Eye tattoo meaning is a complex and deeply interesting subject often linked to protection from evil spirits, guidance, and truth, and associated with spirituality and higher consciousness at the same time.
The eye symbol can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians and other cultures of antiquity yet has an association with more artistic modern body art when examining duality, truth, trust, and knowledge.
Whether you’re looking for a simple tattoo to ward off evil spirits, or a deeply creative modern design of a realistic, all-knowing eye, you can adopt a range of variables to depict layers of meaning with this powerful symbol.
The following article examines how the eye is used in tattooing as the window to the soul. It will also provide you with the eye tattoo meaning you’re looking for to bring your eyeball idea to life.
The Ancient Symbolism of the Eye
1. Hamsa Tattoo Symbols
The Hamsa Hand, which symbolizes the Hand of God, is a widely believed to protect its bearer and bring happiness, good , health, and good fortune.
The word hamsa is borrowed from an Arabic word that means five, and the Hamsa Hand stands for the five fingers on the hand, among other meanings. The is the most popular in a hamsa, as superstition holds that warding symbols containing the element of within its design will prompt misfortune to pass by, thinking that it’s already in possession of the wearer.
Interpretations by suggest that by wearing the , a person can bounce and aggression back at the caster.
Other may resemble a Turkish Nazar, an made of blue and white concentric circles. Variations of these nazar and hamsa symbols are found across all major faiths, although the ancient of warding is not religious.
2. Eye of Horus Ink
In , a stylized signified protection, healing, and care.
This stunning logo was often used in hieroglyphics and art and was found guarding the spirits of mummified rulers entombed in the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings.
The can be accompanied by the similarly meaningful of Ra . When shown together, they summon the commanding aura of a fearless pharaoh.
3. All Seeing Eye Tattoo Meanings
The of Providence has also been called the or even the of God, which means it can mean different things to many people.
In an , an looks out from within a single simple triangle design, accompanied by the rays of the sun to signify His regard for all people.
The inside the triangle can be etched by your in different ways, with the whole piece often expanded in theme — geometric, traditional, or abstract principles — to make a powerful representing more than just one aspect of faith.
The , originally a 6th-century ward against bad omens from Greek Culture, has a but can also be incorporated into the of Providence.
4. Third Eye Tattoo Ideas
The third ‘s symbolic refers to the spiritual gate leading to higher consciousness. A third is often used to symbolize a state of enlightenment that has deeply personal, spiritual, and psychological significance to each practitioner.
The third embodies your ability to see both the inner and outer worlds associated with reflection, representing a connection to wisdom and insight.
Third allow you to assign a visible point of access for the inner guidance from deep within, enabling you to cut through illusion and access deeper truths.
Contemporary Eye Tattoo Meanings
5. Tiger Eye Tattoo Ideas
It’s in the ‘s eyes that we can interpret deep , acknowledge the animal’s courage, and feel the intensity of its imposing presence.
These formidable eyes amaze and inspire humans just as much as the fangs in a face terrorize us, making them the perfect subject for striking .
Some represent the classic The of the song, which ties in with concepts of motivation, determination, and strength.
The reminds us that to achieve greatness, we have to give it our all inspite of every obstacle that stands in our way.
6. Symbol of the Illuminati
The of God has also been controversial in recent times, at least in the United States, where it’s been associated with the New World Order or the Illuminati.
Both of these phrases are linked (allegedly) to a group of powerful people hidden in the shadows who are attempting to create a centrally controlled government. These groups use this particular to represent their organizations.
A person wearing these could believe there is a shadowy figure somewhere in the world who is attempting to control it. This person might want the to show that they are aware of this truth and will not ignore it.
7. Eye and Clock Tattoo Designs
The of a combination and clock is often pieces linking the different meanings ascribed to the passage of time, truth, and elements of life and death.
The symbolizes truth, protection, and guidance, while the clock is a classic and a powerful of the passage of time and the march toward the finish.
and clock tattoos often utilize elements of realistic or geometric in combination with a stylized 3D clock.
Eye Tattoo Design Placement and Application Style
8. Realistic Eye Tattoo Art
A is a striking choice that calls immediate attention to itself and leaves a distinct impression on all who view it.
A hooks our visual attention in the same way and we get the chilling sensation that we are being watched, that somehow this , itself, might be a little bit aware.
It creates a visual loop between the wearer and the viewer because whenever a viewer looks at the art, the art looks right back.
9. American Traditional Eye Tattoos
The eyes are the windows to the soul and they carry heavy symbolism along with them. The American traditional school of ink carries a lot of superstition, making the a popular subject laden with .
Humans gain an incredible amount of information from looking at each other’s eyes. Some say you can see right into somebody’s mind through their eyes, exposing their intelligence and gleaning the truth about a person’s nature.
Eyes represent honesty. It’s easier to lie under the protection of sunglasses, but looking somebody in the often brings out the truth. A traditional tattooed can symbolize the search for authenticity.
10. The Eye Tattoo in 3D
A popular contemporary style of application is making a 3D , either to give it realistic depth, complexity, and color or to create a wilder design utilizing abstract elements tied in with other themes, such as a geometric or duality-themed piece.
There are no shortcuts.
A successful 3D eyeball is achieved by making the artwork look like it’s a part of your body or as if it’s hovering over the top of it by magic.
Tattooists well versed in creating 3D pieces can create your 3D by the application of line work, shading, color, and space manipulation to literally add that extra dimension needed to make it come alive.
Prison Eye and Face Tattoo
11. The Teardrop Tattoo
Of all the different stereotypes and made-for-TV interpretations of life behind bars, the teardrop is one of the most pervasive and dramatized elements.
A teardrop prison on the left side of the face, beside or below the , means that an inmate had killed someone.
A teardrop on the right side of the face, alongside or below the , is more often associated with a dead family member or friend.
12. 3 Dot Tattoo Design
Often placed on the cheekbone below the , this prison is used to communicate the wearer’s status as a lifelong gang member.
The 3-dot tattoos represent “Mi Vida Loca” or my crazy life. These designs are a testament to the unpredictable and violent nature of gang activity, whether you’re a Latin King, MS-13, Norteno, or Sureno.
Within prison and gang life, to be crazy means to be dangerous. An unpredictable person who is willing to do anything for their clique with no consideration of the consequences, particularly prison sentences, is not someone to be trifled with.
The is a rich and deeply meaningful linked to truth, perception, guidance, and protection.
Any number of paths can take you to the true ideal of what an means to your choices, whether it’s a warding tribal in the mold of Ancient Egyptians or an artistic and complex 3D realistic eyepiece that creates a for all who look at it.