Blog Archives
A True Inspiration
This share comes as a beautiful interlude between posts that truly takes my breath away and reflects such inspiring energy that messages to us how life can be truly lived at any stage and beauty is embodied in those that embrace free-spirited expression.
These photo captures are simply incredible and reveal the true beautiful spirit within. Knowing Mari Braveheart-Dances quite intimately over the last few years, I am witness to how much she’s broken through and applaud and honor her courage to reveal her inner magick.
At 62, she oozes vitality and the determination to stand in her authenticity at all costs.
I’ve had the true pleasure and honor of cocreating seven sacred tattoo designs together with Mari – including two major pieces that sit at her chest and upper back, draping her in potent adornments worn by a true goddess and warrioress.
You might remember this post about her journey, which was mid-way through our creation process: An Inside Look At One Soul’s Sacred Tattoo Experience
Well, today I received these stunning and enchanting photos from her, which she had taken by the amazing Heather of Fairyography in Athens, Georgia, as a milestone marker and celebration of her life and how far she’s come along her journey, to express her true beauty she is feeling most powerfully at this time in her life, and as a welcoming of dreams she is drawing into her experience.
I love these photos because they capture the magickal lightness and love that Mari has been peeling way the layers to reveal more and more for all to see what was always within her.
Heather is a photographer, greatly in touch with the magickal realm since she was a little girl, and has created a profession around that realm she still holds dear as an adult who shoots fantasy photo sessions.
She’s been featured in national publications like Professional Photographers Magazine, Model Life Magazine, and Canon Online Learning.
The kicker is, through the unique style Heather has developed, her clients have always ONLY been little girls.
But Mari got Heather to dance with expansion.
Here’s what Heather had to share about Mari on her professional Facebook page:
“Something a bit different! 62 years young and utterly delightful. She says ‘My life really started after 50.” She emailed me asking for a fairy session, I told her I don’t take anyone over 14 years old. She replied “Meet with me and I’ll change your mind..’ She did. :)”
I told Mari that she’s definitely demonstrated her transformational energy as a catalyst for change, as not only does she share with me how her tattoos are received in such embrace by others, but she managed to support Heather in expanding into new realms.
Heather’s Facebook page was flocked with hundreds of likes for Mari’s photos posted, and people shared how amazing, beautiful, and inspiring they were….some said they were the best photos and their favorites of Heather’s, and how they hope to look like Mari and exude that kind of joy for life that she does at 62.
Heather went on to share:
“More from this special client. The shoot was amazing and she’s such a fun person to be around. My assistant that day (normally I don’t have one but I needed someone to throw the dress) who is also tattooed said “She’s living the dream! Hope I look that good at her age!”
“The absolute joy she has for life at 62 years young is contagious. 🙂 ”
I hope you enjoy Mari’s contagious embrace for life and personal self expression, as much as I and so many others are coming to see of her through these images.
A true inspiration for us all.
Thank you Mari for shining your light and for your true gift of friendship and sisterhood that has developed from our first coming together as client.
I’d like to thank also the full collaboration of everyone that has supported Mari to live life out loud and reflect the expression she so desired to embody in all ways. She and I always discuss the amazing beauty of this co-creative venture and so I’d like to mention the wonderful Bethrah – the amazing tattoo artist that has brought my creations to life on Mari’s skin and has been the creator of her own designs that Mari also wears.
Bethrah is currently focused on piercing these days and only tattoos for her long-time clients. She owns both Pain and Wonder and Virtue and Vice.
Then of course there’s the magickal Heather, which I shared her website above.
And Hair & Wings by: Blonde Beauty Bar & Crone Designs
Walking the Path of the Cosmic Serpent in Devils Garden
Yesterday’s trail at Devils Garden held both beauty and challenge, as we traversed the 4.2 miles of duality and deeply rooted, collective symbolism.
I had no idea that I’d be holding so much energy for all who had been called to explore the same area and energies on this day, but it became clear to me on our return route back what the theme of this journey was – reflecting the shadow and misconceptions around it.
So much so, that by the time we reached the car at end of the hike, I was energetically exhausted, having challenge staying awake while driving us back, and then feeling the need for major recharge when we got home.
The day began with the warmest temperatures we’ve had in a while – mid 70’s – which meant I got to wear my hiking dress and not get layered up.
So I put on my colorful dress I bought at a Himalayan shop in Sedona, grabbed my cowgirl hat, slipped on my favorite Chaco hiking sandals, and off we went.
This was the first day in a while that my “spiritual skin” of sacred tattoos was completely exposed, and how fitting that we were exploring Devils Garden – as I wear misunderstood symbols like the dragon and serpent, not to mention, in totality all of my dark, black, symbolic tattoos to many whose beliefs are rooted in ways different than my own, would connect to “evil”, dark, wrong, and yes, the Devil.
I even had someone once a long time ago ask me about these symbols saying they were Illuminati connected and asked me about that and if I was connected.
My only response to them was, “Only you know the answer to that by looking inside your own heart.”
I had no need to defend or explain anything. One doesn’t when they embody the truth.
So on our hike, many eyes were upon me. I received several compliments from a few people, as well as shared smiles with a few passers-by that had a tattoo or two of their own.
But apparently there were other kinds of looks too, which Dave shared with me with giggles, as he said he finds it fun and fascinating to watch some people and how they will stare or react to me – most of them being middle to older aged people and couples that come from a different generational belief system that has been strongly conditioned and rooted beyond simply ideas – but rather a programming within their DNA they react from.
And he too thought it was all compounded by the dress, sandals, cowgirl hat, AND tattoos, as no one else was dressed like that since most people have a “norm” way of dressing when hiking.
So it all created quite a looking glass, but was it “me” they saw, or something about themselves?
I explain this briefly in a very short video I felt inspired to do at our destination point on the hike – Double O Arch. I’ll share it after this post.
