want this, don’t worry. It will eventually become duller as the tattoo heals.
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