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A Dragon’s Story – An Epic Sacred Tattoo Design Journey Comes to Closure
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Today put to closure quite an epic sacred tattoo design journey, but it is so much more than a design and the process of pencil to paper. This design is the largest to date that I have had honor to help co-create, taking me 3 giant sized pieces of drawing paper taped together to be able to integrate.
Seems like a perfect send-off, as I get ready to leave tomorrow on another epic journey in the magical energy of Bimini.
I always have to admit that the left brain side of me never knows how I am going to create what each piece calls for, but the right side of my brain puts it in check and says, “You will know, just allow.” And then the left brain gets into its more productive partnership role as facilitator for the manifestation to actively take form, while my right brain and heart are able to weave the magick, unencumbered.
This is a huge piece at over 2 feet wide and 20″ tall on flat paper, however it will be sitting with the dragon in her fullness filling the back, and the tree/branch/root with lotus curving down and over the sacrum pointing towards the root and over the sacral chakra. The tail will start curving down the left of the lower back and wrap around and up the left rib cage and landing or pointing to the center of the left and right ribs and drawing the energy up to the heart. The flames from the dragon’s mouth will start to ascend from the right upper back/shoulder blade and curve up and over the shoulder and then down the center of the right arm, which will wrap on each side a bit.
It was quite a tricky process of logistics just to start off. So thank you left brain!
And thank you right brain for filling in the dots. Not only does this design have a strong foundation with the energy of balance being created, but it also was mirrored in my own process and all that has led up to it.
This is a very significant sacred portal for a courageously beautiful soul who is coming into embodying wholeness through what has been a story of many trials and tribulations. And she is rewriting a new story from this empowered place that is profoundly shifting her life in inspiring ways. Being able to observe and be a part of this kind of transformation is a true gift. I know she is going to be a source of profound inspiration for many others as she continues to write her new story.
There are so many aspects, layers, and symbolisms in this piece, I am not going to be able to even explain it all, as we’ll be here forever. But I will point out the key highlights and I’m sure you’ll discover things for yourself.
There is a lot to take in when viewing this piece, with some of the detail only fully experienced in person. The elements, both easy to see and hidden include:
- An empowered, graceful female dragon
- Inside the dragon there are little interwoven hidden symbols to include: a celtic designed horse at her heart chakra, a spiral at the place where her wing connects to her shoulder, a triple spiral design in the veins of her wing, and a spiral triskele at her root chakra pointing down (you’ll see the repetitive three a lot throughout and variations of the triple spiral, triskele and maiden, mother, crone symbolism
- Then the dragon’s tail turns into a flow of celtic knots, spirals, triskeles and within it also has a symbolic ladybug and a heart combined with the triple moon symbolism
- The dragon sits very solid and grounded on a tree root/branch with spirals, three leaves and ending at a lotus that sits at the in that the sacrum
- The violet flames then flow from the dragon and envelope a celtic knot butterfly atop a triple hare symbol that overlays a giant many petaled daisy and then transmutes into a four knotted symbol with sun-emanating and balancing energies
Without going into personal detail, I will just share the general parts of the symbolism I shared with my client of what was integrated into the design:
The dragon symbolism represents my client as creator, bringing a visual of her inner strength within reflected on the outside and of her higher self. Within this dragon, and at each end of the design, a story is woven and the symbolism that was chosen and placements were all to help integrate intentions, heal and release the old, moving into and to hold space for the new and continual evolvement into all that she can be.
The horse came through and not only, I realized, symbolized her as a Sagittarius, but represents unbridled freedom, passion and graceful strength, power and beauty. So I meshed the horse design into the heart chakra of the dragon’s scaled chest to empower her heart in this way and opening to that freeing experience of letting yourself fully free.
The spiral symbolism came through in the shoulder and at the wing. These areas are represent flexibility, soaring to great heights, unfurling your wings, the way you communicate and express yourself (arms symbolize this and winged beings are connected with the air element which is also communicative), all of this being enhanced with flow and the beauty of cycles as natural and easy to embrace.
The spiral triskele at the root chakra anchors, grounds and helps integrate all that is opening and balances by drawing that energy down into the body and into the Earth.
The dragon has beautiful spikey horns at its crown which also draw that energy from Source into the body and transmit energy out to the world.
The dragon is in an upright very confident, yet graceful stance and sits perched on the tree branch/root balanced easily and is supported by the branch and trusts this. The branch bends, but it does not break. It is strong and flexible and when in partnership with the dragon that knows how to work her alchemy and trusts, they are like one rather than separate and support each other. This balance is evident throughout the design and is that balance that when integrated within, then becomes wholeness.
I created the tree gracefully as well and with spiral branch and root ends for that continuous journey of cycles and perfection in all that unfolds and veined the tree in an almost leaf design that shows it is alive and like the tree of life symbolism. I wanted there to be connections to the Earth and the natural, which is why some of the design is organic and natural and others are ethereal, magical and visionary. The repetition of the three leaves (integration) on the branch at the end of the three small semi-spiraled branches and the lotus at the root, which came through as symbolically important.
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. 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.
Then we move to the dragon’s tail that flows gracefully in a snake-like dance (serpents hold such powerful symbolism of transformation and life force) and is a connecting design of interlacing celtic knots, triskeles, and spirals all the way to the arrow-like end. It starts from the dragon’s base as a dark spiral that offsets the lighter spiral of the tree root (which looks like it could be a mirroring tail of the dragon curving the other way as well). Again the tree and dragon almost looking like one entity together and the light and dark spiral like that yin and yang and balancing nature. And journeying over the many intricate lacings of life, gingerly sits a ladybug who is content and easily rides in partnership with the dragon, peacefully, following where ever the knotted path may twist and turn. She is patient, trusting, and carries with her the light of blessings and luck that she will always find her way and is free to fly and return as she desires.
The contrast between the dragon’s strength and ability to crush something and the gentle fragility and grace of the ladybug make for a very powerful and interesting symbolism when put together. It speaks to our innate nature to master our energy and bring out the divine integrative nature of our being which is both aspects of power and gentleness, action and stillness, inner and outer strength, etc. It reflects an aspect of mastery of duality that is coming into balance – taming the inner beast, drawing out the creative force in an intentful and focused way, funneled through the heart, communicating strength in every utterance of spoken and unspoken even if done through the female graceful form, the ability we each have, no matter small or large, to conquer anything and to face all fears when we center in our wholeness and empowered authenticity.
There is also a loose heart design to the lower right of the ladybug on the underside of the tail that has the triple moon symbol in it and around it. They speak for themselves, as well as add to the journey being one you follow from your heart and full of the mysticism and power of that divine and sacred feminine wholeness and power.
