Are you looking for a magical symbol of protection? What does a dragon tattoo mean? What about a wolf, is it good or evil?

By Mary Tiussi
(translation in English by Victoria Edmenson)

The wolf, an ancient, magical symbol
The wolf is a very popular image in tattoo designs, chosen for its deep symbolism and as a character that features in many tales and legends. This animal is connected with the ancient mythology of Northern Europe and the Native Americans and it always has two-sides to its personality: on the one hand it is ferocious and devil-like, on the other it is kind and protective. Because it can see in the dark, the wolf symbolises light for the Nordic populations and the ancient Greeks, who associated it with the god Apollo. The Mongol peoples see it as the celestial ancestor of Genghis Khan and the Celestial Wolf is also known in China as the Sirio star (or “dog star”) that guards the divine palace of the Great Bear. Its role as a guardian is also linked to its fierce nature, which can be seen in a positive light too, for example in Japan the wolf is viewed as a protector against attacks by wild animals.
Its strength and readiness to fight make this animal a warrior type symbol for many peoples, especially the Native Americans.
Last but not least, in Idea Tattoo 119 the extraordinary artist Luca Tarlazzi has worked on one of the most popular tattoos: realistic wolf designs.

The dragon, a symbol of wisdom
In Asian cultures the dragon symbolises completely different things than it has in the West for the past two thousand years or so. Nonetheless the ancient symbol of the dragon that appears in tales and legends, where it guards treasures and safeguards the most precious secrets of the earth and life itself. In the Far East dragons are linked to life energies (Yin and Yang) and are sources of infinite wisdom. Dragon tattoos can show the creature as either clever and kindly or aggressive, with sharp teeth and killer claws.
The Japanese dragon is usually depicted in a very dynamic style and is mainly tattooed onto the upper arm, forearm, chest or back. The dragon becomes stylised in tribal tattoo designs but the meaning is still the same.
In Idea Tattoo 119 the artist Guido Baldini signs the faboulous gallery of dragons in Asian style. Last but not least, you can find lots of gorgeous tribal dragon designs in our special issue Tribal Dragons, signed by the artist Danilo Sini.

The devil, a symbol of desire
The devil has different meanings: it can be associated with evil but also with sensuality and desire, not only for material possessions but also ideals, such as the desire for freedom (in some cases the devil represents a challenge). The devil as we know it now was popularised by Christianity, but its predecessor was a symbol of fertility according to Pagan traditions (see the “Horned and Happy” article) and some of its ancient associations, like sensuality, have been passed down to the modern version. So it can be interpreted as a wicked character, an amusing caricature or an attractive male or female figure. Tattoos depicting a female devil as an irresistible sexy temptress are very popular.
In Idea Tattoo 119 there are the irresistible devils realized by the tattooist Guido Baldini.

The angel, a symbol of protection
The angel is described as a guardian, a point of contact between the Earth and Heaven (the name means “messenger”) and its image symbolises protection, illumination and guidance. According to various spiritual traditions every human being is entrusted to a guardian angel but there are many more angels with different responsibilities. At the next level there are archangels, whose job it is to inspire and protect large groups of people, such as nations, populations or ethnic groups. There are four archangels that are particularly well known: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. Michael is represented wielding a sword and is associated with Fire; Gabriel, the archangel of the Annunciation, is associated with Water; Raphael with Air and Uriel with Earth. In the occult tradition the archangels correspond to the four directions (north, south, east and west), to colours associated with magical properties and also the four seasons: Raphael (spring), Uriel (summer), Michael (autumn) and Gabriel (winter).
One of the most popular tattoo subjects is the Cherub, depicted as a child, but the warrior and guardian angels are also quite common.
In Idea Tattoo 119 we have collected some classical Cherubs realized by a great artist from Argentina, Dragòl Azul.