The triangle eye is also known as the all-seeing eye or eye of providence. It is an ancient symbol connected to God, conspiracy, and spiritual enlightenment. You probably noticed an all-seeing eye on dollar banknotes, on churches, or on Masonic buildings.
Tattoos with the eye of providence fascinate many tattoo-lovers. It looks mysterious and intriguing simultaneously. An all-seeing eye can make you feel uncomfortable or protected. Read more about its history and its actual meaning.
History of the Triangle Eye or “Providence Eye” Symbolism
The symbol of the eyes in the triangle originates between the XIV-XV centuries. The main interpretation was that God watches over humanity everywhere. Nobody knows who originally painted this symbol, however, its components were well-known in Christianity.
The triangle is a long-standing symbol of the Christian Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rays of light depict spiritual illumination in iconography. The eye inside the triangle shows God’s authority and watchfulness.
Ancient Egyptians used the eye as a motif long before Christians. The most common eye symbol in their culture was the eye of the sky god Horus, depicted as a falcon eye. It was used as a protective amulet.
The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs affect European iconography and art in the XV century. However, most European artists misinterpreted them. Artists use hieroglyphs as a source of inspiration and with deliberate interpretation rather than as a linguistic system. These symbols of eyes, birds, and animals had rather esoteric meanings. This is the possible way how one-eye symbol became a symbol of God and got so mystical.
In the late 18th century, the all-seeing eye became a widespread symbol. It appeared in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This document stated the main concepts of individual liberty and democracy in France after the revolution. The all-seeing eye was used to demonstrate that God witnessed the birth of a new nation.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789 by Jean-Jacques-Francois Le Barbier
Source: Wikimedia commons
The most popular appearance of the symbol is on the Great Seal of the United States of America and one-dollar banknotes. Why fathers of the nation choose such a mysterious symbol?
13-steps symbolize 13 states of America which formed a new country back in 1792. The pyramid stands for the strength and survival of a new nation. The eye of providence on the top demonstrates God’s oversight of the creation of America. The mottos on the seal confirm this:
“Annuit Coeptis” in Latin means “he approves of this undertaking”.
“Novus ordo seclorum” is translated as “a new order of the ages”.
The reverse of the Great Seal of the United States
Source: Wikimedia commons
What about conspiracy theories about Fremasons?
Many people think that the all-seeing eye is about a powerful secret government that rules the world or that Freemasons had an influence on the former American government.
Originally the meaning was the opposite. Freemasons use it as a reminder that they should live following the rules of religion and standards of the organization. Moreover, Freemasons started to use the all-seeing eye in public after it had appeared on the Great Seal. So this conspiracy theory is doubtful.
Triangle Eye Tattoo Meaning
Triangle eye tattoo is a powerful and meaningful symbol. The interesting thing about it is that every person interprets it differently. Somebody sees it as the symbol of God, while others will think about occultism. It gives you freedom in selecting the meaning that resonates with you.
The all-seeing eye looks badass as a single piece and as a part of a larger composition, for example, in combination with roses, geometric figures, and religious elements.
Symbol of God
The symbol of God is the original meaning of the triangle eye tattoo. You can choose it to show that all your actions are watched by the omnipresent eye of the Supreme Being. Depending on your beliefs, it can be either a Christian God or another singular divine entity or power.
It also can act as a reminder, that your life will be evaluated according to the merits and sins. In the end, you will get either a reward or punishment, so you need to live a fair life.
Another interpretation is about guidance from a sacred source. The light spread around the eye is a symbol of God’s wisdom, so it can show your direction to a better life.
A common variation of this tattoo is a crying all-seeing eye. It depicts God’s sorrow for humankind and its suffering.
Illuminati and Freemasons
The eye of providence is commonly used as a reference to conspiracy theories about hidden governments like Freemasons or Illuminati. In this way, the all-seeing eye represents power, influence, control, and oversight.
The eye of providence can also be used as a sign of manipulation of the world by global corporations, oligarchs, and politicians.
Eye of Horus
The eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol that means well-being, healing, and protection.
It originates from the legend about the battle between the god Horus and his uncle Seth. In this rival, Seth tore out one of Horus’s eyes. However, this eye was soon restored by another god named Thoth. The legends also say that later Horus offered this eye to his father Osiris to sustain him in the afterlife.
Best Body Placements
Hand
The symbol easily fits on the small area of the hand or the palm. This element will surely attract attention.
The placement is suitable for a brave person who wants to stand out from the crowd. As you cannot cover your hand with a cloth, it might influence your career in some spheres, so you should be thoughtful about this placement.
In addition, as it is hard to protect hands from UV light, the tattoo will fade faster and will require more frequent touch-ups to maintain the initial shape and clarity.
Arm
The arm is probably the most common placement for the all-seeing eye tattoo. The main advantage of this place is you can easily hide it with long sleeves. You can opt for a single-piece tattoo or use an eye of providence as the element of a large sleeve.
Neck
The neck tattoo of the all-seeing eye is all about standing out and grabbing attention. When you place the eye in front of your neck, people will immediately notice it because psychologically we are looking for making eye contact.
Keep in mind, that neck is a painful place to get inked. Moreover, the healing process can be hard because this area is involved in all head movements. We don’t recommend getting a neck tattoo as the first body art.
Back
Back is a wonderful area to place the art with some special meaning to you. As you don’t show it often, getting something spiritual-linked like the all-seeing eye is always a great idea.
Summary
Eye of God or Eye of providence is an interesting choice for the tattoo. It has a long history with origins dating back to ancient Egypt. There are many possible meanings you can choose from. Usually, the all-seeing eye stands for:
- Enlightenment
- God
- Protection and Healing
- Secret government
- Power and manipulation
- Attentiveness and wisdom
The eye of providence is an intriguing symbol, and only you can decide on the actual meaning of this tattoo for you.
FAQ
? Should I Get the All-Seeing Eye Tattoo?
As a triangle with an eye tattoo has many interpretations, you can select the one that reflects your personality and ink this art. We recommend you consult with a tattoo artist about special design features you want to incorporate into the art to emphasize a special meaning.
?️ What Is the Meaning of the Eye of Providence Tattoo?
The original meaning of the symbol is about the omnipresence of the Supreme Being in all things in the world. Eye-of-providence also has an association with the third eye, spiritual enlightenment, secret government, and conspiracy.
