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Ouroboros Tattoo Meaning With 55 Fresh Tattoo Ideas to Try

by Sherri Owens

The ouroboros tattoo features the image of a snake, dragon, or lizard eating its tail and is a symbol of eternity.

I get really excited whenever I get a request for the ouroboros tattoo because the complicated design is a challenge that requires lots of creativity. For people who prefer straightforward designs but also want to get an ouroboros tattoo, I usually recommend getting the snake ouroboros. However, if you prefer unique and somewhat complex designs, I recommend getting dragon ouroboros tattoos.

The ouroboros tattoo is unique and has stood the test of time due to its popularity. Here, you'll find the most amazing ouroboros tattoos with their meaning to help you select the best tattoo to do.

What Does Ouroboros Symbolize?

To get a better understanding of the ouroboros tattoo, let's start by looking at the origin of the ouroboros.

Origin of Ouroboros

Ouroboros is derived from the Greek word 'oura' which translates to tail and 'Boros' which means eating in the Greek language. The symbol was first discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt. The symbol of ouroboros depicts the infinite cycle of life and the cyclical nature of the universe.

Life, Death, and Rebirth

The ouroboros tattoo forms an unending circle, usually with a serpent seen chasing or eating its tail. This translates to the eternal and continuous nature of the world. It implies that death does not signify the end but serves as an opportunity for rebirth and new beginnings.

Fertility or Afterlife

In Gnosticism (a religion that combines the Jewish belief with that of early Christianity), ouroboros images represented the afterlife and fertility. For those who believed in life after death, the symbol was used as a sign to express their spirituality and acceptance of the unseen (existence after death).

Is the Ouroboros Tattoo Common?

The ouroboros tattoo is an unusual and unique tattoo. It is not very common at the moment but with more videos and articles published on ouroboros and the tattoo, it's safe to say that the ouroboros tattoo will become more common than its been.

Ouroboros Tattoo Ideas For You

Ouroboros Tattoos With Eye

By now, you know that the ouroboros symbol represents the circular pattern of life, death, and rebirth. Adding an eye tattoo which is a popular tattoo symbol used to represent protection, adds a protective meaning to the ouroboros design.

The Ouroboros symbol with an eye represents protection throughout your life and endeavors until the inevitable end (death) comes your way.

Black and Grey Ouroboros Tattoo with an Eye

Image by @oyabuntattoo via Instagram

Grey Snake and Eye Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @vernontattoo via Instagram

Black Dragon and Eye Ouroboros Arm Tattoo

Image by @yun_luv_in via Instagram

Snake and Eye Ouroboros Hand Tattoo

Image by @kelcylangner.tattoo via Instagram

Simple Ouroboros Tattoos

It's no news that the ouroboros tattoo of a snake eating its own tail is a multiplex tattoo design to get. This doesn't mean you can't get a simple ouroboros tattoo.

If your style falls on a simpler spectrum, you can get simple ouroboros tattoos by asking your tattoo artist for a black ink tattoo without designs like this one.

Simple Ouroboros Symbol Tattoo Piece

Image by @inkedbyhimig via Instagram

Mini Dotted Ouroboros Ankle Tattoo

Image by @natalia.tatuadora via Instagram

Dragon Ouroboros Tattoos

If you want to take your ouroboros tattoo to a different level of awesomeness, the best way to go about it is by getting a dragon ouroboros body art. The mythical creatures are more complex and require more detail when compared to the snake ouroboros.

An ouroboros design of a dragon eating its tail is the most requested by Asians. Dragons are a big part of their ancient history and culture.

With dragon ouroboros, you'll be getting a unique ouroboros tattoo.

Since there's no limit to what mythical creatures can be modified to look like, you can bring your imagination to life and create a magical-looking dragon. Better still, you can get dragon inspiration from your favorite movie that features the creatures.

Dragon Ouroboros Tattoo Piece

Image by @megseetattoos via Instagram

Gothic Dragon Ouroboros Hand Tattoo

Image by @venomvixenink via Instagram

Blue Dragon Ouroboros Back Tattoo

Image by @mpg_art via Instagram

Black and Grey Dragon Ouroboros Thigh Tattoo

Image by @marni_tattoo via Instagram

Twin Dragon Ouroboros Back Tattoo

Image by @moses_sux via Instagram

Black and Grey Dragon Ouroboros Arm Tattoo

Image by @memoirtattoo via Instagram

Colorful Ouroboros Tattoos

Think the design of a snake eating its tail can't be made to look even better? Then you probably haven't heard about colors.

Colorful ouroboros tattoos look gorgeous. If done by experienced tattoo artists, the tattoo design will look realistic and like something straight out of a mythical book or movie.

If you're a fan of Cartoony tattoos, I suggest creating colorful ouroboros tattoos since colors help create stunning cartoon images.

