Eagle Tattoo – Meaning, Symbolism, Designs and Ideas

Many people are lovers of eagles. They are a true symbol of beauty, majesty and pride. They are one of the most popular birds and people always see them as a strong, independent animal that nobody can mess with. If you ask someone what is the most dangerous bird, they will surely answer: the eagle.

Yes, you need to have caution around them, and so by getting an eagle tattoo you are telling the people around you that you can also be really smart and dangerous when needed.

However, eagles aren’t mean and they are not beasts, they also have a motherly, sweet side to them. If you love eagles, it doesn’t mean that you are weird or that you have no heart: it means that you actually have a big, proud heart.

People don’t believe that eagle tattoos can have a romantic meaning, but they can actually be very sexy and special, especially when they are placed somewhere a bit mysterious. To some people, eagles mean protection and faith, to others purity and a feeling of being safe. Women usually get minimalistic eagle tattoos that go great with the curves of the female body for the wings are of similar shape.

It is surely a good idea to get this tattoo if you possibly want to let someone close to you know that you find them as strong and as beautiful as an eagle, for they posses all of the virtues named above. The fact that you decided to get a tattoo for them will let the person know how much you truly respect them.

Eagle Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

The eagle always represented a strong, fearless spirit.  For spiritual people and tribes, it was a symbol of a wise mind, a symbol of power that never fades away. Many dances that were historically popular were related to eagles, especially amongst Native Americans.

In the United States, eagles are very popular and they tend to represent the country too, so people are prone to getting these done if they love their country and want to show everyone how proud they are to be American.

In ancient times, one of the most famous Greek gods, Zeus himself, used to be called an eagle. This was a name he earned by being the strongest, toughest and most popular man in the whole country. Women loved him and they decided to give up their immortality to stay with him. Obviously, the eagle never changed meaning and today we describe someone dominant with the eagle comparison.

In Native America, the eagle is a symbol of spirit, for the spirit always needs to be high, ambitious and close to the Gods. That’s how an eagle can represent it. They also believed that they are a form of a famous bird related to thunder and energy. This bird used to be a religious symbol and therefore everyone was always cautious of speaking about it: they had respect for it.

Sometimes they even believed that their leaders would die and become eagles to supervise them and to be near them, protect them. That’s why Native Americans never killed eagles and they only took their gifts: claws and feathers.

People also think the eagle represents new chances, strength, clarity, masculinity and power, domination and God’s message. It is up to you to discover what does the eagle mean to you and are you a believer.

Eagle Tattoo - Meaning, Symbolism, Designs and Ideas

During the history, leaders always had something with eagles embroidered on their clothes, knitted into their capes, engraved into their swords. It was a usual sign of domination, strength, a symbol of a proud man that can be both dangerous and full of affection.

In modern biology, it is known that eagles are the strongest birds and they can fly at a remarkable velocity and pass from 400 to 500 miles a day. This means that they are prone to change and this is something that a lot of people want to get familiar with in life.

If you get an eagle tattoo, it is important that you know the symbolic of it and to know that the place where you  put it will change the meaning of it too. If you wish for it to have a strong, proud message, put it somewhere visible and make it a larger tattoo.

If you don’t want it to have a symbol of strength, but a symbol of vision and clarity, a small tattoo is usually enough and you can put it somewhere that will be visible to you.

Feminine eagle tattoos can be done under breasts and on the pelvic area because the wings fir perfectly and you will surely show that you are an emancipated, strong woman, although you are one without the tattoo as well.

Eagle Tattoo Design and Ideas

Eagles that fly

Their most beautiful form is also the one they are most natural in and, for sure, for eagles that is flying. They are very brave in the sky, leaning towards the universe and always being a bit above other animals. Even though the sky is not fully known and discovered, they still decide to be adventurous. They become very wise in this moment too, for they can pay attention to their soon-to-be target. That’s  why focus is also connected to eagles.

Many people get this one when they want to talk about power, strength and being free. It is a large tattoo, but can also be done on a small section. Those who are brave get it across their back or chest.

Aztec eagle

During old times, people used to believe that eagles can defend them from dark energy and that they bring light and awareness for they are very strong and they always know what they want next. They were connected to the gods somehow and they brought the mortals the messages by flying over the houses.

