The As Above So Below tattoo has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. It’s rich in meaning and interpretation and deeply connected to spirituality and philosophy.
“As Above, So Below” is a popular phrase that initially appeared in the Emerald Tablet. This sentence conveys the belief in the interdependence of all things, whether on Earth or in the cosmos. Many people are intrigued by this concept and choose to have it tattooed on their bodies as a permanent sign of its significance.
In the Emerald Tablet, the passage reads roughly as follows when translated to English: “That which is above is from that which is below, and that which is below is from that which is above, working the miracles of one.” This idea suggests that the heavens and earth reflect one another and are fundamentally interconnected.
As Above So Below Tattoo
1. The Celestial Armband Tattoo: This tattoo design features a string of stars wrapping around the arm in a circular pattern, representing the continuous flow of energy between heaven and earth.
2. The Cosmic Tree Tattoo: This tattoo portrays the concept of the World Tree of Mythology, with its roots below the ground and its branches up in the sky. In many cultures around the globe and throughout history, the World Tree symbol has stood for the profound unity we share as inhabitants of the same planet.
3. The Hamsa Mandala Tattoo: Hamsa design with “As Above, So Below” written in the middle of the palm, and mandala elements around it. This tattoo piece is perfect for someone looking for a more intricate design.
4. The Alchemy Sigil Tattoo: Alchemy sigils can be symbolic representations of various elements and can be used in many different tattoo styles. When combined with the phrase “As Above, So Below,” these designs become powerful pieces of spiritual art.
5. The Through-the-Looking-Glass Tattoo: This design features Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” passing through a looking glass, which represents the idea that what happens in the higher realm is a reflection of what happens in the lower realm.
6. The Egyptian Pyramid Tattoo: Egyptians believed in the connection between the heavens and the earth, represented by their pyramids. Consider a tattoo of a pyramid with this phrase, as it could be the perfect representation of the concept.
7. The Yin-Yang with Wings and Phrase design: The yin-yang suggests a balance between contrasting forces – dark-light, receptive-active. The wings imply rising above division toward peace. Feathers recall childlike curiosity to find hidden connections.
8. The Roman Numeral Tattoo: Romantic numerals can be used to represent the date when a significant event occurred, or it could be the date a person got the tattoo. These numerals will look stunning alongside the phrase “As Above, So Below.”
9. The Infinite Loop Tattoo: An infinite loop symbol is a great way to represent the idea that everything in the universe is interconnected, and energy continuously flows between the higher and lower realms.
10. The Metatron’s Cube Tattoo: Metatron’s Cube is a geometric design of circles and lines that some people find symbolically meaningful or aesthetically pleasing. As a tattoo, it could make an intriguing artistic statement, especially alongside the phrase “As Above, So Below,” which invites personal interpretation.
11. The Phoenix and the Dragon Tattoo: This tattoo features two powerful symbols that represent rebirth and power, respectively. Add the phrase, “As Above, So Below,” and this tattoo will take on a new level of significance.
12. The Sun and Moon Tattoo: The sun and moon are sometimes used as visual symbols representing concepts like higher and lower realms. For those drawn to celestial images, a tattoo combining these with the phrase “As Above, So Below” could signify one’s search for meaning between the heavens and the ordinary world.
13. The Feather and the Ink Tattoo: Feathers and ink are powerful symbols that can represent communication, expression, and creativity. Pairing them with “As Above, So Below” symbolizes the flow of energy between the higher and lower realms.
14. The Galaxy Tree Tattoo: This tattoo depicts a tree with roots grounded in the soil and branches reaching toward the stars. For some, it could symbolize the interconnectedness of nature’s earthly and celestial realms. Adding the phrase “As Above, So Below” invites each person to interpret the meaning in their own way, whether about spiritual concepts or our scientific understanding of the cosmos.
15. The Hand-Drawn “As Above, So Below” Tattoo: This design is simply the phrase “As Above, So Below” written in beautiful calligraphy or handwritten script. This tattoo is perfect for someone looking for something small yet meaningful.
16. The Five Elements: The five elements of air, water, fire, earth, and spirit are represented in this tattoo design. These elements signify the connection and balance between the universe and the earth.
17. The Classic Om: Getting an Om tattoo design associated with the above so below concept is a classic choice among tattoo lovers. Om represents the universe’s sound, and getting it etched on your body signifies the idea of connectivity between the world above and below.
18. The Alchemical Symbols: Alchemical symbols represent the transformation within the universe and earth. This tattoo design uses alchemical symbols to show the balance and harmony between the two.
As Above so Below Tattoos Meanings and Symbolisms
As above so below tattoos can be inked in various designs, each of which carries a unique meaning. Whatever design you choose, leaves a powerful and lasting impression on others, and it is a reminder to yourself to remain balanced and connected to the universe. Here are some popular meanings you should know about:
Historical Origins of the “As Above So Below” Tattoo: To truly understand the Emerald Tablet and unpack what this means requires first knowing a bit about the cosmological worldviews that would have informed the author. In the ancient world, the heavens and celestial bodies were seen as being divine, perfect, and unchanging. The sublunary world – everything on Earth below the moon’s sphere – was viewed as imperfect and subject to constant flux.
Spiritual and Philosophical Interpretation: The as above so below phrase emphasizes the concept of duality and balance. It is popularly interpreted as a symbolic representation of the union between the earthly and divine realms. This union is often depicted through a myriad of symbols such as the sun and moon, yin and yang, and pentagrams. It suggests that everything in life is interconnected, and actions taken on earth have a reverberation in the universe. By understanding this essential balance, people can find harmony, peace, and enlightenment.
Geometrical and Alchemical Interpretation: In some belief systems, the upward and downward triangles have represented complementary halves of a greater whole, like masculine/feminine or fire/water archetypes. When balanced, they were seen as achieving perfect harmony. The geometric symmetry and interconnection echoed the idea of realms mirroring one another, from the celestial sphere down to earthly matters.
Magical and Esoteric Interpretation: The “as above, so below” tattoo can carry a philosophical meaning for some – the idea that human lives mirror the essence of larger cosmic unfoldings. Much like the totality of the universe exists within each infinitesimal point, an entire spectrum of human potential lies within every individual.
Let’s dive into our photo gallery to find the best designs for you.
As Above so Below Quote Tattoo
As Above So Below Mountain Tattoo
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As Above so Below Cosmo Tattoo
Conclusion
As above, so below tattoo designs have emerged as a profoundly symbolic way to visually articulate one’s spiritual beliefs or appreciation for life’s interconnected nature. Traced back to ancient Hermetic principles, the saying conveys the idea that our earthly and cosmic realms mirror one another intrinsically.
References: As Above so Below Wiki