Everything You Need to Know About Crow Tattoos and Their Meaning

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Uncover the ancient folklore and cultural meanings behind crow tattoos

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: November 12, 2024 Fact Checked

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General Meanings

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Cultural Meanings

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Design Ideas

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Placement Ideas

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Tips

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Warnings

While some may associate crows with bad omens, these mysterious birds have become a positive symbol in the tattoo world. A crow tattoo might represent positive change, protection, or good luck. If you’re thinking of getting a crow tattoo, keep reading to find out all the spiritual and cultural meanings, as well as design and placement ideas.

Common Crow Tattoo Meanings

While crows are sometimes considered bad omens, crow tattoos are generally positive. They represent transformation and positive life changes, as well as good luck and protection. These tattoos also symbolize intelligence, spirituality, and mystery.

Section 1 of 4:

General Crow Tattoo Meanings

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In many cultures, crows represent metamorphosis, as there are several folk tales and legends about spirits, witches, and gods shifting into crows. You might get a crow tattoo if you’ve recently gone through a significant life change and want to commemorate your success.^{[1]
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Crows have long been associated with witchcraft and the spirit realm. If you practice witchcraft yourself or are interested in spirituality and the unseen world, getting a crow tattoo is a good way to publicly display your interests.^{[2]
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While some cultures view crows as bad omens, others see them as watchful guardians and protectors. Choose a crow tattoo to protect yourself from spiritual and physical harm and to bring good fortune to your life.^{[3]
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Crows are very intelligent birds known for their adaptability and problem-solving abilities. If you admire these traits and hope to exhibit them yourself, get a crow tattoo. It will remind you to slow down and consider your options so you can make the wisest decisions.^{[4]
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Crows are sometimes associated with bad omens and even death, but that doesn’t mean a crow tattoo will bring you misfortune. In fact, you might get one to signify and celebrate overcoming a particularly traumatic experience.
While crows have many positive connotations, they’re sometimes seen as deceitful. You may choose to get a crow tattoo if you’re particularly mischievous or to warn others you see through their manipulative behavior.^{[5]
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Personal meaning There are countless personal reasons someone might get a crow tattoo. It could represent a deceased loved one whose favorite bird was the crow, or the person with the tattoo may simply like the bird. It could also be a pop culture reference, as crows and ravens populate various books, TV shows, and movies.
- For example, someone might associate crows with Edgar Allan Poe or Game of Thrones.

Section 2 of 4:

Cultural Crow Tattoo Meanings

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In Native American tribes, crows are spirit guides. Unlike some other cultures around the world, many Native American tribes do not see crows as bad omens. Instead, they represent the gods and spirits and are generally considered good luck. They believe crows see the future and accompany the dead on their journey to the afterlife.^{[6]
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- Someone might get a crow tattoo to bring good luck, represent their spirituality, or connect to their Native heritage.
- Other Native American tribes tell various stories about crows being tricksters, so someone could get a tattoo if they consider themselves mischievous or if they enjoy the tales they heard growing up.
- Like the Native Americans, the ancient Greeks also believed crows could see the future as they were linked to Apollo, the god of prophecy.
In Ireland and England, crows are considered bad luck and an omen of death. Therefore, seeing a dead one brings good fortune, as the crow can no longer bring harm. Someone might get a tattoo of a dead crow in hopes of bringing luck to their life.
The Morrigan is the goddess of war and fate who often takes the form of or is accompanied by a crow. When 3 crows approach, it means the goddess is watching. Someone may get a crow tattoo if they’re interested in or believe in the Celtic gods.^{[7]
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The Welsh have many tales of witches and sorcerers transforming themselves into crows to avoid being captured. This connection led to crows representing death, as well. Someone may get a crow tattoo if they practice witchcraft.^{[8]
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In Chinese mythology, the crow was often depicted with the sun—a drastic change from the West’s association of crows and darkness. Therefore, crows were seen as positive signs of good fortune, and someone of Chinese heritage might get a tattoo of one for good luck.^{[9]
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In Christianity, crows represent resilience. In this case, crows and ravens are used interchangeably. According to the Bible, Noah released a crow/raven and a dove from the Ark to find out if the flood had subsided. The dove returned because it could not find food, but the crow did not. This shows how tough and determined the crow is.^{[10]
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- Someone may get a crow tattoo to represent their favorite Bible story or to prove to themselves they can survive difficult situations.

