Sun Tattoos

The sun is the source of light, warmth and life on the Earth. It gives us the dawn of clarity after the dark night and awakens us every day to the brilliance and safety of the light. Simply because of this, a sun tattoo can hold profound meaning for the wearer. But beyond its relationship to life here on Earth, the sun holds astral and mythological meaning that is written, much like the stars, in the face of the universe. This, along with still more reasons, guide individuals in their decision to get a sun tattoo. 

Every culture in the history of mankind has represented the sun in the form of a god. A familiar depiction is that of the Greek god Helios, who represents not only the god of the sun, but indeed the sun itself. This symbol is beautifully rendered in tattoo art. In Greek legend, Helios drove four fire breathing horses in his chariot across the sky each day, bringing the like of the sun to Earth. This image obviously lends itself to bright hues of gold, red, yellow and orange, perhaps contrasting against a darker background. One can also stylize it in black and white to create a more modern version.

Taking this simple and powerful idea, you can use your imagination and create a full spectrum of designs. Some ideas are an antique woodblock in monotone, or a multicolored Celtic mosaic. You can make the tattoo unique by mixing in personal emblems or words. A sun blossoming amidst rose pedals can represent budding love, or radiating behind a cross or other religious symbol can express the energy one feels from one’s personal beliefs.

There are three sun signs in the zodiac that can be joined with the image of the sun. Leo specifically is represented by the sun, which can be a powerful emblem for those that are born in the time of the mighty Lion.

Another common motif is a tribal style sun. Generally very basic in design with minimal colors (usually black, red and sometimes blue) with bold, clear-cut lines, tribal suns are most often rendered as a round disc with lines jutting from. There are other, softer sun shapes that take on a more feminine appearance, for example with wavy water-like rays or simple curves. The disc lends itself to a face or symbol as well.

Whether powerful in meaning or simplistic in design, sun tattoos are both interesting and beautiful in their own way. Don’t forget to explore all the possible varieties and tap into the immensity and imagination that a sun tattoo can bring to your life.