25 Beautiful As Above So Below Tattoo Ideas for Your Spiritual Journey

When I got my first tattoo five years ago, I was honestly pretty nervous and had no idea what I wanted. My artist showed me this simple “as above so below” design, and something just clicked. I’d been reading about spirituality and feeling like everything was connected somehow, but I couldn’t really put it into words. This phrase just… got it, you know?

Look, I get it – some people might roll their eyes at spiritual tattoos. But for many of us, this phrase genuinely captures something important about how we see the world. Recent research shows that people love getting this particular design because of how cryptic the message is – whether you’re into ancient philosophy or just feel drawn to the idea that everything’s connected, there’s probably a design here that speaks to you.

Table of Contents

• What to Actually Think About Before Getting This Tattoo
• The Fancy Geometric Stuff (Warning: These Get Complicated)
  • Classic Triangle Design
  • Sacred Geometry Mandala
  • Alchemical Symbol Mix
  • Star of David with Text
  • Tree of Life Design
• Sky and Nature Stuff
  • Moon Phases with Earth Elements
  • Sun and Moon Together
  • Your Star Map
  • Planet Alignment Design
  • Elements Wheel
• Hand and People Designs
  • Praying Hands
  • Reaching Hands
  • Human Silhouette
  • Hands Holding Objects
  • Meditation Pose
• Simple and Clean Designs
  • Just the Text
  • Arrow and Text
  • Infinity Symbol
  • Basic Shapes
  • Mountain and Stars
• Old School Tattoo Style
  • Classic Banner Style
  • Modern Occult Look
  • Rose and Dagger
  • Portrait Style
  • Sailor Style
• The Stuff Your Artist Won’t Tell You (But Should)
• Final Thoughts

TL;DR

• “As above, so below” comes from old philosophy about how heaven and earth mirror each other
• I’ve got 25 different ways to do this tattoo, from super simple text to complex geometric designs
• The fancy geometric stuff looks amazing but costs more and takes longer
• Simple designs work great for first tattoos and smaller spots
• Old school styles look cool and age really well
• Where you put it matters a lot – some designs need more space than others
• Find an artist who knows what they’re doing, especially for the complicated stuff

What to Actually Think About Before Getting This Tattoo

Before we dive into all these designs, let’s be real about what you’re getting into. “As above, so below” isn’t just some trendy phrase – it comes from ancient Hermetic philosophy and basically means that what happens in the heavens reflects what happens on earth. Everything’s connected, you know?

This isn’t just pretty text you slap on your body. You’re making a statement about how you see the world. I’ve watched too many people rush into getting this tattoo without really thinking about what it means to them personally.

The spiritual side runs deeper than most people realize. When you get this phrase tattooed, you’re saying you believe in universal connections and patterns. Make sure that actually resonates with you, not just because it sounds cool.

Understanding tattoo pain levels is important too, because where you put this thing affects both how much it’ll hurt and how good it’ll look long-term.

Here’s the thing about complexity – bigger, more detailed designs need more space to look good. If you try to cram a detailed mandala into a tiny spot, it’s just going to look like a blob in a few years. Trust me on this one.

Design Type	How Big It Needs To Be	How Many Sessions	Artist Skill Level	Best Spots
Geometric Stuff	4-8 inches	2-3 times	Expert level	Upper arm, shoulder
Sky/Nature	3-6 inches	1-2 times	Pretty good	Forearm, ribs
People/Hands	4-10 inches	2-4 times	Really good	Chest, back
Simple	1-4 inches	Just once	Basic skills	Wrist, ankle
Old School	3-8 inches	1-2 times	Traditional expert	Arm, leg

Artist choice is huge here. Sacred geometry and detailed symbolic stuff needs someone who really knows their craft. Don’t just pick someone because they’re cheap – you’ll regret it later.

My friend Sarah wanted this complex Tree of Life design on her wrist. After talking to her artist, she realized all those tiny details would just blur together at that size. She went with simple text and small symbols instead, and it looks perfect. Sometimes starting simple is the smartest move.

Think long-term too. Will this phrase still mean something to you in 20 years? Have you actually studied what it represents, or does it just sound mystical? Be honest with yourself.

The Fancy Geometric Stuff (Warning: These Get Complicated)

Okay, so these designs look absolutely incredible when done right, but they’re not messing around in terms of commitment. We’re talking bigger tattoos, more money, and you better find an artist who can draw a straight line with mathematical precision.

