Tattoo Symbolism: Images Convey Messages, but Emotions Run Very Deep

I have a dozen tattoos. Let me start by giving you just a little background on who I am. I am in my mid-30's. I'm a mom and a wife. I also love tattoos. I grew up in a family where tattoos where routine and certainly tolerated. My Dad is covered nearly chest to toe. I think tattoos can be a beautiful form of self expression. Beauty is, of course, subjective. My husband likes flames and skulls; I'm partial to colorful non-violent artwork.

I like making a statement without saying a word. You know what I mean? Some people look at my ink and judge me. That's okay. I don't mind offending you. Some people look at my ink and see the same beauty I see. I'm happy to share it. I choose tattoos that hold some meaning to me. I do research tattoo symbolism before getting new tattoos. I want to make sure I'm getting across the correct message.

My most recent tattoos are on my feet. One is a nautical star the other is a swallow. I thought a long time about these tattoos. My father was in the Navy and served during the Vietnam war. He has many Navy tattoos including the nautical star and a swallow. I wanted to pay tribute to my Dad and I particularly like to symbolism of the star and swallow. The star is for guidance. I like to attach a deeper spiritual significance to 'guidance.' For me, the star symbolizes sublime guidance. The Swallow signifies freedom. I am and always have been a free spirit. I'm never in one place physically or emotionally for very long. So as you can see these tattoos are perfect for me.

I have a shamrock on my calf. It is my smallest tattoo and one of my first. I'm an Irish girl and found it most appropriate to show my Irish pride by having a shamrock.

I have a stone cross with vines growing around it. The cross symbolizes my spirituality while the vines growing around it shows a lack of upkeep in my faith. It is a reminder that I haven't always held true what I was taught in my childhood. Around the cross are the words, "Only God Can Judge Me."

I also have the not so original name tattoos. I have my husband's name and my daughter's name. Both are on my neck. I have a few stars and the obligatory 'tramp stamp' on my lower back. I have a back piece in the design stage. This piece will immortalize my favorite love story...Bonnie & Clyde. My nickname is Bonnie. I also have a half sleeve in the design stage. This will be my life story in pictures. There are so many elements to include, but I have some great ideas for it.

The symbolism of tattoos is often extremely personal. The images themselves convey a message, but the emotions behind why we have them run very deep.