That felt like the perfect portal for this share, as it is an arch that has two O-shaped arches, one atop the other.
To me, this felt like mirrors of duality that reveal and reflect your belief system and the hidden energies around your beliefs on the light and the dark.
And when one can face these truths, you can move on into integrating them, which is the shared bridge between the two O’s.
There is an extension to this hike that goes further to what is called Dark Angel.
We did not feel called to go.
Well, Dave asked if I wanted to, us both feeling complete at Double O, and I said, “there’s no need to go there, as I’m holding the energy of Dark Angel right here.”
He laughed.
Interestingly, when we arrived at Double O, people dispersed, allowing me time to sit alone within the smaller portal, as Dave felt called to ascend further up the canyon and sit atop a rock there overlooking the view of the Double O and beyond, which is how he captured photos of me down below.
While he was there, and I was at the portal we would periodically hear screeches from what sounded either like a hawk, falcon, or eagle that echoed through the canyon.
We met some very nice people along the hike there and back, and exchanged some words, as well as took photos for them.
Saw many lizards and ravens – one that cawed at us from across a canyon.
The trail first led us to several cool arches – Tunnel Arch, which had two deep arches, Pine Tree Arch, which as you can tell by the name had a pine tree growing from center (I took two photos here, loving the symbolism of a little girl that was in the foreground on one reminding me of my own inner child and a book I’m reading where the woman embodies the medicine of a Native American Indian girl named Little Black Wold Dancing), Landscape Arch, which was huge and looked like a frame to a landscape painting, Black Arch, and several unnamed arches.
Most people only go to Landscape Arch, as the trail then becomes more challenging to reach Double O, other arches, and Dark Angel.
You can either do the primitive trail to get there, which is unmarked and longer, or climb over sandstone slabs and fins with narrow ledges and exposure to heights on another trail – a bit scary for those with fear of heights.
I, once again, got to face that one head on and did.
I thought about the symbolism of this challenging trail to Double O and Dark Angel and how only those ready and/or willing to journey into these energies and reflections, would pass through to receive the messages awaiting them there.
But it wasn’t until I return back, as mentioned earlier, that things really sunk in as to the energy I was integrating myself, as well as holding in mirror for others. I believe my time sitting in the portal of Double O revealed this to me.
And on our return, I had this thought go through me about the connection of Devils Garden and my serpent tattoo, thinking on the irony of this and all the misconceptions around it.
I kid you not, the second after I said this to myself and integrated the depth of meaning, both Dave and I heard a loud, long hiss come from the bushes we had just passed.
He stopped in his tracks and we both looked at each other and said, “what was that?”
We both agreed it sounded like a large snake, like a rattlesnake before they are about to strike.
Dave decided to explore the whole area, but found nothing.
There was no snake in the flesh.
But it was unmistakably a snake.
I said, it was the cosmic serpent and shared with Dave what I had just been processing and receiving right before the hiss.
Talk about powerful messages.
I continued to further deepen into the energy here for me to process and embody more fully.
And found myself in deep dreams last night wandering through rock garden portals.
I’m feeling much more balanced again today, but still recharging from all that I was mirroring, integrating, and holding.
It made me go quiet and perhaps might lead to taking a mini break while things continue to integrate and renew.
So, just in case you don’t hear a share from me for a day or two, you’ll know why.
We embody both the light and the dark, but it is not seen in these limiting terms that words define and judge them by.
It is a melding reflection of both and beyond, where the creative impetus of Cosmic alchemy can be harnessed by turning everything inside out within the vortex of you.
(BTW, right after I posted this blog, I saw the word count and thought it would be fun to add it here: 1313)
End of Year Reminders
With just 12 more days remaining and my schedule now completely full until we head off on our adventure and say goodbye to the area here for now (until we pass through again along the way) I don’t have the ability to offer any more private or group workshops, whether weekend or weekday.
This coming Sunday, January 3rd is the last Reiki 3 Master Teacher workshop I’ll be teaching, which is now also currently full.
If you really feel you’re meant to be in this workshop, whether to join for free review as a return student, or to complete your training, I am open to exploring another possible option to create space for more on that day.
Please message me as soon as possible though, as it’s just 5 days away.
Otherwise, I will be offering private retreats that can encompass your training and more where ever I am, I can refer you to some of my local students who are teaching and will be teaching in the new year, or we can facilitate distant training via calls, skype, video, and email.
I’m also booked through late January with sacred tattoo designs, however if you’re still interested in getting a design in the New Year, I’m still honoring my current rate until the end of this month if you book with me in the next two days.
Beginning January 1st, I’ll have a new rate, which will be shared in my upcoming newsletter.
You can still book Intuitive Energy Guidance Sessions, which are spiritually guided coaching calls with me, however. And, there will be an announcement, as promised, about a big giveaway to my Five-Week Intensive clients for the new year. Stay tuned for that also in the next newsletter.
For now, through January 10th I’m going to be pretty focused with end of year closure of things, and completing projects, as well as energetically closing doors to open new ones.
I’ll be sharing some of the newest sacred tattoo designs soon and a book cover I’ll be working on shortly for one of my author friends.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and are getting ready to kick off a new year!
If you have any questions please contact me here: Tania Marie
Secret Garden of You
Sacred Tattoo Design – this is quite a large, yet delicate piece that will be gracing the upper top of back like a lace mantilla woven of the fruits and blossoms of the Earth and Tree of Life, with Blue Jay flowing into lower portion of neck over throat chakra, and the rest over higher heart and heart chakras, extending across top of shoulder blades and then the Bearded Dragon Lizards will come up over shoulder area framing just the upper portion in front where a Shaman’s Necklace tattoo sits that I co-created with my client there. Enchanting Snail and Tree Frog join the celebration of renewing activation.
