Most commonly the phrase “As Above, So Below” means that what happens on one level also happens on every other level; the microcosm (small bits that you see) and macrocosm (big bits and the unseen) behave alike.
The concept of “As Above, So Below” was first laid out in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus: “That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing.”
“As Above, So Below” is a concept linked to Christianity, as well as the Occult, and other alternative religions such as Sacred Geometry and Wicca, with the Tree of Life being a particularly popular symbol linked to the phrase and used in tattoos.
The following gallery lays out an awesome array of “As above, So Below” tattoo ideas that can help you find inspiration for use in your next tattoo.
1. As Above So Below and Geometry
Source: @mamatattooprague via Instagram
Source: @noemy.bodyart via Instagram
Source: @patanegratattoos via Instagram
Source: @crim.ink_tattoo via Instagram
2. Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas
Source: @artistbuddharob via Instagram
Source: @felizestrella_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @hannahcatherine_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @imperialtattoo_wi via Instagram
Source: @maljtattoo via Instagram
Source: @romanordtattoo via Instagram
Source: @tribalism via Instagram
3. As Above So Below Back Tattoos
Source: @liveirontattoo via Instagram
Source: @dirceusoaresarts via Instagram
Source: @chrisenberg.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @mista_tattoo_milan via Instagram
Source: @neelix_0690 via Instagram
Source: @el_sagrado_tattoo_art via Instagram
Source: @smokin_gunz_tattoo_studio via Instagram
4. Heavy Black Ink As Above So Below Tattoos
Source: @astralisproject via Instagram
Source: @ah.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @aidanmurphy.tattoos via Instagram
Source: @alexandranatura_illustration via Instagram
Source: @alexbra.ta2 via Instagram
Source: @beckyharristattoo via Instagram
Source: @david.zombi via Instagram
Source: @sicario_the_malinois via Instagram
Source: @ivanvrios via Instagram
Source: @peya____ via Instagram
Source: @psychodelink_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @sailorscary via Instagram
Source: @sophieviolettattoo via Instagram
Source: @annyladyline via Instagram
Source: @eyesight.tattoo via Instagram
5. As Above So Below Chest and Side Tattoos
Source: @anis_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Source: @florina.malael via Instagram
Source: @eaten.back.to.life via Instagram
Source: @karas_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @lightcaptattoo via Instagram
6. As Above So Below Forearm Tattoos
Source: @cheshyro.inknart via Instagram
Source: @earthto_mana via InstagramSource: @sarahwalsworthtattoo via Instagram
Source: @henrymendoza87 via Instagram
Source: @jaceylove_tattooer via Instagram
Source: @nito_mc_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @pewpewraygun via Instagram
Source: @redryder1111 via Instagram
7. As Above So Below featuring Hand Symblism
Source: @arca.na13 via Instagram
Source: @gabrielotatuador via Instagram
Source: @mari.padawan via Instagram
Source: @sheisastral via InstagramSource: @discohopskotch via Instagram
8. As Above So Below Tattoo Lettering
Source: @betty_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @dirty.minds666 via Instagram
Source: @salem.theballpython via Instagram
Source: @theblackdottattoo via Instagram
9. Small As Above So Below Tattoos
Source: @biddy_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @lix.dis.tinta via Instagram
Source: @macrocosmicastronaut via Instagram
Source: @pejczi via Instagram
Source: @eluceart via Instagram
Source: @art.patri via Instagram
10. Black and Gray Tattoo Designs
Source: @birdslegion via Instagram
Source: @coquin_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @liathetattooer via Instagram
Source: @manozapato_tattooer via Instagram
Source: @tattootestament via Instagram
Source: @slingerstattoo via Instagram
Source: @sotiris_ts_ via Instagram
Source: @terravizion via Instagram
Source: @kasey_wolfkiller_tattoos via Instagram
11. As Above So Below Wrist Tattoos
Source: @tattoosbylaz via Instagram
Source: @je.suis.jen via Instagram
Source: @wednesday_bluedream.xo via Instagram
What does “As above, so below” tattoo mean symbolically?
What happens on one level of reality also happens on every other level; the microcosm (small bits) and macrocosm (big bits) behave alike.
In Christianity, as above so below features in the Lords Hymn as “On earth as it is in heaven.”
In Wicca, the phrase “As above, so below refers to “The principle of correspondence.”
It’s also used in the wider occult and principles of sacred geometry regarding balance, repetition and harmony.
Why do “As above, so below” tattoos feature the tree of life?
A Tree of Life tattoo reflects similar principles to “as above, so below.” These tattoo designs represent the interconnection between all life, and that all knowledge, hope, life, and love come from the same source in mirror image.
The Tree of Life is one of those tattoo design ideas that permeates folklore cultures regardless of its origin. It’s an ancient symbol that has reached through multiple cultures, religions, and philosophies.
Where did the concept of “As Above, so below” originate?
The concept of As Above, So Below was first laid out in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus: “That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing.”
What is sacred geometry and why is it popular in tattoos?
Geometry is the perfect inspiration for a tattoo. Something about mathematical symmetry that captures the eye and satisfies an inner desire for perfection.
Sacred geometry attributes sacred meanings to geometric shapes.
Spiritual in their meaning, many of the patterns are found in nature and are linked to holistic practices used by shamans and monks over the ages.
You’ll discover sacred geometry in more than just churches, temples and monuments. It’s everywhere – from pinecones to diamonds, snowflakes and more, and thy make for great tattoo designs.
Did you enjoy these “As Above, So Below Tattoo Designs?” Click on the galleries below for more meaningful and symbolic tattoo art ideas:
- Top 53 Eye of Providence Tattoo Ideas
- 60 Metatron’s Cube Tattoo Designs
- Top 31 DNA Tattoo Design Ideas
- Top 55 Geometric Tattoo Designs
- Penrose Tribar Tattoo Concepts
