Ouroboros Yin Yang

This a reader submission from way back in April 2012 from Paul.  The ouroboros is an ancient symbol for the never ending cycles of life and more commonly a snake eating its own tail. This dragon version, with the yin yang and triquetra, is unique. Thanks for sharing Paul!

Dragon Back Piece

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This groovy dragon tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Mcwont and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This is another Eastern type of dragon as it has no wings but still magically flies through the air. Notice the Earth clutched in one hand and the Yin Yang in the other. Yin Yang is a concept of Chinese philosophy that states that apparently opposing forces, qualities, characteristics, etc., are connected and give rise to each other and are both contained within all things. They seem to work against each other but cannot exist without the other. This philosophy carries over a lot into neopaganism-especially the idea that a male deity alone is a nonsensical idea thus giving rise to goddess worship alongside a male god.

Colorful Eastern Dragon

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This colorful dragon image comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Shannon Archuleta, who works out of San Francisco, California, and is licensed by Creative Commons.

The dragon, whether Eastern or Western style, is one of the most popular of all tattoo images and for good reason. They typically represent fire, air and, above all, strength. The dragon above is one of the Eastern style which usually have no wings but still fly through the air by magical means. We can also tell this is an Eastern dragon because of its long, lithe, sinewy body that curves and bends much like a snake. In the Asian traditions dragons are benevolent creatures often serving as good luck symbols and much used in art throughout history. This is in direct contrast to the European type of dragon which is usually a beast of evil, destruction and fear. In China the dragon is also associated with the weather and is a bringer of rain.

Dragon

Aces Tattoo & Body Piercing, Detroit, MI
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The dragon is a nearly universal figure with slightly varying versions occurring the world over. In Western cultures they are often revered but also usually considered evil or dangerous. In the west most dragons have wings that allow for flight while Eastern dragons have no wings but take flight by more magical means. Eastern dragons also tend to be more snakelike with longer bodies. Most dragons breathe fire but others can breathe or spit out gas or even ice. All incarnations of dragons are worthy of respect whether they are negative figures like Tiamat, the evil dragon goddess of the Babylonians or symbols of good luck as in many Eastern cultures.

Unique Back Piece

Also from Rate My Ink.

Green Dragon

This nifty dragon comes from Cetta; she is the 23rd person to submit art to NeoPagan Ink! Yay! This tattoo is actually on her husband and was inked by Jim O'Rourke at Gen X Tattoos out of Clevaland, Ohio.

Thanks so much to Cetta for sharing this great dragon!

Dragon and Phoenix

This gorgeous tattoo of a dragon and phoenix comes from JB Welchel's Flickrstream and was created by Loki at Holy Mother Tattoo out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Another Blue Dragon

This very cool dragon comes from Forbidden Images Custom Tattoos out of New Port Richey, Florida and was created by artist Jeremiah McCabe. They've got some really nice art especially in their myth section. Be sure to check it out for some good eye candy.

Blue Dragon

This cool dragon comes from the the Tattooed Pagans Tribe message board.

Red Dragon

This a detail image of my friend Dragon's Red Dragon.

Dragon, Scorpion

These amazing brands come from some friends. Their tattoos and brandings are so cool and numerous I'm sure I'll be posting more.