I had some inspired thoughts to share today in continued theme of things I’ve been guided to express and realized that one of the latest sacred tattoo designs I created embodied the inspiration of the energy behind these messages – symbolically that is.
So, while I’m not sharing individual symbolism on the designs anymore, due to lack of time to expound on all of that, perhaps viewing this design while reading today’s share will activate something for you, as these designs are created as portals of embodiment and activation to energetically support the person wearing them and the people experiencing/seeing them.
While personal and custom-created for the individual who will wear them, they always carry significant collective symbolism as well, since we are all connected and going though similar, but relative journeys.
I’m calling the above design “Secret Garden of You” and let me just say there is more than meets the eye in this powerful personal gateway we’ve co-created, equipped with its own guardians/sentinels and several enchanted beings from the magickal realm speaking their medicine, not to mention a lot of interwoven and layered symbolism.
It was a piece that challenged both my client and I, especially so in execution to work with the footprint desired for it to weave into, but also in energetic translation, having only a few guidelines. It was in part inspired by the seven days of the morning reading for Lughnasadh Celtic Devotional by Caitlin Mathews shared with me by her in combination to tuning in to the energy behind her words, as she shared what was desired to be created for this next leg of her journey. An exciting and beautiful new birthing indeed!
But on to today’s messages, which are a compilation of short reminders weaving a tapestry for empowered, authentic living – much like the tapestry of symbolism this and all other sacred tattoos I’ve created, do.
They remind us of the sacredness within ourselves and the wisdom and truth we each have available to access at any given moment.
It’s important to make a commitment to yourself, which means listening to your feelings every moment and acting on what’s authentic and right for you presently – be your truth in all its splendor. Others will thank you for it even if they don’t say so, but more so, you’ll be astounded by how life becomes more enriching when you don’t worry about being vulnerable and what others think.
You’re NOT responsible for anyone else’s happiness. Each person must choose their own story. Only they, like you, can choose how to feel in any given moment.
We each have the ability to write a new story whenever we realize that power to do so.
Remember that if you want something from others, give it to yourself first and you’ll get it back in the way that is for the highest good without dictating how that needs to be or look.
Face fear with gentle love and curiosity in order to transmute it…look at it, feel the truth of it, retrieve the pieces of your power in it, and watch it dissolve and transform into your gift.
You are not at the mercy of anything, as you do have the ability to choose how to respond and feel, what perspective to embrace about it you desire, as well as what actions you want to take, even if you’re in a situation that seems like one karmically dealt or a bigger-picture collective experience. You can make lemonade from lemons. 😉
You can always look inside of you to ask for, find, and receive the answers. You need to be open and willing, as well as supportive of self-trust as to what subtle nudges speak to you, and open to giving yourself permission to experience more.
As you focus on the things that are good about yourself – your gifts, your strengths, your special qualities – you empower and support yourself to embody it more in a bigger way.
Be aware of how you speak to yourself and others and the image you are creating about yourself when you do. Is it consistent with the person you know yourself to be and are wanting to be more of?
Everything you’ve experienced and the challenges you’ve gone through is, and has been, an attempt by your soul to call in and experience more light in your life…truly it’s not about someone having it in for you. It’s your ingenious soul way of evolving and experiencing the totality of Source through you.
You put yourself in situations that will challenge you to be more loving and compassionate…to go deeper into those unconditionally.
Unconditional love is learning to embody and be that source of love rather than waiting for others to do so and is not subject to what others are doing or not doing.
Fear and triggers are places that our love hasn’t yet been discovered. So, in each moment you can choose to either embrace more fear and pain, or embrace more love. Going deeper into the allowance of feeling those things will create their ability to flow through you, bringing wisdom along that current of embrace.
Your definitions of yourself influence your behavior and experiences. If you don’t like the definition you’ve been experiencing of yourself, start creating a new one and envision it as much in depth as you can possibly go. Write or reflect on an expansive vision of you and continue to expand upon that from a higher, more loving, deeper perspective. The higher and deeper you can go with how you see yourself, the more accurately in fact you ARE REALLY seeing who you are at the heart and soul of things.
You have the ability to know your truth. Honoring that is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and others. It supports and energetically creates a frequency that mirrors what is possible, but also invites opportunity to do the same.
There is a whole secret garden of you, waiting for you to remember, subtly listen to, trust, actively engage, transmute, and support, embrace and sing to the world, and gently and patiently love into harmonious balance, fulfillment, and fruitful, ecstatic abundance.
~
For support with co-creating a sacred tattoo design please visit this link for details and how to schedule yours: Life-Changing Tattoos
If you have any questions, please inquire before September 1st, as I won’t be available for emails for 3 months starting at that time. You can contact me here: Contact Tania Marie
More Magickal Sacred Tattoo Designs
As I expressed in an earlier post, I will not be sharing any information about the recent sacred tattoo designs I’ve been working on over the last month or two because I haven’t the time to with everything going on and wanting to focus energy on the current pieces I AM working on.
Today, I’m sharing a couple more really magickal ones and as always, I hope you enjoy what ever they reflect for you, as while the designs are custom created to each individual’s soul, that always carries a beautiful collective energy that others connect with and are affected by through viewing them.
I’m continually amazed at what keeps channeling through and always so aligned with current collective energies abound, as I’m sure you can see in the designs.
The first so reflective of a New Earth energy we are integrating, activating, nurturing, and healing. The second of course really synchronous with Lion energy being so prevalent these days with the passing of Cecil, our entering the Lion’s Gateway on 8-8-8 and yesterday’s Leo New Moon.
So it’s pretty amazing that they are also reflective of the individuals they were created for. Dual-packed significance always!
I will have one or two more shares by end of the month, as I complete the last designs I’m working on before heading off-grid beginning September 1st.
So grateful to be able to do this work with such amazing clients who honor the sacred process and have all been so wonderfully patient.
Remember that although I’m fully booked through August 31st for designs, you can book a design with me for when I return.
