Blog Archives
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: 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!
Sacred Tattoo Consultations Now Available PLUS “Spiritual Skin” Updates
Sacred Tattoo Consultations:
I receive a lot of inquiries and questions about tattoos and people wanting to receive advice or get my input and ideas on things. I end up spending a lot of time, as it is my desire to be of service and help people as much as possible. However, I can’t possibly continue to keep giving away my time, as I have services I need to be tending to and have to utilize my time and energy wisely for all of the new creations I am channeling and that have timing needs to get turned out by, as well as “actual” clients I do assist.
So for those who would like assistance with zeroing in on the energy and specific design elements, placement, images, flow, etc. (for your sacred tattoo) that would be most resonating and supportive for your personal journey and what you are wanting to create in your life, I am now offering “solo” consultations via email (same as I did before with the sacred tattoo design process), but minus the actual design work.
Of course, for those still wanting assistance with me actually designing the piece for you, I am still available to commission for this work at the same service rate as before: Sacred Tattoo Design. This service rate of $125/hour was for actual pencil to paper time and the consulting (usually done through extensive emails), research, meditation, and any extra goodies I infused into the process were added gifts to the very intensive journey.
However, for those who still want the help, may not be able to manage the design service rate, but still want to ensure they are manifesting the perfect energy for their lives, you can now receive consulting support, which still includes the same process I offered before, minus the design work.
To receive sacred tattoo email consultation, simply contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. The rate for email consulting is:
- $55 per email plus response
- $125 per 3 emails plus responses ($40 discount)
- $195 per 5 emails plus responses ($80 discount)
Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep
A surprise is in store for Spiritual Skin. I will share more when I am able. Thank you to all the beautiful reader testimonials and for the loving support with this book, whose message I feel has really been part of a huge paradigm shift in consciousness on this subject. I’ll keep you posted. For any readers who haven’t shared a review, testimonial, or comment, I’d be grateful to hear from you. You can post your reviews here: Reader Reviews
PDF VERSION NO LONGER AVAILABLE
After this month, the ebook – PDF version of Spiritual Skin will no longer be available. You will still be able to access it electronically via Kindle and get your own Paperback version on Amazon.
VEGAN TATTOO FUN AND VIDEO TO COME!
James Spooner working on my dragon
A couple of weeks ago Allison and I went in for a back-to-back “spiritual skin” tattoo session with LA’s vegan tattoo artist, James Spooner, who specializes in quality tattoos with no ethical compromise. Yes, he is the same James Spooner that directed the documentary film, Afro-Punk, that explores race identity in the punk scene. We love James! He is just a super cool, sweet, talented, eclectic, great energy, (and vegan!) guy! I met James at World Fest last year and had kept in contact since, watching the output of great work he was doing over the year. So when the timing presented itself, and Allison was game, it would be our turn to sample a little of his energy. Yay!
I was there to just touch up and finalize my magical dragon (so, no, nothing new!) It was super cool, as not only had I never went with a friend to get a tattoo, or had company along the journey, but the highlight was being able to see in person one of my designs come to life on skin! I had designed Allison’s very first tattoo, which started out as a lovely wrist design, but as she shifted, became a gorgeous and powerful, large upper back and neck piece! I was so proud of her to say the least and James worked his skills with the design to add some of his own magical elements. A potent co-creative sacred tattoo! Even Allison’s husband, Chris, joined us later for the fun (his first time witnessing a tattoo session)! Firsts for everyone!
We looked like we were camping out for the weekend, as we lugged in bags and backpacks full of vegan and raw vegan food and drink for the long day ahead (12:30 through 8:30pm). James is now at his own solo studio spot – Monocle Tattoo, a very cool one indeed, and we were excited to be some of his very first clients to visit the new studio.
Was interesting timing, as it was just two days into my personal time off I took, unbeknownst to me I’d be taking it!
