Snake Tattoo Meaning and Snake Tattoo Ideas

Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Avia

Snake Meaning and Tattoo Ideas: Snake tattoos are utterly classic. Ok, so I’m biased. I’ve got quite a few serpentine tattoos. I’m just compelled that way for reasons beyond the scope of this article on snake-meaning and tattoo ideas.

I can say, if you’re a diverse soul, and recognize the depth of your own diversity, a snake tattoo might appeal to you. Why? Let’s take a look at snake symbolism throughout various cultures.

Symbolic Snake Meanings
Snake Tattoos and Purification
Snake Tattoos and Duality
Snake Tattoos as Symbols of Protection
Snakes and Wisdom
The Last Slither About Snake Tattoo Meaning

Symbolic Snake Meanings

Snakes in many cultures (African, Chinese, Native American Hopi to name a few) are associated with water, and this emphasizes their connection to healing. Why? Because water is symbolic of healing, cleansing and purifying.

Some keywords pertaining to symbolic snake meaning and snake tattoo ideas…

Birth
Magic
Hidden
Renewal
Mystery
Defense
Protection
Transition
Infinity
Sexuality
Fertility
Grounded
Transformation
Hidden/Secret

Snake Tattoos and Purification

Are you intent on personal purification? Is the concept of healing, renewing and clarifying vital to you? If so, you may owe it to yourself to research this aspect of snake tattoo meaning. The more you research this angle of snake symbolism, the more you may find yourself empowered by it.

In Greek myth, snakes are symbolic of health and healing as we see them associated with Asclepius (see the Staff of Asclepius tattoo meaning here), who was a renowned deity of medicine, healing and said to grant regenerative powers. That sense of renewal comes from the snake who sheds off the old (skin) and emerges shiny, bright and new after each shedding.

Asclepius’ snake is singular, but myth also shows many deities with double-snakes, and these will have powerful meanings of balance, duality, and joining opposing elements for the purpose of unification – even enlightenment. You can learn more about these symbolic concepts of double-snakes on my Caduceus tattoo symbolism page.

Snake Tattoos and Duality

Are you acutely aware of the inherent polarities in all life? Do you constantly seek temperance and happy-mediums and balance? If so, you may want to look into some very ancient wisdom about the double-snake symbolism.

For example, you can look to ancient alchemy who use the double-snake illustration as a sign-post to denote the conjugation of opposites with a goal for higher (illumined, balanced, advanced) results (offspring/progeny – a union of two causing the birth of something new and fundamentally more advanced). You can also research double-snake symbolism in Hindu myth/legend where you’ll learn about a metaphysical connection as discussed in the kundalini phenomenon.

Snake Tattoos as Symbols of Protection

Snakes are also protective symbols. They are considered protectors of the underworld in Greco-Roman ideology, and are often seen in funerary art to convey guardianship over burial sites. Countless ancient cultures recognize snakes as protectors of abstruse mysteries, and that’s why we see snakes commonly adorn magical personalities through history.

Snakes and Wisdom

Whether a priestess like Pythia or a sage like Hermes, when you see a snake associated with powerful archetypes of deep (esoteric/occult) wisdom, it is a symbol of protecting sacred knowledge. Let’s face it, the snake can be a pretty intimidating force, and so, it’s a perfect icon for guarding that which is profoundly mystical. Just another aspect to consider while you contemplate snake tattoo meaning.

The Last Slither About Snake Tattoo Meaning

As you continue your research about snake symbolism, you’re going to find tons of meanings and varying discussions about what this noble creature represents. That’s why I find it so appropriate as a tattoo. The snake is a shifter, and as my own inner landscape shifts, I find my snake tattoos are fully qualified to shift with me. To be sure, snakes can accommodate fathoms of moods, meanings and ideas – and so they make perfect emblems of power.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these scant thoughts on snake tattoo meaning. Check out the links below for more rounding-out of your research. As always, thank you for reading.

Happy tattooing!

Mighty brightly,