Goddess Isis with wings

Even though she isn’t an eagle precisely, goddess Isis used to be connected with all sorts of birds and she has wings really similar to the eagle ones. This is a tattoo that usually settles underneath the breasts or on the pelvic area. It is a feminine way to show power.

Back eagle

The most powerful form of an eagle is the one where he has his wings fully spread, and this is best shown on people’s back. These artworks are usually larger and they show bravery so men love to put them on their back.

When you see that someone had endured such a long tattoo session, people usually show respect, and that’s why these tattoos are something many men are into, but women can get them done too.

Eagle head

If you aren’t feeling like putting the whole eagle on your body, many people settle just for the head with one wing or even without any wings. The head shows that you fear nothing, that you are always cautious and you are powerful when needed.

People that get this tattoo done are usually lovers of the eagle, because the rest of the people also love the aesthetic of the wings. If you got this one done, it means you are surely very focused and determined.

Eagle wing

On the other hand, many people like to get wings done only. It’s popular to get them on your arm and back, but there are no limits really. Those who are not afraid of ink usually do wings on both hands and the head on the back so when they reach out and spread their arms, they really have a whole eagle on their body.

This is a tattoo that surely needs to be done in several sessions, but it pays off! It looks absolutely majestic, especially when you are in a bikini.

Watercolor eagle

If you wish to be more modern, many people like the new watercolor look. It is easy to implement in one’s life, looks very trendy and can also be a more feminine option for those who are not familiar with black and white tattoo’s.

Usually the creative and artistic people go for this one, but it doesn’t matter, really… If you feel like art has a big place in your life and you want to keep it there with focus and determination, this tattoo may be a good start.

Double-headed Eagle tattoos

These ideas started in Sumeria and they wanted to emphasize the meaning of the eagle so they made it a more powerful hybrid. Today, in Europe, we can see the eagle on many flags and sometimes it is even a double-headed one.

Eagle feather

For those that like minimalistic tattoos and are not into huge ones, and for those that are afraid of much ink, it is possible to get a feather tattoo.

This tattoo is usually small and it is one of those tattoo’s that is more suitable for women too. Native Americans used to believe that an eagle feather brings healing and holistic properties so they wore it in their hair, with pearls. Sometimes they even made necklaces and dreamcatchers.

That’s why the eagle feather tattoo is believed to bring health, luck and many years of good living. Women usually like to get it done along with a special name, perhaps a child’s or a man’s.

Eagle claws

If you wish to look very dangerous, you can choose this option. It is usually popular amongst people that are good at martial arts and enjoy this edgy lifestyle. It means that you are ready to get revenge when needed, defend those that hurt people that you love.

It is a tattoo that will probably cause many questions from people that don’t understand the meaning of it, but don’t worry about that. You know why you have it and you know that it helps you with determination and strength.

Eagle eye

People that find focus and vision important usually decide to get this simple tattoo. It will always remind you that clarity is really important in life and that you have to always be realistic with yourself and others. This tattoo can be put anywhere for it is relatively small and there are no limits as to where you should put it.

It is a perfect tattoo to get if you are a teacher, someone who spends time helping others clear their vision, someone who always helps and so on.

Eagle on earth

For those that love to have a connection with the nature, eagles on earth are a great tatoo to show that you respect the feeling of being humble and down to earth. If you are usually spiritual and want to remind yourself of this connection, you can get this tattoo.

It doesn’t have to be big, it can be a simple symbol on the ground or it can be a big picture. This one is usually present in the form on geometrical shapes.

Eagles with their children

You are maybe familiar with the fact that eagles are very loving and they enjoy spending time with their children. The only time they are away is the time when they are flying high, looking for their prey and trying to feed their children.

If you have someone you care about, that  you want to protect (maybe even your children), this tattoo is a great way to show that you are ready to devote yourself to them.

Eagle outline

For those that don’t do well with pain and want a quick and meaningful tattoo, it is always smart to get an outline of something. An eagle outline will be a small, powerful tattoo that will help you show your life ideas.

This tattoo can also be a great motivation for you because every time you look at it you will remember your goals and what you want to achieve. These are usually made on people’s wrists, necks and possibly even ankles, but it is up to you to decide where you want it done.

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