I recently completed this sacred tattoo design, which was a beautiful journey for me to be part of.

This piece is a left arm piece and is a little over 4 and 1/2″ wide by just over 7 and 3/4″ long.

The energy of my excitement just kept increasing with this creation, as it was such a beautiful essence to be captured and much momentum of literal experiences culminating around it.

What came through was a beautiful merging of my client’s Horse and Raven totems (the two aspects within her, reflected in life also as the two souls they symbolize – always as One, regardless of physical proximity.

Her grace and beauty was something important to me to capture in an equally stunning image, which became what I see to be a “soul cameo” in the form of a dream catcher “mirror” to the soul.

Rather than go into the individual symbolism I will point out the elements and some of the representational symbolism, as that seems to be of support to many to understand how depth of intent can be created through sacred body art.

There is of course the Horse and Raven, a Butterfly that is being mirrored in the pool of water, which is emanating outward to create the emerging image seen through this dream catcher/mirror that reflects the soul.

The Butterfly represents the “mirror within” aspects of relationship to self and other she has, the transformational qualities they each enhance for one another, and the coming into her fullness both individually and because of the union with each other.

At the bottom of the dream catcher mirror, and circle of wholeness created from the elements, is a heart with dangling beads (11) that holds it all together (as love is the most powerful energy in the Universe and it is from the heart that we can “see” the true essence and beauty within), and then one single feather which signifies the unity of “All That Is” and expresses that although uniquely different, we are all birds of the same feather. The heart also signifies the focal point of her life and the glue that holds everything together.

There are layers of meaning to the piece that include the symbolism that reflects within and without, in terms of that Divine relationship essence for my client.

The Horse faces forward, representing a core aspect of her, and the Raven has the other direction covered (since she is a very keen observer). So they will both keep her aware and present of the coming and goings in life…the seen and unseen.

In this way they are also like Yin and Yang, as well as aspects of light and shadow, which are all so beautiful and integral to the soul’s journey.

The way I melded the Raven and Horse, the Raven’s wings and feathers become part of the Horse’s mane and her own wings from her shoulders emerging – symbolically creating Pegasus. The two images are perfectly balanced, equally strong, and integral to the union – each benefiting from the energy and attributes of the other.

The Horse providing stability, strength, life force, and earth connection, while the Raven imbues cosmic creativity and increases the freedom of the horse with flight and mystic vision. Both whispering the wisdom found in the spirit of the winds and within her soul.

They are One and you can’t distinguish where one begins and ends – in a dance of love together. The circular dream catcher/mirror contains the unfolding and ever-evolving journey ahead and all dreams (since she is a visionary dreamer) and intentions held, able to emerge into the promise of their fullness, which is evident by the Butterfly’s presence.

Her strong Native American spirituality is what spoke through and it is a very sacred piece of Divine love and wholeness.

If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. Remember that there is currently a waiting list and price changes are going to be in effect at start of 2014. 

For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation

Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.

If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin

It is also available in Kindle format here: Spiritual Skin