And lastly, we come to the transcendent flames – the violet breath that morphs all things and takes them to their divine nature of wholeness and purity, to empower only the elements that are of benefit, and disintegrating the rest.
The flames emerge from the throat chakra and transmute all that is spoken into harmonious resonance with origin from the heart. The flames dance and intermingle and from them emerges the metamorphic, joyful, free and creative cosmic butterfly in a celtic knot design that sits at the top of a mandala of an organic multi-petaled daisy in its full blossom where the triple hares freely run, circling at center.
The triple hares are so powerful and represent the Trinity. Each of the ears are shared by two hares, but only three ears are shown.
Hares are symbolic of rebirth, luck, prosperity, creativity, quick-thinking, self-sacrifice, high fertility, agility, receptiveness, and speed, to name a few things. They herald a kind of waking life resurrection and a realization of increased vitality, energy, or a new-found excitement over life. Creativity is also a form of fertility and of ripening, fresh ideas so Hares can bring a message of nurturing your intuitive impulses and nudges from your heart and soul. Hares/Rabbits are powerfully profound in their transmutational energies. The Ancients found them one of the most mysterious and perplexing beings, thought to be hermaphrodites (male one month and female the next), with powers of self-impregnation. Since Hares reflect the idea of balance between masculine and feminine they are highly regarded as sacred, mediators of the sacred, and embodying actual creative powers of the Universe. Hares are also associated with the Moon, lunar cycles, and cyclical life, are considered creatures of fire – the “Sacred Fire” that is the same regenerative fire of the Phoenix – thus destruction and recreation of the heart of all life. They are connected with the dawn, enlightenment, Spring, the Cosmic Egg from which the Cosmos is produced, and embody balance, creative potency, eternity, androgyny, genius, and inspiration.
Then from the bottom of the daisy emerges a four petaled knot I created with balancing and emanating energy that flow through the bottom of the flames creating a stem like quality to the daisy, but also a sun emanating effect and the bottom of the flames at a point can either be ending there and releasing energy down and out through the arm and drawn from the root of the back and up, or can be an entrance point from the arm to draw in energy and up and through the center of your being…transmuting either way it starts or begins, through the energies of the symbolisms.
The four petaled knot felt important to bring in to solidify things and really manifest them at a very stabilizing level. The symbolic meaning of this number deals with stability and invokes the grounded nature of all things. They represent the four seasons, the four directions, four elements… all these amazingly powerful essences wrapped up in the nice square package of Four. Fours represent solidity, calmness, and home (home is where ever the heart is and is centered). It is an enduring number of strength and rootedness.
There’s so much more I could share, and yet this is just the impersonal symbolism that helps demonstrate how we can create such powerful layered portals of integrative energy through imagery. As I shared with my client, I love sharing this stuff to because I feel the symbolism is universally effective to helping the collective. I’ve had many people say they feel energy and get things from my own tattoos on my body, even though they are on my body and not theirs. That’s because symbolism is collective. Many feel they connect with the designs in synergy with their own similar stories. And I love people to understand how we can weave our stories and effect and support change energetically, while bringing people back to the sacredness of all things, not just this art form, but to our temple bodies and the sacredness of integrating our experience.
I hope you enjoy the energy of this magical sacred tattoo design. I am honored to have been a conduit for its manifestation.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. Remember that there is currently a waiting list and price changes are going to be in effect at start of 2014.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Sacred Tattoo Design Evolution – Waiting List & 2014 Rates
More and more, people are coming to find the process of sacred tattoo designing to reflect the current energy and to be another powerful tool to self-transformation and shifting into the frequencies of a new reality in creation. As people start opening to more of their authenticity and freedom, sacred tattoo designs are reflecting for them an expressive symbolism that matches the resonance of who they are finding behind the veils. And this also reflects in discovering greater depths to that expression, which is expansive and layered.
As this happens, the tattoo designs and designing process is expanding and deepening in mirror.
The Process Now:
Creating sacred tattoo designs combines several of my passions together – creative expression, the power of symbolism, alchemy, spirituality, mysticism, integrative healing, co-creation, and empowering others…to name a few 🙂
And the stories that I hear about the transformative experience people have gone through with the process of this, even if just to have a shift in perspective from reading my book, or feeling the energy from seeing sacred designs, is what continues to fuel my fire within to be of service for as long as that is of benefit to a greater good.
I embrace this role with utmost responsibility in partnership with each soul that I collaborate with. My ideas and ways about things may not mesh with the beliefs of others, including perhaps even the ideas of tattoo artists and their own visions, but that is the beauty of life – that we may all have valuable input and there is no right or wrong way – just unlimited ways to view, execute, and experience things. It’s a choice, not a rule.
When I am seeing the sacred symbolism, it is from the perspective of utilizing these designs as keys to unlock parts of yourself and therefore, to me they don’t follow a prescribed protocol or even a rule of thought learned in tattoo training. That may or may not be the way that your tattoo artist might see things, although still being an amazing artist and understanding the flow of the body for designs. So they can add their ingredients to the recipe of the piece in a way that feels good for you.
I know that likely the way my own tattoos have been executed may or may not be the way someone would have done them, but for me they are and have been a perfect tapestry that unfolded and work energetically in the way I intended. It is most important that YOU feel good with what you have. Nobody else’s opinions hold validity unless you choose them to. Including mine. I bring to the table a perspective and experience and from there it is a choice.
If the tattoo artist you choose to execute your piece shares different views with you, then you can choose to welcome their collaboration in on the execution as well. Either way, it ends up being a collaborative experience of the three of us in the creative expression of how the core essence ends up coming through in mirror to you. The design I create is the expression, as is channeled through me, from what I am receiving in connection with you, and acts as the core template. Some tweaks and adjustments usually take place in the inking process, as each artist has a particular vision or style, and if sizing shifts or the measurement flow calls for moving the parts of the design to align better, these easily come into being at that time. A team effort indeed, with each part being integral.
We are each unique and so to say that the service I provide is unique, may be redundant, however I do feel that it perhaps is one of the paths helping to pave “one” new way or perspective in the realm of tattoos that reflects the visionary I am. And, I believe is helping to create a new paradigm of experience.
The journey and process is very involved that we embark on with this and is just as layered as the designs themselves. It is sometimes hard to convey the totality of what goes into it all, which includes a lot of energetics, tuning in, and allowing the alchemy of percolation to come through, on top of the journeying down intimate roads with each soul that can span a lifetime and lifetimes. (An auto draft of this, as I write, was saved at 1:11:11) 🙂
Most people may not be aware of the layers to this process that goes on behind the scenes. And for those who have not experienced the process at all, in terms of what unfolds in collaborating with me, it is something I’m more than happy to discuss to help you understand if desired. It is a path that I didn’t contrive or try to create from the start, but came upon me as a natural part of who I am and what I have to share.
