Blog Archives
The Ebb and Flow of Creating Anew
Elephant symbolism (that of strength, honor, stability and patience, to name a few ) seems to be pronounced these days, in terms of speaking about the very things we would do well to embrace more of: extra strength to look within and embrace the opportune choices that would benefit, honor for what is in the highest good of our inner and outer environment, stability to stay grounded and root the changes that will create a new reality, and patience to ride the waves of the process with grace. Ganesh’s energy of good fortune, protection and the ability to bulldoze and remove the obstacles we find in our way, make this combination of symbolism a gift to imbue in our lives.
If you are working towards embodying more of these energies to support the shifts in your life, then you will find this stunning Blue Quartz Mother and Baby Elephant or our Sacred Divinity Jade Ganesh Pendant to be effectively beautiful friends to welcome in your life and work with.
Visit our shop to check them both out in more detail: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyfulEarthCrystals?ref=top_trail
A lot of new energies in the air that truly are worthy of excitement despite what things may seem. I’m finding each day, and actually each moment, filled with rich opportunity for some awesome experiences, despite anything that happens, as I see it all part of this perfect shifting process into a new reality. Like one of my favorite things to say goes… Peace within Chaos. I know things are in divine alignment, as I instantly see the results of my intentions and things I embrace and more magic is extremely evident in my life now, more than ever, despite what anything appears like. I can feel and see the culmination of everything I’ve worked on for years and what was seeded upon first entering this experience now coming full circle. I am hearing the same from others too, as we share this collective transition into loving authenticity.
Even when my foot broke twice, my 11 year old tailbone fracture acted up, my computer and cell crashed, some days have presented more challenging energies and communications, plans and ideas have changed, seeming delays present themselves, crazy on pours of multi-tasking needed, more people in need of assistance, and the management of energetic waves reflected in physical needs for more rest and nurturing – each of these have a beautiful message, an instant opportunity for growth and expansion, and when embraced and released with new perspective, can and do simply transform experiences.
It’s an ebb and flow right now, as we release that which no longer serves us to create that which we heart-fully desire. There can be intense moments and days of challenge, yet things can easily be shifted and ARE shifting by simple embrace, perspective change, responsible awareness, committed, courageous vulnerability and heart-filled-go-for-it action. This is a time to be who you really are and to live from the truth of your heart despite anything. At first you may feel isolated, different, like no one understands you, living in the midst of an illusion, need greater strength to get both feet over the wall and experience the reflection of that inner process – but as you see the forest for the trees and embrace your own inner kingdom of heaven within, you will find it easier to go to what mirrors this for you and find magic awaits, including many others sharing that same experience you thought was just yours.
Grounding Red Carnelian and Marbled Agate Beaded Crystal Bracelet by Joyful Earth Crystals
All that to say, there have been a lot of shifts collectively and as always, I love to share with others my own personal processes and shifts amidst that, to assist in helping to bridge that isolation or perhaps bring comfort with what you are experiencing.
With the changes I have processed come a lot of new creations taking place to share – each so reflective of the current times both personally and collectively in terms of their supportive roles. I’ve been immersed in a lot of crystal and intuitive work lately, been teaching Reiki more, which seems to reflect how others’ personal timelines are awakening in alignment with collective needs and shifts, have started a new series of paintings, working on a lot of sacred tattoo designs (and about to get a new one myself) – will post those shortly, the Bimini retreat has gone through a very cool evolution (stay tuned for details today as well), new ideas and experiences percolating that have resulted in new focuses with my channeled work and upcoming things with my book Spiritual Skin and more, been taking more get-away times (after a very long dry spell that isn’t healthy for me) to assist with the energy (was in Big Bear, getting ready to leave for Reno/Lake Tahoe – yay! and have some bigger trips planned for end of year – I am a soul who needs to be traveling), been releasing left and right and detaching with joy, renewing the natural flow and expression of heart-and-soul me daily, and new crystals and crystal jewelry have emerged in our Joyful Earth Crystals collection.
For this post I’ll focus on crystals, as they are really rising to the occasion and are active, talkative, doing some crazy magical things, and even transforming themselves moreso, just like us! Crystals really seem to be important elements of support at this time and coming from the Elemental Kingdom, seems quite fitting 🙂 I not only see that for myself in communicating with them in greater depth latley and specifically with one special one that now sits on my desk by his request, to assist me with the transitions. Specific energies that crystals possess, really speak to the flow of challenges and transitions we are going through energetically and could use assistance with to create a new reality and Earth.
Unique Jade Ganesh Crystal Pendant “Sacred Divinity” by Joyful Earth Crystals
I recently added a lot of new stand-alone crystals besides the jewelry we create, as they really seem eager to work with us and it’s evident, as they move out very quickly. 2/3 of what we had in the shop is already gone and the Lemurians are especially active too. We have only about 1/4 of what we originally started with left. I LOVE seeing and hearing how the crystals are supporting everyone, even simply from people seeing photos that we post. It’s awesome!
We do have several new pieces in the online shop that include some lovely new crystal bracelets with specific energies great for current needs, of course the new, very popular Lemurian L.O.V.E. Seed pendants, and new larger, very unique crystals as well – a Larimar threesome, amazing Smokey Quartz, Agate turtle, Jade sphere and Blue Quartz elephants. We have given everything a new facelift with fresh new photos to capture the transformative energies the crystals ALSO go through. So you may want to check out the online shop here and see if anything calls to your heart for what may be supportive to your current needs: Joyful Earth Crystals
I’ve had my eye on the Yellow Jasper heart pendant and Allison and I both have Lemurian L.O.V.E. Seeds and other personal crystals we’ve procured and created into pendants for ourselves and our personal needs. Working with all these lovely ones is a true gift and blessing and they provide such service from every level and phase of their birthing into our experience and moving through to one another. Such a beautiful connective circle of love.
