The duality of the fire element is quite evident in the aforementioned list, where it is clearly a symbolism of elements of the opposite natures. For example, on one hand, where it causes destruction, it is also associated with renewal and rebirth. Take the phoenix tattoo at the beginning of this page as an example. Here, the flames are burning the bird thereby destructing, or killing it, however, the very same fire leads it to the ashes from where it gets a new life. Even the finest of gold is derived when it toils in the brutality of blazing flames, it is only through the rough experiences that one truly realizes the blessings of life. Fire is associated with many meanings, both catering to the negative and the positive aspects of life. Let us begin with the positive first. Religiously, fire symbolizes hope, energy, power, and purity. Yes, it has the power to purify, burn out the impurities and sort of sterilize our lives. This is the reason why fire is present in the form of candles and lamps in religious places, to sort of cleanse our spirit with the warmth-inducing flames. Therefore, fire symbolizes transformation, enlightenment, inner balance, inspiration, clarity, and power to move ahead in life. Alternately, the untamed fire flames are symbolic of destruction, passion, temptation, danger, and sin. Fire tattoos can be done in varied ways, both individually, or, in combination with other elements. Elements such as the phoenix bird, dragon, skulls, and hearts are widely used in this theme because their symbolism accentuates the meaning of the tattoo all the more, complementing it in the most significant way possible. Another popular adaptation of this theme is to get the flames inked as a sleeve tattoo on the forearm or legs, or flaunt it as an armband tattoo. Seriously, the designs and samples available are endless. However, we have picked the best among the rest. Have a look the following classic tattoos that have brilliantly justified this theme. What we absolutely love about this tattoo is the beautiful melange of various components that come together and form a fantastic religious tattoo. The Christian cross, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the angel wings, and the flame atop these elements―all of these just sanctify the faith of the tattoo wearer all the more. Do you know that fire also represents the Holy Spirit? Together with the wings, this design symbolizes freedom and irrevocable faith in God. The placement of the tattoo is also remarkably apt, near the heart, given the sentiments involved behind this design. We all are passionate about something or the other in life, be it music, a particular sport, a hobby? There is always a fire that burns inside us regarding a particular interest, and no matter how "old" we become, this fire never ceases. This tattoo reflects the passion of a rock-music lover. The flames surrounding the "rock" elements are just symbolic of the untamed passion of the wearer regarding this genre. If you think of it, freedom is a privilege that many of us tend to take for granted, but there are many who don't even have half the freedom that we have. Fire is the symbol of power. If it wills, it can go beyond the boundaries and reach out at any direction. This tattoo composes of a fire torch (symbolic of hope and positivity) along with the flames that form a butterfly (symbolic of freedom and creativity). A beautiful tattoo design for a free and beautiful mind! Love has been exemplified as the most important feeling of human existence, in fact, the Holy Bible regards it as more important than faith and hope. A tattoo of a flaming heart truly represents the nature of intense love, where the fire keeps you going towards your love irrespective of the rights and wrongs, irrespective of all the things that say otherwise. A heart that is fueled by the fire of love is the most powerful phase of human existence. For what is the purpose of a life without love? If you are a true biker at heart and the proud owner of the god of all bikes―Harley Davidson―then this tattoo is for you! Fire flames have always been a symbol associated with these bikers. A tattoo of your most precious possession with the flames is something that you must get to profess your love for your biking passion. This tattoo looks great anywhere, but we think it fits best as a sleeve tattoo. We definitely love the shading techniques used in here, with a clear definition of the skull, to the blue,yellow, orange flames reaching up the arm. With a placement like that, this tattoo with its rising flames surely symbolizes a never-say-die attitude with a zest to move forward in life. This incident in the Bible was the starting point of freedom, hope, faith, and power that was witnessed by the early Christians during the time of Moses. This is where it all began. God spoke to Moses in the form of a burning bush and instructed him to take His path. This iconic scene from the Bible makes a great fire tattoo, where the burning bush symbolizes fear, honor, respect, and faith in the power and authority of God. Fire is the symbol of balance, the need to be tamed and controlled. This particular tattoo shows the dual aspect of fire, the orange flames being the destructive and dangerous ones, while the blue flames representing the calm, un-harming side of this element. The blue and orange combination can also symbolize the existence of two opposite elements together, such as fire and water. Beautiful in every way, indeed! Who makes a better candidate for a fire tattoo than a firefighter, and among the many options that exist, this design says it all! The helmet and mask of the brave firefighter at the center of the blazing flames represents the risk that these brave men take for saving us all. The words Honor, Courage, Valor, Dedication, and Service say all that these heroes live for! Salute to them all! Many among us would be able to relate to the situation where our hearts ended up skipping a beat for someone who was nothing but a flame waiting to destruct us. Many times, we can't help but get attracted to individuals or things that enter our lives to ruin us, burn everything down to ashes. This tattoo retro-cally shows this very facet of love or intense passion. This design is perhaps the most stunning, gorgeous, and a total killer with its look! The flames and the feather show the duality of eyes, which are nothing but a reflection of your intentions. Did you notice that the feather isn't burning into flames, in spite of the fire being evident around it? This tattoo design implies the bearer's underlying strength, which shouldn't be underestimated because of the delicateness of a person. Perhaps this design is inspired from the Pirates of the Caribbean. Have you ever tried to imagine the plight of pirates, where all they could do was 'do' or 'die'? Where would they go, to the ocean waves? If you are a pirate fan, then this tattoo design would be an inspiration to you; the flames shall represent your burning desire, the swords will be your armor, while the skull would boost you to go for it or suffer. An awesome design for sure! A lion has always been a symbol of courage and strength, royalty and power, leadership, energy, aggressiveness, and fierceness. But a lion made of fire flames symbolizes all these traits with 100 times the impact. This would make a great sleeve tattoo! We chose this design just because of one reason―it looks so darn good! While a skull has no eyes or expressions, the fire flame that is melting this candle sort of creates a sad and sorry expression for this melting skull. If we were to interpret the symbolism of this design, it would be repentance. As if this person repents his/her sins of the past and as a result, chooses to become the light of the world till the last of him/her exists, till the last of him/her melts away. Pretty deep! How can the list be incomplete without having the very creature that breathes fire―a dragon! What we absolutely love about this tattoo design is the whole composition of it, especially the quote! This very much represents the depiction of the challenges that mankind faces on this planet. Where the power bearers "grill" those that reside on this earth and then, men's karmas are what form the basis of God's sorting them out; whether their ultimate home would be heaven or hell. Alternately, this design can also be symbolic of punishment in hell. Right from lust to love, sin to purity, ruin to revival, fire can be many things in one. We all have this fire within us, a fire that takes us places, be it spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Just ensure that you cater to the one that renews your existence like a phoenix, not the one that takes you down to ashes like a dragon. Cheers to the thought!