Shell tattoo. The meaning of a shell tattoo. Symbolic meanings of shells

Shells, shells are created for the purpose of functional protection - a kind of external skeleton, shell, house of an invertebrate animal (mollusk, snails, etc.). Their material is ordinary limestone.

Symbolic meanings of shells

The sea shell is one of the most beautiful creations of the sculptor named Nature, capable of carrying meaning for the human Mind and being a sign on its life trajectory.

The reading of this sign depends on the form of creation, the main ones are:

The main basic forms of shells, many of their varieties are found in nature.

a shell resembling external female organs;
spiral shell;
double shell.

Each of them has its own unique symbolic meaning.

Sink

The main abstract meaning is the source of life and energy, this is the Yin water symbol. It is directly related to the process conception and female fertility.

Ancient fresco from Pompeii

In culture, this meaning is enshrined in the frescoes of Pompeii and the masterpiece of Botticelli, where we see the beautiful goddess of love Venus, who emerged from the sea foam (from the cosmic womb), standing in a shell.

Spiral shell

Associated with space, galactic forms. Values:

inhalation and exhalation of the Creator;
convolution and development of creation;
untwisting and twisting of matter.

In the Hindu tradition, the shell is an attribute of the divine Vishnu and the symbol of the primary sound " Nada Brahma that gave life to our universe. There are similar stories, only with different names, in Buddhism.

Shankha in the Temple

In Buddhism and Hinduism, there is a "shankha" - a sacred ritual shell, as a rule:

very big,
white,
necessarily twisted clockwise.

It is through her that the Gods can bless a person, awaken him from the sleep of ignorance.

In Hinduism, in addition to the type of twisting of the spiral, the shells were also divided:

by gender: female (thinner) and male (thicker and coarser);
by color- the belonging to the castes was determined: white - to the Brahmins; red - to the soldiers; yellow - merchants; gray - working.

Spiral Nautilus Shell associated with the mathematical model:

logarithmic spiral- a special species, often found in nature. The size of its coils gradually increases, but their shape remains unchanged.

Logarithmic spiral: Nautilus shell, atmospheric, mathematical, space.

Like a sign this form of shell can symbolize for a person - unwrapping or folding process– depending on the direction of travel:

– if outside, outside- time goes into space, a manifested life is being formed, you are in the process of creation, realization of yourself, your energy and information from the inside out;

– otherwise, inside- there is a process of decompression, convolution of spatial life. Along with this - understanding, comprehension of the lived. As a private symbol, it is a sign of the completion of something, death (not necessarily physical) - the return from Space to Time.

Something in our body is also made in the shape of a shell.
This Auricle- a tool of Hearing, the connection of the human brain with the outside world through the perception of sounds.

Please note that inside the head there is also a spiral shape, the cochlea:
1 - auricle.
6 - cochlea in the inner ear

Nature does not create anything, so this form is especially convenient for capturing and collecting external information that is processed inside the head, understood, and acquires some meaning:

Bivalve sink

With a pearl inside - can mean integrity and creation.

In various aspects, such a creation of nature for man symbolizes:

virginity and feminine purity, integrity - then she herself is an unopened pearl;
childbearing by a woman then the pearl of the future life ripens inside her, and she herself is a shell.

"Shut up in your shell"- a phraseological unit, meaning that a person psychologically ceased to be interested in the outside world, limited his life to himself, to his inner content.

For many people, especially for representatives of the two water signs Cancer, Pisces, this is a normal state of returning to the subconscious mechanisms of restoring one's own strength and energy, tuning in to the internal rhythm (you are "in the house", you just took a break for a while).

Best result such isolation is the maturation into a Pearl, beautiful, original. Important to remember: in this state there is a danger of getting stuck, while you need to periodically open up to the outside world, realizing what has been accumulated inside.

Unwanted result- this is a loss of connection with external reality, a lock in oneself (maybe in the most beautiful and amazing oneself, but no one will know about it). A very suitable symbol for autists.

Talisman and amulet

The tribes of Oceania and other aquatic peoples used shells as magical objects: they accumulated strength in them, used them as a home for allied spirits, etc.