Section 3 of 4:

Crow Tattoo Design Ideas

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Get a crow with flowers to symbolize love. Flowers are usually a positive spiritual symbol, and they can negate any bad associations that might accompany crows. This tattoo is a symbol of positive change and often indicates your current life path will end with love and success.^{[11]
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- This is especially true if you get an odd number of crows and flowers.
- Roses in particular represent the crow’s gentle, loyal side.
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Choose a crow circling something to represent finality. When a crow circles above something or someone, it often symbolizes the end of a situation or relationship. Get this tattoo if you’ve finally put an end to something negative so you can move on to bigger and better things.
- Rounded tattoo patterns also indicate that you’re seeking spiritual truth.
Crow feathers often represent positive spiritual transformation. Opt for a crow feather rather than the whole bird if you’ve recently gone through life changes, had a change of heart, or hope for positive change to come your way.^{[12]
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Choose a flying crow to gain spiritual abundance. A crow flies to explore the world and find a better place, so get a tattoo of one if you, too, are searching for better things. This is especially true if you want to expand your spiritual knowledge and get in touch with your inner self.^{[13]
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- A crow in mid-flight might also indicate you have some problems you’re subconsciously avoiding. Look within yourself to figure out what these issues are and bring them to the surface so you can move on.
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Get a crow with a skull to embrace your darker side. If you’re fascinated by crows’ associations with death, this is the perfect design for you. Opt for a crow perched on top of a skull to show your love for all things morbid and Gothic.^{[14]
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- If you want another Gothic design, consider getting a tattoo of a crow with some Gothic books, like Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poetry, Dracula, and Frankenstein. This also shows off the crow’s connection to intelligence.
Because of the crow’s connection to the Celtic goddess Morrigan, you might consider a Celtic crow tattoo to feel her protection. Incorporate Celtic knots and patterns to represent your spiritual connection to the divine.^{[15]
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Section 4 of 4:

Where to Get a Crow Tattoo

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Sometimes, placement adds meaning to your tattoo. While many people get tattoos where they think they’d look best, some believe the placement you choose represents something about you and your personality. If you want your crow tattoo to be particularly meaningful to you, consider the following placements and what they mean:^{[16]
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- Arm: You’re creative and known for your handiwork. You can take something simple and transform it into something meaningful.
- Shoulder: You’re capable of coming up with unique solutions to challenging or complex situations.
- Hand: A hand tattoo can indicate how you navigate life, so having a crow hand tattoo means you approach life with wisdom.
- Torso: You’re insightful and mindful of your actions. You adjust to life changes easily and know when to accept new opportunities.
- Ankle, legs, or feet: You’re able to see and understand things others can’t. You’re in touch with your intuition and stay grounded.
- Back: You know that there is always someone who will trick you or stab you in the back, but you can naturally protect yourself.
- Neck or face: You’re in touch with life’s magic and will likely go through a personal transformation.

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Tips

While crow tattoo designs and placements may have spiritual associations, you don’t have to believe in them. You can get any tattoo anywhere on your body simply because you like it.

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When selecting a design and placement, consider whether you’ll need to hide the tattoo easily. If that’s the case, get one that can easily be covered with clothing, like on the ankle, back, or torso.

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Warnings

When preparing for your tattoo appointment, be sure to eat a full meal and drink a lot of water beforehand to avoid getting lightheaded or passing out during the session.

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When getting a tattoo, always follow your artist’s aftercare instructions to ensure your tattoo heals properly.

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