50 Empowering & Beautifully Meaningful Tattoos

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Tattoos can be incredibly meaningful, serving 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 deep 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 deep emotions, and some are so spiritual that the meaning is complex and layered.

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 female-centered ones featured here.

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."

Always Frida.

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

The symbol of enlightenment.

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

Power over self.

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

Meditative.

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

Powerful imagery.

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

All about the journey.

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

Success symbol.

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

Power of reiki.

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

Always a wand.

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

All seeing.

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

Feminist forever.

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

Love thy body.

"No shame" — all love. All empowerment.

Slay.

We couldn't imagine a more fitting photo of female power than this death to patriarchy tattoo.

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.

Goddess.

This is pure goddess, pure and raw female power.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Hands of the goddess.

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

To be female.

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

To see all.

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

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.

Girl gang.

All hail Lisa Simpson, feminist icon.

Self-love rules.

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

Tiger spirit.

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

Warrior soul.

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

Persist.

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

Symbol.

The hand symbol for uterus — women power. 

Cheeky uterus.

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

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.

Clear message.

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

Live long and prosper.

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

Growth.

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

Find one's bliss.

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

Magic ball.

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

Animal spirit.

This is another gorgeous example of a spirit animal tattoo.

Buddhist leanings.

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

Sacred geometry.

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

Preach!

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

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.

Always glitter.

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

Lady bird.

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

Taking in the wild energy.

This gorgeous leopard tattoo is symbolic of great strength.

So modern.

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

Major appeal.

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

Powerful.

We could admire this design for hours.

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.

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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