I have a waiting list already started for December – December is actually almost full – so if you’d like to co-create a design with me you can place your deposit and lock in the current rate at the link here:
You’ll be able to continue scheduling design work with me while I’m away for the 3 months by doing that. Just be aware that I will not be available to discuss designs, but you can reserve your spot.
I work on a first-come-first-serve basis, based on deposit commissions received and must honor that.
There is likely going to be a rate increase when I return, so that’s something to keep in mind. If you place your deposit before December, you’ll lock in the current rate, which will be honored.
If you have any questions, please inquire before September 1st, as I won’t be available for emails for 3 months starting at that time. You can contact me here: Contact Tania Marie
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
A Montage of Sacred Tattoo Designs
A large right shoulder blade design
As you know I’ve been working away on sacred tattoo designs alongside everything else here…life is full indeed and SO RICH!
I’ve shared how much more involved designs have been these days, reflecting a lot of potent shifts and energy being embraced and activated. And I don’t like to rush the process and never force things…it’s all about aligning with that perfect flow that then lights the way with clarity.
A large upper, center of back design over heart chakra
And between everything, including my having been away a lot on top of the increased time needed with each client, I haven’t had time to post each individual design, as I usually do.
So, being that people have continually been asking to see more designs and what is possible to create, I thought I’d compile a little montage of just some of the designs that I’ve been working on for you today.
These are not only very powerful pieces, but incredibly and deeply embedded with very meaningful symbolism that I honor so deeply to be able to be part of supporting and bringing to life.
The designs are reflections of the souls they are created for and deserve utmost reverence.
I’ll share more again near the end of the month when able to.
A full left inner wrist and forearm design
I will not be sharing any information about them, as I haven’t the time to, but I think you’ll see by the images…just how powerful and layered the energies have been and hopefully you’ll enjoy what ever they reflect for you, as while the designs are custom created to each individual’s soul, that always carries a beautiful collective energy that others connect with and are affected by through viewing them.
People are always surprised, when they see the designs, by just what can be created and symbolically layered into a tattoo design that will shift your energy when worn and embodied.
Dual essence/business logo and potential tattoo design
I thank all of my clients for their patience both with their designs and email messages that I need to address one at a time these days due to their involvement. It’s really wonderful to have such conscious clients that understand the perfection of divine unfolding.
Things are moving along, as there seems to be a real opening right now with all of the energy and so I’ve been moving through each of the rest of the designs quite rapidly – doing more a week than I ever have.
They will all easily be completed by end of the month before I begin my sabbatical on September 1st.
So, if you’re waiting on yours, it’s on the way!
Remember that although I’m fully booked through August 31st for designs, you can book a design with me for when I return.
I have a waiting list already started for December, so if you’d like to co-create a design with me you can place your deposit and lock in the current rate at the link here:
You’ll be able to continue scheduling design work with me while I’m away for the 3 months by doing that. Just be aware that I will not be available to discuss designs, but you can reserve your spot.
I work on a first-come-first-serve basis, based on deposit commissions received and must honor that.
There is likely going to be a rate increase when I return, so that’s something to keep in mind. If you place your deposit before December, you’ll lock in the current rate, which will be honored.
Large lower back design with partial circular waves framing sacral chakra and design flowing down to upper butt cheek and then flowing up gracefully to the left all the way to bra strap
If you have any questions, please inquire before September 1st, as I won’t be available for emails for 3 months starting at that time. You can contact me here: Contact Tania Marie
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
A large left hip and side of thigh design, flowing down and curving just over the knee
Sacred Tattoo Designs Things to Know: The Process, Waiting List (Booking for Week of July 27th), Referral Gift Program ($100 off Plus Free Crystal) & Book
SACRED TATTOO DESIGN WAITING LIST – NOW BOOKING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 27th:
As you know there is a waiting list on sacred tattoo designs and with my current clients I’m now booked until end of July.
Sometimes the scheduling shifts a bit, as clients aren’t always ready when I get to them, in which case I let the person know that is next in line and continue forward, taking the client that needed extra time when they ARE ready, and after I’ve completed work on the current design at hand.
I try to provide a guesstimate on the timing when you commission a piece, but due to clients that have needed more time with their ideas and clarity, as well as some clients being ready when I get to them and others not, things tend to readjust on the timeline with all the shuffling. I’m open and flexible to this and when there’s an opening, I will move on to the next client on the waiting list until I find one that IS ready. And once the client who deferred their place becomes ready, they will receive priority once I’ve completed the current project at hand.
That said, if you have a rush job, due to a tattoo appointment or something else important to you, I will do my best to fit you in on off-hours, but remember that this will equate to a higher hourly rate reflectively. I can’t always guarantee being able to do rush jobs, but you can contact me with your requests and we’ll see what is possible.
Remember that in order to commission a design, I require the first hour deposit upfront, as all tattoos take at least one hour, and the balance is due upon agreement of its closure. This deposit both holds your space, AND is applied as the first hour of the design process.
The design process (the actual pencil to paper time) is $175 an hour.
I don’t charge for the consulting, my tuning in, any research, and writing up the symbolic meaning for each client. There’s a lot that goes into these designs, which is why I can’t always predict timing and have to be conscious about my need to pace myself energetically.
And sometimes I move through things quicker than anticipated, but also sometimes the energy creates the need for more time. I will contact you if the timing shifts to sooner or a little delayed.
That said, you are free to, and encouraged, to send me your thoughts, ideas, and anything pertinent to what you’d like to be creating with your design as soon as you send me your deposit. This assists in having the energy percolating before I get to the actual designing, but also helps with timeliness so that when I get to your design we are pretty much ready to go and don’t have to go through the whole process at the point I’m ready to be designing.
