Tattoo symbols / The Dragonfly symbol, mythology-meaning-tattoo placement
Dragonfly is an amazing insect, with a very interesting life cycle, always changing forms, and a popular tattoo design for many tattoo lovers.
It's creation begins in the water and transforms through the air; making it - in many ways - as transformative and symbolic as the famous lotus flower.
As a symbol in various cultures, it is either beneficial and magical or fearful and dangerous. This particular duality made it really interesting to explore and analyze it's origin.
The name dragonfly was adopted from the Romanian language, which means the devil’s horse or devil’s fly.
According to scientists it is the fastest insect on Earth and can fly with a speed almost 97 km / hour while seeing on an 360 degrees angle! Those features make it an incredible predator amongst insects.
Did you know?
Dragonflies have long resident planet Earth, even before the dinosaurs! Their first appearance goes back to more than 200 million years!!
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Dragonfly Symbol in Mythology and Religion
For the Native Americans the dragonfly symbolizes transformation and change, often representing a connection to the spirit world and acting as messengers from spiritual realms
In Japan dragonfly is considered a national emblem and symbolizes courage, strength, protection of children and happiness. It is associated with the samurai class as a symbol of power and agility.
Did you know?
Japan is also know as the island of dragonfly or Akitsushima ("akitsu" being the Japanese word for "dragonfly" and "shima" meaning "island".
In Chinese mythology the dragonfly is linked to prosperity and good luck. It is believed to be a good omen to those who encounter it.
In Buddhist teachings, the dragonfly symbolizes enlightenment and purity, its graceful movement through the air likened to the journey towards spiritual awakening and liberation.
In Germany dragonflies used to have more than 150 names, some of which are Teufelsnadel ("Devil's needle"), Wasserhexe ("Water witch"), Hollenross ("Goddess' horse"), Teufelspferd ("Devil's horse").
For the English and Scottish the dragonfly was considered a bad omen and bearer of bad spirits that could steal someone's soul.
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The dragonfly chakra connection
“Chakra” is a Sanskrit word literally meaning "wheel."
The chakra energy system has seven basic energy centres, or energy wheels on the human body. Each of them is represented as a lotus flower with different number of petals and is also associated with the energy of an animal, a color, a shape, as well as a natural element.
There seems to be a connection between the dragonfly and the 7th chakra (Sahasrara) as it symbolizes the connection with the spiritual realm and is a symbol of transformation and wisdom.
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Dragonfly tattoo / placement
The dragonfly is a tattoo choice that can be depicted in any form and style. It is both chosen from men and women for it's powerful symbolism and interesting shape.
From watercolor, mandala style, old school style or tribal, it can have an amazing result in many placements.
Place a dragonfly in your hands to enhance action and realization for your next moves. This placement will also assist in your creativity and decisive nature.
A dragonfly is often placed on the upper back, near the basis of the neck, a famous spiritual center and the gate to our spirituality. This placement will give you a direct connection to your spiritual guides and help you with the realizations and awareness that derives from your upper self. Choose this position if you are in a phase in your life that you need to change course but you feel hesitant and fearful about the unknown.
A dragonfly on the ribs is a way to open to new possibilities and "open your wings" to your life's purpose, while transforming the difficult emotions that go with it. It will give you protection and a sense of courage and decisiveness.
A popular placement under the sternum, on the diaphragm, brings power and opens the spirituality that derives from the 3rd chakra.
Create a design combining the dragonfly with a triangle or the moon, this will bring more fire and water which is an alchemical combination of change.
Be informed before you get inked!
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Reminder:
Never forget that every tattoo and symbol takes it's meaning from the wearer !!
About the Author (Mandira)
Check out my tattoo page and message me for a custom design that we co-create with love and enthusiasm! Like my facebook page to stay in touch! About Mandira Antar
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