per aspera ad astra.

to the stars through difficulties, or, from hardships to the stars.
this is my first tattoo, it is in memory of my grandmother. but it means so much more as well, sparrow tattoos stand for a lot, including new beginnings, which is exactly what this represents, i told my design teacher that when i got per aspera ad astra tattooed on me, i would quit cutting.
five years, and its all gone now.
and its so scary to not be that girl anymore, but its for the best.
also the purple is for that she died of pancreatic cancer. i try my hardest not to dwell on her death, but much of it led to my depression and self injury. also, sailors used to get these after successfully traveling long journeys. sparrows/swallows were the first thing they would see when they got close to land. the symbolize a safe journey home. i feel as if i have been through an immense struggle in my life, and this in a way guides me. it is my reward for surviving.
also, all swallows return back to san juan capistrano every year. having one tattooed on you shows pride and loyalty, also saying you will always come home. sailors used to have these, and if they drowned it is said that the swallows would come and take his soul to heaven. (part of where from hardships to the stars comes in). swallows choose a mate for life, tattoos of them also represent fidelity and finding love.
so yeah, my tattoo means a lot, exactly why i got it (:
i love this..