It’s such an intuitive and feeling process, so I’m always grateful that my clients are on the same page with me in terms of embracing the journey.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS:
Now and then I receive emails that lead me to feel there might be some confusion on some of the aspects of this process, which I’d like to help clarify.
- Remember that if you are interested in co-creating a tattoo design with me, you will need to place a deposit at the link here: http://spiritualskin.com/lifechangingtattoos.html
- This will place you on the waiting list. At the link you will also find details on the process and likely answers to many of your questions. If you find anything not to be clear, or you would like assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me and ask.
- I’m more than happy to answer questions about the process and to generally provide an oversight in regard to what you would like to create, but please understand that I can’t provide lengthy consulting about ideas, or help to come up with the idea, unless you have commissioned me to work on your design with you and I’m ready to begin that process, as that is part of the whole design consulting journey we embark upon. It is a very involved process on my part that goes beyond even the email exchanges that I have to tune into, research, etc. I do welcome you to send me all of your thoughts and ideas before the time we actually will be working on it, so the energy is percolating in the background and we can pinpoint some of the important aspects that give me an idea of the groundwork in terms of size, placement, and essence of what you desire. The time leading up to actual designing is for this preparation, and once I am ready to begin, I can delve more in depth.
- My saying that I’m available to new clients at the end of July does not mean that if you contact me at the end of July that I will be able to start right away on your design, as in the interim other clients will have placed their deposits for their commissioned pieces.
- If you absolutely need the design before the available time period, I do offer rush jobs in order to meet certain time-frames. Please contact me to discuss details and to see if I’m capable of working off-hours to assist that, which would equate to a higher rate fee, reflectively.
- Also, ALL design consultations are done via email with my clients internationally. I find it most effective for the process and provides opportunity for the magic to take place. There is no need to meet in person, nor discuss things via telephone. It’s an energetic exchange I can access by distance, is best accessed when I have time to tune in energetically over the course of our exchanges and in between them, and which has enabled me to work with clients across the globe. The emails provide me a log of our discussions to work with and reflect upon, as well as provide each person the opportunity to get their thoughts, feelings, experiences down in writing, which seems to be very healing and valuable for most people.
- Remember I do not do the inking. I am a tattoo “DESIGN” artist, specializing in sacred symbolism and spirituality to create “essence” templates that your tattoo artist will be working with and from.
- The design process is much more than simply drawing something. It is very involved and usually I need a little recharge time between designs. It’s not a process I like to rush, if not necessary. I find that the flow is always perfect when we embrace that and it allows for the process to unfold naturally. Sometimes that is a very quick process and other times, due to energy I am sensing, things take a bit longer.
DON’T FORGET THE TATTOO DESIGN REFERRAL GIFT PROGRAM!
I continue to receive an influx of powerful commissions for sacred tattoo designs that keep me gratefully busy amidst my other work. I am always open to ways to give back and so several months back was inspired by a few clients to create a referral gift program to do just that.
Here’s how it works – When you refer a client to me who commissions a sacred tattoo design you will receive 2 FREE Gifts:
1st: Receive a FREE Reiki-charged Crystal
2nd: Receive $100 off YOUR own sacred tattoo design (that’s nearly 60% off your 1st hour’s deposit)
If you’ve already commissioned one, this savings will be applied to your next one – Not transferable
How To Receive Your Gifts:
Make sure that the client you refer shares with me, upon contact, who they were referred by. Once they decide to commission a design, I will contact you about your gifts.
GETTING STARTED & SPIRITUAL SKIN BOOK TO SUPPORT YOUR JOURNEY:
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me here: Contact Tania Marie
There is currently a waiting list, but you can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me. Now scheduling for end of July.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: Life Changing Tattoos
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
I always add shading and detail to the drawings so that you can get a taste of what it might look like tattooed when details come together. But usually tattoo drawings by artists are done in just the simple outline of the piece and the details come together during the inking process…but this gives a reference to assist the tattoo artist and it helps you to envision the possibilities.
And remember, there’s a Tattoo Design Referral Gift Program too!
Thank you for embracing this process with me. It truly makes a difference to be able to work with such amazing souls that understand and value the beauty of this journey.
I don’t think people have fully yet realized the layers to just how much this sacred tattoo journey is life-shifting for those who are drawn to it as their path, and how it can be a way to embody the new, embody your essence, integrate and embody the shadow/light – whole…..but now this is increasingly coming into conscious awareness.
Tattoos are these gifts that keep on giving. At least that’s been my experience and the experience of others who have shared with me their evolving journeys since creating their designs and getting them tattooed.
Realization of Grace ~ Sacred Tattoo Design
What a wonderful energy this sacred tattoo design embodies, as a send-off to my vacation tomorrow. I’ve been working like crazy to get things caught up and manageable for my upcoming trips away and so I’ve been working my way through not only creating designs, alongside my other work, but posting the back up of ones I’ve not had chance to as well.
This is an incredible piece that was not only a joy to create, but I loved working in a new area of the body for its placement. It will be sitting right under, framing, and in between my client’s breasts, and down a bit, pointing toward the Solar Plexus. So it is a decent sized piece extending about 8 and a half inches in width, and about 6 inches in height.
This was another example of allowing the process to percolate and it was in fact at one of the symphonies I went to that the vision channeled in full while I listened to the beautiful classical music.
Up until that point, I only knew the main elements that were speaking to me to add, but while immersed in the music, my client and her design came into my visions and immediately I saw it…just as it was to be/is now here as you see it.
Some of them were elements my client had mentioned being drawn to, others were the abstracts of those ideas in energetic expression, and one was the appearance of an animal spirit guide that just glaringly came through when I read one of her emails to me.
But I waited, as I did not know how to integrate it all, nor do I try to make that happen or force it…and then the music took me on the journey where the symphony was the experience of someone/me painting the canvas where all elements merged together and created the vision you see here. Later I saw an image of the swans I saw in my vision immediately after and knew it was confirmation.
