Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Tattoo designs - S >> Squid

Squid Tattoo Design Meanings - If you're looking for a tattoo that covers a lot of symbolic territory, then the squid may well be the motif you're looking for. Naturally intelligent, creative and flexible, the squid also acquires its mystique from the watery environment in which it lives. Add to that the squid's chameleon-like ability to change its color, or disappear in a cloud of black ink when frightened or attacked and you have an enigmatic phantom of magic, wonder and transformation. The mysteries of the untamed sea contribute to the sense of wonder and mystery that surrounds this creature.

It's true that squid are voracious predators, occasionally turning on themselves. For reasons no one has figured out, they will devour themselves, starting with their tentacles and ending with their death. There are hundreds and hundreds of different species of squid and octopus (289 discovered so far), inhabiting every ocean and sea that covers our blue planet. They range in size from a few inches to enormous denizens of the deep. The giant squid reaches lengths of over 40 feet (60 feet has been reported) and their only predator is the great Sperm Whale of Moby Dick fame. Like the great Kraken of Pirate's of the Caribbean fame, these eight-armed and two tentacled wonders can fuel the imagination, if not a few nightmares!

Squid don't have a spine, which makes them 'invertebrates', and which also accounts for their agility, grace and flexibility. Without much of a solid structure, they're free to 'go with the flow'. No wonder that they are escape artists extraordinaire. A squid as a totem guide would be a reminder to loosen up, to give up old and calcified habits, to try something new for a change.

The squid's ability to disengage a limb when under attack earns it the right to stand as a symbol of 'jettisoning excess baggage' from our lives. It reminds us that our life's journey moves forward more expeditiously when we continue with only what we truly need. Of course, the octopus can grow back that limb, making it a symbol of regeneration.

As a master of camouflage, its symbolism grows more mysterious. The squid can literally disappear before our eyes. And if that tactic doesn't work to evade predators, it ejects a dense black cloud of ink behind which it makes its escape. Squid as illusionist - it's all part of the mystery surrounding this bottom-dwelling creature of the sea. 

Clearly, it's beneficial to know the breadth and depth of a symbol's many historical meanings - before you apply it permanently to your body and soul.

As a tattoo design, the squid is a tattoo artist's and tattoo enthusiast's dream. The creature's very features giving it immense flexibility in the way it can be utilized as a design. Tentacles can be wrapped around arms and legs, draped over shoulders and wrapped around waists and backs. And because of their chameleon-like ability to change color to match their surroundings, squid come in a veritable rainbow of colors. They are ideal designs to incorporate into large maritime scenes and they can symbolize a wide range of characteristics and virtues. A tattoo design doesn't get much more 'flexible' than that.

Get inspired by some really great images and photos in our Squid Inspiration Gallery

See also: Marine Life Tattoo Index, Nautical Tattoo Index

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Tattoo designs - S >> Squid

Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z