Wishing you loving energy and supportive hugs to assist you into a more empowered experience of you.
You can message me at tania@taniamarie.com with any inquiries and questions.
Sacred Tattoo Co-Creations – The Beauty of Embracing
Original wrist sacred scarab tattoo design
Many have been drawn to the blog and design I posted in May of the Sacred Scarab Tattoo for my amazing client, friend and business partner, Allison Jacobson. This was the original post of the initial design we co-created: Sacred Scarab Goddess Tattoo Design. And at left you see the original design that resulted, which was intended for her wrist.
My initial sense, knowing and intuiting Allison’s energy and what she wanted to create in life and where she was headed, was that something “bigger” would be appropriate and was feeling her upper back.
The new sacred scarab tattoo design that emerged from the shifts, thus becoming a MUCH larger upper back/back of neck piece
Knowing my own processes, which I’ve shared some of in my book Spiritual Skin, as well as the collective processes and challenges people go through with embracing things in life, let alone tattoos (part of the reason for writing the book), I understand and support divine timing for each individual and what they are ready for. There are always those that are exceptions to things – like myself, Allison, and several of the clients that are drawn to my spiritual design work and my work and services in general – who are in temporary process of catching up to the parts that are already where they intend to be. I call these designs “space holders” that allow one to grow into the energy, while supporting that rapid shifting and experience we desire to manifest (and can) immediately.
Allison’s tattoo in process – black lining and some color done, with added drop shadow (the man behind the inking pictured right – James Spooner)
So, while we both loved the design that emerged from our first creation, upon its completion things rapidly started to mirror the immediate shifts.
Different things started to not feel right for Allison and there was uneasiness about the challenges presented when we were discussing the design with our mutual vegan tattoo artist, James Spooner. And as we held the space to allow for the embracing of the shifts to take place on the inner plane, within a day we were already on the new trajectory of creating a MUCH larger piece for her upper back/back of neck area. he he!
Allison’s tattoo in full color completion – minus last fine tunings
The feelings were unanimous and Allison’s tattoo transformed into one majorly potent piece. Every design is uniquely beautiful because they mirror the unique beauty of the individual that is being projected, but Allison immediately felt renewed and on fire as her new reflection blossomed and was allowed to emerge. yay!
It was such a beautiful meeting of minds, hearts and souls between the three of us in co-creating this together, as I see each design as a co-creative process – me providing the intuitive vision and spiritual insight to reflect the “template” design, Allison providing her unique soul imprint, reflection and courageous vulnerability to transfer the projected imagery via the channeling between us, and James providing his gifted artistry, vision, experience and ability to fine tune both my and Allison’s contributions to bring forth the end result. A Â beautiful merging of ingredients and partnering souls creating the perfect recipe for potency!
Allison’s tattoo and closeups
I see the design process to be like a spiritual coaching session, transformative healing and shamanistic, sacred ritual. And the entire process truly is reflective of the now and working together by embracing our individually unique gifts and inviting others to assist and contribute theirs in order to create a collective tapestry of authentic heart. The result is pure, LOVE MAGICK!
I am sharing the process that took place, feeling that it would be supportive for others, as I see this kind of thing happen a lot (moreso recently). Even in the process of assisting with designs, there can be challenges the designs present for the individual to process since they are mirroring a depth that can sometimes be scary (in a good way). As mentioned, these are not JUST drawings. They are SACRED tattoo designs that have healing magick and I’ve seen how what one’s soul transfers to me, even through semi-conscious transference, can sometimes take a while for the conscious to embrace. This can present shifts to the designs with tweaks, major changes, or simply time to sit with, meditate, and digest in order to come to realize it IS exactly what was desired, but was scary or sitting behind the veil awaiting full conscious embrace.
Allison’s tattoo – check out the cool floating effect – gorgeous!!!
After four tattoo inking sessions, Allison’s Sacred Scarab Goddess Tattoo Design is reaching completion. She only has one more half hour session to just fine tune some of the colors/shading. It has been so amazingly cool to be able to be there from start to finish in this process, as usually my clients are from around the world. So this was the first time I was able to actually be there in person to see the design I helped to co-create, come to life in the flesh!! I love to see the final results of the designs I create and encourage people to send them in so I can celebrate with them, the birthing of this beautiful leg of their journey, as well as will use them in an upcoming edition of my book.
I shared the story, the images and the process in hope that it will be insightful and supportive to those on this path of creating sacred body art.
My designs are meant to be templates created in black and white (pencil) and then it is up to you if you desire colors and to relate that to your tattoo artist to find the perfect ones that work for you, as well as to add things like the drop shadow James did. Some tattoo artists will add their own unique flair and fine tuning to the designs I provide, depending on their visions, as well as may adjust sizing if needed (which is easy).
My work is in the spiritual process, sacred symbolism, manifesting the abstract visions/essence into form and to help pinpoint the energies most supportive (including, if desired, the placement) through an encoded creation of sacred body art. It’s a very involved process.
If you are interested in having me assist with the co-creation of your own personal sacred tattoo design I provide both stand-alone consultations via email or design consultations to create the perfect custom tattoo reflective of you. For information about both of these and my fees please visit Sacred Tattoo Consulting and Design
You can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com or visit Spiritual Skin.
Sacred Tattoo Designs in the Flesh
I love supporting people in co-creating meaningful and transformatively powerful sacred tattoo designs. The process is so magical and really isn’t something that I can express in words, but the result is always beautiful and deeply moving for client and designer (me) alike. As the energy shifts in our collective experience, more and more people are being drawn to spiritual tattoos and really exploring the process of sacred tattoos in a conscious and all-encompassing way – seeing how it can be such a powerful tool to shifting not only one’s reality, but DNA as well!