It’s fun to see how things then synchronously unfold with meaning, as I look into the layers of symbolism more. I don’t have the answers/details always as to why I do something, know something, draw something, etc….I just know that’s what I see, feel, or know. The story comes together later, but isn’t necessary to me. It’s just fun to connect dots.
Anyway, what came through was swan (two of them), an eight petaled lotus (type of Water lily) in the center that shares one of its petals with the nautilus that unfolds from its potent center (dedicated to Patanjali’s eightfold path of yoga my client is connected to/had an idea about), and an Earth lily just below that. I melded the bottom in an organic flow of design that both creates a petaled richness to the lotus, as well as watery essence both the swans and lotus emerge from. The leaves double as pools of water with reflections.
While there is some symmetry, I wanted it to have balance created in a more organic feel. And each swan represents two aspects of self merging…the Divine Feminine and Masculine… so there is also a balance of gracing the front of, and one behind, the lotus…a yin/yang feel, as well as harmony, balance, and wholeness…
I wanted the piece to have this amazingly beautiful, soft grace and feminine quality, but also to be integrated and harmonized…supporting that gentle, but powerful/empowered feminine energy my client wanted reflected.
Here is a little on the symbolism of each main part of the design, which several I’ve shared before since they are collective symbols (each channeled to reflect individually unique to each), but I always like to reshare the info again for anyone only just seeing this piece at this particular time.
Swan: of course they are connected to the element of water and its symbolism of fluidity, intuition, dreaming (my client had mentioned dreams and being focused on them a lot), emotions, and creativity. They bring a sense of balance to our lives since they live in harmony amongst three elements….they ground on Earth, they fly to great heights in the Air, and gracefully flow through Waters with magnificent elegance. They bring messages of love, grace, union (within and without – so it’s our relationship with ourselves and others, and divine partners), purity, innocence, grace, inner beauty and realizing your own true beauty, dreams and understanding dream symbols, seeing into the future, understanding spiritual, balance, elegance, partnership, transformation, evolution, developing intuitive abilities, awakening the power of self, self-esteem and confidence, are Celtic Solar animals representing the rising glory of a new day and thus new beginnings that arise through the cycles of life, and also in Celtic tradition represent the Soul and our eternal essence. The swan is sacred to Venus and associated with love, poetry and music in this regard as well.
I especially like this little symbolism I found while researching that SO mirrors the image I channeled for her:
In the Saundarya Lahari (translated as “Waves of Beauty” it’s a text filled with beautiful mantras from the Hindu perspective) two swans (Ham and Sa) pair together, swimming around in the divine mind “living on honey from the blooming lotus of knowledge.”
I LOVE synchronicity and how the image that channeled through tuning in to her essence as something to symbolize this journey for her to support her into her empowerment basically paints the visual of this story. I didn’t know this until now. I also love that the vision of this design came through when at the symphony listening to beautiful classical music that evoked that mystery of inner grace and one’s song.
Lotus: the Lotus itself is a powerful and ancient image symbolizes harmony, spiritual illumination and unlimited potential. The lotus is a type of water lily which rises from the sludge of muddy waters and opens into a beautiful flower. It is often used as a mandala, or circular symbol, but any way you use the Lotus in a spiritual practice, it will provide a resonant field that reinforces the concept of resurrection. Human mistakes and challenges are the fertilizer for brilliance and awakened creation as the Lotus shows us. Born in the murkiest of ponds, Lotus still emerges pure. Use the Lotus as a reminder that “this, too, shall pass.” Be assured that all fertilizer nurtures a beautiful new life. In the greater world, Lotus is a peaceful cosmic beacon for forgiveness, gratitude and compassion to prevail where the sludge of conflict has resided. Using this symbol on water invites a balance between humility and pride.
Nautilus: The Nautilus shells to me are of an ancient nature and with its integrated chambers is symbolic of continuous progress, balance, new ideas, visionary discoveries, innovation and inspiration, renewal, eternal continuity, expansion, consistency, evolution, interconnectedness, divine perfection, natural flow, stability and internal harmony within regeneration, abundant creative energy – in general, a symbol of life and “the journey home” to Source within All That Is, through a succession of transcendent spirals. When gazing upon the Nautilus it provides a serene sense of balance and well-being. The spiral itself is a symbol of creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.” In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
Lily: The lily not only connects to my client’s grandmother who shares that name and is important to her, but also symbolizes hope, faith, birth, purity, renewal, promise, passion, becoming, innocence, fertility, cleansing, maternal nurturing, remembrance, transitioning, development, growth, progress, freedom….The lily symbolizes the Goddess.
There is such a beautiful story this image depicts in many layered ways. I will let you find how it speaks to you.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me here: Contact Tania Marie
There is currently a waiting list, but you can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me. Now scheduling for July.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: Life Changing Tattoos
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
I always add shading and detail to the drawings so that you can get a taste of what it might look like tattooed when details come together. But usually tattoo drawings by artists are done in just the simple outline of the piece and the details come together during the inking process…but this gives a reference to assist the tattoo artist and it helps you to envision the possibilities.
Express Yourself ~ Sacred Tattoo Design
Small, but mighty! Yes, even a smaller and more seemingly simple tattoo can have layers of potent symbolism. It’s all in the intention when placing specific symbols and understanding how everything has meaning and can be woven into creative empowerment.
I was asked to create a sacred tattoo design to empower my client’s Throat Chakra energy and would be worn at the back of the neck. I had about a four square inch space to work with and while that can be limiting in some ways, it also then adds to the creative inspiration on how to get the energy needed packed into a powerful, yet smaller design.
I spent time tuning in and also did some research, as I wanted something very symbolic that wasn’t just a nice image, but would hold meaning on multi-layers.