Ouroboros Blue Dragon Arm Tattoo

Image by @vismstudio via Instagram

Red Ink Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @r.a.z.o.r.l.e.a.f via Instagram

Black, Yellow and Red Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @stonethecrowtattoo via Instagram

Blue and Pink Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @deansahar via Instagram

Sketch/Pencil Drawing Ouroboros Tattoos

Another popular style of ouroboros tattoo is getting an image done in black ink, making them look like they were drawn using a pencil.

Most ouroboros tattoos in this style are usually simple and straightforward. Keeping designs simple helps to convey the message behind the tattoo. Since the design lacks complexity, people will be focused on the meaning rather than the design.

Grey Sketch Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @maflex.ink via Instagram

Dotted Sketch Style Ouroboros Lettering Tattoo

Image by @didemrs via Instagram

Sketch Style Fire Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @vvictorbezerra via Instagram

Snake Ouroboros Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @jen_godfreytattoos via Instagram

Water Splash Dragon Ouroboros Chest Tattoo

Image by @havoc.trux via Instagram

Snake Ouroboros and Sword Tattoo Piece

Image by @dr.lucidius via Instagram

Infinity Ouroboros Tattoo

The ouroboros tattoo is commonly done in various forms including the infinity symbol. This makes sense because the ouroboros represents eternal life, which is what the infinity symbol is all about.

The infinity ouroboros tattoo represents the never-ending cycle of life and how life and death play a role in the continuity of this eternal cycle of the universe.

You can get creative with your infinity sign ouroboros tattoos either by combining more than one snake, dragon, serpent, or lizard to form the infinity sign.

Dragon Ouroboros Infinity Tattoo

Image by @kajetankarczewski via Instagram

Black and Grey Dragon Ouroboros Infinity Tattoo

Image by @eduardoleocadioo via Instagram

Blue Highlight Dragon Ouroboros Infinity Tattoo

Image by @victoriainktattoo via Instagram

Grey Sketch Dragon Ouroboros Infinity Tattoo

Image by @awoltattoos via Instagram

Flower and Ouroboros Tattoos

Flowers are a great concept to add a positive meaning to your ouroboros tattoo. This is because most flower tattoos represent love, joy, and happiness.

When flowers are added to the ouroboros tattoo, they symbolize an effort to live a good life regardless of the obstacles you will face.

Ouroboros tattoos with flowers are the most frequented by women because the added petals compliment the skin. Ouroboros tattoos with flowers are versatile and look great on any part of the body.

Ouroboros and Irises Flower Thigh Tattoo

Image by @deleteafterdeathtattoo via Instagram

Simple Floral Ouroboros Arm Tattoo

Image by @agathetattoo via Instagram

Floral Plants and Ouroboros Thigh Tattoo

Image by @kristina.kheme via Instagram

Yellow and Orange Flowers with Blue Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @xpiranhax via Instagram

Flowers Ouroboros Arm Tattoo

Image by @lobbytattoo via Instagram

Band Ouroboros Tattoos

The circular shape of the ouroboros tattoo makes it the perfect arm, forearm, or wristband tattoo to get. This serpent tattoo may seem a little creepy to some, but the band ouroboros tattoos represent inner strength. The tattoo looks like something a Viking would have.

Snake Ouroboros Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @em_zaps via Instagram

Greyscale Snake Ouroboros Forearm Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @lauren__tattoo via Instagram

Twisting Ouroboros Tattoos

Not all ouroboros tattoo designs are done in a circular pattern. Some feature a twisted snake in the ouroboros tattoo.

I've found that the twisting of the ouroboros tattoo adds to the mystery and uniqueness of the artwork.

Some believe that the twisted and mysterious ouroboros is magical and serves as a form of protection for the wearer.

Black and White Twisted Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @hanstattooer via Instagram

Twisted Ouroboros Inspired Snake Tattoo

Image by @keanu_illu via Instagram

Aztec Ouroboros Tattoos

You can add Aztec or Celtic symbols like the eagle, lion, or sun to your ouroboros design to represent your culture and heritage as well as that of ancient Egypt.

When a Celtic image is added to the ouroboros tattoo, the symbol represents vitality and strength throughout your life's journey.

An easy way of adding symbols to your ouroboros tattoo is by incorporating other symbols like the head of an eagle or lion, or a Celtic chain symbol to complete the ouroboros cycle in conjunction with the snake or dragon.

Celtic Dragon Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @tattoofactorymaisons via Instagram

Pattern Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @the.blood.vvitch via Instagram

Norse Ouroboros Tattoos

In Norse mythology, serpents were seen as propagators of chaos and rebellion. This is why the tattoos are frequented by Vikings who engage in war. It is also done by people who perceive the cyclical nature of the world to be too short to live simply.

Most Norse ouroboros tattoos feature the great snake with a Norse symbol within the circular shape formed by the body of the snake.

These tattoos represent several things based on what the Norse character symbolizes. Generally, though, the tattoo is said to represent wholeness, wisdom, or enlightenment.

