The deer is an auspicious symbol associated with the Sun, sunrise, light, purity, renewal, rebirth, creation and spirituality. Due to the resemblance of deer antlers to branches, the image of a deer is associated with the Tree of Life. In addition, deer antlers symbolize the sun's rays and fertility. An adult male deer is a solar emblem of abundance.
Like the eagle and the lion, the deer is the eternal enemy of the snake; symbolically it is associated with the sky and light, while the snake is associated with the night and life underground. A deer in a fight with a snake symbolizes the conflict between positive and negative, light and darkness.
Like the eagle and the horse, the deer is a mediator between heaven and earth, a messenger of the gods. Hittite, Sumerian-Semitic and Shinto deities rode on deer; deer were harnessed to the carts of Time and Christmas.
The most characteristic features of a deer are swiftness, grace and beauty; Maybe that's why deer are associated with poetry and music. 
In medieval art in the West, the deer symbolized solitude and purity, and in Japanese poetry - loneliness and longing for love.
For the Chinese, it means happiness and longevity; the white male deer symbolizes Shou-Xin, the god of longevity. In addition, deer is associated with wealth and good fortune; the word “deer” in China is consonant with the word “abundance”. 
The ancient Mayans called themselves Ah-Maya, "people of the Deer." This animal was considered the main tribal ancestor and therefore a sacred animal. The Mayan constellation Deer (Capricorn) was associated with the new year, the next stage in life. This month it was recommended to focus only on earthly concerns. It was believed that as soon as one manages to live through the month of active Deer, it will be like this for the whole year. It was believed that those born this month are distinguished, on the one hand, by their connection with traditions, and on the other, by the desire for something new, to improve the existing. During this month, the ancient Mayans turned to priests for predictions or engaged in divination themselves.
Among the Celts, the deer is a symbol of the Sun, fertility and vitality, dignity, masculinity, speed, a mediator between the world of the gods and the world of people. The Celts believed that the deer was the main animal in the magical herds of the gods. Deer antlers were considered a symbolic representation of tree branches. The branches of the horns, like branches and leaves on trees, were considered symbols of rebirth and reproduction. The Celtic god Cernunnos, associated with the cycles of death and rebirth of nature, was depicted with branched stag antlers or with a stag and a bull standing at his feet. The legends feature a white deer, which for the Celts was a mystical animal that came to earth from the Other World and possessed the gift of wisdom and omniscience. 
In German-Scandinavian mythology, four deer pluck the leaves of the world tree Yggdrasil. In addition, the deer Eiktürmir (“oak-tipped horns”) and the goat Heidrun eat its leaves while standing on the roof of Valhalla. 
In the Greco-Roman tradition, the deer is an attribute of Artemis (Diana). Enraged by Artemis, the hunter Actaeon was turned into a deer because he saw her bathing.
In Christian symbolism, the deer represents religious enthusiasm and zeal, as converts longed for knowledge "...as a deer longs to reach a cool stream to drink." It is in this meaning that the deer is depicted on baptismal fonts, as well as in religious paintings - drinking at the foot of the cross. In Christian iconography, a deer trampling a snake is the emblem of a Christian fighting evil. Some saints are depicted with a deer as their attribute, for example a deer with a crucifix between its antlers - the emblem of St. Hubert. 
In alchemy, the deer together with the unicorn signify the dual nature of Mercury, philosophical mercury. Alchemists see in the ancient myth of the hunter Actaeon, transformed by the goddess Artemis into a deer, proof of the possibility of transforming metals.
Among the Slavs, deer was considered the personification of ancestors. According to legend, he could perform various miracles and speak in a human voice. In ancient carols, deer, like horses, carry the souls of the dead to the other world. The deer was considered a royal animal: it rules over all horned animals.
Deer often appears in heraldic images, where it “means grace and moderation.”
Deer
Words are tormenting trumpets,
thundering in the deep forest, -
watching, calling to each other rudely,
Where will I carry the flame?
But what do I care about the greedy barking of Diana,
do you catch stomping and flying?
My soul is a huge deer -
The maddened dogs will be shaken off!
Shakes off - and along the burning path
will rush with its horns wide open,
through the black thickets of the night
to the fiery shores!
Vladimir Nabokov 
Tattoo meaning deer
Deer are creatures of extraordinary beauty. They look noble and majestic, but not without reverence. The deer tattoo always has a favorable meaning. This animal personifies wisdom and unity with nature, peace and beauty of the world. As a tattoo, this symbol is suitable for both men and women.