People may not realize the amount of work that goes into something like this that goes well beyond sitting down to draw, although I have only ever charged for the pencil to paper time and not the hours of preparation that goes into it, including the ongoing email consulting support. It is an extensive, simultaneous, intuitive, shamanic, mirroring , drawing out, and supportive coaching, along with drawing from Spirit, allowing the information to percolate in my day-to-day (as I find everything I do is seamlessly connected and affects the other), meditating, researching, and sharing – a very intensive, intricate, deep, sacred, time and commitment-dedicated experience. I care very deeply about the process, about each soul, and about doing all that I can to support that empowering experience. It is my service to others.
Some may do that through other forms of work and in this particular facet of my work, I am doing something that is going on behind-the-scenes and in deep energetic ways before the actual manifestation takes form. The effects are taking place in the ethers and translating into a natural expression experienced.
With Evolution Comes Change:
I find that things keep evolving with all facets of my work to reflect the changes taking place on so many levels, personally and collectively, and this has included an increase in depth of the work I am doing, as well as the energetic involvement that is part of each process. It becomes, as I’ve mentioned before, this seamless tapestry where life and service are not experienced in any contrasting differentiation, unless I specifically declare and put aside a time, out of time, for something in particular. But honestly, that still doesn’t separate the connection and how what we do is still tied in with everything else.
For me, however, I have chosen a life that is blatantly cohesive. Likely part of why I see so much symbolism and live by the sacredness and power of that symbolism.
And so, with that change I have seen the work with these sacred tattoo designs also increasing and extending in depth, content, and time-involvement.
I’m excited to also announce that one of my designs will be on the cover of an upcoming book. Details to come. I’m so honored and grateful to be part of this beautiful offering.
Rate Changes:
For anyone who doesn’t know, my hourly rate is $125 for the design work because I have wanted to help make this accessible to more people, whereas I could easily have charged a lot more for the particular kind of service (which combines a level of specialized intuitive support consulting) and amount of time I place into each loving co-creation – it is much more than a design process – it is a shamanic journey. And I LOVE the journey because I LOVE helping others.
I also provide payment plan options for those who receive support from that and have donated 40+ hours of design work to help raise money for non-profit organizations close to my heart.
In saying this, I have been nudged and guided that come 2014, my design work rates will be mirroring an increase to reflect a balanced value of exchange. (Rates to be announced)
I will also continue to offer discounts and specials to look out for and continue to offer payment plans as well.
Waiting List In Effect:
That being said, I also need to share that I have had to start a waiting list for sacred tattoo designs, given the amount of work flow coming in, alongside the other facets of my work. So, if you have a particular time-frame in mind that you need your design by, then you will want to make sure to let me know so we can ensure making that happen for you.
The way to hold your spot on the waiting list is to provide the 1 hour deposit of $125 upfront, just as was needed before, or as you have done before, but it will keep you in line, as I create the designs in the order that I receive them. If you have a rush job that must take place sooner than the waiting list time, contact me to discuss details and to see if I am capable of working off-hours to assist that – which would equate to a higher rate fee, reflectively.
I hope you understand the changes in effect. Everything reflects the constant evolution we are going through and to meet the quantum leaps and shifts we are making energetically, I am always melding into synergy to harmonize with that flow.
What the future holds in terms of sacred tattoo designs and my role in it, I do not know, but for now I am embracing what is here and now and am grateful I can be of assistance with this time of shifts through what I can offer.
I’d like to leave you with a few testimonials from some of the beautiful souls I have had honor to work with on some amazing pieces. Perhaps their words help reflect what I may fall short in expressing, in terms of the process that takes place and the connections made between myself and others on these intimate journeys.
When I read these, tears swell within me because I can’t imagine a greater joy than to feel the joy reflected back from others.
“Dear Tania, I don’t even know where to begin….It is BEYOND BEYOND ANYTHING I could have imagined.
Words really cannot express….I looked at the illustration for a long long time and I was like “Wow….That’s me. Here I am.” And I say that with so much pride and love. It feels like I am complete…like the closing of a circle in some way……I keep looking at it and I can’t believe that I will get to travel the glorious road ahead wearing something this BEAUTIFUL, this HEARTFELT…this AHHH-MAZING…. AND with a bird of paradise in it no less….my FAVORITE flower and I didn’t even tell you but there it was. Perfect. Just perfect.
I entrusted a part of my soul to you and you turned it into the most beautiful thing I could have ever imagined EVER….THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU…..DIVINE. DIVINE. DIVINE. DIVINE. My gratitude for you overflows like a cup full of water…” ~Raquel Griffin, Creative Director, Fashion Stylist, Fine Art Photographer
“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.
On top of everything else she gave me the opportunity to donate and sponsor her in a very special cause for animals which is a true blessing. I’m honored to be forever connected in such a special way to Tania through her creation. Forever Humbly Grateful” ~Venus Banguela, Holistic Health Coach, Certified Yoga Teacher, NYC www.infinitivewellness.com
“To me, getting tattoos has always been about the spiritual meaning of them. I would get to a point in my life when I would want to have a design that would signify an important accomplishment or change in my life.I have searched through many different means, ways to transform my life. I have never experienced anything as powerful and life-altering in a positive way as the experience of tattoos as Sacred and Spiritual.I began to try to find out if anyone else had these same experiences, if anyone else cared about the Sacred and Spiritual Energetic shifts that can occur with Tattoos. In my searching, I found Tania Marie who wrote a beautiful book called Spiritual Skin – Sacred Tattoos More Than Skin Deep. I was drawn to her book by the title, and it enhanced my experience even more.
Eventually, I was compelled to email Tania and discuss the possibility of having her work with me to design some Sacred Tattoos for me.
It is almost impossible to put into words what this experience has meant and continues to mean to me in my personal life. The process of co-creating with Tania, Sacred Skin that is meaningful and life-changing, is so much more than just designing a beautiful tattoo. So much more than mere ink on skin. Any good artist can create a beautiful design. But I know of no one who does the kind of work that Tania does.
Working with Tania is like working with someone on a different plane – someone who takes what you say about who you are, and listens to the energy behind your words. Tania has the beautiful ability and gift of being able to read a client’s energy and also to read the energy that is coming through from the universe that is most needed for the journey of wholeness to be made complete in the sacred tattoo design.
My heart and soul trusts this woman with complete openness and faith in her incredible ability to truly listen. This is a rare, rare gift, and it shows in the designs she creates for me.