We wanted to capture photos of the art in progress to be able to share and document, so we just shot what seemed like normal, random images (actually Allison and Chris did all the photography). But when she shared them with me today and I finally viewed the images taken, I was beside myself at what a comical array of images it was!! Or, at least it was to us! It was such a dichotomy of silly satire vs. the reality of intensity of the process. Anyway, will be sharing the images in a fun you-tube video montage soon. Allison still has a couple more sessions, so who knows what will be caught on film.
I had no intention of sharing the images, but since they were so naturally candid and just us “being us,” I thought it would be great to share the process.
~ Empowering lives, one sacred tattoo at a time! ~
If interested in a sacred tattoo consultation, sacred tattoo design, or have any questions about sacred tattoos or my book, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com
Sacred Scarab Goddess Tattoo Design
I was really excited to create this new sacred tattoo design, which was created as a powerful amulet bracelet. However, it will be going on my client’s inner wrist, facing outward towards the hand, with the left and right lotus flowers wrapping delicately and slightly around and peeking on the outside of the wrist. It was an intricate measurement process 🙂
The challenge was in not only creating something mirroring of her and the energy that would be most supportive, but to imbue tons of symbolism within a more simple, delicate, dainty yet powerful expression that was balanced and not looking like it had too much going on for a smaller piece, even though energetically it does!
I was given free reign to intuit a design that would mirror an essence my client wanted, as well as who she is, where she’s at and headed and the design quality she likes. I’m so excited by her ecstatic love for it and can’t wait to see it in full gorgeous color very soon!
The elements I was able to get in this smaller piece (amazing what you can do with symbolism and interweaving things in a way that makes sense to the design aesthetics and energy) include the Dagaz Rune, Egyptian Sacred Scarab (mirroring a later piece for this client), the Sun, the Moon (Triple Goddess Moon symbol), lotus, henna- like style, heart/love, integrating all directions hence all-encompassing movement of energy without stagnation and seeing from all perspectives, and combining several ancient backgrounds.
While reflecting and beginning my explorations, it all just kind of fell together and I saw it in my mind’s eye how it could be integrated. The result, as I shared, creating an amulet bracelet effect with layers of symbolism included without seeming like there is too much.
We have the scarab at top center in its rebirthed form (as you’ll read below when it discovers its wings and that symbolism). The Scarab is holding the sun disk above and moon below (Triple Goddess Moon symbol which is the full Moon and the waxing and waning Moon left and right of it). Within the Scarab’s body is the Dagaz Rune. Within the Moon is a heart design created by two halves coming together making a whole – soul mate/duality integrated energy and of course LOVE!). Then we have lotus and henna-like design around.
Note the Sun and Moon above and below placements (Sun is connected with male energy and Moon with feminine energy – conscious and subconscious, mental and emotional, thought and intuition, the seen and unseen, etc. The lotus flowers are all facing different directions as stated above, flowing the energy fluidly. The Scarab has a very earthy connection, but also a spiritual/cosmic one. It is integrating the duality of Sun and Moon in order to fully integrate and manifest the reality of one’s essence-fully- realized self (read story below).
Here is some of the info on the symbolisms included:
Triple Goddess: The Triple Moon is a Goddess symbol that represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone as the waxing, full, and waning moon. It is also associated with feminine energy, mystery and psychic abilities. You often see this symbol on crowns or other head-pieces, particularly worn by High Priestesses. The Maiden represents enchantment, inception, expansion, the female principle, the promise of new beginnings, youth, excitement, purity, and a carefree erotic aura. The Mother represents ripeness, fertility, fulfillment, wellspring of life, giving and nurturing, stability, and power. The Crone represents wisdom, knowing, culmination of a lifetime of experience, repose, and compassion. These aspects may also represent the cycle of birth, life and death (and rebirth). Neopagans believe that this goddess is the personification of all women everywhere including Gaia, the Earth Mother.
