Wherever you go in this world you can find scorpions. Catching hold of the prey between its vice-like pincers scorpions injects the venom in the victim’s body, paralysing it instantly.
In ancient Egypt, scorpions symbolize the pharaohs. And certain gods identified with the creature were considered to be healers of the living and protectors of those who were dead and gone. In ancient Babylon, scorpion warriors who were half scorpion and half human were thought to possess terrifying fighting skills. The constellation Orion represented the archer Orion of Greek mythology who was killed by a scorpion. In the Holy Bible, scorpion stands for the devil.
A scorpion tattoo is an illustration of the fierce eight legged specie that is related to the spider. Usually such a tattoo depicts the creature in its well-known killing pose with extended pincers and curved tail poised to strike. The drawing is done in different ways and colors some life-like, some stylized. It can even be a part of a bigger picture. Scorpion is also one of the signs of the Zodiac. Those born under the sign is said to be erotically endowed and as such it is a symbol of virility, potency and strength. Generally the scorpion tattoos depict the creature in battle mode, with its prey held between the terrible claw-like pincers or a person who happens to be your foe. Conversely, as the Egypians did, you can project it as a protector of mankind or the the soul of a dear departed.
Scorpions are both revered and held in terror by people around the world. Natural as well supernatural qualities are attributed to the creature. A scorpion tattoo is believed to be a protection against the sting of the scorpion as well as evil spirits. In countries as wide apart as Egypt and Tibet, scorpions are used as charms and amulets.
All these go to make the scorpion a symbol of many things to many people and makes it an ideal subject for tattoos.