Armband Tattoos

Armband Tattoos - Armband tattoo designs are arguably one of the most popular tattoo designs around. You see them wherever you look – in urban realms and rural hideouts, on CEO’s and bikers, on young women and old men. Whether hidden beneath a sleeve or proudly displayed at the beach, an armband is a classic choice for a tattoo. Sometimes tattoo art that is designed to be an armband gets modified and becomes a wrist-band or maybe an ankle-band.

For a lot of people, armbands make a great first tattoo. Even though it’s a common choice, the wide variety of available designs ensures that you can make yours very unique and personal. No matter what you picture for your armband tattoo, you will find all kinds of tattoo designs including intricate Celtic knots, Organic tribal patters, Hawaiian theme bands and feather motifs. Some people choose a band of vines with flowers while others prefer the masculine barbwire, thorns or flames. Dragons and snakes are also great designs for an armband tattoo as they can encircle the entire arm. No matter what you choose for your own arm, an armband is a bold choice for your personal tattoo gallery.

Aries Tattoos

Aries Tattoos - The Western astrological sign of Aries is occupied by the Sun from March 21 to April 19 in the tropical zodiac.

The March equinox (spring in the Northern hemisphere), is the start of the new zodiacal year and Aries, the first sign, is associated with fresh vigour and unruly beginnings. In the sidereal zodiac, it is currently from April 19 to May 13 when the Sun is approximately in the constellation of Aries. In sidereal astrology it is additionally associated with the constellation Aries and the Greek myth of the ram which carried Athamas's son Phrixus and daughter Helle to Colchis to escape their stepmother Ino.


Aries is associated with the classical element Fire, and thus called a fire sign (along with Sagittarius and Leo). It is the domicile of Mars and the exaltation of the Sun. It is also one of the four Cardinal signs (along with Libra, Capricorn, and Cancer). Its polar opposite is Libra. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Aries rules the head and face. The symbol for Aries is the ram. Aries are the pioneers and leaders of the Zodiac.

Aquarius Tattoos

Aquarius Tattoos - The Western astrological sign of Aquarius forms part of the tropical zodiac (January 20 – February 18) and of the sidereal zodiac (February 13 – March 14).

Aquarius is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Libra and Gemini). It is also one of the four fixed signs (along with Taurus, Leo and Scorpio). Its polar opposite is Leo. It is the domicile of Saturn and Uranus. Aquarius's symbol is the water-bearer.

As an Air sign, Aquarius is associated with thought, perspective and communication. In combination with the other elements, air feels that water will obscure it, earth will suffocate it, but fire will inspire and uplift it. As a Fixed sign, it is associated with focus, individuality and determination.

Ankh

Ankh - Ancient Egyptian symbol representing life. The looped cross, in which the ellipse at the top represents the ascendancy of spirit (the next world) over the cross of matter (this world). The ankh was an early crucifix symbol in the Coptic (primarily Egyptian) church, thus acknowledging the link to previous religions and beliefs of Egypt, in which the symbol represented the hope of future life and resurrection.

Angel Tattoos

Angel Tattoos - An angel tattoo design is an overtly religious symbol. Angels are anthropomorphic - meaning in the shape of men - winged forms intended to transmit the word of God to humankind. Angels personify divine will and are the messengers of God.

Winged messengers appear in a number of religions as intermediaries between the spiritual and material worlds, but appear most often in Islamic, Jewish but most particularly the Christian faiths. The word angel comes from the Greek 'aggelos', meaning messenger. Angels make frequent appearances in the Christian Bible, not only as messengers of God but also delivering his protection or punishment. Angels act as God's intermediaries, carrying out God's will in the affairs of man.

Symbols closely associated with angels in art include trumpets, harps, swords, sceptres and wands. Angels are usually portrayed as young men with wings and halos, representing their divinity. The representation of angels as Cupid-like young boys or babies, 'putti' did not occur until the period of the Renaissance.

As a tattoo design, an angel is a symbol of devotion, spirituality and faith and signifies a relationship with God. An angel can be intended as a figure of guidance and protection. An angel is often used as the centerpiece of a tattoo that is intended as a memorial.

Anchor Tattoo Designs

Anchor Tattoo Designs - The Anchor tattoo is a design that has been a fixture of modern western tattooing for the better part of two centuries, and has even more ancient symbolic roots going back several millennia. The anchor is a favorite of individuals who are associated with marine or naval careers, and is closely identified with sailors all over the world. Many young sailors got an anchor tattoo after their first crossing of the Atlantic.

The anchor is often incorporated with other design elements and is a central design theme of many military service tattoos, particularly among sailors, marines and naval aviators. Other common design elements are sailing ships, mermaids and other nautical symbols.


In ancient times the anchor, like the fish, was a symbol with ties to the early Christian church. An anchor tattoo can be thought of as holding one steadfast, like an anchor holding a great sailing ship safe in harbour, against winds and currents that might carry it astray.

Anarchy Tattoos

Anarchy Tattoos - The usual symbol for anarchy is a stylized "A" within a circle. As a tattoo symbol, the anarchy "A" has been very popular with groups whose members have considered themselves as being on the fringes of accepted society, either because of their belief systems or their lifestyle. The anarchy symbol has at various times been embraced by punks, skin-heads and the gay community. It has also been used to protest globalism - as in global-capitalism or industrialization, global-warming and been embraced by environmental activists.


Political anarchists prized the rights of the individual and minorities over the potential tyranny of the majority. The Anarchy symbols first came into use over one hundred and fifty years ago and was used to protest oppressive governmental regimes, monarchies and states that outlawed unions. Other symbols of anarchy have been the extensive use of the colour black, as used in black flags, black crosses and black cats; a symbol of a raised clenched fist, and a number of variations on the Jolly Roger or Skull and Crossed Bones, the chosen flag of pirates who sailed for no nation but themselves.

Tattoo Design and Symbols