My life has changed, and continues to change, in miraculous ways due to the Spiritual Skin designed by Tania Marie especially for me. These Sacred Designs are so much more than beautiful ink on skin – they truly are portals to different depths of experience of the fullness and wholeness of life.
I am blessed and honored beyond measure to be a part of such a Sacred and Transformative Process – working with this beautiful human being to bring in the healing designs that are what I need at that time.
May you be blessed with your choice to work with this truly gifted and spiritual woman. You will never regret one second of this choice.” In peace and love, Mari Braveheart-Dances
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
A Chance to Win a $400 Sacred Tattoo Design
Compassion sacred tattoo design
Copyright ©2013 Tania Marie
A lot of fun stuff, as promised in my newsletter, is on the way to include contests, give-aways, specials and discounts, as well as upcoming new sacred retreats and workshops all to support your empowerment, heart-opening, inspiration, and courageous, evolutionary shifts.
You’ve all seen this sacred tattoo design featured here (which many of you fell in love with) that I created a few weeks ago for the right heart it calls to, and now it can be yours if you are the lucky contest winner.
Here’s how you can enter the contest:
For the first 20 people that purchase my book Spiritual Skin between now and midnight on Thursday 6/6/13 you will be entered into a drawing to receive this beautiful Sacred Tattoo Design entitled “Compassion” worth $400 of design time created by me.
To be entered into the drawing you will need to email me a copy of your receipt to tania@spiritualskin.com that has your order confirmation.
The winner will be announced on Friday 6/7/13.
Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More Than Skin Deep contains a plethora of insights that will touch your life in more ways than your skin.
This special 8.5″ x 11″ full color, coffee table-sized, easy-to-read book is only $26.99 with free shipping at Amazon. (That’s only 6 1/2% of the free gift value you receive and 1 in 20 chance to win)
Plus you’ll come to understand how this sacred design and symbolism in general can integrate healing and enhance your life and more!
A recent reader of Spiritual Skin shared:
“I read your book and I have to say, I am not a reader, I buy a lot of books that I read half way and then give up. Your book is the only book that I have ever read every page of willingly. I’m writing to you in regards to a tattoo I would like you to design. I might actually want a few or just one big one. I’ve tried to meditate on it, but I can’t seem to quiet my mind completely. Asking you for your assistance just felt like the right thing to do. I have a Chakra book, a book on Egyptian yoga, I have audio books about the law of attraction, I have audio meditation guides that have been very helpful. I have books on angels (I love my angels), and I collect stones to try to meditate with them. I feel like I’m on the right path, but I’m just not getting something. Your book helped me understand a lot of what I have been reading about and listening to, more than everything I’ve been reading or listening to has. This is why I’m reaching out to you! Thank you for your time!” ~ Isabel C.
If by chance 20 isn’t reached by that time, whoever has purchased a copy will be in the drawing, which simply heightens your chances to win. 🙂
The book can also be purchased as a gift for someone or the design be given as a gift to someone if you win.
Spiritual Skin offers a new paradigm of enlightening perspectives on sacred tattoos that can positively enhance and transform your life.
You can purchase the book here: http://tinyurl.com/mt3ax4s
My Key of Life – Creating Portals with Key and Ankh Sacred Tattoo Symbolism
me getting my ankh tattoo done this saturday with james spooner
It was another transformational weekend here for me including being called off to the mountains yesterday and adding a small potent sacred tattoo to my Spiritual Skin.
This was not an involved piece in the least, but potent nonetheless. For years I felt it would likely at some point be on me and Saturday was the day. I had an Egyptian Ankh placed on my middle (fire) finger, which was something that had only come to me to do in just the few days preceding actually having it done.
It completes a circuit of energy on my right arm running between an other-worldly portal key I created on my forearm, through the serpent, and out through my fire finger with the “Key of Life.”
The ankh is simple and sits like a ring would between the upper knuckles of my middle finger, as pictured. When healed it will not be as dark as it appears, nor my finger swollen a bit 🙂
These two “keys” have very special personal meaning for me and where they are placed and the timing of having them are very aligned for how I am moving energy in my life, through the things I do and channel, and the realities and experiences I am creating and accessing.
Anyway, I always like to interweave how experiences I go through bring up information and symbolism that others may find of interest and helpful in weaving their own threads of experience. So I hope you enjoy the key and ankh symbolism I’m sharing today.
Being very symbolic, I love what keys represent and see everything as a “key” to alchemy. But to have actual activation “keys” was a very “real” way of making the realities I’m entering become even more tangible for me and bridging the spiritual and physical through the portals they create.
Symbols in life are very much like seeing/seeking keys that unlock doorways, open and reveal more to you and provide access through portals of experience. When you find the “key” you discover ways to solve challenges creatively, receive greater insight to things, and uncover mysteries.
The more we are open to “seeing” the keys/signs/clues, the more we find balance and empowerment. Sometimes the key is something so simple and overlooked, as in a different perspective, and then hidden realms become easily accessed.
Skeleton keys are particularly cool because they are cut in such a way that they can access many and all doors. I see the one I created on my forearm to be symbolic of this idea in a broader sense of Higher Wisdom and Love, Higher Self, and expansive Unity Consciousness that then is being channeled through the Kundalini and Primordial Cosmic Force and Energy of the Serpent, and then through the Ankh that the Serpent breathes life into for the manifestation of emerging life and creation.
Keys can symbolize knowledge, life, and love, as well as to many cultures, curiosity and mystery. It can also both be the route to something by means of selective access (a right of passage) to another level and a way to safe-keep things. It also answers the puzzle created by the maker of the lock.
my ankh, serpent and the bottom of my larger cosmic key
The ankh is also considered a key, known as the “Key of Life.” The ankh represents many things including life, the abundance we all have access to in living life, symbolizes the combination of elements to create life, magic, power, truth, the Divine and Sacred, vision, protection, mystery, hidden wisdom, covenant, provision, afterlife, immortality, unification, and evolutionary growth.
The sun is represented by the top loop of the ankh that joins at the Earth’s horizon. This union symbolizes life giving force that provides vital growth and abundance – a powerful symbol for the Ancient Egyptians.
The ankh also symbolizes the sacred union of male and female powers – for the Egyptians this was represented as the union between Osiris and Isis (another sacred tattoo I have on my back).
And to the Egyptians it was also a “key” to unlock the gateways into the mysterious realms and the afterlife. This is where the loop at the top is symbolized as a portal that is an opening leading to shifted consciousness and altered states of being.
