Fire is a dynamic and multi-faceted symbol, and a popular source of inspiration for tattoo designs.
Fire and flames can represent a wide variety of meanings when it comes to tattoo designs, since flame has been given plenty of connotations through the ages. Some see fire as transformative, allowing change and acting as a catalyst for change. For others, a flame acts as a source of comfort and protection, warding off darkness and shining the way as a beacon of light. The result is that fire and flame tattoo ideas can take a number of forms.
Fire Alone
Some individuals opt to create a fire or flame design that simply stands on its own. A fireball, or series of fireballs, can make for a particularly striking image, while some people choose instead to go for a band, ring or trail of fire, which could wrap around a wrist or ankle. The colors of fire---red, orange and blue---can add variety to a flame design, and an individual might go for a design that incorporates several colors of flame. A series of shooting flames can also create a potentially large design, beginning at the bottom of an arm and traveling upward or perhaps covering an individual's shoulder.
Religious
Fire has played a substantial role in the iconography of various world religions, and these images are often incorporated into tattoo designs. For example, some tattoos show the Christian cross surrounded by divine fire, while others might take inspiration from key religious scenes and images, such as the Burning Bush or the Eternal Flame, found in Judaism. Less reverential individuals might consider another connotation of fire: Hell.
Mythical Beasts
A few mythical beasts are connected with fire, and make for very striking tattoo designs. The dragon is a legendary monster that has fascinated many people in its different forms across history, and can be depicted as a tattoo in a fearsome, fire-breathing pose. A dragon can represent power and fury, while at the same time, the dragon is a symbol of the struggle fought by ordinary people against tyranny and adversity, and the monster might be depicted as being slain by a hero. Another mythical inspiration is the phoenix, the mighty bird sheathed in flames, which could bring itself back to life from its own ashes.
Firefighters
Firefighters often get inked, and may do so for a number of reasons; they might want to commemorate fallen colleagues or represent their passion for their profession. While firemen might have tattoos depicting a number of different subjects, some will create designs that show firefighting scenes, and therefore feature flames. Other fire-based designs in this category could include tattoos showing fire-fighters emerging from the flames.
