Anchor Tattoos

Anchor Tattoos

‘Have an anchor so that life doesn’t toss you around’ a quote by Debby Ryan, basically put the idea of having a tattoo of an anchor into perspective.

Anchor tattoos were initially a very popular tattoo amongst sailors and workers whose work was orientated around the oceans, ho got it inked almost to stamp to show what their occupation was. Nowadays this is obviously not the case.

Anchor tattoos are seen far and wide because of not only there aesthetic appeal but also what they represent .

Anchor Tattoos

An anchor, the heavy arrowed instrument made of metal holds the ship in place by its sheer weight or by rooting itself deep within the seabed with its curved arrows. A boat or ship that is no longer held in place by its anchor can drift off into the water and wonder aimlessly, forever lost to the ocean. One of the main reasons people get an anchor inked because they want to emulate this definition of an anchor.

They want to remain grounded, focused, stay firm in their beliefs about the world, stay rooted in their values and literally have the backbone of steel. An anchor has the ability to restrain the vessel in place no matter what its size, from the smallest of dinghy’s to the largest of tankers, as well as having the power to withstand the almighty ocean.

In the same way anchor tattoos can serve to remind you of your ability to restrain problems and withstand any adversity. Just like the vessels and the powerful sea will try and resist the anchor and try their best to overpower it, at time your problems might do the same, but you must stay firm and resolved just like an anchor.

Anchor Tattoos And Loved Ones

Anchor Tattoos

I love the idea of anchor tattoos that are dedicated to people that keep you hopeful, will never ever let you sway off track and always remind you why you do the things you do.

Those people who no matter what life chucks in your face, will always stand like pillars, holding you up. Those people that will always guide you and influence your life’s path in the most enriching and progressive of ways.

I have a tattoo of an anchor at the back of my neck with my dad’s name on it.

Anchor Tattoos In History - A Balancing Act

A anchor tattoo can also represent a very balanced entity. Although mostly an anchor is known for its solidarity and strength, in many cultures its is seen as having a beautiful exchange between male and female energy. Ancient Egyptians believed the bottom half of the anchor, the two curved arrows, which were seen to represent the female curves (the bosoms) and was also akin to the crescent moon which represented the female energies. The straight rod connecting to it the masculine energies or the pallus. Because they were connected the anchor was thought to be a symbol for birth and new beginnings.

Anchor Tattoos And Art

In Renaissance art, dolphins are often shown with dolphins. This is symbolic of swift speed with resistance. The dolphin symbolizes speed, movement and carefree direction, whereas the anchor is a symbolizes stability and demonstrates the ability to stay grounded. Combined, these two symbols encourage a balance between quick action and sound judgment. Anchor tattoos combined with dolphins would make a fantastic choice for a more career orientated individual.