The good news is these designs are probably the most spiritually accurate way to represent the whole “as above, so below” thing. The bad news is they typically take multiple sessions and cost more than your car payment. But if you’re serious about this stuff and have the budget, the results are pretty amazing.

1. Classic Triangle Design

So you’ve got two triangles that overlap – one points up to the sky, one points down to the earth. It’s pretty straightforward symbolism, but it works. The text can go around them or between them, whatever looks better.

This one’s nice because you can keep it super simple or go crazy with decorative stuff. Just make sure your artist can actually draw geometric shapes that don’t look wonky. You’d be surprised how many can’t.

Works great on forearms or shoulders where the triangle shape makes sense. You can do smaller versions on wrists, but don’t expect too much detail.

2. Sacred Geometry Mandala

These are those intricate circular designs with sky stuff on top and earth stuff on bottom, all connected with geometric patterns. They look incredible, but here’s the catch – they need to be big. Like, minimum 4-6 inches, or it just looks like a mess.

Yeah, it costs more and takes forever, but if you’re into this kind of thing, it’s worth saving up for. Just be prepared to sit for a while because detailed work takes time.

Consider your pain tolerance seriously. Large mandalas mean hours in the chair, and your artist needs steady hands. But when it’s done right? Absolutely stunning.

3. Alchemical Symbol Mix

This is for people who really know their occult stuff. You’re mixing traditional alchemical symbols for the elements with planetary symbols and connecting them with geometric lines.

If you’re going this route, do your homework first. Each symbol means something specific, so don’t just pick ones that look cool. Research what you’re putting on your body.

The cool thing is you can customize it based on your birth chart or personal spiritual practice. Just make sure you actually understand what you’re getting.

4. Star of David with Text

The six-pointed star gives you a solid geometric base for the hermetic principle. Text can go inside the star, around it, or worked into decorative elements.

Just heads up – this symbol means different things to different people and religions. Make sure you’re being respectful and understand what you’re representing.

You can jazz it up with planetary symbols or Hebrew letters if that’s your thing, but again, know what you’re doing. The star naturally represents balance, which is perfect for this concept.

5. Tree of Life Design

This is the Kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram, which is complex as hell and requires someone who actually knows what they’re doing. Each circle and connecting line has specific meaning.

I’m going to be straight with you – this is not a design to wing. If you don’t understand Kabbalistic tradition, maybe skip this one. Misrepresenting religious symbols isn’t cool.

If you do go this route, work with an artist who knows esoteric symbolism or bring really detailed reference materials. When done right, it’s deeply meaningful, but it requires serious spiritual study.

Sky and Nature Stuff

These designs are probably the most accessible while still being meaningful. They connect cosmic stuff with earthly things in ways that make sense to most people, and you don’t need a degree in ancient philosophy to appreciate them.

They work well in medium to large sizes and need artists who are good with organic shapes and natural shading. Most can be done in one session if you keep them relatively simple, which makes them more budget-friendly than the crazy geometric stuff.

6. Moon Phases with Earth Elements

The moon cycle on top connects to earth stuff below – like new moon with seeds, full moon with blooming flowers. It’s a natural way to show the connection between sky and earth.

This one’s great if you feel connected to lunar cycles and natural rhythms. You can customize it with your birth moon phase or meaningful dates.

The flowing design works really well on curved areas like shoulders or ribs. It feels natural and organic, which fits the whole nature theme.

7. Sun and Moon Together

Classic sun and moon in balance, often with elements that connect to day/night or seasonal imagery. Everyone gets this symbolism, which makes it accessible while still being meaningful.

You can go with color – warm yellows and oranges for the sun, cool blues and silvers for the moon – or stick with black and grey for a more subtle look.

The duality perfectly captures the “as above, so below” idea through celestial bodies that actually influence earthly cycles.

8. Your Star Map

Star constellations on top connect to earthly locations or personal significance points below. This one’s really personal because you can use your birth constellation or stars from important dates.

My buddy Marcus did his birth constellation Orion connecting to a mountain range where he had this spiritual awakening on a camping trip. The artist used dotted lines to connect the star pattern to the mountains. Super personal and meaningful.