Needless to say there is a lot in what I’ve created between the three energies on my arm – much more than I am able to expound upon. And I just found out today that a special soul to me very connected to our Egyptian “roots” just got an Egyptian tattoo with ankh in it as well on the right shoulder. Wow.
I like what Joseph “Joe” Panek writes in his blog post: The Egyptian Ankh (As A Symbol). He likes to share about how Ancient wisdom is revealed through symbolism, mythology, metaphor, sacred writings, natural cycles, and everyday life. Sounds like someone else I know. 😉
Here is his post and you can see it at the link above too:
The deeper we look into Nature, the more we come to the realization that there is an invisible life force which permeates all realms of creation. This mysterious life force, or Key of Life, was acknowledged, honored and respected by the Ancient Egyptians and was depicted in their artwork and hieroglyphs by way of the Symbol of the Ankh.
The Ankh, which represents the eternal process of creating, consists of a T-Shaped Cross surmounted by a Loop.
The T-Shaped Cross Symbolizes the masculine active Seed. The Loop Symbolizes the feminine receptive Womb.
These two principles, when united, bring forth creation, birth and Events throughout all of the seen and unseen realms of the universe.
The “T”, as the the masculine aspect of creation, is similar to the Symbolism of the Tau cross, the double-headed Axe and the hammer of Thor. All of these Symbols contain Three extremities. Three is the first masculine number. Three also represents the Trinity of Creation.
The Loop, as the feminine aspect of creation, is Symbolic of the birth passageway from which all created, or manifested, life emerges.
When the Tau Cross and the Loop are combined they form the image of a key; a key which the Egyptian Neters, the Divine Principles of Nature, hold in their hands.
The Ankh, or Key of Life, therefore Symbolizes the eternal process of continual creation and perpetual manifestation by way of the union of masculine and feminine aspects of Divinity.
In this respect the Ankh is the Breath of Life, the Hermetic Logos and the Aether of the Alchemists which instills life (the soul), into all living matter. Therefore it also represents the Spiritual DNA which stands forever ready to manifest life throughout all of the visible and invisible realms of the cosmos.
This ever-present and ever-active life force, Symbolized by the Ankh, is eternally and perpetually alive and available throughout all realms of the cosmos. It is a Power which exists whether or not mental or physical “life” is currently being manifested at any specific point in the universe.
In Egyptian artwork we often see one of the Neters holding the Ankh to the nostrils of a person. This gesture, on behalf of a specific Neter, is the bestowing of the “breath of life” to that particular person. This is Symbolic of the “breath of life”, or soul, which enters into our body at birth and which will eventually leave our body when our Current Incarnation comes to its end.
We also see artwork of Neters gazing into Mirrors which are in the shape of the Ankh through which they can view the reflections, results and Consequences of the persons, places, things and Events into which they have temporarily instilled the “breath of life”.
Egyptian men and women wore amulets in the shape of the Ankh in honor of this Divine Creative Process and also to serve as a reminder to be cautious of the Consequences which can result from Thoughts, deeds, Words and Actions which they are responsible for “giving life to”.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Kaleidoscopic Lotus Star Sacred Tattoo Design – Recreating Potentialities
Grace is beauty of form under the influence of freedom. ~Friedrich Schiller
Another amazingly magical and powerful sacred tattoo journey came to closure and yet it is also, simultaneously, just the beginning of the journey for this dear client and all that she is welcoming into her life.
I find that the energy is continually deepening and expanding for everyone, the collective, myself, and in turn, the sacred tattoo design process. The complexity of symbolism and layers that I am being challenged to convey are exciting to say the least and as I shared with my client before embarking on the creative journey of channeling her essence into manifestation,
“Whenever I have a really involved design to create, I always am like how the heck is that going to happen? And then I just say, shhh, it always does.”
This is a concept that has been with me since I first originally started professional work as an artist and designer and has increasingly grown. My very first commissioned pieces were extremely complex things I had never done before (in this life at least) and were commissioned by extremely left brained professionals (I do like to challenge myself), but I approached it from the get-go with confidence and trust that the ability to do anything was there within me and I needed only to engage and allow it through. I believe it is this way for us all.
For some reason there has always been this innate trust in this aspect of myself, regardless of what my mind might think otherwise, and I have chosen to go with the trust rather than the fear. Which is interesting, as usually the unseen and intangible can be the challenge to trust and things that are more logical and tangible are what we fall back to relying on. However, for me, it is my creative process and intuitive trust that has taught me how to extend this trust to other, and all areas, of my life.
That is how I approach life in general now, after experiencing my evolution through this.
And quite an evolution this magical piece is. The synchronous and interesting journey from start to finish, the timing, the story, and the personal things each of us, me and my client, were experiencing each step of the way. There could be a whole other book on these journeys, and yet I could never capture the magic even if I tried.
With each journey, my clients will share things they have as intents, things that are meaningful or desired to incorporate whether literal or abstract, and then I draw upon these and tune in to which feel most supportive for current empowering, what other things may be supportive, and how to have these things portrayed that will optimally embody the energy intended.
As I always share, there is so much to each design and everyone sees and receives differently from viewing them, which makes them personal and collective. Things always seem to reveal themselves in fullness to me “after” I complete the design. I only trust what I’m being guided to create when I’m creating, getting abstract essence hits on the meaning, but it is when I am done with a portion of it, and then again when it is completely done, and I sit back and look at what has channeled, that I receive that a-ha moment, smile, chuckle, shake my head and say, “Wow, I get it.”
Here’s some information about this piece’s symbolism, which I shared with my client. Sometimes I delve deeper to help people see what is possible to incorporate in complex layers embedded within these sacred designs, while other times I let them speak for themselves. This is one of the deeper times. 🙂
The main elements incorporated into the design are Tara, Hummingbird, Butterfly, Bee, Stag, Sea Shell, and Lotus. The way in which the style came through was a combination of ethereal, star-like, and an integration that creates an organically cosmic essence both anchoring and ascending, emanating, yet very centered, balanced and all emerging from the wholeness at core.
This portal of her spiritual journey I created comes through the center/heart center of the Lotus, which almost spirals and creates etherically and organically, as it constantly blossoms and emerges, with new petals continually recreating themselves. The Lotus itself I also created as a Lotus “Star” (cosmic flower), almost like an Infinity Star, and also has the quality of the life giving source of the Sun with its energy emanating in powerful grace. This came into play with a special name my client had been given that personifies her and her constantly evolving journey with it and is the core essence of this piece. And so too the Lotus is one that is constantly creating itself the way I designed it…think a kaleidoscope and peering in to see the Lotus transforming. That’s how I was seeing it and capturing it in a drawing.
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.