If you haven’t read my article on that you can read it here: Sacred Tattoos: Personal Portals to Genetic Rewiring
To read more about the process of sacred tattoo designing with me, testimonials and how you can request either a consultation or design consultation visit:Â Sacred Tattoo Design and Consultations
You can also contact tania@spiritualskin.com with any questions you may have.
And if you haven’t yet read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, it is available here: Spiritual Skin along with beautiful reviews from readers who have been touched and transformed by it.
Today I wanted to share a few of the photos from some of my clients, showing their sacred tattoos manifested in the flesh! I love the process of creating, but to actually see and experience the designs come to life in their energetic fullness, is truly magical. I hope you enjoy the photos. I will post more, as clients keep sending them in. To view more of my sacred tattoo designs visit: Tattoo Gallery
After the third session for this sacred tattoo design created for Allison, you can see the design come to life. First session was lining, then shading and color now started. The entire piece will be in color. Can’t wait to see the magic…each step deepens the energy! This design evolved from a previously posted design I shared, that was much smaller and created or her wrist, but as she expanded, so too did her spiritual tattoo to help embody the new energy shifts.
These were the previous stages of Allison’s sacred tattoo design
This is a view of Venus’ sacred tattoo design, which she will also be fully coloring eventually. This photo is after the healing process of the line work.
Full back view of Venus’ sacred tattoo right after her inking session to get the line work on
Jeanne’s sacred tattoo design completed. The shark was a tattoo she had from long ago, which I incorporated into a new design for her now that her energy has shifted.
Scott’s sacred tattoo in completion
Marie-Pier’s sacred tattoo design
Lynne’s sacred tattoo design
Full arm view of Lynne’s tattoo
One of Gaile’s sacred tattoo designs I helped her create. The other is on the other ankle and was a cover up design for an old tattoo she had. This tattoo pictured is being seen upside down, as it’s a heart with sacred geometry, ankh, feathers and more!
Time for a Personal Sabbatical
Lizard that greeted me upon returning home today
I’m usually a soul of many expressive words, as a visionary artist and deep heart sensitive and feeler. However, today I am moved to keep this simple and brief.
Today I experienced a divine incident (some may call it an accident, but to me it is soul synchronicity in how I communicate with myself) that carried with it profound messages for me in a combination of pain, trauma and yet laughter and an a-ha moment.
Regardless to say, I am now heeding my soul’s request and taking a personal sabbatical for two weeks until May 21st. I’ll be listening, being and at that time will reassess.
I share this, as those that know me and have worked with me, know that I am always available and return messages and complete commissions and service requests in a very timely matter – usually right away or with little down time. But down time is calling me now. Â I just want everyone to know why I will not be doing so and provide an understanding of why you are not hearing from me in blogs and posts and announcements and sharings for a little while.
Today, as I returned home via Allison’s generous Tania shuttling and supportive service, we saw a very large spotted lizard that looked just like a snake, but in fact it had legs that were very well camouflaged. I immediately, after the morning’s events of messages felt called to look up Lizard Wisdom, feeling it held another message for me and it indeed did. A few of these REALLY stood out and I especially resonated with the regenerative energy, especially in this collective 5 year of major transformational shifts both personally and collectively and after our 5-5-5 Full Moon energies.
Today was indeed a literal shattering of the old in order to move through the portal of the new, in a completely transformed way.
Snake-like lizard we found as I was returned home
Lizard Wisdom:
- Detachment from ego
- Power to regenerate that which is lost
- Facing fear
- Controlling dreams
- Moving in the otherworld
That being said, I will not be taking on any new work during the two weeks I have off. If you do have a commission request – whether sacred tattoo or painting – you may email me the request, but I will not be able to begin until after I return. You can still make purchases and inquiries via my website:Â http://taniamarie.com/paintings.htm
If you have a custom crystal pendant commission you can contact allison@taniamarie.com to present your request. Pendants are available for purchase and any questions you may have you can also direct to Allison. The new batch of Lemurian L.O.V.E. Seed Crystal sphere pendants are still available. (I apologize I won’t be continuing to share their individual photos for now, but one will be intuited for you if you make a purchase). About half are already gone, but half remain of this lot. They can be purchased here, along with other beautiful, loving and empowering creations:Â http://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyfulEarthCrystals
Even though I can’t take on any new tattoo designs clients right now, you can still view my work and learn more about sacred body art through my website and purchase of my book, Spiritual Skin – http://spiritualskin.com/
Reiki classes or treatments cannot be scheduled until I return 5/21. If you are in need of a class or treatment before then, I can offer referrals. For information about Reiki visit:Â http://taniamarie.com/reiki.htm
In loving gratitude for your understanding and loving support,
Tania
Feathered Serpent Sacred Tattoo Design
I just completed another sacred tattoo design I wanted to share and what an involved piece it was! One of, if not the most involved to date!
Some potent energies along with some extensive detailing, made for quite the process indeed.
I worked with the things my client shared, and since they allowed the flow of my interpretation/intuition in ways to bring about certain aspects, that was how I was able to intuitively feel and bring to life the vision that was coming through. I also work with how to make things make sense in balance, placement, aesthetics…that support the energy, as well as the intents. This piece will act as a template for their tattoo artist and the end result is going to be in rainbow colors, as well as a very cool style of part full-color-fill-in and part negative space – parts being inked in and others perhaps with just hints of outline and letting the skin peek through leaves, feathers, etc, which will be a very cool design style to alternate. I like the idea my client had especially with such a rich and abundant piece like this so it sort of “breathes” energy.
