Lifestyle

50 Empowering & Beautifully Meaningful Tattoos

LifestylePublished Feb 23, 2021
By Michele Zipp
empowering tattooroxyambrozevich/Instagram

Tattoos can have deep meaning, a permanent reminder of something powerful in life or an experience that cannot and should not be forgotten. Many times, tattoos can give people a feeling of empowerment, a design that inspires and reminds them of something they have overcome. We were very inspired by this gorgeous collection of tattoos, each with a powerful visual that shows strength and beauty.

Sometimes the meaning behind tattoos are very obvious -- we can see the triumph not only in design but the feeling it evokes. Other times, tattoos can be just a design someone loved and thought was beautiful -- there certainly is power in that, too. But many times there are intricate and often delicate stories within the choice. Some feature meaningful symbols or talismans, others contain colors that provoke emotions, and some are so spiritual that the meaning is complex and layered. 

More from CafeMom: 50 Brilliant Tattoo Ideas for Moms Who Want to Get Inked

Still, some of the designs in this collection are empowering in sheer placement and boldness; the choice of an adornment to claim the skin as one's own. The meaning of other people's tattoos and their choices to get them will always be a fascinating topic. We are certainly in awe of the ones featured here.  

More from CafeMom: 50 Edgy Tattoo Sleeves That Are Also Super Gorgeous

ohhowbright/Instagram, bbjeancrossing/Instagram, Stephane Devidal Tattoo/Instagram
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She runs with the wolves.-placeholder
She runs with the wolves.
roxyambrozevich/Instagram

She runs with the wolves.

This gorgeous tattoo is very personal and as Roxy wrote, "The black night sky to white represents me coming out of a very sad part of my life and into a happy positive strong one."

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Always Frida.-placeholder
Always Frida.
Julie Bolene/Instagram

Always Frida.

Frida Kahlo was a powerful and inspiring woman. Getting a tattoo of her brings her energy to the wearer.

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The symbol of enlightenment.-placeholder
The symbol of enlightenment.
Stacey Molly/Instagram

The symbol of enlightenment.

The unalome is a beautiful symbol of enlightenment. We love how it's featured on both thumbs.

More from CafeMom: 50 Inspiring Quote Tattoos That Aren't Cheesy

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Power over self.-placeholder
Power over self.
_mrsnewman/Instagram

Power over self.

The beautiful semicolon tattoo symbols when a person has power over self, the power of overcoming something, the power to continue.

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Meditative.-placeholder
Meditative.
anamendestattoo/Instagram

Meditative.

Self-care and self-love are so important. And this beautiful tattoo symbolizes that connection to self on a whole other level.

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Powerful imagery.-placeholder
Powerful imagery.
Andrew Borisyuk/Instagram

Powerful imagery.

The sword, symbolizing battle, and the wings, symbolic of strength and the ability to rise above.

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All about the journey.-placeholder
All about the journey.
Yara Floresta/Instagram

All about the journey.

This is a gorgeous depiction of a strong woman -- we love it in black and gray.

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Success symbol.-placeholder
Success symbol.
ajannookanpai.eng/Instagram

Success symbol.

This is the powerful Na Maha Samred symbol, which mean success. 

More from CafeMom: 30 Easy Minimalist Manicures That Moms Can Do by Themselves

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Power of reiki.-placeholder
Power of reiki.
ericafreakshow/Instagram

Power of reiki.

Reiki is life force energy and this symbol is Cho Ku Rei, the power symbol which is also great for protection.

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Always a wand.-placeholder
Always a wand.
Anka Lavriv/Instagram

Always a wand.

Empowerment sometimes comes with a bit of magic. That's why we adore this magical crystal wand.

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All seeing.-placeholder
All seeing.
Ryan Jessiman

All seeing.

A magical take on the all-seeing eye -- such a great design to tap into for strength.

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Feminist forever.-placeholder
Feminist forever.
ehnej/Instagram

Feminist forever.

We have no words. All we can do is smile and think, Preach!

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Love thy body.-placeholder
Love thy body.
Harry Mckenzie/Instagram

Love thy body.

"No shame" -- all love. All empowerment.

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Slay.-placeholder
Slay.
mostlymindfulmotherhood/Instagram

Slay.

We couldn't imagine a more fitting photo to show off this death to patriarchy tattoo.

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Taking back the night.-placeholder
Taking back the night.
mpatshi/Instagram

Taking back the night.

This one is so empowering, not only for the person who has this incredible tattoo, but for all who see it.

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Goddess.-placeholder
Goddess.
dearchels/Instagram

Goddess.

This is pure goddess, pure and raw female power.

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Delightful.-placeholder
Delightful.
tokipar/Instagram

Delightful.

Empowering tattoos can also come in the form of fairytale-looking designs. She may be sleeping, but she carries a tiny knife. She is fierce.

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Armour.-placeholder
Armour.
zellkern/Instagram

Armour.

This tattoo is so intricate and bold. It's like a coat of armor, and it takes a pretty bold person to pull it off.

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Love the world.-placeholder
Love the world.
Patricia Gea/Instagram

Love the world.

We often talk about loving Mother Earth, but there is something different about this image. It's designed to show more global love, love of everyone on all continents, showing empathy. That is an empowering thought.

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In flight.-placeholder
In flight.
Viktor Westberg/Instagram

In flight.

Not only can this crane in flight be seen as a rising above, soaring higher kind of mantra, but its placement is absolutely stunning. 

More from CafeMom: 23 Women Reveal Who Their 'Free Pass' Person Is

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Hands of the goddess.-placeholder
Hands of the goddess.
Johno Tattooer/Instagram

Hands of the goddess.