Each of the animal spirit guides are at the corners of the Lotus and because they are emerging as spirit guide wisdom are there supportively when needed as a presence that moves in and out of dimensional existence. They came through more ethereal and with creative energy, so you see them as uniquely designed to represent that creative power to come through abundantly and manifesting from nothing into vision and like energy just emerging into creation. The Bee I did a bit more tangibly, as I felt that some of the elements are in process of creatively materializing and some are materialized, and others just simply are present always in essence.
The Deer spirit guide came through as a Stag and its design is almost cosmic in nature. It is in the right diagonal bottom corner. He is graceful and confident, looking up and beyond. Deer symbolism includes, but is not limited to love, grace, gentleness, kindness, compassion, innocence, peace, beauty, fertility, femininity, humility, swiftness, acceptance, regrowth, renewal, creativity, spirituality, psychic power, subtlety, higher connection, awareness, abundance, benevolence, watchfulness, and is associated with the moon, the dawn, and the easterly directions. The stag in particular symbolizes the same, but includes masculinity (which brings balance), regeneration, guidance, healing, connection to the Earth and forest, alertness, pride, independence, purification, strength, and nobility.
Then there is the Butterfly at the top right above him. It came through in an Asian motif emerging from the Lotus. The Butterfly is a symbol of joy and longevity as well as are messengers of powerfully transformative healing and regenerative energy and symbolism to the indigenous peoples across time. They symbolize the precious miracle of life, hope, love, transmutation, magick, reincarnation – to the Maya, butterflies are seen as ancestors returning for a visit to physicality and have a very earth and cosmic bridging connection (ex: the galactic butterfly symbol – Hunab Ku powerfully broadcasts your reaching to actively join the consciousness of our galaxy), resurrection, transition, communication, celebration, lightness, time, soul, unquestioning embrace, freedom, keeping the faith, grace.
Then there’s the Hummingbird at the top left corner emerging. It came through in a henna-like, mehndi design. The Hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy and the Nectar of Life, as well as a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.
At the bottom left corner is the Bee, which symbolizes understanding female warrior energy, connection to the Goddess Diana, reincarnation, communication with the dead, helping earth-bound spirits move on to their proper place (work that you have been involved with that has been challenging energetically), concentration, prosperity, fertility, and sexuality. The Bee is also a symbol for accomplishing the impossible and anything you put your mind to, as aerodynamically its body is too large for its wings and should not be able to fly. The Bee reminds you to extract the honey of life (that empowerment of fun, joy, opening your heart to the epitome of love and life and to life fully and uninhibitedly). The Bee also makes our lives fertile with ideas, creativity, and productivity with the promise of fulfillment if we pursue our dreams. Its honeycomb, a hexagon, is the symbol of the heart and represents the sweetness of life found within your own heart and is also the symbol of the sun and its energies. The Bee reminds you to savor the honey of life, do all you can do to make your life fertile and examine your life to make it more efficient and supportive. The Bee also is a strong symbolism of the circle of life and balance that they create, as such an important part of our ecosystem.
Interestingly, this last weekend while hiking (during the process of channeling this design), we had come upon a bunch of bees and were watching them amongst the flowers, as well as a bunch of ants that were traveling across the trail carrying things to their nest. It made me ponder about the powerful symbolism and message these little beings have for life that we could learn from that would assist in creating a new paradigm. I reflected on the way they live with no concept of definitions between work and play, just “being” and with the focus of the greater good through every act they do on their own. It is all connected and they don’t see any separation. And I watched as they helped each other and all was about supporting the Source, building together, nurturing and being part of the collective tapestry.
So there is a lot of balance in the design, not just in the above and below balance you see with Tara and the Seashell, but also with each of these four corner animal spirit guides and anchored at center, within, and at each outer edge, without.
There is also a mixture of eclectic exotics with the Asian Butterfly motif design, the mehndi Hummingbird, Hindu/Tibetan Tara, cosmic and organic qualities.
I created a leaf and vine design extending up and around Tara from the Lotus and Hummingbird and Butterfly in a Yin/Yang effect of flipping the design on each side for balance. There is some good general information at this link that you can read about Tara: Tara, Goddess of Peace and Protection and especially certain aspects jumped out at me, after I had created the design. Here are some snippets from the link:
“It is told that Tara first appeared rising from a lotus blossom in the lake that had formed from Avalokitesvara’s tears of compassion, tears that fell when he first beheld the scope of suffering in the world.” – interesting how I instinctively depicted Tara rising from the Lotus.
Another image of the design that was captured near midnight when I had finished it. I loved the “golden” ethereal quality that came through this image
Besides being the Mother Creator, “in Sanskrit, the name Tara means Star, but she was also called She Who Brings Forth Life, The Great Compassionate Mother, and The Embodiment of Wisdom, and the Great Protectress.” – goes along with the Starseed essence, the Lotus Star, and the powerful Divine Feminine Goddess Energy that is integrated into all of this that was desired from my client.
“Tara embodies the feminine strengths of great caring and compassion, the ability to endure stressful and even terrifying moments, the acts of creation, and the source of sustenance and protection. Demonstrating the psychological flexibility that is granted to the female spirit, the goddess Tara, in some of her human forms, could be quite fierce and wild. Refugees fleeing the horrors of the occupation of Tibet by the Chinese armies recounted numerous stories of the Green Tara that protected them during their torture and guided their flight to freedom. In other of her forms, such as the White Tara, she embodied inner peace and spiritual acceptance. She symbolizes purity and is thought to be part of every good and virtuous woman. Tara is an archetype of our own inner wisdom. She guides and protects us as we navigate the depths of our unconscious minds, helping us to transform consciousness, our own personal journeys of freedom. It is the goddess Tara who helps us to remain “centered”. The myths of the Goddess Tara remind us of our “oneness” with all of creation and the importance of nurturing the spirit within.” – speaks for itself and how she is anchoring the “above” part of the Lotus, guiding and centering the journey and holding that connectedness to everything.
