Dream catcher tattoo stencils

 

The dream catcher tattoo and its meaning + ideas for all parts of the body

What is a dream catcher? A dreamcatcher is a protective amulet that was originally made by the Indians of North America. He is supposed to catch bad dreams and keep them away from the sleeper. A fine thread net with a hole in the middle is braided in a round wooden frame. Nice dreams fly through the hole in the sleeper's head, while nightmares remain trapped in the web. A dream catcher tattoo is not only loaded with a deep meaning, but also fascinates with its versatility.

• Origin of the dream catcher

Today the dream catcher is generally associated with Native American culture, but it is often believed that dream catchers are from the Ojibwa Chippewa tribe. The Lakota tribe also have their own legend about the origins of the dream catcher, told by the god Iktomi (the great trickster and wisdom teacher). Most ethnographers believe, however, that the dream catchers were passed on from the Ojibwe. The Ojibwe word for dreamcatcher asabikeshiinh actually means “spider”. The patterns of the dream catcher are similar to those that these Indians also used to make snowshoes.

While many cultures perceive spiders as creepy crawling animals, the Ojibwe Indians saw them as a symbol of protection and comfort. According to Ojibwa legend, a mystical and maternal “spider woman” was the spiritual protector of the tribe. According to legend, the spider woman created the first dream catcher for a mother whose little daughter was haunted by bad nightmares at night.

The ancestors of the Indians created the protective amulet from willow branches and sacred herbs. To increase its strength and as an ornament, feathers of an eagle (courage) or an owl (wisdom) were used. Sometimes they also drew the paw print of a bear or a wolf in the center of the circle. Some Indian tribes used pearls to mark eight contact points in the web - corresponding to the number of spider legs.

Gemstones and pearls were also integrated into the amulet. A single stone or pearl symbolized the existence of a single path in life that was chosen once and forever. The presence of four stones symbolized protection from all directions - east, south, west, north.

Feathers have their deep meaning and stand for breath and air, which are vital. Hanging on the ring of the dreamcatcher, wiggling feathers let the beautiful dreams slip into the dream world of the sleeper. It is believed that every movement of the springs heralds the arrival and departure of a new beautiful and peaceful dream.

• The meaning of the dream catcher as a tattoo

Nowadays, people practically no longer carry amulets with them, but it is possible to have this symbol with them all the time in the form of a tattoo. Of course, you don't have to be North American to wear a dream catcher tattoo. It is generally believed that the lucky charm also has the power to protect its owner from the influence of negative energies on his life. The net captures negative thoughts so that one can maintain a positive attitude in every situation. In addition, it is believed that the dream catcher helps the tattoo wearer to restore their inner powers, to take the first steps on the path of self-development and to move in the right direction. A rich experience of spiritual development is thereby acquired.

• Placement and colors

The dream catcher tattoo looks beautiful on various parts of the body. It is recommended that the subject is closer to the head, e.g. behind the ear to protect against negative thoughts from entering. Very often the dream catcher is tattooed on the back, because the large area gives space for creativity.

The most popular parts of the body for a dream catcher tattoo are the ribs, hips and thighs. There is also enough space for tattooing here. Miley Cyrus, for example, has a tattoo on her ribs that is supposed to represent and protect her four siblings. Since the motif is more vertical, it also looks very good on the arm, leg, upper arm and forearm. A small tattoo will ideally fit on the wrist, ankle, foot or behind the ear.

• Dream catcher tattoo - what goes with it?

• Ideas for women

Dream catcher is primarily a woman motif, as it looks playful and delicate. The motif can be perfectly combined with many other elements. Rosebuds, blooming roses, flowers, hearts, birds and wings emphasize femininity. Owls, which stand for wisdom, and horseshoes as good luck charms also go well with the dream catcher.

• Motifs for men

Men usually choose a classic motif, almost without adding any additional elements. Paw prints or drawings of animals such as deer, bears or wolves are nice variations. Eagle feathers symbolize courage and male strength.

• Styles

Choosing a tattoo style is related to the importance of the subject. Men opt for monochrome tattoos and women like it colorful. If you want a real work of art, go for the watercolor style. Incidentally, tattoo artists are also experimenting with other styles such as old school, trash polka and blackwork. Browse through our stencils gallery and get inspired for your next tattoo!