Story
To begin with, it is worth saying that deer are unusually smart and have a keen sense of their environment. They know how to find medicinal plants and heal themselves, which is a rare phenomenon in the animal world.
In Japan, the deer is a symbol of light and goodness. The composition with him is usually combined with a slain serpent, personifying evil. There, the deer is considered an almost ideal creature, which defeats enemies not with the help of force, but through extraordinary caution and good reflexes. By the way, Christians revered these animals in the same way, attributing to them the ability to defeat evil on their own or foretell victory for others (we are talking about a male, horned and majestic). It has also been known since ancient times that deer hear very well.
In Chinese, the character for deer is associated with the word for wealth, so the animal is revered there as a symbol of abundance. Seeing a deer was considered a good omen: your endeavors will be accompanied by good luck. But in the East, the deer were comparable to the dawn. It was believed that near the deer, the world was cleared of the torpor of sleep, and life began to bubble around. Deer also personified the moral purification of man, his spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Among the Indians, the deer was sacred and two-faced. In one case, it is a symbol of a passionate lover who does not know refusal, is jealous and ardent. In another, he personified a just and strong man (something like the image of knights, only in the Indian way). But most often, the deer in the culture of Native Americans is the image of life itself.
In northern Russia, people are very dependent on deer. It was a beast of burden, food, and material for clothing and crafts. Therefore, they worshiped this animal as the personification of vitality, the will to survive and fertility (usually referring to a woman). Deer antlers are a separate matter. In their culture they are the tree of life and are also often associated with the rays of the sun.
Bottom line
It is believed that a deer tattoo has no meaning. It will not characterize you in any way, it will change your character for the better:
- You will become purer in your intentions, more noble;
- You will develop a sense of compassion;
- You will react to violence (both moral and physical) much more violently, and a sense of justice will be a constant companion;
- Sophistication and beautiful features will be much more obvious, so you will become more attractive to the opposite sex (accordingly, the stronger sex needs to fill the male, and the weaker part of humanity - the female).
Prison interpretation
Oddly enough, this magnificent creature is sometimes found in criminal circles. The meaning of such tattoos varies greatly, it all depends on the location and composition. In some cases, a fleet-footed deer may reflect the wearer’s love for freedom and a clear desire to get away from the place of imprisonment. In other cases it is a symbol of the fact that the person was sitting “in the north.” One can interpret such a tattoo as the presence of a code of honor in a person who behaves nobly in those cases when he considers it necessary.
The White Stag is a character in many Celtic myths and symbolizes the time period of 7 months. This is the beginning, the initiating energy. Therefore, if you want your business, which you are starting to argue, then you can ask for help from White Deer. If you want the energy of prosperity to always be present next to you, then you can always call Deer Spirit to help on every new moon and every full moon.
White Deer Energy gives great hope and enthusiasm, but at the same time you will still have to overcome physical obstacles, although it will be much easier to do this. If you often call on the White Deer in meditation, then accept its character traits, such as caution in life, restraint and perseverance in achieving goals. The enormous energy of this symbol can lift a person very high.
Also, with the help of this symbol, you can eliminate conflicts in the family and even help advance your career.
How to work with the White Deer symbol?
Light a white candle. Imagine yourself in the forest and try to imagine a totem in front of you. The deer is a symbol of hermitage, so try to be alone so that nothing disturbs you. And first, tell him about what may be weighing heavily on your soul. That is, in the beginning, of course, there is purification. In order to work with this symbol, you will have to completely cleanse yourself. Deer is the enemy of snakes; you will have to pull these snakes out of your inner world and clear the way for new energy.
In order for your spiritual emanations to connect with the energies of this symbol, Firstly Energy contact should be carried out constantly, like a meeting. Then, the Soul must sincerely desire to express itself. The soul must choose the forms of its work, know exactly what it could use and what it would never accept. Therefore, listen to what your conscience says. When interacting with this symbol, you can begin to meet people from the past, from those reincarnations in which you interacted or even from the past of this life, you will meet those people with whom you have unfinished business. Don't be afraid of difficulties, just remember that you are under Higher guidance and you have to go through now. What seemed forgotten will come to life and you will need to end some relationship or figure out the situation until the end.
After you have worked with this symbol for 40 days in a row, you can go and buy yourself a ring with the stone. This will be your amulet. He will support you when difficulties arise, he will protect you from some situations, just remember that any amulet will not live for you. You, like Robin Hood, will have to fight and move forward. Only you, like him, will be protected by the Supreme Patrons.