At the bottom is the Sea Shell (a very beautiful, graceful and delicate conch) anchoring in and drawing the energy in balance to the Earth and into the depths within and through the lower Chakras. Sea Shells are symbolic of femininity, birth, regeneration, renewal, expansion, fertility, water, life, love, the Moon, a journey across the sea of life (pilgrim of life), and the Universal matrix (because of their spiral shape) as well as infinity. In China they represent good fortune and good life in the afterworld. In Buddhism the conch represents the voice of Buddha and is said to awaken one from ignorance. In Islam, it represents hearing the Divine Word. In Greece and Rome the conch shell is a symbol of the sea god. In Hinduism it is a symbol of Vishnu as lord or the waters. The Mayans associated the conch with waters and with the sea gods as well. The Sea Shell also represents the unconscious mind and so in its position it helps to uncover, listen to and heart the messages of our shadow parts that are deep within to be discovered and integrated. My client has a connection with the ocean and ocean beings, as well as communicates with the animal world, but for some reason the depiction of a dolphin or whale, did not feel to come through in a literal way. The Sea Shell to me was speaking more loudly and seems to embody and personify all of the beings of the sea, while connecting with the Earth and beyond and is a form of connecting with our inner voice, telepathy, communicating with animals and other beings and people, of sound and sound healing, and the importance of listening within – as when you hold a conch shell to your ear, you can hear the ocean and many messages through it as a way to dial in to the deeper parts of yourself. So the Sea Shell is a way to harness that communication skill at levels only detected by the inner ear.
All of the four elements of Water, Air, Earth, Fire, and Ether/Spirit are symbolically personified and conveyed, as well in the design, and in some ways many of the images overlap with their symbolism, representing more than one element. And the Lotus is like a flowering star and emanating Sun, while also connects that deep feminine divinity of Moon quality essence as well.
There is a passion and fire that comes through etherically in the life giving, creative energy that is pulsating gently and intentfully from this.
The design, in totality, also holds the message of life having infinite possibilities. That you are connected to all the power, wisdom and potential there is. Everything is accessible to you. All of it. Right here and right now. Sometimes we forget this truth and stop dreaming, but this is a reminder of everything that is available to you and awaiting you. A constant reminder of the beauty, power and limitless energy that flows through you to make your world what you desire it to be. There’s something magical about it that empowers you to reach toward your full and unique potential. You are powerful beyond measure “All that is” is within you. The Lotus portal star in center, is the center of wholeness that is you (my client and each of us) and from within you, all things are possible and you are always connected to the abundance of creative potential and Divine Love that is You and All Things.
This design is about 10 1/2” tall by 71/2” wide including the emanating light shaded energy coming off of the design.
I so enjoy being challenged by each unique soul and energy that is coming through. The evolution of designs is mirroring the evolution of energy shifting. I can observe this transformation when I look over the designs I’ve created, seeing the personal and collective changes simultaneously taking place in terms of what we are tapping into.
I really enjoyed worked with the quality of energy from this piece and how it came through in depiction. It is definitely unique, which may seem redundant, as each person’s energy IS different, but this particular vibration was a new octave to tap into. Its organic cosmic essence in a kaleidoscopic depiction of wholeness within constantly transforming creation energies that are perfect in their individual evolution and yet eternally unified in connection, was exciting. And bringing in the Sacred Feminine that is at the heart of our integration potentialities in this way with the essence of something that is shifting and always recreating itself while centered, peaceful and balanced – quite the energy!
If you’d like to see an example of another vegan tattoo conveying a message of compassion, you can find it here: Vegan Sacred Tattoo Design. This design is available if it calls to your heart.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
“V” for Vegan – Pure & Simple Sacred Tattoo Design
Vegan logos have gone through an evolution, but the message and symbolism remains the same:
“Veganism is pure and beautiful, a growth towards the perfection of compassion in action, victorious, alive and the part of the ultimate peace movement. An idealistic peace not just amongst human beings but peace with other species and our environment.” ~ http://vegansociety.jp/
I was asked to create a personalized “V” for a vegan animal activist who wanted simply to wear his statement of life path choice and compassionate mission in life as a signifying mark on his “Spiritual Skin.”
Nothing fancy. Just a new “V” that felt more aligned with him than “V’s” he’d seen out there and yet still felt to be part of the collective veganism movement. Something stand-alone potent and symbolic in its own unique way.
Use of the “V” symbol has become a signifying symbol for things certified vegan or certifying an organization fostering veganism. It also has come to designate that something involves “no animal testing or ingredients.” And of course, has been adopted by people who choose the veganism lifestyle, philosophy, and beliefs.
Pictured here you can see some examples of the “V” symbols out there found at http://vegansociety.jp/.
The “V campaign” has spread far and wide including at one time being found all over Facebook with vegans adopting the “V” in a circle by their name to signify their life choice, until Facebook took that option away. You now only see a few stragglers who managed to find a way to keep it.
It’s also been a way for consumers to more easily and quickly identify completely vegan, animal-free products – meaning they contain no animal products, were not tested on animals, and they did not involve the use of animal products in their manufacture.
As the use of the “V” spreads, it will also be a way to easily identify companies that share people’s support of veganism. And, the logo definitely also propels veganism into the mainstream of public consciousness more, raising interest in, and awareness of, the vegan lifestyle that people have chosen, as well as makes it easier and more accessible to take part in.
We’ve seen a tremendous increase in the number of people who are making conscious choices based on their own individual reasons, in reflection to shifts in their life, and this has led to more and more people adopting a vegan lifestyle. For many, it is a life commitment choice that people choose and desire to share as a reflection of who they are.
Today’s sacred tattoo design is representative of one person’s unique voice who has chosen to speak for the voiceless.
If you’d like to see an example of another vegan tattoo conveying a message of compassion, you can find it here: Vegan Sacred Tattoo Design. This design is available if it calls to your heart.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
A Message of Compassion ~ Vegan Sacred Tattoo Design Available
Every sacred tattoo design I create is an honor and deeply moves me. Having soul resonance not just with each person I co-create with and support, but also with the vast eclectic, collective symbolisms and stories that channel through, really completes me.
I find this to be some of the most fulfilling work that I do because it encompasses so much of who I am, beyond who you see in the flesh before you, as well as has such empowering effects for others and the collective.
I’m excited about the pieces I’m currently involved with working on right now and today’s sharing has a special place in my heart on many levels.
Today’s sacred tattoo design is of great honor to share, as it is an integrative healing message that channeled through from a collective pool of energy. It is actually one I created for the sake of creativity and expressing a powerful vision that was guided to come through (much like my paintings).
It is available, if it calls to your heart.
I had been commissioned a couple of weeks ago to help create a sacred tattoo design for a special soul who is vegan and wanted something sacred that conveyed his individual life path choice of veganism and what it meant for him worn proudly on his skin.
I get inquiries and requests a lot about vegan/compassion- themed designs from people that are choosing to live more compassionately from the choices on their plate, to the ways they support the environment, and how they are consciously choosing to also embody more of this into their daily experiences with self, others, and all of life.
For some reason a lot of this has come in, not even just in terms of tattoo discussions and incorporating part of that in their design, but also in terms of people making life shifts they are transitioning through that have collective impact for all living beings, the Earth and Cosmos at large.