You can go for astronomical accuracy or artistic interpretation – just decide what matters more to you and tell your artist.

9. Planet Alignment Design

Solar system representation showing how planetary positions connect to earthly influences like tides or seasons. Astrology people love this one because it can connect to birth charts.

Complexity varies a lot depending on how detailed you want to get. Simple planetary symbols work for minimalist approaches, while detailed astronomical accuracy needs more space and money.

If you’re into astrology, each planet can connect to earthly elements based on astrological associations. It’s a cool way to make it personal.

10. Elements Wheel

Circular design with the four classical elements – air, fire, water, earth – arranged to show their heavenly and earthly sides. The wheel format naturally shows balance and cycles.

This works well for people into elemental magic, Wiccan practices, or just the natural balance of earth’s systems. Each element can be shown through symbols, natural imagery, or abstract patterns.

The circular format works on lots of different body parts and scales well from small to large.

Hand and People Designs

These create really personal connections to the philosophy, but you need an artist who can actually draw human anatomy. Hands are surprisingly hard to get right, and bad hand tattoos are painfully obvious.

They usually take multiple sessions depending on detail and you need to think carefully about body placement for proper proportions. But when done right, they show humans as bridges between heaven and earth, which is pretty powerful.

11. Praying Hands

Classic praying hands with celestial elements above and earthly elements below. This appeals to people with Christian backgrounds or general spiritual practices.

For those looking for spiritual tattoo designs, praying hands offer a foundation that most people recognize while adding deeper meaning with the hermetic elements.

Here’s the thing though – hands are complex to draw correctly. Poor execution is immediately obvious, so research artists with strong figure drawing skills. Don’t cheap out on this one.

12. Reaching Hands

Two hands reaching toward each other – one from above, one from below, meeting in the middle with the text in the connecting space.

The visual metaphor is strong here. The reaching shows active connection rather than just observing the heaven-earth relationship.

Think about whose hands these represent. Some people prefer abstract hands, others want them to represent specific people or spiritual figures. Your choice affects the meaning.

13. Human Silhouette

Human figure outline with the upper body filled with celestial elements and lower body with earthly elements. The human form literally becomes the bridge between realms.

This sophisticated design needs anatomical accuracy and thoughtful element integration. You become the living representation of “as above, so below.”

You can customize gender, pose, and elements. Some prefer abstract human forms, others want recognizable self-portraits or spiritual figures.

14. Hands Holding Objects

Single hand or pair of hands holding celestial objects (stars, moon) in one hand and earthly objects (crystals, plants) in the other, with connecting energy or text.

The contrast between objects creates clear symbolic meaning. Works great for people who work with crystals or practice earth-based spirituality.

Object selection offers lots of customization. Choose items meaningful to your spiritual practice. The hands can be realistic or stylized depending on what you prefer.

15. Meditation Pose with Elements

Figure in meditation pose with chakras or energy centers connecting celestial elements above to earthly elements below.

This appeals to yoga practitioners and meditation enthusiasts. The human form becomes a conduit for energy flow between realms.

If you’re serious about the spiritual aspects, chakra accuracy matters. Research proper positions, colors, and associations. Some prefer abstract energy representation over specific chakra symbols.

Where You Put It	How Much It Hurts	How Visible	How It Ages	Best Size
Forearm	Not too bad	Very visible	Ages well	4-8 inches
Upper Back	Medium	Hidden	Good aging	6-12 inches
Ribs	Ouch	Sometimes visible	Good with care	3-6 inches
Wrist	Medium	Very visible	May blur	1-3 inches
Chest	Pretty painful	Sometimes visible	Great for bold designs	4-10 inches

Simple and Clean Designs

These are perfect if you want the meaning without all the complexity. They work great for first tattoos, smaller placements, and people who prefer subtle spiritual expression over elaborate imagery.

Most can be done in one session, though you still need precise line work for clean execution. They’re budget-friendly while maintaining meaningful symbolism.

16. Just the Text

Clean typography of “as above so below” with a horizontal line separating the phrase, maybe with small celestial and earthly symbols at the ends.

Font choice is everything here. Elegant script suggests mysticism, bold letters imply strength, handwritten fonts feel personal. Pick what feels right to you.

The dividing line can be simple and straight or have subtle decorative elements. Small symbols at the ends (stars above, earth symbols below) reinforce the meaning without overwhelming the text.

