With every source of light, there is a corresponding darkness. The two depend on each other for existence. Yin and yang; day and night. Another example is within femininity. There is the light feminine and dark feminine.
While people have both within them, you may relate more to the dark feminine energy. If you find yourself drawn to the macabre, the moon, and are connecting to your intuition, you may be entering your dark feminine era. One way to embrace this energy is to get a dark feminine tattoo.
What Is The Dark Feminine?
The dark feminine is not negative – instead, this energy can be seen as the shadowy, fiery, and transformational aspect of being a woman. The birth, death, and rebirth cycle is at the center of Mother Earth and therefore a key aspect of femininity.
Besides transformation, there are various archetypes that are associated with dark femininity:
- Independence
- Embracing the Shadow Self
- Strength
- Intuition
- Mystery
What Is Dark Femininity In Mythology?
Dark feminine energy is not anything new – there have been goddesses throughout the world’s cultures who were revered for their dark femininity.
Persephone
The duality of femininity is perfectly represented in the Greek goddess, Persephone. Not only was she the queen of the Underworld alongside her husband, Hades, but she was also the goddess of Spring. The perfect tattoo to represent this goddess is a pomegranate.
The myth says that when Hades kidnapped Persephone, while she was in the Underworld she ate six pomegranate seeds. Because of this, she has to return to darkness for half the year.
Isis
It could be said that Isis is the Egyptian equivalent of Persephone as she, too, was the queen of the Underworld as she was married to Osirus.
“Isis was very important to the ancient Egyptians because she had so many different powers. She was both the protector of women and the bringer of magic,”
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The most popular Isis tattoo is a hieroglyphic symbol of the goddess spreading her wings.
Kali
Also known as ‘She Who is Death’ this Hindu goddess is associated with death, time, and doomsday.
“Kali’s iconography, cult, and mythology commonly associate her not only with death but also with sexuality, violence, and, paradoxically, in some later traditions, with motherly love,”
Britannica
Kali can make for an incredibly detailed and eye-catching tattoo. She is often depicted with a necklace or headdress of skulls, sharp teeth, and her tongue sticking out.
Hecate
Another dark feminine goddess in Greek mythology is Hecate, the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, and necromancy. She is often seen with three faces to symbolize the transformation of a female from maiden to mother to crone.
For a Hecate tattoo, you could depict her in flowing robes with her dog and flaming torches. You could also include a dagger in your Hecate tattoo as,
“Daggers are used to slaughter animals for sacrifices, to protect against evil spirits or to engage in rituals of magic. The dagger represents Hecate’s role as the goddess of witchcraft and magic,”
Symbol Sage
More Dark Feminine Tattoo Ideas
Moon Phase Tattoo
The sun is seen as masculine because of its fierce and blazing traits, while the moon is considered feminine because of its association with the cyclical changes that occur in nature and the female body.
“The phases of the moon symbolize immortality and eternity, enlightenment or the dark side of Nature herself,”
Tattoo Stylist
Moth Tattoo
The Goth version of butterflies, the moth is a symbol of transformation. These insects go from egg to larva to pupa to winged adult. So, a moth tattoo can represent overcoming challenges and making it through difficult times to better times.
“In some cultures, moths were seen as omens of death, while in others they were considered to be cleansing spirits. Today, moth tattoos are often inspired by these ancient traditions. They can be seen as a way to commemorate a loved one who has passed away, or as a sign of strength and resilience,”
Certified Tattoo Studios
Berkana Rune Tattoo
This ancient Viking symbol looks like two triangles on their sides on top of each other and literally means Birch Goddess. According to Rune Secrets, this symbol represents fertility, secrecy, and life changes.
The ancient goddesses, Frigg and Freya, are associated with the birch tree.
Gothic Rose Tattoo
The rose is one of the most popular choices for a flower tattoo. This is due to their beauty as well as their meaning – roses are a timeless symbol of love and passion.
To make this tattoo align with the dark feminine aesthetic, you could opt for a black rose tattoo.
“The black rose intrigue can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where the black rose symbolized strength and power; both attributes being essential for ruling and conquering,”
Saved Tattoo
Snake Tattoo
Another symbol of transformation and renewal is the snake. These reptiles have to shed their skin to accommodate their growth. An option for a snake tattoo is the Ouroboros, an image of a snake eating its own tail. This ancient image represents the circle of life, death, and rebirth.
Anatomical Heart Tattoo
For a more scientific approach to a heart design, you could opt for an anatomical heart tattoo. Feminine energy is often associated with deep emotion – what better symbol for this than the hardest working muscle in the body?
Instead of the cutesy symbol of a heart, get detailed with a realistic version.
Celebrate and appreciate your shadow self with a dark feminine tattoo. From ancient goddesses to runes and roses, there is so much symbolism that’s associated with the dark energy of femininity.