New Tattoo

[timepiece]

I've been thinking of getting a second tattoo for quite some time. What I've been fixated on for the past year and a half (yes, I put a lot of thought into tattoos, logically enough) is a sequence of alchemy symbols. I like how the symbols look, they're unusual (I can find about 6 alchemy-based tattoos on the internet, and I have to explain what the symbols are to everyone I show them to), and I like the metaphysical meanings that are assigned to the chemical substances.

I recently had someone redraw all the symbols so they were a similar style, and less blocky than the originals I had. Obviously, that's the image on the right. From top to bottom: antimony, silver, sulfur, mercury, projection, quintessence (with an hourglass inside).

Originally, I had intended to get them running down my spine from nape to above my bra strap. Recently, I've been thinking about getting them smaller, on the inside of my forearm, so I could actually see it.

So I'm taking an opinion survey: what do you think of the tattoo? Back or forearm? I'm pretty sure they'd have to be blackwork - someday I'm going to get something in color, though.

ETA: The metaphysical meanings of the symbols would be: wild spirit of nature in man, feminine body, spirit, the intellect & transcendence over struggle, combined, quintessence of Timepiece

Comments

[theotoky.livejournal.com]

it's gorgeous. forearm!

[lusty.livejournal.com]

I understand the idea of wanting something unique, and I think these are an awesome idea. But give some serious thought to what you already noted: "I have to explain what the symbols are to everyone I show them to". If you put this on your forearm and have to explain what they are to everyone you meet the rest of your life will they lose their luster? ;-) I knew someone who had a similar type of tattoo on his bicep, and he commented on how he didn't really click to this explaining thing until after it was too late.

[timepiece]

I did think of that, and I'm OK with having to say, "they're alchemy symbols" to most people. I don't think very many people will bother to ask what each one means individually, or what they mean to me. And frankly, for non-friends, something along the lines of "they have a private meaning for me" is probably sufficient.

And honestly, I almost always have on long sleeves at work, so virtually a non-issue there. I don't mind explaining to people I see in social situations.

[kill.livejournal.com]

Interesting idea! I'm drawn to it too. A friend of mine, to commemorate his diabetes diagnosis and the effect it has had on his life, got a tattoo the alchemical symbols for urine and sugar. I always thought that was really cool.

Why did you pick the ones you did?

[timepiece]

Well, the big trinity of alchemy is salt, sulfur, and mercury. They can stand for a few different trios, but mainly body, spirit, and mind. I have the sulfur and mercury there directly - the symbol for salt is a bisected circle, which is part of the particular silver symbol I chose (there are several). Silver is associated with femininity.

Antimony is "the wild spirit of nature in man". Projection is a process of combination, and quintessence is the purest essence of someone. And the hourglass is the symbol I use for myself everywhere online.

[lemon-says.livejournal.com]

I like the back of the neck for something like this.