17. Arrow and Text

Vertical arrow pointing both up and down with “as above so below” text alongside. The directional symbolism is immediately clear and universally understood.

This works well for people who prefer obvious rather than cryptic symbolism. Arrow styles range from simple lines to decorative designs with feathers or geometric patterns.

Some people incorporate celestial/earthly elements within the arrow design itself, which can look pretty cool.

18. Infinity Symbol with Text

Infinity symbol with the phrase “as above so below” either within the loops or alongside, representing eternal connection between realms.

The infinity symbol adds the concept of ongoing, cyclical connection to the hermetic principle. This appeals to people who see the heaven-earth relationship as continuous rather than static.

Text can flow with the infinity curves or be positioned alongside the symbol. Both approaches work depending on your aesthetic preference.

19. Basic Shapes Balance

Simple geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and squares arranged to represent balance between celestial and earthly realms with minimal text.

This appeals to people who prefer abstract symbolism over literal representation. Circles for wholeness, triangles for elements, squares for earthly stability.

You can arrange them vertically stacked, horizontally balanced, or overlapping. Each arrangement creates different visual emphasis and meaning.

20. Mountain and Stars

Simple line art showing mountain peaks below and stars above, with subtle text integration representing the connection between earth and sky.

Nature lovers appreciate this design’s connection to landscape and sky. The mountain-sky relationship naturally embodies the principle through geographical representation.

Line weight can vary from ultra-minimal single lines to slightly more detailed mountain ranges and star patterns. The key is maintaining simplicity while keeping it recognizable.

Jennifer, who loves minimalist stuff, chose a simple mountain silhouette with three small stars above and the phrase in delicate script below. Placed on her ankle, the 2-inch design took just 45 minutes and perfectly captured her love of nature without overwhelming her preference for subtle body art.

Old School Tattoo Style

These honor established tattoo culture while incorporating spiritual wisdom. They age exceptionally well and combine meaningful symbolism with classic tattoo aesthetics that have been proven over decades.

Bold line work and proper saturation ensure longevity, though you’ll need artists versed in specific traditional techniques. The nostalgic appeal and cultural recognition make them excellent choices for people wanting spiritual tattoos that fit within traditional tattoo communities.

21. Classic Banner Style

Classic tattoo banner with bold lettering of “as above so below” surrounded by traditional elements like roses, daggers, and celestial imagery in vintage tattoo style.

Traditional banners have been decorating sailors and rebels for decades. Adding the hermetic principle to this classic format bridges spiritual seeking with tattoo culture heritage.

Color choices matter in traditional work. Classic reds, blues, yellows, and greens create authentic vintage appeal. Black and grey versions work too but lose some traditional authenticity.

22. Modern Occult Look

Contemporary interpretation featuring detailed occult symbols, crystals, celestial bodies, and natural elements in neo-traditional style with enhanced color and dimension.

Neo-traditional allows more detail and color variation than classic traditional work. This opens possibilities for intricate occult symbolism while maintaining the bold, readable aesthetic that ages well.

Just be careful with symbol selection – avoid appropriating closed spiritual practices. Focus on universal symbols or those from your own cultural background.

23. Rose and Dagger with Sky Elements

Classic rose and dagger motif enhanced with celestial elements above and earthly elements below, incorporating the hermetic principle into traditional tattoo imagery.

This satisfies traditional tattoo enthusiasts while adding spiritual depth. The rose and dagger carry their own symbolism that complements the hermetic principle.

Understanding traditional tattoo styles helps ensure your design maintains authentic aesthetic elements while incorporating spiritual meaning.

These elements work well on arms, legs, and torso areas where the organic shapes can follow body contours naturally.

24. Portrait Style

Detailed portrait work like a deity or spiritual figure with celestial elements in the background above and earthly elements below, unified by the hermetic principle.

Portrait work requires exceptional artist skill. Research artists specifically known for portrait tattoos, not just general work. Poor portrait execution is immediately obvious and difficult to fix.

Subject selection carries significant weight. Religious figures require cultural sensitivity and personal connection. Consider whether you want recognizable spiritual figures or more abstract human representations.

25. Sailor Style

Classic sailor tattoo elements like anchors, ships, and swallows reimagined to represent the connection between heaven and earth through maritime symbolism.

