8 Unique Scarab Tattoo Ideas and Their Meanings

Add an element of mystery to your body art collection and enrich your spiritual journey.

Reviewed by Eve Phillips, Professional Tattoo Artist Eve Phillips Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) Joyce Joyson MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) linkedin_icon
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Gracia Odile, MA Gracia Odile MA linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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In tattoo artistry, the scarab beetle tattoo is seen as a sacred one that connects you to the cycle of life. Egyptians believe scarabs to be a symbol of rebirth. These small but mighty insects are often associated with transformation, protection, and regeneration. These tattoos also show the wearer’s appreciation of Egyptian culture and mythology or show their spiritual self. Today, they have become one of the most popular tattoo designs. Depending on the cultural roots and experiences of the wearer, they are customized in different tattoo styles, like traditional, illustrative, and outline, with different motifs. In this article, we have explored 8 fascinating scarab tattoo ideas. Each one is etched uniquely to symbolize different values. Keep reading to know more.

Meaning Of A Scarab Tattoo

Scarabs are an important part of the Egyptian tradition. They have deep symbolic values and the tattoos may convey similar ideologies. However, the meaning of a scarab tattoo can also depend on the individual wearing it. Let us explore the cultural symbolic interpretations of this artwork:

  • In Egyptian culture, scarabs are representatives of the Sun God, Ra. Ra symbolizes regeneration and positive transformation. Scarab tattoos are therefore a symbol of re-growth.
  • Scarab beetles are seen as the divine entity that protects against evils. Thus, individuals who seek protection, embrace this motif.
  • Scarabs are strong creatures that roll heaps of dung and move swiftly on lands. They exhibit great determination and resilience. A scarab tattoo can therefore be seen as a display of strength.
  • The scarab beetle is a very significant symbol of rebirth and new life. The ancient Egyptians associated the scarab with the sun god Khepri, who rolled the sun across the sky with his body, symbolizing a daily cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Similarly, the scarab’s life cycle where the female lays eggs in dung, emerging as a beetle, echoes the concept of resurrection and thus is a badge of hope and rebirth after difficulty or change.
  • Scarab tattoos are also a sign of protection against evil forces. The Egyptians believe that the scarab will protect one from evil spirits and bad luck. Many mummies wore scarab amulets to ensure easy passage to the afterlife, further emphasizing their importance as safeguard providers.
  • The scarab symbolizes transformation and change in personality. The process of the scarab turning from egg to beetle signifies the progress of life with its transformation. The element of transformation in the scarab calls for change and challenge, reminding one that they are capable of being the best version of themselves.
  • Lastly, scarabs are also signs of fortune and good luck. Tattoo enthusiasts seeking prosperity opt for striking scarab motifs on their body parts.

Scarab tattoos can have both minimalistic designs and detailed intricate patterns. Below we have 8 amazing scarab artworks etched in traditional, geometric, and many other styles that will surely fascinate the Egypt admirer in you. Scroll down.

8 Amazing Scarab Tattoo Ideas And Meaning

Whether you want vibrant scarab artwork or bold black scarab with detailed patterns, you will find an inspiring design in the list below. Check out our 8 scarab tattoo designs below.

1. Egyptian Scarab Tattoo

Egyptian scarab tattoo on the forearm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This scarab tattoo is etched with prominent Egyptian colors like blue and yellow. The expansive, striped wings look visually striking. This design depicts the wearer’s affinity toward Egyptian culture. The bright sun motif at the backdrop represents the Egyptian God Ra who symbolizes divine knowledge. With this Egyptian tattoo, the wearer showcases their aspirations for divine protection and success in life.

2. Traditional Scarab Beetle Tattoo

Traditional scarab beetle tattoo on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The unique element of this beetle tattoo is the flower wings. The orange backdrop gives the illusion of a mirror with flower borders. Flowers symbolize beauty and growth. When combined with the vivid scarab motif, the design evokes the idea of beauty found in life’s cycles. This tattoo can also indicate the wearer’s admiration for nature’s lovely creations – flowers and scarabs.

3. Geometric Scarab Tattoo

Geometric scarab tattoo on the upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features a scarab within a rhombus. The patterned body of the scarab looks visibly alluring. The rhombus features multiple clean black lines creating different geometrical shapes like triangles and rectangles. This design highlights that every natural being has to abide by the order in the universe. The tattoo evokes the idea of balance and symmetry.

4. Scarab Neck Tattoo

Scarab tattoo at the back of the neck
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This stunning scarab tattoo on the back of the neck is inked in an illustrative style. The stylized legs and white polka dots on the body add to its aesthetic appeal. The placement allows the wearer to flaunt the tattoo easily, indicating their bold personality. This artwork proves the wearer’s strong belief in the beetle’s protective abilities against the evils. It can also serve as a way for the wearer to flaunt their strength.

5. Winged Scarab Tattoo

Winged scarab tattoo on the upper arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features a big scarab in its full glory. The magnificent wings are etched with blue, golden, and brown inks. The dark black backdrop offers the beetle a prominent appearance. The vivid patterns at the base and the top of the scarab enhance the overall beauty of this design. The wings represent the wearer’s yearnings to soar high and achieve success. The artwork represents a journey towards a better understanding of life.

6. Bold Scarab Tattoo

Bold scarab tattoo on the upper arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features a flashy scarab with simple patterns on the body. The legs look sleek and strong. They are etched in a way that they frame the body of the scrab in an oval. This creative design looks elegant and aesthetic. This sturdy insect tattoo highlights the wearer’s yearning for physical strength and resilience.

7. Dotwork Scarab Tattoo

Dotwork scarab tattoo on the forearm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This scarab tattoo is etched in a dotwork style on the forearm. It’s not shy of size and the black ink looks striking on the skin. This tattoo displays the wearer’s appreciation for creativity and elegant art. With this tattoo, the wearer may showcase his hope for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The additional dotwork and patterns surrounding the scarab add to the aesthetic appeal but if you want to keep it simple, you can easily omit these.

8. Scarab Chest Tattoo

Man with scarab chest tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A scarab tattoo on the chest often represents protection and metamorphosis. The scarab beetle was a powerful amulet in ancient Egypt, signifying rebirth and rejuvenation. When sported on the chest, it represents your capacity to overcome obstacles and come out stronger. Due to the scarab’s link to themes of protection and direction, this tattoo is a powerful representation of your inner strength and the ability to transform misfortune into opportunity.

Scarabs symbolize good fortune, regeneration, and strength. Even though the root of this symbolism can be found in Egyptian mythology, today, the meanings of scarab tattoos transcend cultures and eras. Tattoo enthusiasts opt for artworks of these wonders of nature to show their resilient and adaptive nature. They also etch them as a salute to creative imagination and as an encouragement for imaginative minds. If you feel drawn to getting a scarab tattoo, we hope our list above will give you some inspiration. Scroll up and take another look!

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Eve Phillips
Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist
Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in various tattoo styles, though she specializes in tattoos with fine details and floral elements. She has owned studios for 20 years in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues, and history.

Read full bio of Eve Phillips
Joyce Joyson
Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

Read full bio of Joyce Joyson
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Gracia Odile
Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

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