Wise decisions will come to you and your intuition will rise to a higher level. Just, in addition to all this, develop laconicism and modesty. The energy of this symbol will help you establish harmony and the correct relationship between the soul and circumstances, even those that occurred in the previous incarnation. What was normal and traditional for you may change. Continue to work with this symbol, and the best proof between you and the energy of the symbol will be if the White Deer visits you in a dream. Then rest assured that you are safe and protected.
Deer also appear as wonderful messengers and guides, showing the heroes the path to their goal. Deer are credited with healing powers, especially the ability to seek out medicinal herbs. In fine art, a deer wounded by an arrow and holding a bunch of medicinal herbs in its mouth is a symbol of love longing. The deer also symbolizes caution and keen hearing.
However, as a result of observations of the habits of this animal, the symbolism of loneliness associated with the deer arose - both in European and Japanese traditions.
Among the American Indians and some Asian peoples, an adult male deer is a solar emblem of abundance, its branched horns symbolize the Tree of Life, the sun's rays, Durability and rebirth (the horns change periodically). A young deer can be a symbol of defenselessness.
In China, deer is associated with wealth and good fortune, the word “deer” there is a homonym for the word “abundance”.
In Christian art, the male red deer represents hermitage, prosperity, and purity. Mentioned as an enemy snakes, which can be lured out Deer is the patron saint of the Siberian peoples
The white stag was the favorite breastplate of the English king Richard II; when he ordered that every inn should have some kind of sign, many took his white deer; this emblem is still often found on pub signs.
The female deer is found less frequently as a symbol, usually as a companion to the lunar goddesses of the hunt, including the ancient Greek Artemis (Diana). It can also symbolize the feminine principle in initiation rites.
The deer was a sacred animal in the Greek mysteries of Bacchus, and participants dressed in deer skins. Since the deer was associated with the worship of the Moon goddess, Bacchic orgies took place at night.
The deer was often a ancestral figure (totem) among the peoples of Central Asia, hence the legend that the ancestors of Genghis Khan were wolf and a doe. Among the North American Indians who lived northwest of the Great Lakes, deer was also considered one of the totems. For example, among the Hurons (southeast of the Great Lakes) there was a clan of Deer.
Some tribes of the ancient Germans were also called by the names of animals, among them there was a tribe called “Young Deer”.
The Khanty and Mansi peoples decorate their national clothes with various kinds of embroidery, among which the canonized ornament called “deer antlers” has become established.
Thus, from ancient times, the deer not only provided people with food and clothing, providing the opportunity for survival, but also acted as a strong magical intercessor, who, having struck the ground with its ringing hoof and flashing its golden horns in the distance, was ready at any moment to come to the rescue and protect from trouble, protect from evil. Perhaps it was precisely for these qualities that people endowed the beautiful, proud and strong animal that they began to call it the Noble Deer.
Deer is one of the most common patron spirits and assistants of shamans of the Siberian peoples. The beginning shaman imagined himself as a deer, imitated its habits, began to snort like a deer, and this process of “entry of the spirit into the shaman” lasted a long time, sometimes two or three years. After this period, the shaman made himself a mallet for the tambourine. Having stuck it into the ground, the initiate sang shamanic songs. In a dream, a deer appeared to him, from whose skin he needed to make a tambourine. The tambourine is perceived as the shaman’s deer, on which he “rides to the upper world to the spirits.” The tambourine depicts the animals and birds that protect the shaman. Some shamans, for example Evenks, in addition to the tambourine, also have a ritual costume symbolizing a deer, and staff in hand.
To the imagination of a northern Slav, each thundercloud was represented by a deer driving the chariot of Perun the Thunderer (an ancient Slavic deity, an analogue of Elijah the Prophet in the Christian tradition or Zeus-Jupiter in the Greco-Roman tradition) across the heavenly sea-ocean. From Ilya's day in Rus' they stopped swimming, saying: “from Ilya's day the leaves on the trees turn yellow, and in rivers and lakes the water cools down because on that day the Deer swam across the river and cooled the water.” The same idea is reflected in German legends about “sunny” deer.
The Celts believed that the deer was the chief animal in the magical herds of the gods (this is what may have led to the tradition that Santa Claus travels in a reindeer sleigh); some Celtic gods wore stag antlers.
Many Hittite, Sumerian-Semitic and Shinto deities also rode deer.
In alchemy, both male and female deer often act as symbols of transformation, which is associated with the myth of Artemis, who turned the hunter Actaeon into a deer because he saw her while swimming naked.
In heraldry, a deer is always depicted in profile, running, walking or lying down.