Hel is the Norse goddess who rules the Underworld. This beautiful tattoo features the hands of this fearsome goddess.

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To be female.-placeholder
To be female.
Ben Lopez/Instagram

To be female.

We love this design -- it's bold and yet feminine and strong. Just like a woman.

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To see all.-placeholder
To see all.
Trine Grimm/Instagram

To see all.

Intricate snowflake and an all-seeing eye -- what an incredible combination.

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Flower power.-placeholder
Flower power.
Jess Chen/Instagram

Flower power.

A flower is a great symbol of empowerment -- to grow and flourish from just a seed. This tattoo in this spot gives it even more power.

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Girl gang.-placeholder
Girl gang.
donnorthstartattoo/Instagram

Girl gang.

All hail Lisa Simpson, feminist icon.

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Self-love rules.-placeholder
Self-love rules.
Brie Brutal/Instagram

Self-love rules.

This self-love tattoo serves as a great reminder for any folks who struggle to love themselves.

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Tiger spirit.-placeholder
Tiger spirit.
Angela De Rosette/Instagram

Tiger spirit.

Getting a spirit animal tattooed is a beautiful way to carry the reminder of how powerful and empowered a person can be.

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Warrior soul.-placeholder
Warrior soul.
Doctor Woo/Instagram

Warrior soul.

This tattoo is total power, total warrior spirit and soul.

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Persist.-placeholder
Persist.
Karen Glass/Instagram

Persist.

This expression will never get old, and never stop being the spark to our fire.

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Symbol.-placeholder
Symbol.
ohhowbright/Instagram

Symbol.

The hand symbol for uterus -- women power. 

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Cheeky uterus.-placeholder
Cheeky uterus.
bbjeancrossing/Instagram

Cheeky uterus.

This uterus has a message, and for women it's cheeky and true.

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Special kind of magic.-placeholder
Special kind of magic.
rat666tat/Instagram

Special kind of magic.

A tribute tattoo of sorts -- "To the witches I have known" harkens to the women who suffered for being female before us.

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Clear message.-placeholder
Clear message.
base_illusion/Instagram

Clear message.

Empowerment comes in all forms. This tattoo shows that power within the resistance.

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Live long and prosper.-placeholder
Live long and prosper.
Carrie Metz Caporusso/Instagram

Live long and prosper.

This is a beautiful visual for the symbol for "live long and prosper."

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Growth.-placeholder
Growth.
Miranda Lorberer/Instagram

Growth.

We love the meaning here -- a heart is nurtured and grows.

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Find one's bliss.-placeholder
Find one's bliss.
foreverartistic/Instagram

Find one's bliss.

This beautiful tattoo depicts the power and beauty of meditation and living a Zen life.

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Magic ball.-placeholder
Magic ball.
sandeetattoo/Instagram

Magic ball.

This magic ball taps into a magical and spiritual level of awareness. 

More from CafeMom: Please Don't Get a Fingernail Tattoo

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Animal spirit.-placeholder
Animal spirit.
tattednation/Instagram

Animal spirit.

This is another gorgeous example of a spirit animal tattoo.

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Buddhist leanings.-placeholder
Buddhist leanings.
mood.ink/Instagram

Buddhist leanings.

These Buddhist hand gestures symbolize a state of mind and being fearless.

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Sacred geometry.-placeholder
Sacred geometry.
dgnspirit/Instagram

Sacred geometry.

Sacred geometry always represents something magical, and getting this incredible pattern tattooed in this spot makes it other-level amazing.

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Preach!-placeholder
Preach!
Mars Hobrecker/Instagram

Preach!

Hell yes. This tattoo needs no explanation when it comes to defining why it is empowering. 

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Blossoming.-placeholder
Blossoming.
Mariusz Trubisz/Instagram

Blossoming.

We couldn't be more in love with this gorgeous line tattoo. This is empowerment -- a culmination of all things female: intricate, strong, delicate, and gorgeous.

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Always glitter.-placeholder
Always glitter.
Shannon Perry/Instagram

Always glitter.

Glitter is symbolic of magic, and this tattoo suggests sprinkling a little magic can help a lot.

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Lady bird.-placeholder
Lady bird.
Hilary Jane/Instagram

Lady bird.

A bird with a lady head or a lady with a bird's wings? We love the latter.

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Taking in the wild energy.-placeholder
Taking in the wild energy.
Stephane Devidal Tattoo/Instagram

Taking in the wild energy.

This gorgeous leopard tattoo is symbolic of great strength.

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So modern.-placeholder
So modern.
Albie/Instagram

So modern.

We love the look of this design. That's an empowered woman.

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Major appeal.-placeholder
Major appeal.
Pis Saro/Instagram

Major appeal.

This incredible deer tattoo with beautiful watercolor style flowers shows such fierceness.

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Powerful.-placeholder
Powerful.
jenni.aghata/Instagram

Powerful.

We could admire this design for hours.

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Powerful words.-placeholder
Powerful words.
fabiventuratattoo/Instagram

Powerful words.

It's not just the powerful words here (though we love the sentiment), it's that hand gesture, so simply yet perfectly captured.

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Fight like a girl.-placeholder
Fight like a girl.
sandra_pedr/Instagram

Fight like a girl.

"Fight like a girl" is such a great saying used by so many when talking about battling illness. The small text with gorgeous dagger design makes this truly inspiring.

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Pin It!-placeholder
Pin It!

Pin It!

Save these beautiful meaningful tattoos to your Pinterest boards as your inspiration ideas to show strength and beauty!

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