30 Symbolic Empowerment Tattoos for Women
Tattoos have long been a form of self-expression and empowerment. For women, choosing a design with a powerful meaning can be an impactful way to honor your inner strength. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your first tattoo or want to add to your existing collection, symbolic tattoos can make a statement about who you are.
From ancient goddesses to elements of nature, there are endless options for feminine tattoos that celebrate female energy. When chosen thoughtfully, these designs are permanent reminders to embrace your confidence, wisdom, and power daily.
This article will explore 30 meaningful empowerment tattoos for women looking to ink motivational symbols of inner strength and perseverance. We’ll also discuss the symbolism and background behind each empowering design.
Goddess Tattoos
Goddess figures from various cultural mythologies make striking tattoo designs. They represent the divine feminine, wisdom, fertility, protection, and inner power.
Athena
In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, and skill. Symbols of Athena include the owl, olive tree, shield, and spear.
Athena tattoos symbolize wisdom, intelligence, craftsmanship, courage, and rising above adversity. As a protector goddess, she represents female empowerment and self-reliance. Athena tattoos make a bold statement about honoring inner wisdom and strength.
Kali
A prominent Hindu goddess, Kali is associated with time, creation, destruction, and power. She is often depicted with black or blue skin, multiple arms holding weapons, and severed heads.
As a symbol of liberation, Kali destroys ego and illusions to make way for beneficial change. A Kali tattoo represents releasing fear and embracing invincibility against any opposition. It signifies the divine female energy that conquers negativity.
Hecate
In Greek tradition, Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft, magic, necromancy, crossroads, and entranceways. As the guardian of the threshold, she governs journeys and transitions.
Women drawn to the dark arts may be called to a Hecate tattoo, which represents knowledge, wisdom, and energy. With her torches lighting the way, Hecate is a symbolic guide through the unknown darkness as you come into your power.
Flowers and Plants
Floral tattoos remain popular feminine designs, representing growth, beauty, good luck, and the essence of the natural world. Specific flowers and plants have particularly empowering meanings.
Lotus Flower
Growing from the muddy bottom of a pond into beauty above the water’s surface, the lotus represents enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rising above adversity. Lotus tattoos symbolize overcoming struggles in life and coming into your power. They can be significant for survivors of trauma.
Dandelion
When dandelion seeds blow in the wind, they carry hopes and dreams to manifest. A dandelion tattoo signifies holding onto faith that your wishes will come true against all odds. It’s an empowering symbol of resilience.
Peony
A peony tattoo represents female attributes like beauty, romance, prosperity, and motherhood. This flower is associated with Greek mythology and goddess energy. As a tattoo, it celebrates feminine spirit, power, and confidence.
Symbols of Strength
Tattoos of warriors, shields, swords, and armor represent inner strength, bravery, resilience, and power. For women, these designs symbolize harnessing your inner warrior spirit to overcome challenges.
Spartan Helmet
In Ancient Greece, Spartan culture valued duty, self-discipline, and combat skills. The iconic Spartan helmet symbolizes courage, bravery, and female empowerment against forces trying to break you down. This tattoo says “warrior” in a feminine way.
Shield
A shield offers protective power against threats. As a tattoo, a shield design reflects the inner strength to ward off negativity. It also represents guarding yourself emotionally and not allowing others to pierce your self-confidence.
Sword
The sword is a universal symbol of courage, determination, justice, protection, strength, and skill. A sword tattoo depicts the bearer as a heroic fighter who removes harmful situations or people. It speaks to the commanding woman who does battle for what’s right.
Armor
Armor represents an impenetrable shell protecting the vulnerable places underneath. An armor tattoo design conveys that you are always prepared and ready to face adversity. The empowered woman knows how to suit up in emotional armor when necessary.
Symbols From Nature
Since ancient times, humans have used natural symbols to represent human traits and experiences. Elements from the land, sea, and sky make compelling tattoo designs related to inner strength.
Mountain
Mountains symbolize grounding, stillness, eternal strength, and reaching new heights. A mountain tattoo signifies having an unshakable foundation of inner wisdom. It reflects growth, resilience, and feminine power rising from adversity.
Wave
Waves persistently shape the shoreline, representing cleansing, regeneration, flow, and the consistent rhythm of life. A wave tattoo signifies your ability to keep moving forward, cleansing impurities. It honors the advancement of your sacred feminine journey.
Lion
Known as the king of the jungle, the lion symbolizes courage, royalty, self-control, and feminine leadership. A lion tattoo depicts a regal, commanding spirit, unafraid to stand up and defend yourself or others. It represents a powerful queen of your domain.
Moon Phases
The moon’s changing phases are linked to the divine female cycle. As the moon grows from new to complete and then wanes again, it reflects growth, initiation, fulfillment, and renewal. A tattoo of the moon’s phases represents embracing your intuitive rhythms as you come into your power.
Arrow
Arrows only move in one direction: forward. An arrow tattoo signifies triumph over adversity and continuing to move ahead with purpose. Like an arrow hitting its mark, it inspires you to keep aiming for your ambitions and goals against opposition.
Ancient Symbols
Some ancient pagan, alchemical, and occult symbols have been reclaimed to represent female empowerment in modern tattoo designs.
Triple Moon Goddess
The triple moon symbol has three phases of the moon – waxing, complete, and waning. Together, they symbolize the three stages of a woman’s life – maiden, mother, and crone. This tattoo represents the sacred feminine life cycle.
