The pelican is a spirit guide that teaches us about self-sacrifice. Getting a pelican tattoo is a statement that one yearns to be charitable and less competitive. It says, "I am buoyant, able to rise above my troubles."
Just as the pelican at rest tends to tuck its beak down into its breast, a certain type of still or retort with tubes bending down toward it's "belly" is called a "pelican". Alchemists adopted the pelican as their symbol for their mysterious Philosopher's Stone, the legendary element, which, when added to baser metals like lead, was said to turn it into gold. Once again, it was the belief that the pelican had mysterious life-giving powers that tantalized the alchemists into honouring the pelican as a symbol of the striving for purification and perfection. As a tattoo symbol, the pelican is the 'gold standard' for devotion and good deeds.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect pelican tattoo.
Also Check out: Bird Tattoo Index, Spirit Guide Animals, Pirate Tattoos and Marine Life Index.