For some time, beautiful shells served as an exchange equivalent, that is, money.

Women still actively use shell jewelry: earrings, beads, necklaces. It's just beautiful and gives good healthy energy.

All these items as talismans and amulets are most suitable for frequent use:

representatives of water signs, especially Pisces and Cancers,
people with a strong Moon, Venus, Neptune.

For beautiful ladies, shells are talismans that resonate with her energy, add mystery, femininity. It will be easier to focus on the inner world and the hidden powers of your unconscious.

Spiral - can act as a Venusian cornucopia symbol influence the well-being and fullness of life.

Artwork by Miriam Escofet

Bivalve with a pearl - is a talisman:

or storage virginity;
or to conceive and bear a child;
can also be a symbol of your dream or idea which you are nurturing in yourself.

As male symbol it is recommended to use a shell similar to a horn, this is associated with ancient battle trumpets. It is an attribute of strong and powerful men who are able to dominate, lead. Such an amulet will drive away evil spirits and frighten the enemies of such a man.

Arjuna and Krishna are blowing their war shells

Shells are often travel souvenir and the places you have reached. For years, these foreign guests will gather dust on the shelf, but one day you will take this little thing, put it to your ear and hear the sound of the sea again, evoking memories.

For the same reason, the shell is emblem of the pilgrims, pilgrims who, from their wanderings in overseas holy places, brought precisely these small objects. As proof (available, free) of achieving the goal of your trip.

The pilgrim takes a shell with him - and the visited shrines remain untouched (otherwise the first pilgrims strove to break off and tear off pieces of sacred structures and objects as a keepsake).

You can use the shell as one of symbols of christianity(together with a cross and a fish). Direct semantic line: Christianity - the Age of Pisces - the element of Water - a shell.

Thus, the shell is a symbol of emptiness, arranged according to a certain model.

Therefore, there are boundaries and rules for its use - filling.

What meaning and what creation you fill your shell with is up to you...

A seashell or shell is not just a beautiful souvenir to remember the rest, but also a powerful amulet.

The main meanings of a shell tattoo will be: luck, success, prosperity, creativity, knowledge.

The shell is part of the marine world, which means it is ideal not only for girls, but also for everyone who was born under the signs of the zodiac belonging to the water element, that is, Cancers, Scorpios and Pisces.

Since ancient times in China, people believed that the shell brings unprecedented good luck. In Buddhism, the shell symbolizes the voice of the Buddha and his teachings. The shell was depicted on his feet, among other signs.

A shell tattoo is suitable for travelers and all those who are often away from home. It will bring success in all endeavors, especially in business related to foreign partners.

In symbolism, the shell carries the meaning of the spiral. Birth and death, ascent and descent, up and down, the cycle of natural phenomena - everything that goes in a spiral, all this corresponds to a shell.

The shell also carries the meaning of the compatibility of opposite principles: male and female, external and internal, spiritual and material. The tattoo is suitable for people who strive for spiritual growth, the development of their personality, but at the same time do not forget about the external material world.

The owner of a shell tattoo is a person of fine mental organization, while a solid protective shell will not give anyone the opportunity to injure what is inside. The shell is a talisman for lovers, it symbolizes the strengthening of understanding of each other.

The shell is considered a female symbol; it is not for nothing that artists often depict it in the hands of girls. Depicted in the hands of men, she is considered a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Interestingly, if the picture contains bread and wine (symbols of Christianity) and a shell, then the latter means a soul ready to leave the mortal world. In this sense, the shell will carry the spiritual and even philosophical meaning of understanding the vanity of the outside world and the meaninglessness of material wealth.

A shell in the form of a tattoo can be applied as a spiral, a cowrie shell (a strong amulet according to Feng Shui) or a sea shell, which looks like two flat plates. The color palette can be from muted pastel colors to bright and enchanting. The tattoo can be supplemented with other marine inhabitants or attributes associated with the water element, for example, starfish, seahorses, anchor.

Any place for application is allowed, more depends on the size of the sketch. The shell will look elegant on the wrist, shoulder blade, forearm, ankle, side of the chest, etc.

