A New Year, A New Tattoo

One thing that I have decided to do come the New Year is get a new tattoo. I need something to close out the horrible year I had and start fresh and I figure another tattoo is the way to go. First off, this is my current tattoo. It’s on my lower back and I got it at the end of my freshman year in college.

I originally thought of just adding to this one, but it is rather large and I don’t know what to add.

I have some ideas for a second one but I am having trouble deciding what I want and where I want it. Here are some ideas.

Top of my list an ouroboros. And ouroboros is typically represented by a serpent eating its tail and is chock full of all the symbolism I am looking for in my new tattoo.

Here is an brief description from http://www.dragon.org/chris/ouroboros.html.

"The ouroboros has several meanings interwoven into it. Foremost is the symbolism of the serpent biting, devouring, eating its own tail. This symbolizes the cyclic Nature of the Universe: creation out of destruction, Life out of Death. The ouroboros eats its own tail to sustain its life, in an eternal cycle of renewal.In the above drawing (on the web page), from a book by an early Alchemist, Cleopatra, the black half symbolizes the Night, Earth, and the destructive force of nature, yin. the light half represents Day, Heaven, the generative, creative force, yang.Alchemically, the ouroboros is also used as a purifying glyph."

The only downside that I can find is that it was featured prominently in an episode of The X-Files (Scully got one). And no matter how much I love the show, I really don’t want to be one of “Those People.” Also it was the symbol of the TV show “Millennium.”

Other option are some goddess symbols. Here are two I am considering:

The first represents the Maiden, Mother, and the Crone with a waxing, full, and crescent moon. It would be a good balance to the sun on my lower back. (now I can't get the pics to load... grrr)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Triple-Goddess-Waxing-Full-Waning-Symbol.png

The second is a typical goddess symbol (this is a necklace, but you get the idea).

http://www.mandarava.com/A1grph/ngph/n_graphics/nck031.JPG

Along these lines is the female symbol.

Now, I like all of these designs but they have a downside. They are a bit, ummm… butch. I have a degree in Women’s Studies. I really don’t need any more help with people thinking I am a lesbian. I can scare men enough with my big mouth.

Another option is a large colorful design on my ankle. Like something that would go a bit up my calf.

http://www.tattooartists.org/Gal2983_Lilly.asp

Or has anyone seen the Michelle K shoes magizine ad? If you have, I want something like that.

My last idea is a design of my initials, HNL, that a friend drew for me.

The places I am thinking of placeing my new body art are ankle, wrist, or between my shoulder blades.

And again, perhaps adding to my current tattoo.

So anyway, I am a bit stuck and could use some help. Any votes for these would be useful. Also, new ideas are also accepted. As well as any original drawings. Please help a sista out.

Oh yeah, I am also thinking of getting my nipple pierced…