I wanted to create something that was both powerful and feminine at the same time..strong female energy. And so I did that with a flow and certain placements of the flora and fauna that create interesting movement and not just bulkiness. I took one of my client’s ideas and tweaked it. This resulted in creating the lotus in the mouth vision I received having the powerful feathered serpent (known as Quetzalcoatl or Kulkulcan) delicately holding the stem of the lotus that is coming out of its mouth, between its sharp teeth…there is an interesting energy of something so powerful holding something equally, symbolically powerful (yet delicate in appearance), but with care and honor and showing that delicate balance of life and union of male and female energies.
I wanted the serpent to piece to feel as if it is moving naturally (rather than contrived into an infinity symbol, which was an intent of my client’s) in the way the serpent’s feathers are placed and the actual flow of the body and form of the symbol, while literally being visually able to perceive the symbol and at the same time, with the flora and fauna placement, seeming natural and almost slightly hidden having everything work together. I have it so that the serpent will be facing forward when placed on my client’s right hip (from buttocks to abdomen region), and the crown will sit on their front abdomen (nestled energetically amidst the flowers) where the serpent is moving toward.
With all the rebirthing energy and moving into a new phase of life my client is and has gone through, this is such a powerful image they were drawn to. I really wanted to capture that essence of stepping fully into the light of their unique splendor. A design expressing that they hold within them such empowered energy and that they are on a path of continual soul evolution that is just bursting with abundance, as the magnificence of their self-recognized cosmic essence regenerating and blooming into the rich fullness of who they are honoring and embracing. Lol! A loaded sentence, for a loaded design and soul.
There is always so much symbolism and energy in a sacred design that speaks to the individual it is created and meant for. I can’t possibly write it all out. I like to let the person receive and feel for themselves. I just channel the vision and allow myself to be guided in the creation that feels to mirror the energy of what each soul desires/needs. Sometimes it can be a shock what is reflected 🙂 It’s always interesting and beautiful to hear how the designs affect/touch the soul it is intended for.
If interested in commissioning your own unique, sacred tattoo design you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com or visit Spiritual Skin for more details.
Heart Chakra Crystals and Tattoos
Emerald Bridge Logo
The Heart is the gateway for expressing the inexpressible and allows one to experience so much more than what we think is possible. It supports harmonious evolution and integration when we are centered in that space of unconditional compassion, presence, patience and love.
It is from this powerful and divine Heart space that Emerald Bridge emerged – my company- and the image you see here was revealed and created.
Loving to spread the love, we then created Emerald Bridge sacred temporary tattoos so that everyone could share and empower that unconditionally loving energy in energetic emanation!
Emerald Bridge Sacred Temporary Tattoos
You can purchase your own sacred temporary tattoos as pictured above, here: Â Emerald Bridge
The Heart Chakra lies center of our Chakra system and is the “bridge” between the three lower and three upper Chakras, making it Chakra #4. It acts as an integrator, blending the beauty and experience of all of our parts into a transmutable green brilliance (synonymous with the crystalline being known as Emerald), which symbolizes its essence and also embodies an abundant healing energy. Emeralds are known as the “Stones of Successful Love,” bringing not only prosperity and abundance, but also act as integrators of the mind and the heart in opening and stimulating both capacities.
Cosmic Beacon – Moldavite Custom Pendant
Moldavite is another emerald-hued, crystalline being that powerfully vibrates the Heart Chakra energy. I like to call it the “Emerald Gem of the Galactic Heart,” as it resonates a powerful, Universal Love energy that reflects the Earth and beyond.
I love crystals because to me they are like an organic journey of the Heart, synchronizing our Living Earth with Divine Oneness. This is why I not only have a very unique personal collection of crystalline friends, but I have a passion for creating loving crystal pendants to support empowering human evolution!
To purchase or commission your own Heart Chakra crystal pendants visit:Â Joyful Earth Crystals
Sacred Throat and Heart Chakra Tattoo Design
I’ve supported the co-creation of a lot of Heart Chakra and some Throat Chakra sacred tattoo designs, but this latest one is one that combines Throat and Heart in one! Yesterday was a very stormy and brrrrr day outside, with huge winds and thunder storms – almost hurricane-like! Wild and fun and an excellent day for channeling some creative inspiration through sacred tattoo design. As I danced within the inner realms this design (pictured above) is what poured through the channels. I was really inspired by the beautiful energy of my client and new friend, finding that the more open and courageously vulnerable each person is in opening up and sharing, the more divinely open the flow between us for creative channeling.
There were a lot of things my client shared of their personal journey that were all important, however for this first tattoo (of perhaps more to come) I was drawn to certain elements that were speaking loudly and felt most powerful for their path in the now.
This piece was created for their upper back area, lying center between the shoulders, with the dream catcher near the lower back of the neck, and design continuing down thymus (higher heart) and flowing down into the heart region. The size is almost 9 inches across by about 10 ½ inches long. (Whenever there is a lot of detail I recommend not going too small.)
As shared, this piece will be empowering for both the Throat and Heart Chakras. My client has a strong spiritual connection with a healer/teacher path, as well an affinity to native spiritual traditions and shamanism, and a connection with Mother Earth, crystals, nature, and the Faeries. There are many symbols present in this design that are subtle, but imbued within it.