Dagaz Rune: Dagaz – “Day-gahz” – Literally: “Day” or Dawn – Esoteric: Awakening. Rune of the hyper-consciousness. The process of concept becoming realized. Psi: paradoxical truth, incommunicable experience, conceptual realization, Enlightenment, satori. Energy: twilight/dawn polarity, non-dual reality, unity, synthesis, transmutation. Mundane: another day, daylight, the inevitability of dawn. Divinations: Awakening – new worlds, new possibilities, new opportunities arise as others fade away, awareness, hope-happiness, the ideal, paradigm shift. Continue reading here: http://runesecrets.com/rune-meanings/dagaz Dagaz also references the most basic of all cycles: Night and Day. This powerful rune is a reminder of the cyclical nature of all things. What rises must fall. What increases must decrease. All things are interconnected and in a state of constant flux. Day and night are (and will always be) in perfect proportion. There is balance in all things, celestial and material. Night has passed and a new day is beginning. See also: http://www.runemaker.com/futhark/dagaz.shtml
Scarab: Beetles symbolize progress, simplicity, persistence, stability, methodical, contemplative, practical, grounded, potential, security, protection, solidarity energy. They move with bellies always close to the earth, and so their wisdom is sacred and deep. They are connected to the core of earth, and so they are rooted in their knowledge about the way of life and nature. Beetles also talk to us about steady, gradual progress. Observing them, they do nothing without pragmatic, methodical movement. Beetles also remind us of the simple things in life, and point our attention to the magic in the small. Beetles can tame us because of their simple, unassuming presence. The symbolic meaning of beetles in countless cultures, also offers protection. Their own hard shells do more than just convey glimmering beauty – they protect. Beetles impart messages such as:
“Get to the root of your desire”
“Be practical in your expectations of progress”
“Find stability in simplicity”
“Anchor yourself in honest, true, natural ways”
“Allow yourself to be tamed by the small and gentle.”
“Scarabs are a symbol of resurrection/rebirth, transformation and protection. This is especially true in Egypt, where symbols were much more than simple drawings, they were reminders of men’s true nature – the spiritual life.
It is clear that the symbolism of the scarab refers to transformation – the transformation of the soul from physical to non-physical, from ignorant of its nature to wise. Egyptian represented the concept of immortality and resurrection (resurrection of the soul, not the flesh) through the image of the scarab beetle, and therefore, they created seals, amulets and talismans, which served as tools to inform those who carried them about these concepts.
It is important to point out that the real “power” of the talismans and amulets was never the object itself, but rather, the knowledge it contained. A person who is imbued with the spirit of immortality and transformation does not fear death (or fear itself). Since fear is one of things that prevent people from achieving their ideals, those who do not fear are the ones who make history, so it is the knowledge that protects, the amulets and talismans are mere instruments through which the knowledge is revealed.
Egyptians observed how the young scarabs emerge from a ball of dung until mysteriously, the scarab becomes aware of a pair of wings which had always been there, and they courageously fly away to explore life outside the dung. When they discover they have wings they then fly away towards their true nature… The Egyptian tradition taught that everything that happens in nature is a microcosm of universal truths, like imprints of the divine reflected in the physical world; therefore, they used the natural phenomena to understand spiritual phenomena.
The brief life of the scarab, then, reveals a beautiful message – just like the scarab beetle lives among the feces until it discovers its hidden wings. The human soul is also trapped in the physical world (symbolized by the dung ball) until it discovers its ability to fly.
Rebirth is symbolized in this moment in which the scarab finally abandons the dung ball to be born in another reality and into its true essence. Egyptian scarabs are all about building our best, most incredible opportunities from the “poop” around us. The sun was a big deal to ancient Egyptians, with the ability to yield bumper crops, or bear down so brightly as to blight growth entirely. Scarabs utilize the power of the sun by rolling up their eggs in mud or dung. The hot sun bakes the little mud balls – essentially incubating their eggs. Pretty resourceful way to hatch babies. The Egyptian scarab also specifically represents luck in the form of solar power. And so, not only is the scarab lucky because of its own ingenuity, it’s also symbolic of rebirthing into a new dawn of life.