She wanted the Throat Chakra symbol incorporated and we had discussed a blossoming effect that I felt would support her intents. So I saw flowers, but didn’t want the usual Lotus that is often incorporated with Chakras. I wanted something that would hold the meaning and purpose of what she desired, and also add its own unique qualities that spoke individually to what I felt from her and that would be supportive for her.
So what came to me were Daffodils and when I looked into their symbolism I found them to hold a really beautiful energy that I felt connected so well with the Throat Chakra energy and what my client shared wanting help with – struggles of personal expression and communication.
Here is their meaning: Daffodils symbolize clarity, vitality, memory, renewal, creativity, inspiration, awareness, forgiveness, and inner-reflection.
I felt each of those words truly spoke for my client on an energetic level and of course many of these meanings all support communication and connecting mind and heart.
I also love how Daffodils are so joyful and full of life, plus they have 6 petals. And the way these 6 petals sit, they remind me of the Hexagon and the Merkaba, but in Nature’s form! This is potent stuff.
First off 6 represents harmony, balance, sincerity, love, and truth, not to mention perfect union, equality, integration, AND communication!!
The hexagon is one of the world’s most ancient and magical symbols of sacred geometry found in everything from beehives to snowflakes, the scutes of a turtle’s carapace, the flower of life, in the tree of life, and of course in the Merkaba.
I integrated the Throat Chakra symbol at the center of the main Daffodil so that it also acts similar to the Chakra symbols you see with petaled flowers around, but also to empower the energy twofold that is coming forth from the mouth of the Daffodil and its fertile center, so that mirrors her own connection to the center of her creative self-expression. I love the Sun burst effect of the center of the Daffodil really emanating the energy out like a shining light from within.
I added a second Daffodil for abundant flourishing of this energy, but also because the number 2 symbolizes kindness, balance, tact, equalization, harmony, the quiet power of discernment, asks of us to make clarifying choices and to exert our natural flow of judgment to do what is best for our souls, unites us with like minds and like ideals, deals with exchanges with others, AND communication!!
And then I wanted to add balance, but also an artistic flair to flow a dance of energy in the design, so I added the softened kind of Mehndi look but creating some subtle spiral effects that are like the cycles of life symbolizing evolution and holistic growth, awareness of the whole and larger picture at work, connectivity and union, natural harmony with the rhythms of life, and letting go, releasing…surrendering.
I added a small simple Butterfly to provide a hint of their powerful energy of transformation, celebration, transition, lightness, soul, time, grace, elegance, freedom, joy and bliss, miracles, flexibility, cycles of life, creativity, gentleness, preciousness of life, as well as the ability and clarity of mind needed before self-transformation, AND communication!!
There are a lot of themes here and how it is all connected, which goes to show you that you can create a lot even in a small design. The power is not in the size, but in the chosen and potent intents.
It creates something very unique for her that expresses the creativity and beauty that she is at heart and that will also create a powerful space for her to empower all of her gifts in many ways, but especially in assisting with her intents of helping to express herself and to communicate with greater ease and joy….to reflect the sweet inner child that she is at heart.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
There is currently a waiting list, but you can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me. Still a couple spots for end of June if you’re interested.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: Life Changing Tattoos
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
I always add shading and detail to the drawings so that you can get a taste of what it might look like tattooed when details come together. But usually tattoo drawings by artists are done in just the simple outline of the piece and the details come together during the inking process…but this gives a reference to assist the tattoo artist and it helps you to envision the possibilities.
The Power of the Heart ~ Sacred Tattoo Design
This sacred tattoo design was such an incredibly beautiful experience to channel, which isn’t a surprise since my client IS such a beautiful soul.
We had some awesome connections along the way that remind me again at how the things we do are so much more than meets the eye. I’m so grateful that through the work I do that it aligns me with wonderful people that in many cases become good friends, and in most cases are all special soul connections.
This piece took some twists and turns in the creation process, as I felt into the energy that was being presented. In the end, with patience and not forcing the process, I was able to see through layers to the core essence.
The design blends this client’s strong soul affinity with Asian and Native American spirituality in a beautifully synergized way. What we get is a strongly empowered Sacred and Divine Feminine essence that presents each thread of her soul tapestry.
She is a very strong soul and this has been misinterpreted at times, so with this design we are portraying her true nature and looking into her soul through the eyes of the Hawk and the artistry of her soul signature.
Hints of feathers share her Native American roots and shaman quality, which is powerful unto themselves, yet have a graceful fluidity, lightness, and movement to them.
I didn’t want there to be and blatant symbolism, but rather a beautiful and blended harmony blossoming forth in this sensual dance that shares a look into the mystery of who she is. Powerful beauty, mystique, abundant love and compassion from the depth of her heart, and strength of character, visions of a healer, transformation, and fertile blossoming all wrapped up together with amazing depth and spiritual grace.
It’s quite a larger piece that will span the upper portion of her back from bottom of lower neck down through heart chakra.
Both she and I have shared being mesmerized by the image and unable to look away. LOL! I’m just really in love with it and its energy, and so, so happy that she is too.
Below I’ll add the symbolism of each of the elements that are woven in this creation. Since they are collective symbols this information is not different for any one particular person, but how they are integrated and what they are blended with, as well as how they are drawn….all make them unique to the individual and speak a different story.
So here are the elements of the design with their collective symbolism:
Lotus Mandala – the Lotus itself is a powerful and ancient image symbolizes harmony, spiritual illumination and unlimited potential. The lotus is a type of water lily which rises from the sludge of muddy waters and opens into a beautiful flower. It is often used as a mandala, or circular symbol, but any way you use the Lotus in a spiritual practice, it will provide a resonant field that reinforces the concept of resurrection. Human mistakes and challenges are the fertilizer for brilliance and awakened creation as the Lotus shows us. Born in the murkiest of ponds, Lotus still emerges pure. Use the Lotus as a reminder that “this, too, shall pass.” Be assured that all fertilizer nurtures a beautiful new life. In the greater world, Lotus is a peaceful cosmic beacon for forgiveness, gratitude and compassion to prevail where the sludge of conflict has resided. Using this symbol on water invites a balance between humility and pride.