We have the encircling wreath of flowers and leaves that crisscross at bottom – integrating, but also represent that connection of Oneness, eternal cycling of energy, etc. and of course the Earth energy in abundant blossom for manifestation and grounding. Then we have the shaman/healer/Mother Earth/Faery Queen representation at center. She wears a gown of leaves, flowers and spirals with a large unfurling leaf at her Solar Plexus Chakra extending in all directions and with a crystal at its center that is revealed. She wears a spiral necklace and spirals in her hair – the cosmic spiral and journey of life. She wears two feathers and leaves also in her hair, as well as a crystal head band that lies on her Third Eye Chakra. Her gown also at top is designed as a heart, which is subtly mirrored also below it – mirroring of a twin soul connection for them and also of an integrated heart both grounded and divinely opened. It is made of feathers, and leaves and with almost firey feather edges to be like that subtle sacred firey heart symbol. She stands centered, grounded and balance, in peaceful grace, courageously and vulnerably opening her heart to the world and revealing her true nature of giving and love – arms wide open to the flow of giving and receiving, palms open to embrace life and offer her love in service. The four directions are represented by flowers and leaves at each, and of course the dream catcher, with one sacred feather hanging from it, above the Crown Chakra of the woman at center, but will lay over the Throat Chakra of client – supporting their truth and authenticity to be communicated and shared with the world from their heart center, which the design connects through. Both hands reach out and are met with fully blossomed flowers, giving and receiving the nurturing abundance of life, as well as from her right hand, a beautiful bird emerges, representing freedom, joy of life both personally and collectively and flying courageously out into the world to spread their gifts to share with others. And rather than literal wings, I have the energy of emanating heart energy shown in the markings of almost lightning-like energy coming from center, but they also can be subtle, energetic symbolism of ethereal wings.
Here is some cool information I found on the symbolism of some of the images conveyed in this sacred tattoo design, you may find interesting.
FEATHERS
Feathers symbolize truth, speed, lightness, flight, ascension – spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Feathers were worn by Native American Chiefs to symbolize their communication with Spirit, and to express their celestial wisdom. Also in the Native American Indian culture, feathers represented the power of the thunder gods, along with the power of air and wind. Native American Pueblo Indians would pay homage to the Feathered Sun which is a symbol of the cosmos and the center of existence. Another symbol meaning of feathers also revolves around prayer, and the Pueblo use feather sticks as they dance in prayer for rain during solstice rituals. As a Celtic Symbol meaning, the feather was worn by Druids in the form of ornate feathered robes. Celtic Druids donned these robes in ceremonies to invoke the sky gods and gain knowledge of the celestial realm. It was believed that the feathered cloak along with the presence of the sky gods would allow the Druid to transcend the earthly plane and enter the ethereal realm. The Egyptians believed that feathers were symbolic of sky gods too. Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of justice, would weigh the hearts of the newly dead in the underworld against the weight of a feather to determine the worthiness of his or her soul. In Christianity feathers represented virtues. In fact, an image of three feathers were made into signet rings – each feather symbolizing Charity, hope, and faith. These rings were worn as a symbol of a virtuous soul – they were also used as wax seals. The ring would be dipped in warm wax then pressed against documents to seal the closure. The recipient would know the documents came from a virtuous man by the indication of the three-feather symbol in the wax. In dreams feathers mean travel or the ability to move more freely in life.
DREAM CATCHER
The dream catcher can also be a medicine wheel and with specific intention, with all the parts of the dream catcher having meaning.  To begin, the web represent the spider forever repairing the eternal web of life. Thus weaving your life dreams and energy in the universe when you dream.  The ring represents the earth mother and the humble walk we do upon her. As we believe that we are related to all things and that all things are part of us then the Dream Catcher and medicine wheel is a representation of such sacred belief. The ring and the woven web represent love, honesty and purity. All of the elements of the dream catcher together represent the earth, fire and water. Things we need to live. It represents the ability to be love and to love, to take the risk and get out of the nest and fly on your own, the ability to live beyond your shadows. The web is from the spider whose web represents the cycles of life – in each time of life there are many forces that can help or can interfere with the harmony of Nature. The web is a perfect circle with a hole in the center, to be used to help yourself and others reach their goals, making good use of their ideas, dreams and visions. If you believe in the Great Spirit, the web will filter your good ideas and the bad ones will be trapped and will not pass. The legend of the Dream Catcher is that it captures the bad Spirits and filters them. Protecting us from evil and letting through only the good dreams.  It is believed that each carefully woven web will catch bad spirit dreams in the web and disappear by perishing with the first light of the morning sun. The good spirit dreams will find their way to the center and float down the sacred feather. Dream Catchers are believed to bless the “sleeping ones” with pleasant dreams, good luck, and harmony throughout their lives. It is how lessons  were remembered and where visions were received. It is said that when you get a good night sleep you can remember when the spirit has talked to you.
Heart Chakra Sacred Tattoo Designs and Spiritual Skin Sequel?
New Heart Chakra Sacred Tattoo Design
It matters not
Who you love
Where you love
Why you love
When you love
Or how you love
It matters only that you love.
John Lennon
Heart Chakra energy is the most powerful energy there is. In the human energy system, the source of powerful and creative, unconditional love energy lies at the center of your chest in the Heart Chakra, or “Anahata,” in Sanskrit. From its middle position as fourth in a system of seven chakras, it is the balancing integrator of opposites (between body and spirit, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity) and acts as an energetic “bridge” between the lower and upper chakras. It is symbolized by a lotus of twelve petals and the color green, with emerald as one of its associated gemstones. It is from this place of peaceful centeredness that love emanates as divine power.
Not only do I wear an empowering Heart Chakra sacred tattoo design over my own Heart on my back, but I have seen the wave of Heart Chakra sacred tattoo designs increasing among those I work with and that are drawn to my work to receive a co-created, custom sacred tattoo. I love creating all potent and symbolic designs, no matter where they are energetically needed, but I have a special place in my heart for this energetic area to channel a creation for. And what a lovely canvas of emanation the upper back is! A visionary artist’s dream to create on in ways that can really empower at the core of being!