Ankh
The Egyptian ankh is an ancient hieroglyph representing life and the divine feminine. As a tattoo, this symbol honors women’s life-giving powers of creativity, birth, and sexuality. It signifies living fully in your purpose and power.
Alchemy Symbols
Alchemical symbols like ouroboros, the chalice, and elemental symbols relate to feminine energy, wisdom, and transformation. An alchemist tattoo represents the woman as a powerful healer and agent of change who contains all the elements within.
Rune Symbols
Runes are ancient Norse alphabet symbols that contain protective magical properties related to feminine strength. Runes like Eihwaz and Algiz make meaningful tattoos to symbolize feeling shielded in your sacred knowledge and power.
Quotes and Phrases
Quotations and inspiring phrases make excellent tattoo designs to motivate inner strength. Short phrases work well, but you can do longer passages with enough space.
“She needed a hero, so that’s what she became.”
This quote inspires women to be heroes and tap into their courage, power, and capabilities to overcome adversity.
“Though she is but little, she is fierce.” – William Shakespeare
In Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this quote represents the fighting spirit within, even for petite women.
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
Originating from academic Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, this phrase celebrates rule-breaking feminine defiance that creates positive change.
“Nevertheless, she persisted.”
Initially said about Elizabeth Warren, this motto lauds persevering in the face of oppression and backlash. The extended version is “She was warned. She was explained. Nevertheless, she persisted.”
“You glow differently when you know your worth.”
This inspirational line motivates embracing your value and shining bright.
Tattoo Placement Ideas
Where you get inked impacts the design and symbolism, here are suggested placements for feminine tattoos:
Wrist: Wrist tattoos make a bold personal statement. Designs involving growth, like flowers, work well here.
Shoulder: The upper arm or shoulder area suits larger designs like goddess figures or nature elements.
Thigh: Thigh tattoos represent strength and courage. This area works for detailed symbols like a chalice or sword hilt.
Ribcage: Since ribs protect the heart, they are fitting for designs symbolizing inner emotional strength like armor or shield tattoos.
Sternum: The sternum is connected to your confidence and voice. Symbols with a meaning related to perseverance or rising above fear work well here.
Back: Sprawling back pieces allow for elaborate tattoo designs like angel wings, Hindu goddesses, or a lion and foliage. This placement signifies empowerment by watching your back.
Ankle: Ankles represent moving forward, so they work for tattoos with directional symbols like arrows or compass roses.
Design Elements
You can incorporate embellishments to enhance the overall look and meaning of your tattoo:
Watercolor: Blending colorful watercolor effects speaks to feminine energy’s fluid, bright essence. This works with floral designs or elemental symbols.
Jewels: Adding glittering jewels or crystals signifies your inner radiance. Adorn goddess figures, crowns, or alchemical symbols with glistening lights.
Gold Ink: The rich, luxurious color of gold represents success, abundance, and royalty. Use it to highlight runes, armor, or sword details.
Patterns: Intricate patterns like mandalas, paisleys, and geometric shapes add visual interest while representing the complexity and mysteries of womanhood. Surround symbols like the chalice, peony, or ankhs with beautiful patterns.
FAQs
What makes an excellent feminine tattoo?
Meaningful feminine tattoos celebrate positive attributes like wisdom, creativity, authenticity, resilience, and power. Choose symbols resonating with your journey or beliefs for the most impact. Style is also vital – many women prefer delicate, minimalist, or whimsical tattoo designs.
Do tattoos hurt more for women?
Pain tolerance varies significantly by individual. However, women generally have a slightly lower pain threshold than men. Areas over bone and lacking in muscle/fat, like ankles, wrists, feet, and ribs, tend to be more sensitive. Numbing creams, painkillers, and distractions can help.
How do you choose a tattoo that won’t look dated later?
Classic symbolic designs tend to retain their significance rather than look like a passing trend. Opt for timeless symbols like goddesses, flowers, moons, lions, or daggers over contemporary sayings or niche imagery. Focus on meaningful designs over stylish ones.
How can I incorporate feminine symbols in a tattoo as a man?
Gentle floral designs, moon phases, a blooming lotus, or small ankhs can include feminine energy in a man’s tattoo. Avoid appropriating designs specific to women’s experiences, like goddess figures. Talk to your tattoo artist about how to strike the right balance.
What should a woman consider for her first tattoo?
An intelligent first tattoo is a petite, minimalist design with a personal meaning. Placing it on a hidden spot like the upper thigh or ribs allows you to conceal it if desired. Remember, it’s permanent, so make sure you love the design before committing.
Conclusion
Symbolic empowerment tattoos for women offer a meaningful way for women to honor qualities like power, wisdom, and persistence through artistic self-expression. Whether you resonate with mighty warrior goddesses, delicate flowers, fierce lions, protective runes, or inspiring words, let the symbol speak to your unique inner strength and womanhood.
Approach the process thoughtfully by selecting designs that empower and celebrate your divine feminine energy. Find an excellent artist to bring your tattoo vision to life. And consider placement carefully to complement the look and significance.
With an empowering tattoo, Explore 10 Most Common Myths about Tattoos you can carry inspirational symbols of perseverance, transformation, and fearlessness wherever you go. Let this permanent art remind you of the capability, magic, and purpose within.