The scarab beetle was also associated to god Khepri, who was regarded as an aspect of the sun god Ra. Sun gods embody the role of the sun in a solar system; like the sun, which makes all the flowers in the planet blossom, sun gods make all wisdom emerge among humans in periods of intellectual darkness (they are considered humans who have reached the human ideal through many incarnations).” – Excerpts from The Symbolic Meaning of the Scarab Beetle – Egyptian Symbolism by Thais Campos
Lotus: The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower…….The journey of the consciousness from spiritual ignorance to perfection happens through many rebirths and can be very painful and difficult, as the process of reincarnation involves the need to repair past mistakes at every new life and one faces the consequences of every action, thought and words. While humans are not conscious of their spiritual greatness, they believe that life is unfair and worthless, but as they evolve through many cycles of death and rebirth, all the darkness is slowly removed.
How it all ties together and more is a journey within itself! I’m so honored to have created this piece.
If interested in commissioning a custom sacred tattoo design you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. You may also visit Spiritual Skin for more information on my consulting process, see more designs or get information about my book.
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.
Lemurian Dreams – “Revisiting” Sedona
Lemurian Dreams Pastel by Tania Marie - Inspired by Laura Bruno's book, "Schizandra and the Gates of Mu"
It’s been an interesting week following an energetic detox weekend. Seemed that along with the Mercury Retrograde energies, I was reliving the energy of, and my time I’ve spent in, Sedona this weekend because Allison Jacobson, whom you’ve come to know as Joyful Earth Crystals’ designer and Emerald Bridge’s Chief Creative Officer, was visiting the area for the first time. She had opportunity to go by my old house there and some of my favorite spots. Via our telepathic connection, since we are so close, I was definitely feeling like I got a vortex shifting zap! And have been sort of in an altered space this week and focused on both practical matters and energetic magic while things percolate.
Interestingly, this weekend I was also inspired to post my painting of the Pleiades, along with a Walt Whitman poem – On the Beach at Night. Unbeknownst to me when I was posting, was that this was a poem that was in Schizandra and the Gates of Mu (based in Sedona) by my faery sister Laura Bruno. I had read the book when it first was completed, but did not remember this. When I posted the poem, I was feeling somehow I was connecting to it and drawn to it, but didn’t know why until Laura posted a comment on that blog post reminding me that it was in the book and connected to one of the beloved characters in the book, Haru.
Another cool synchronicity was Laura’s recent post, Why Telepathy Makes People Mad and the whole telepathic “revisiting” and connecting with Sedona energies this weekend through Allison and via my tattoo that I recently got there. (my first and last tattoo were both brought to life in Sedona)
At the beginning of November I returned to Sedona briefly to get my newest dragon portal tattoo I have on my left arm by magical tattoo artist, Siva – who is also featured in my book, Spiritual Skin. And so, there is a lot of connected energies and activation at work.
In light of the new energies and a “revisiting” of Sedona on many levels, I’m sharing this pastel painting I created for Laura, as inspiration for her book based in Sedona – Lemurian Dreams.
If interested in Laura Bruno’s magical book you can read about it and purchase it here: http://www.amazon.com/Schizandra-Gates-Mu-Laura-Bruno/dp/0615301339/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316366731&sr=8-1
Lemurian Dreams can be viewed and purchased in prints and giclees here: http://taniamarie.com/gallery2.htm
Interesting Tattoo Fact: ‘Millennials’ Are by Far the Most Tattooed Generation
My back canvas of sacred body art
An article written by Jeremy Taylor for http://www.asylum.com expounded on an interesting fact that I shared in my book, Spiritual Skin. Here’s what he had to say:
18-to-29-year-olds (aka “millennials” or “Generation Y”) lead the nation in getting tattoos.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 38 percent of “millennials” have at least one tattoo. While that isn’t a huge increase over the 32 percent of 30-to-46-year-olds who have body art — only about 10 percent of those over 46 have a tat — what differentiates the younger generation is how many tattoos they get.