Most of you have seen one of the recent pieces I did for a client, pictured above (the piece is still going to receive coloring and shading, but you can see the powerful presence and beauty a piece like this creates for this energetic love spot!
I’m excited to see the final results of several others I have helped to manifest into creation, as well as can’t wait to see this new one posted. I love to hear the stories of the experiences my clients go through in the process of, and after, receiving their new Spiritual Skin. It truly is powerful, which I can share from my own personal experience.
Here’s what this lovely client had to share about the design you see here that I helped create. I can’t share her personal experiences, but her testimonial she did provide:
“What a true blessing it has been to get my Sacred Tattoo designed by Tania. My gratitude cannot be described with words. I have searched for years for the perfect design, but never found anything close to what I was searching for, needed, or imagined. Yet, when Tania completed my design, it was exactly what I was seeking and needed.
Honestly, I’m not surprised at the perfection. The energy and consulting invested throughout the creation process was like no other I’ve seen or heard of; but exactly what I needed. It’s no wonder my design came out perfectly the first time.Â
I even had a chance to learn about the healing aspects of tattoos which was new to me, but now makes so much sense.”
I like to sometimes share the symbolism behind the images I have helped to create, to help others to understand what goes into these pieces and the layers of depth to the energy that they embody. I can’t possibly share everything, but it gives an idea of what is encapsulated into a sacred tattoo design. The image you first saw at the start of this is about a 10” x 7” piece. It incorporated the elements this very in-tune and lovely client had shared with me, with some additions I channeled and then finely brought together to incorporate one integrated piece embodying the intended energy.
Here is a little about the image. I won’t reiterate some of the elements that I have shared in other designs that are more Universally known, like the symbolism of Ganesha (remover of obstacles, Moksha (liberation, release, to free oneself), and Lotus. But here are some insights into the way they were created:
I wanted a beautiful image of Ganesha firmly rooted, balanced and open, receiving at the gateway of the heart and sitting center of the lotus throne, as if comfortably at peace and blossoming from this sanctuary. I created a very royal and layered lotus with petals at top that come together in Namaste honoring and prayer form, which also represents a meeting of duality into harmonious integration and create a beautiful petaled throne for Ganesha. I placed Moksha in Sanskrit at the bottom on the completely open petal that is shaped like a heart. I think that speaks for itself.
I added two elements to incorporate the “grace” this client wanted to represent someone dear to them that had transitioned and the grace of their being that my client embodies as the gift received from that person through them. These elements are represented by the Konrai, or Golden Shower, blossoms to the left and right of Ganesha. In the Hindu culture this has been known as the  flowering symbol of Siva’s or Shiva’s honeyed grace in our life – cascading, abundant, golden grace. Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. He protects devotees from forces such as lust, greed, and anger. He grants boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in His devotees. Shiva is also similar to the Phoenix energy, with a primary responsibility in maintaining the life cycle, cycling  destruction and recreation always in a circle, thus maintaining order in the Cosmos. So having this symbol of the Konrai/Golden Shower in here I felt was energetically potent for imbuing that showering of grace into my client’s life, as well as embodies the embracing of experiences they have been through and the peace in knowing the Divinity of it all. I also added the butterfly gently emerging from the lotus petals. The butterfly represents metamorphosis, transformation, balance, grace and the ability to accept change and also has that connection of Source through nature. I also felt that the butterfly not only could represent these qualities and healing energies for my client, but symbolized the transitioned soul who is divinely guiding them and showering them with their presence and gifts from their ascended embodiment (butterflies have also been said and known by the ancients to represent those that have moved to a different reality, returning to us in this life). This transitioned dear soul helps my client to draw in through their petaled lotus heart, the beauty they embody and guide them with.
The image is very centered and integrated, anchored and also elevating and expansive in the way the butterfly is flying up through the Chakras to Universal Consciousness and Cosmos (from its Heart Chakra placement) and the heart petal points down through the other Chakras and to the Earth. This representing an evolutionary process of integration that takes place through the Heart Chakra that will remind my client to always be present within their own life, as well as be example in their supportive service to others. The many layers of the lotus petals are also like the many layers of our life processes and peeling them away in timely perfection, similar to the onion, where we then reveal, in vulnerable strength, our core in complete liberated, unobstructed flow and grace. The beauty this person enjoys sharing with others I believe will definitely be embodied in this image, which is why I channeled a visual interpretation of the image references I had been given, as I really wanted to mirror the qualities of my client and what they are, at essence, about – that meant interpreting it through the heart.
I really love these Heart Chakra sacred tattoo designs and look forward to more. I am about to start a new design this weekend for another client, so who knows what will channel through as the most potent area to create their very first tattoo on. It does seem that everyone can benefit from an empowered Heart experience, as love is the most powerful energy there is!
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Well, I didn’t see this coming in the beginning, but have been receiving nudges since the first day my book, Spiritual Skin – Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep came out. Like with all things, shifts take place, and right now MAJOR shifting has been occurring in record speed, so these days I can truly say only that which I feel in the moment, as the next is a whole new playing field. However, it is also my experience that if I keep receiving a recurring seed idea along with the clear vision, start downloading specifics and start to feel the seed as if its already blossomed, then chances are it WILL happen. The when is the only question! With that said, I have received the hard shove that a sequel to Spiritual Skin will be birthing and as that evolves, I will keep you posted. With the embrace that the first book has been receiving, I am understanding why a second is in need of emerging to support this new paradigm of sacred and empowered body art. So stay tuned! When and how I’ll manage to get this one out, who knows! But where there is a need created, there is a way to supporting it!
