There’s no denying the foreboding first impression of a scorpion. But beneath the almost alien-like exterior lies a complex beauty and nervy resilience worth exploring.

Commonly associated with the astrological sign of Scorpio, the creature has long represented darkness, passion, solitude, treachery, and dangerous but irresistible passion.

Until it finds a mate the scorpion lives in relative darkness and isolation, emerging only to attack its prey before beating a hasty retreat. The scorpion mating ritual is a strange and hypnotic dance of calculation and eventual submission. The scorpion’s very appearance, with its venom-tipped pincers and black eyes, acts as a warning: “I am not to be trifled with.”

On a deeper level, the scorpion has also come to represent protection and enlightenment derived from exploring darker, less traveled regions of the mind and heart. Ancient Samarians honored the scorpion in direct relation to the sun, with ancient writings and artwork depicting Scorpion-men guarding the sacred entrances to everlasting knowledge and pleasure.

Ancient Egyptians wore scorpion amulets for protection, while Tibetans believed the creature to be an omen for trouble. Many African cultures still hold the scorpion in high regard, believing its very venom to be an antidote for both physical and spiritual harm.

To wear a traditional scorpion tattoo is to carry both the burden and glory of multi-faceted appearances and motives. Such a man is silent and watchful, often taking years of presumed abuse before striking out at his foes and ending them in one swipe. With this power also comes a fierce protectiveness for those he loves and the principles he upholds.

Seductive and deep, the man-like the scorpion-is not to be trifled with, but surely meant to be embraced.

1. Forearm Traditional ScorpionTattoos