Mandalas – are geometric figures representing the Universe and this personal empowerment Mandala is a reflection of the very “fabric” you flourishing into all that you are. This Mandala will help to focus her energy in a way that is connected authentically to the heart of who she is and empowers her heart chakra.
Tibetan Conch – wanting to bring in her Asian influences, but staying away from the Buddha images and such, this was one of the elements that spoke out from what she had shared being connected to. One of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, the symbol is the Right-coiled White Conch symbolizes “the spread of the teachings of the Dharma (principle of cosmic order/natural universal laws and those in harmony with it and the teachings of Buddha) and an awakening from the slumber of ignorance.” When it spirals to the right this is rare and considered especially sacred, believed to echo the celestial motion of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, as well as the hair whorls on Buddha’s head, his fine body hairs, the conch-like swirl of his navel, symbolizes his throat and melodious voice, and long curl at his third eye. It also “appears as an auspicious mark on the soles, palms, limbs, breast, or forehead of a divinely endowed being”. The right coiling white conch also symbolizes the deep and far-reaching melodious sound of the truth of Dharma teachings that spreads in all directions and when heard, not only awakens, but urges accomplishing your own and others’ welfare. In Tibetan Buddhism, today, it is a musical instrument that calls together spiritual assemblies and contains holy water. In this way it speaks to your “voice” and this channel for creative self-expression of your personal song vibration and frequency to others. White represents the Brahmin caste (priests). The conch is also an “emblem of power, authority and sovereignty whose blast is believed to banish evil spirits, avert natural disasters, and scare away poisonous creatures”.
Hawk – symbolizes Awareness, Perspective, Insight, Cunning, Observant, Truth, Visionary Power, Guardianship, Leader, Strength, Initiative, Decisiveness, Creativity, Messenger, Caution, Strategy, Maneuvering, Leadership. The spirit of hawk brings with it many different meanings that we can constantly look at in our lives at different times, to assist us into our wholeness like that of taking account of things in your life and observing all the details while seeing the meaning in ordinary experiences. Also, freeing ourselves from limiting thoughts and beliefs that stop us from soaring in our lives with greater and expanded perspective. Seeing the bigger picture, being insightful, visionary, asserting yourself without doubt, trusting your instincts, and having confidence in what comes to you. Taking initiative and ceasing to procrastinate are things assisted by Hawk where we know when to strike with precision and speed without letting opportunities pass us by. Seize the moment! But also using caution in the way we maneuver and knowing when NOT to take action because we listen to our instincts and support them for the highest good.
Feathers – Feathers represent flight, freedom, ascension, lightness, grace, ability to flow with winds of change, truth, speed, communication with Spirit, celestial wisdom, the power of the element air, and are very connected to Shamanism, someone who is a Shaman and works with elements and Earth in ancient ways, as well as is connected to Native American Indians and the power of Bird Spirit. In the design I created a couple of feathers, as well as added a hint of wing to the left. They are a reminder to release the heaviness from our hearts, to be gentle with ourselves, nurture our innocent inner child, dance with grace through change, embrace vulnerability, and be willing to flow without attachments that hinder our expansiveness. They also represent the ancient ways, being in tune with Mother Earth, and sacred ritual.
Spiral – I created a spiral effect to the left, where the end of the feather turns into the center of this spiral…almost like a vortex or galaxy. Spirals symbolize creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.” In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
Cherry Blossoms – The breathtaking but brief beauty of the cherry blossoms, according to Buddhist tradition, symbolizes the transient nature of life. They also reflect, in traditional Japanese values, that of purity and simplicity. The cherry blossom is also tied with the samurai culture, representing the fleeting nature of the samurai’s life and symbolic of drops of blood. They also represent the arrival of Spring, end of Winter, end of difficult/challenging periods, joy, beauty, freshness, new generation, life cycle, beauty and sexuality, love in a language of herbs, promise of fruit to come – fruits of your labor revealing in abundance.
Dragon – The dragon symbolizes transformation, transmutation, wisdom, protection, infinite self, supernatural power, primordial power and mastering all of the elements, also balance, magick, mystery, wonder, a powerful guardian and guide. The dragon symbolism represents you as creator, bringing a visual of your inner strength within reflected on the outside and of your higher self.
As you can see, the Dragon is curled around in a graceful dance, merging with the rest of this tapestry. Everything is connected, interwoven, builds upon the others, enhances each, and is in harmony and relationship to all. There is a power to this Dragon, but also a gentle strength and sweetness, as she flows through and rests with awareness among the Cherry Blossoms. She is wise and incredibly empowered, but also we see a tenderness to her that comes from embracing the vulnerability within us and not having to display our power in such overt ways, but to emanate it with grace.
Energy moves through the top and bottom and flows out each side, so there is a fluidity and not static quality to the design, although the mandala is quite anchored, which centers and grounds with its sacred geometry.
The conch lies center of the Hawk at the third eye and beak, reflecting the inner wisdom it holds through the insightfulness of the Hawk. The full-faced very held and soulful, penetrating gaze of Hawk, allows her to focus her vision, both inner and outer, with the inner guidance of her heart and intuition that are aligned with natural cosmic order…the center piece symbolism of the conch.
Without saying more, I’ll let you explore this sacred design and see where you journey.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
There is currently a waiting list, but you can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me. Still spots for June if you’re interested.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: Life Changing Tattoos
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
I always add shading and detail to the drawings so that you can get a taste of what it might look like tattooed when details come together. But usually tattoo drawings by artists are done in just the simple outline of the piece and the details come together during the inking process…but this gives a reference to assist the tattoo artist and it helps you to envision the possibilities.
Tania Marie 