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If interested in your own custom sacred tattoo design, temporary tattoo, or to learn more about and order a copy of Spiritual Skin, please visit:Â http://spiritualskin.com/Â or you may contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
New Sacred Tattoo Designs
I was honored to help one of my international clients with creating her first sacred tattoo designs. I was given energy essences and ideas of things my client resonated with and I then imbued it all into two images to capture what she desired.
The first image is of an angel/faery. And can also represent that aspect of the client simultaneously. She wears a beautiful gown made of lotus petals – like an upside down lotus with petals reaching up and out. Lotus are full of spiritual energy, are crown chakra opening and invoke that connection to the Divine, as well as are symbols of purity. The angel/faery has a star at her third eye chakra indicating her intuitive abilities are open and she consciously utilizes it in awareness. The angel is releasing a butterfly – symbol of deep soul transformation, joy, beauty, and even ancestors returning to physicality. There are 3 stars – like pixie dust magick – around the butterfly, to imbue that sense of mystical into my client’s life and 3 is pure joy of creativity in abundance, intuition, magick, creative self-expression, birthing of new things. This image also denotes a connection to nature as evident in the symbolism while also connection to the Source. There is the representation of new beginnings, (as the caterpillar changes into a butterfly and starts a new life). The butterfly is being freed, representing that flight of freedom for my client and is in its authentic beauty. The angel realizes the butterfly is an aspect of herself and so in releasing her, she is honoring and loving the authentic part in herself that needs to be freed. This also represents feminine beauty and strength, grace and joy for life.. my client wants to be more of service to others and helping them, this symbol also represents that openness and willingness to give to others, with arms and hands opened, as they provide loving energy to the butterfly, which can represent All Of Life and the tenderness and devotion given to the fragile, weak, those in need, etc. and healing love given through love and healing hands as they reach out and communicate and connect with others. This symbol also represents releasing fear and trust, and not being afraid to let go and allow, which is evident by the open arms and freeing the butterfly.
The bottom symbol is a combination of multiple symbols in one as well. We have the celtic cross, which represents balance, grounding. The four directions, four elements and mind, body, heart and soul are symbolized by the four arms of the cross. The circle is eternal life and Source/God’s/Universe’s infinite love. Inside the center of the celtic cross I added the symbol called Adinkra, which comes from West African wisdom. This is the Adinkra symbol , Asase Ye Duru (“the Earth has weight”), Mother Earth, It is a symbol of the Divinity of Mother Earth and represents our need to cherish, protect and honor our Earth. It’s a symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth. This symbol represents the importance of the Earth in sustaining life. So this is where I imbued Mother Earth energy and Divine Femininity. I love how this symbol looks like two hearts that come together. So this to me also is representative of love and like two twin souls uniting. Then I added a wreath of leaves around the cross which symbolizes a connection again to earth and nature, but also that eternal life cycle, immortality of the soul, new life and abundance. At the bottom end I crossed two leaves over each other representing integration and moving beyond duality and are pointing downward to root my client to the earth, just like tree roots. At the top I placed the seven pointed star pointed upwards to bring that energy through the chakra system. It is said that the Seven Pointed Star is one of the entrances to the Other Side. By following the seven steps of transformation on the ladder of the visible planets (metals), the symbol joins us with the Whole Universe, bestowing personal spiritual transformation. Also known as the Pleiadian Star or Faery Star, the 7 pointed star is one of the entrances to the spirit realm – the gateway to the Otherworld. Each point on the star represents a pathway, or the 7 rays of manifestation of the Higher Self, as follows: *1st point – Power, Personal Will and Determination. *2nd point – Unconditional Love, Wisdom and Growth. *3rd point – Knowledge and Intelligence. *4th point – Harmony and Tranquility. *5th point – the Powers of Mind and Science. *6th point – Devotion and Honesty. *7th point – Magick. The points blend with each other, nurturing and joining us as one with the Universe, bestowing personal and spiritual transformation.
So I wanted to add a bit of potent magick for my client in everything I created, as well as harmony. I also wanted to create two pieces that complimented each other. I feel that the celtic cross, would be good to place over the root chakra, anchoring and integrating the energy there and bringing the energy up through the 7 pointed star. And the angel and butterfly with lotus are a little more ethereal and can help strengthen that feminine empowerment. Both are strengthening for in different ways. One is more integrated in both feminine and masculine and the other is more of the grace of feminine energy in full graceful and vulnerable strength. The left shoulder or shoulder blade corresponds with the right brain, which is the creative, intuitive, feminine side. So this will benefit and support that energy for my client that they wanted, as well as bring in the magick more and draw upon their gifts. And the other will keep my client integrated, balanced and rooted while being great for manifestation.
Yes, it is quite an intricate weaving of symbolism, these sacred tattoo designs are. I love it!! And am honored to be able to support others in this way.
Some Cool Tattoo Facts & Statistics – Transforming Lives One Tattoo at a Time
Sacred Tattoo Design by Tania Marie
As our inner and outer worlds continue to rapidly change, more and more people are being drawn into the world of body art, especially with the shift in perspective on how tattoos can actually help support a new reality of experience in your life. Sacred tattoos that are consciously and intuitively chosen in a way that most supports the intentions, needs and empowered healing you desire are increasingly becoming the new paradigm of tattoos that mirrors the now. Spiritual tattoos are one of the fastest growing areas of tattoo subject matter – a recent survey of tattoo artists found that one third of those getting tattoos choose designs that reflected their spiritual or religious beliefs, which is particular strong among first timers.