A shell tattoo denotes femininity, fertility, prosperity, sexuality, renewal, a reminder of the sea and relaxation, reliable love, family, faith, success, self-knowledge, the unity of the material and the spiritual.

The meaning of the shell tattoo

The shell or shell has been found in the legends and myths of various cultures since ancient times, and in general terms it symbolizes femininity, fertility, prosperity, sexual energy, rebirth. In addition, the sea shell can be tritely reminiscent of the sea, which for many people is a place of finding peace, peace of mind, balance and relaxation from daily problems.

In ancient times, shells invariably accompanied the image of Venus, which, according to legend, was born from sea foam or, according to some legends, from a shell. The Romans often depicted Venus floating in a shell or holding her in her hands. If the shell is harnessed by dolphins, then such an image symbolized the chariot of the gods of the water element - Neptune and Galatea. The goddess of luck Fortune, who is also personified with the sea, sometimes rides on the shell. In this sense, a shell tattoo can mean beauty, charm, maritime power, good luck.

Since there are several varieties of shells, their meaning in underwear patterns can be different.

So, a bivalve shell is a female sign, the beginning of all living things. It symbolizes fertility as the main wealth in life. By the way, many commercial enterprises that have used the image of a shell for their logos have achieved considerable business success. A tattoo with such a shell will bring strong love, family happiness and good luck in business to the life of its owner.

The shell, in which the valves are closed, means some detachment, secrecy from the outside world. Such a tattoo may indicate turning inward to oneself, searching for answers to important questions inside the soul, and not in the outside world, self-knowledge. Such a wearable image is chosen by people for whom the improvement of their own "I" is the main goal in life.

If the shell is depicted as spiral, then the image indicates that the owner of the tattoo is able to combine two principles in himself, that he has achieved balance, harmony of body and spirit, and is also ready for freedom and risk. On the other hand, by analogy with a snail, the spiral of such a shell, depicted on the human body, can speak of his measured character, slowness and enjoyment of life.

If the shell in the tattoo image is drawn with a pearl, then it will symbolize both external beauty and material well-being. According to legends, the fertilization of molluscs took place under the influence of heavenly dew, after which the pearl in the shell began to personify the search for answers within itself.

The tubular shell and the sound coming from it determined the meaning of such a pattern. It means the unique live sound of the sea and beautiful music. This tattoo is perfect for creative people.

Tattoos they connect us for life with a variety of symbols and signs. Not all people, before applying a tattoo, think about its meaning and that these colorful symbols are able to protect us, attract good luck, or, on the contrary, endanger us. In this article, we will look at the meaning of shell tattoos.

The general meaning of a shell tattoo

A shell tattoo is not just a beautiful drawing, but a special symbolic image. It carries the mystery of the unknown depths of the sea and is a strong amulet for its owner. For whom is such an image suitable and what can it tell about a person?

Types of shell tattoos

Speaking about the bivalve shell, it is worth noting that it is an exclusively female symbol. One of the most important values, in this case, is fertility and wealth. Not for nothing, many companies use the image of a shell in their logos. This contributes to success at work. Thus, if you "fill" such an image on the body, then you will certainly be successful in any business that you start.

Also often found is a shell tattoo that closes the flaps. Note that closing, it is removed from the outside world. The image of this species tells us that a person likes to “go into himself”, to solve any secrets. Apparently, tattoos of this type are most often suitable for those categories of people who devote their lives to the work process or self-improvement.

The shell, closing, moves away, as if separated from the outside world. Such an image tells us about going inside oneself, unraveling one's secrets, about self-knowledge. Probably, such a tattoo is very suitable for people who devote their lives to working on themselves and self-improvement.

The external image of the shell and its sound coming from the depth determined the interpretation of this shell as the beginning of a unique, life-giving sound. The symbol is suitable for people who love the sound of the sea and simply beautiful, enchanting music. This tattoo is very suitable for creative people.

The history of the shell tattoo

Outcome

Shell tattoos are suitable for people born under the element of Water: Scorpions, Pisces and Cancers. It is also a favorite image of sailors, fishermen, surfers and just anyone who loves the sea.