Sailor Jerry’s bold, iconic style translates beautifully to spiritual concepts. Ships represent the soul’s journey, anchors symbolize grounding, swallows suggest messages between realms.

This appeals to people with maritime connections or appreciation for classic Americana tattoo culture. The familiar imagery makes the spiritual concept more accessible to traditional tattoo communities.

The Stuff Your Artist Won’t Tell You (But Should)

Okay, let’s talk money because nobody else will. A simple text tattoo might run you $150-300. Those crazy detailed mandalas? You’re looking at $800+ and that’s if you find someone good who won’t mess it up. Plan accordingly.

Sacred geometry needs artists skilled in precise line work and mathematical proportions. These require larger placements (minimum 4-6 inches) to maintain accuracy and visual impact. Expect 2-3 sessions for complex pieces.

Sky and nature elements work well in medium to large sizes (3-8 inches) and need artists comfortable with organic shapes and natural shading. Single sessions are possible for simpler versions.

Hand and human form designs demand artists with strong anatomical knowledge. These typically need 2-4 sessions and require careful body placement consideration for proper proportions.

Before committing to complex designs, research tattoo pricing structures to understand how size, complexity, and session requirements affect your overall investment.

Design Type	Cost Range	Healing Time	Touch-up Needs	Artist Specialization
Geometric	$400-$1200	2-4 weeks	10-15 years	Geometric precision
Sky/Nature	$300-$800	2-3 weeks	15-20 years	Shading techniques
People/Hands	$500-$1500	3-4 weeks	10-12 years	Anatomical accuracy
Simple	$150-$400	1-2 weeks	20+ years	Clean line work
Old School	$300-$900	2-3 weeks	20+ years	Traditional techniques

Simple designs are most accessible, working in sizes from 1-4 inches, suitable for first tattoos, and often completable in single sessions. However, they still require precise line work for clean execution.

Look, I’m going to be straight with you about hand tattoos – they hurt like hell and fade faster than other spots. If this is your first tattoo, maybe don’t start there. Just saying.

Placement strategy varies by design type. Upper arms and shoulder blades work well for larger geometric pieces. Forearms suit medium-sized celestial designs. Wrists and ankles are ideal for simple text. Chest and back accommodate complex traditional pieces.

I’ve seen too many people walk into shops with Pinterest screenshots of impossible designs. Your artist isn’t trying to be difficult when they suggest changes – they’re trying to save you from a tattoo that’ll look terrible in five years.

Aging and touch-up considerations differ significantly. Simple geometric designs and bold traditional work age most gracefully. Intricate sacred geometry may need touch-ups every 10-15 years. Simple text remains clear longest with proper aftercare.

When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, understanding AI tattoo generators can help you explore different design variations and styles before committing to your final piece. Our AI-powered platform lets you experiment with various interpretations of the hermetic principle, ensuring you find the perfect representation.

Final Thoughts

Here’s my final thought: don’t rush this. I know you’re excited, but a good tattoo is worth waiting for. Find an artist whose work you actually love, save up the money to do it right, and make sure this phrase still feels right to you in a few months. Your future self will thank you.

This isn’t just a cool phrase – it actually means something. Make sure you’re okay with that meaning before you put it on your body forever. The hermetic principle represents profound wisdom about universal interconnectedness that goes way beyond tattoo trends.

Whether you choose intricate sacred geometry that requires months of planning or simple text that can be completed in an afternoon, your tattoo becomes a personal reminder connecting you to ancient wisdom.

And please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t get religious or cultural symbols you don’t understand. That’s not edgy, it’s just disrespectful.

Your spiritual journey is unique, and your tattoo should reflect that. Don’t just copy someone else’s design because it looks cool – spend time thinking about what this principle actually means to you.

For those seeking additional spiritual symbolism, exploring cross tattoo designs can provide complementary meanings that enhance the hermetic principle.

The investment goes beyond money to include emotional and spiritual commitment. Choose an artist who respects the significance of your design and can execute it with the precision it deserves.

Take time to meditate on what this principle truly means to you before making your final decision. The perfect design will resonate with your soul and serve as a constant reminder of the universal truths you’ve discovered.

Whether you choose complex sacred geometry that takes months to complete or a simple design that captures the essence in clean lines, your tattoo will become part of your personal story – a symbol that grows in meaning as you continue your spiritual evolution.