What does the artwork in Aaron Rodgers’ newest tattoo represent?

Two things are abundantly clear when you are talking about Aaron Rodgers. One: he is a football phenomenon, a true legend of the game. And two: dude is kooky as a Cocoa Puff.

He does and says things that are just so far out that they are off the radar for most people. On the field, all business. Off the field, you gotta be in his frame of mind to follow him.

So with that being said, let’s take a look at the tattoo that he has revealed on Instagram.

At first glance, two things come to mind. That it is beautiful and intricate, but also that with all of the astrological and mystical symbols present, it must have a deeper meaning for him. In fact, his post revealed as much, saying “There’s a deep and meaningful story and connection to absolutely each element of this art piece, and I’ll share a little more about that one day. For now, just thankful for @balazsbercsenyi and his patience and artistry. #tattoo #astrology #theelements”

So let’s get into the possible meanings of his ink work.

Starting at the top, there are three astrological symbols with their pertinent constellations, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Aquarius. Given that Rodgers is a big believer in astrology, a trait that he shares with his now-ex fiancée Shailene Woodley, the Scorpio would represent her while the Sagittarius represents him. The Aquarius could possibly represent the date of their engagement, giving the entire top motif a meaning that would relate to the life of their relationship.

Below this there is a depiction of the Eye of Providence, a common motif in many belief systems, from Freemasonry to Hinduism and Buddhism. A version is depicted on the one dollar bill, in reference to the all-seeing eye of God, but is originally derived from ancient Egypt and the eye of Horus. It can reference several concepts, but is most likely to refer to the “third eye” of eastern mysticism, which provides perception beyond physical sight.

With two depictions of a lion, one docile and the other roaring, we move into slightly murkier waters. The lion is associated with the astrological sign, Leo, and has strong associations with the sun. Even in Christianity, the lion is the symbol of strength and courage, watchfulness and resurrection. In a modern Freudian interpretation, lions are auspicious in dreams as the bringer of good luck to a soldier or an athlete.

The next element is a sunset above an open ocean, which has a universal meaning in pretty much all of art. Water represents birth, death, time, memory, and change, and this is an artistic motif used by all cinema directors, painters, and photographers throughout the world and since time immemorial. Rodgers’ version could be a representation of any of these, most likely to do with the recent ending of his relationship with Woodley and the memories that the relationship holds for him.

Below this motif is a heavily stylized peacock-type splaying above a daggered crystal, which typically will represent power, strength, confidence, and even divinity in art.

Of course, all of this is just my own supposition, as a lifelong film maker and holder of a minor in Art History. Rodgers may well have a completely different take on each of these elements and the work could have a meaning far more mundane or infinitely more complicated that what I have picked up on. If I were a betting man, though, I would lean toward a deeper meaning that what I could glean.