The feedback I hear from clients and others who embark on a sacred tattoo journey are truly inspiring and beautiful. For those who have chosen this as their path and empowering tool of choice, they have been awed by the powerful ways their lives and those around them are affected simply by being more conscious with their choices and decisions in what they decide to create with their body art, realizing the skin can be a portal opening with many benefits. What is placed on the skin, then penetrates through to the DNA and energetic levels.
This is the basis of my book, Spiritual Skin – Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, and what drives my passion for helping to support others with custom sacred tattoo designs that they can then have inked by a tattoo artist of their choice, or now, can have created as temporary tattoos as well.
For more information on my book and the custom tattoo design service I provide, please visit:Â http://spiritualskin.com/Â . You may also contact me with inquiries at tania@spiritualskin.comÂ
My hands with sacred tattoo designs
I thought it would be fun to share some of the facts and statistics of the tattoo world, which demonstrate how this area of interest continues to grow. The more recent jumps in numbers are something I have myself been keeping an eye on, experiencing within my day-to-day interactions with clients and personal observations since this is my area of passion and interest. I am also seeing how a new genre of temporary tattoos are now even hitting the high fashion, Paris luxury and runway scene at the height of couture, which we know then has the trickle down effect. Having studied fashion marketing and trend forecasting, I know that once something hits the fashion world, it infiltrates not only a market once not reached, but will continue to affect the markets that take off of the precedents set in high fashion.
This is a very interesting thing to see, as this will ultimately take tattoos into a greater realm of overall acceptance, as it penetrates people’s conditioned beliefs about them, but it is my goal to help support a conscious revolution of sacred tattoos that can help benefit more than the aesthetic eye on a collective level. I just think it’s super cool to see things shifting as that is the first step to opening the  gateway to unlimited treasures that will then be revealed upon stepping in.
I thought it might be fun to share some statistics, which come from http://www.vanishingtattoo.com to show the effects tattoos are having on the world in the last decade or so.
| TATTOO FACTS & STATISTICS
Tattoo Facts & Statistics has been compiled and updated since 1999 and contains the best available data on the prevalence and occurrence of tattooing and basic information about tattoo culture. This information is shared at http://www.vanishingtattoo.com as a public service and as a resource for those interested in tattoo culture and its study and research. Emerging from their often unsavory reputation of the recent past, tattoos have gained increasing prominence in the past decade. Life magazine estimated in 1936 that 10 million Americans, or approximately 6% of the population had at least one tattoo. A Harris Poll, done in 2003, nearly triples those numbers and estimates that 16% of Americans now have one or more tattoos. For a complete breakdown of the Harris Poll numbers, see below. Thirty-six percent of those ages 18 to 25, and 40 percent of those ages 26 to 40, have at least one tattoo, according to a fall 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center. The National Geographic News stated in April 2000 that 15% of Americans were tattooed (or approximately 40 million people!) Esquire Magazine estimated in March 2002 that 1 in 8 Americans was tattooed. According to the American Society of Dermatological Surgery, they stated in 2005, that of all the people they treat with laser and light therapy, only only 6% are getting a tattoo removed. The Harris Poll done in 2003, estimated that fully 36% of those aged 25-29 had one or more tattoos.A 2006 a study done by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 24% of Americans between 18 and 50 are tattooed; that’s almost one in four. And the survey showed that about 36% of Americans age 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo! There are an estimated 20,000+ parlors operating in the United States, according to a U.S. News & World Report article, which said, on the average, an establishment is being added in the country every day. The article ranked tattooing as the sixth fastest growing retail venture of the 1990s, right behind Internet, paging services, bagels, computer and cellular phone service. Tattoo industry spawns popular outgrowth:*Search Engine Lycos, ranks the Top 50 search terms every week. “Tattoos” was the third most popular search term in 2002, the fourth most popular search term in 2001, seventh most popular search term for the year 2000, and the eleventh most popular search term in 1999. “Tattoo and tattoos” is one of only seven search terms to never fall out of the Top 50 Search terms in the 199 weeks since Lycos has been keeping track. The other six are Dragon Ball, Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Las Vegas and the WWE/WWF. *In July of 2002 “tattoos” reached its highest ranking ever, coming in as the number two most requested search term on the internet. “Tattoos” was requested more often than Britney Spears, marijuana or Kazaa, illustrating that skin ink is more popular than “sex, drugs and rock n’ roll!” Lycos dropped the term “tattoos” from it’s Poll because the term was so popular. According to Lycos, tattoos rarely drops out of the top ten search terms requested on the Internet and Lycos dropped the term because they wanted to make room for other searches. Search engine Ask.com found these stats about tattoo searches:
A Third of Americans With Tattoos Say They ROCHESTER, NY, Oct 8, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — A recent Harris Poll finds that 16% of all adults have at least one tattoo. The highest incidence of tattoos was found among the gay, lesbian and bisexual population (31%) and among Americans ages 25 to 29 years (36%) and 30 to 39 years (28%). Regionally, people living in the West (20%) are more likely to have tattoos. Democrats are more likely to have tattoos (18%) than Republicans (14%) and Independents (12%) while nearly equal percentages of males (16%) and females (15%) have tattoos. How do tattoos make people feel? Among Americans with tattoos, 34% said having a tattoo has made them feel sexier. Interestingly, more tattooed females (42%) feel this way than males (25%). Over one-third (36%) of those with a tattoo, however, say having it makes them feel more rebellious, up from 29 percent who felt this way in 2003, and three in ten (31%) say the tattoo makes then feel sexy, while others said a tattoo makes them feel more attractive (26%). One in five (19%) each say having the tattoo makes them feel attractive and strong. Not many regrets: Do people regret getting tattoos? |
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