50 percent of all inked millennials have more than one tattoo, and 18 percent have more than five. Among 30-to-46-year-olds with a tattoo, half only sport one; only 9 percent have more than five.
Given that millennials still have many more years of questionable decisions in front of them, for some 18-to-29-year-olds, it could be a case of their amount of bare skin being the limit.
However, through my experiences and work as a sacred tattoo designer, I am seeing a rise in this generation, as well as others, in the increase of intentful, spiritual and symbolic sacred body art as well. So while Jeremy makes what I feel to be an unfair assessment, in stating that this generation of millennials have years of “questionable decisions” that may only be about filling up the amount of bare skin they have, I’m pleased to see the word “questionable” replaced with “conscious” in terms of the decisions they are evolving into.
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.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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: http://spiritualskin.com/ or you may contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
11:11 Magazine Now Featuring Spiritual Skin PLUS Extended Circa 92 Exhibit
I’m grateful to share this news, that not only will my art exhibit at Circa 92 be extended another week until March 24th, but I have been invited to continue exhibiting a few of my pieces for the year and a 2013 full exhibit and opening is in scheduling. I will be making appearances throughout the year at each of the new artists’ openings, while my work remains on exhibit there.
There are a couple of potentially exciting developments in process, which I will share as things develop.
In the meantime, I am grateful not only to Circa 92 and its owner, Yoshi Ito, for his support and belief in my work, but to Simran Singh of 11:11 Magazine for finding my book to be inspiring and resonating with her beautiful magazine’s focus.
In Simran’s words: “11:11 Magazine and all of my resources are gifted freely for humanity’s growth and the expansion of human potential in regard to soul-filled possibility.”
A Wisdom Feature excerpt, titled “Spiritual Skin Tattoo Art,” from my book, Spiritual Skin – Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep is now featured in 11:11 Magazine’s March/April 2012 issue: Into The Ashes. Founded and Published by Simran Singh, 11:11 Magazine is the ONLY Gold Nautilus Award winning magazine that is devoted to the journey of the soul. It brings content rich resources – for individual and global awakening – all wrapped up in a gorgeous, full color, bi-monthly, free publication.
Read my Feature in 11:11 Magazine here – FREE ACCESS: Spiritual Skin Tattoo Art
The Rising Embrace of the Magical Powers of Sacred Tattoos
Thai Buddhist monk - photo by Tania Marie on visit to Thailand
“…..Thai Buddhists believe in the mystical powers of protection of the sacred tattoos, known as Sak Yant…..and an increasing number of Westerners are also being enticed by the purported magic.” Annie Chenaphun for Reuters
Today’s “Reuters” article expounds on information I shared in my book Spiritual Skin – Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep. In my book I retraced the origins of tattoos, including their color past and present day resurgence, to bring to light the spiritual significance and sacredness that has pervaded throughout time, and is finding its way back into our lives in a very empowering and magically transformative way. I’ve helped bring to light how sacred tattoos can be utilized as mystical tools to integrate spirituality into our lives and to create personal portals to access specific energy desired.
Reuters' article photo enlarged: A devotee in a state of trance mimics the creatures which are tattooed on his body …
I have experienced this first hand and have been assisting many clients with the same – in coming to understand the power of symbolism and how what we intentfully create and place on our skin can create magically doorways of new experiences. This goes as deep as altering your DNA; demonstrating the importance of conscious choices in what, where, how and when you place specific, magically charged “amulets” on your temple body.
I briefly shared in Spiritual Skin about this Thai festival for tattoo devotees, as one demonstrative way, spiritual significance and ritual symbolism of tattoos has been continued to this day.
Read the full article by Annie Chenaphun – Thai Festival Puts Magic Back Into Tattoos:
http://news.yahoo.com/thai-festival-puts-magic-back-tattoos-133656460.html
For more information about Spiritual Skin and how you can order a copy for yourself please visit http://spiritualskin.com/