Dragon Ouroboros and Norse Symbol Hand Tattoo

Image by @thegrandtalontattooparlour via Instagram

Black Ink Snake Ouroboros Back Tattoo

Image by @neeklus via Instagram

Grey Dragon Ouroboros and Norse Symbol Tattoo

Image by @trindtattoo via Instagram

Norse Symbol and Dragon Ouroboros Chest Tattoo

Image by @vallekastattoozone via Instagram

Full Metal Alchemy Ouroboros Tattoos

The Full Metal Alchemist homunculus features an ouroboros tattoo with several triangles in the middle. The homunculi are the main antagonist of the series. They are the source of chaos throughout the series.

The Full Metal Alchemist ouroboros symbol is a great option for fans of the series.

Red Ink Fullmetal Alchemist Dragon Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @canoa.ink via Instagram

Fullmetal Alchemist Dragon Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @inkedbyhimig via Instagram

Ouroboros Tattoo Ideas With Text

You can add the name of a loved one, an idea you strongly believe in, or anything close to your heart within your ouroboros tattoo designs. This is a way to say that your life revolves around that particular name or text within the circle.

Got a date that represents an incident you don't want to forget? You can embed that into your ouroboros tattoo to serve as a constant reminder.

Snake Ouroboros Arm Tattoo with Text

Image by @chiara.guu via Instagram

Dragon Ouroboros Lettering Tattoo on the Chest

Image by @k_n_tattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Dragon Ouroboros Tattoo with Date

Image by @nolovelost_tattoos via Instagram

Double Ouroboros Tattoos

The duality of life, for example, the sun and moon, male and female, light and dark, yin and yang are often depicted using double ouroboros tattoo creation.

A tattoo artist can create double snake images using linework, or dotwork tattoos to avoid complications of the design which can affect the appearance of the tattoo.

Black and Grey Twin Snake Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @leonka.art via Instagram

Double Snake Ouroboros Forearm Tattoo

Image by @velicu_tattoos and dragos_spiridon via Instagram

Palm Ouroboros Tattoos

The palm is no doubt an unusual spot to get a tattoo but these ouroboros tattoos are making me consider getting a palm tattoo.

Palm ouroboros tattoos serve as a symbol of protection from any obstacles that might come your way.

Small Snake Ouroboros Palm Tattoo

Image by @berkayerkul via Instagram

Greyscale Snake Ouroboros Palm Tattoo Piece

Image by @evolveandascend via Instagram

Tree Of Life Ouroboros Tattoo

The tree of life tattoo can be placed within the ouroboros tattoos circle to represent eternity, immortality, and knowledge.

You can add the whole tree with its root in the circle or opt for just part of the tree and place it within the ouroboros symbol.

This tattoo can be done either in black ink or using vibrant colors depending on your personality.

Snake Ouroboros and Yggdrasil Tattoo

Image by @kerpunx via Instagram

Skeleton Ouroboros Tattoos

The ouroboros tattoo can be brought to life using different elements or styles. Ouroboros tattoos can also be made to look cooler by drawing the skeleton form of the ouroboros snake. This adds a dark symbolism and sense of mystery to the ouroboros tattoo.

Skeleton ouroboros, like regular ouroboros tattoos, represents the cycle of life and death. However, unlike others, the skeleton serves as a reminder that with time, even the unending cycle of life will come to an end.

The symbolic nature of this ouroboros tattoo will help you understand the never-ending cycle and patterns of life, and how best to go about living a good life before time runs out.

Skeleton Snake Ouroboros Tattoo Piece

Image by @k.k.tattoo via Instagram

Dog Ouroboros Tattoo

There's no rule on how creative you can get with your ouroboros tattoo. You can use a dog as done here or any animal of your choice in place of the usual snake ouroboros. The only rule is how the tattoo should be created. The animal should be shown eating its own tail to qualify as an ouroboros tattoo.

The dog ouroboros is a more fun take on the otherwise intense and serious ouroboros tattoos of snakes and dragons.

Dog Ouroboros Back Tattoo

Image by @matthaios.ttt via Instagram

Screaming Hand Ouroboros Tattoo

This is a cool piece featuring a twisted snake tattoo with a screaming hand. This tattoo might have a deep meaning or even multiple meanings depending on the wearer. Usually, the screaming hand tattoo and ouroboros represent an unending pain and lack of freedom.

Screaming Hand Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @nauyaca_ttt via Instagram

Sun and Moon Ouroboros Tattoo

You can add the sun and moon to your ouroboros tattoo to give a yin and yang effect to your ouroboros style.

Sun and Moon Ouroboros Tattoo

Image by @alle.aliosha via Instagram

The ouroboros symbol is an ancient design that found its way into the tattoo world. This tattoo has lots of deep meanings. Found an ouroboros tattoo you love? Have fun on your next appointment.

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