Perhaps this is why, I kept receiving a message to create a specifically symbolic design to mirror this energy that is abound and when actually sitting down to work on a piece for this person that was completely vegan-themed, it was a catalyst for this to evolve after. The other piece, along with a few more I’ve been working on, will be shared another day, but this design that channeled through, felt to be important to share now.
Once I completed the sacred tattoo design for my client, I felt compelled to create this manifestation of the essence that had been streaming in from another channel. It originated as an abstract essence that included multi-layers of integrative healing symbolism and unconditional compassion with a collective message, as well as created a powerful individual statement of life path choice.
The “V” vine and leaves that frame the Buddha’s Third Eye both expands the energy/message/unconditional compassion out through the crown as the “V” widens, as well as draws and focuses the energy into the body with the “V” pointing down. (The “V” has become a symbol chosen for many vegans to convey their life choice path.)
Interestingly, when I saw it completed, I remembered this vision had been one that has come in and out at different intervals over the last couple of years, but hadn’t fully formed until now. Timing is everything 🙂
As I’ve mentioned before, these individual sacred tattoo stories also have a connective thread to supporting more than the person it has been created for, as we are all connected. And when one person realizes their true being, all human beings have the same potential. But this is the first time that rather than creating an imprint from tuning in to ONE particular soul within the tapestry, I was downloading and receiving from the COLLECTIVE tapestry and I feel that there is someone’s voice this piece was funneling.
This happens often, especially when I’m in creative mode and tapping into that unlimited energy, that I start receiving and things percolate at the same time. This is how I am constantly being engaged in processes, so that when I actually go to do the work, the work is already done and I merely have to allow it to come through.
Needless to say, this is the first design that is actually not created for a particular person in mind, although, as I shared, I sense that I was drawing in an essence mirroring of someone. And so, this sacred tattoo design will be the first of perhaps others to come that I am offering for purchase, already completed.
If this piece speaks to you as a reflection of your authentic soul essence story or feels to convey the collective message you embody, you can contact me to purchase this sacred tattoo design to wear as your “Spiritual Skin.”
For this piece, rather than go into layers of detailed descriptions on symbolism, I would rather the voices of these visionaries convey the heart-full message:
A human being is part of a whole, called by us the ‘Universe’ – a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. ~ Albert Einstein
Lots of people talk to animals…. Not very many listen, though…. That’s the problem. ~ Benjamin Hoff
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France
Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes! ~ Theophile Gautier
An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~ Martin Buber
Animals can communicate quite well. And they do. And generally speaking, they are ignored. ~ Alice Walker
Because the heart beats under a covering of hair, of fur, feathers, or wings, it is, for that reason, to be of no account? ~ Jean Paul Richter
I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being. ~ Abraham Lincoln
All beings tremble before violence. All fear death, all love life. See yourself in others. Then whom can you hurt? What harm can you do? ~ Buddha
The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man. ~ Charles Darwin
What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected. ~ Chief Seattle
I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. ~ William Penn
Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace. ~ Albert Schweitzer
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Native American Indian Sacred “Soul Tapestry” Tattoo Design
Another week of sacred tattoo designs is in flow again. I love these individually unique journeys I am honored to get to take with each of the beautiful souls I co-create with.
Today is the first of three new designs I’ll be sharing. I was inspired by Native American Indian energy and art I’ve experienced, which spoke loudly from the get-go for this client, the minute I started to tune in. I later found out she was part Native American when I shared my feeling of direction I was going. It also felt to be a powerful bleed through from past life experiences and energy that was prominent.
Without much to go on except some themes, I worked away at receiving what wanted to through to assist in the essence of intents she had.
This piece is intuited for her upper back/higher heart area and as always I created the design in shades of blacks and grays, which can then be decided upon with the tattoo artist if it will remain as such or be added to with color. My client was feeling drawn to delicate colors and this I feel would look lovely if chosen as such, or as it is. Staying light and ethereal for this would will add to its energy I feel. The original design is 7” wide by 11” high. When working with detail it’s not recommended to go small in order to retain the delicate touches. Bigger is always better and will be more pleasing over time.
As mentioned, I kept getting native American Indian energy from the get-go. So I was pleased to hear the connection and her resonation with this. And a lot of powerful symbolism wanted through which I enmeshed in this Native American Indian woman’s (representing my client) shawl. She stands empowered, grounded, integrated, centered and looking up and beyond to the left, welcoming courageously, peacefully and with great heart joy, the new found wisdom and direction her journey is now taking her.
She is illuminated by the Great Central Sun’s radiating beams that also seem to emanate from her. That spiral at her Crown Chakra, which is the oldest symbol known to be used in spiritual practices, reflects the universal pattern of growth and evolution. The spiral represents the goddess, the womb, fertility and life force energy. Reflected in the natural world, the Spiral is found in human physiology, plants, minerals, animals, energy patterns, weather, growth and death. The Spiral is a sacred symbol that reminds us of our evolving journey in life. When used as a personal talisman, the Spiral helps consciousness to accept the turnings and changes of life as it evolves. The acceptance of change is one of the greatest freedoms a human can experience, putting consciousness in the present moment where the power of creation is condensed. On a larger scale, using this symbol assures all beings are reminded of their inward and outward evolution, a balanced and centered state of mind.
The spiral repeats throughout the design and I also incorporated a moth with spiral antennaes that shape a heart at her Heart Chakra, lotus designs, buffalo medicine (white one in this case) and horse medicine (black one in this case), as well as butterfly and leaves of the Earth that all flow up and down her Chakras and anchor her, as well as give flight to her journey with each of their symbolism they carry.
I felt something very grounding, integrative, forward moving, expansive, and opening to another level of drawing in a new frequency of energy, was wanting through (keeping with that natural harmony within and without) and so this interwoven tapestry of wisdom and empowerment came through as her Higher Self wisdom revealed.
Here is some more on the specific symbolism included.
Lotus symbolism: This 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.
I love the symbolism that Avia Venefica always has to impart. Here is some information on the rest of the symbolism included.
Moth symbolism: vulnerability, determination, subtlety, intuition, faith, dreams, shadows, otherworldliness, secret knowledge, psychic awareness…The moth is a nocturnal creature and even in navigation, when we observe the moth to fly into artificial light or flames, the moth demonstrates its faith and determination. It is still unproven as to why the moth is driven to light – but the best hypothesis is that the moth navigates by lunar light. In the absence of moonlight, the moth moves to the next best thing: man-made light. Even at the risk of losing its life, the moth is ever-vigilant in following its path of light. This may also serve as a moral to us to keep our own vigilance, but not fall victim of blind faith. Those with the moth totem will find this creature a magnificent assistant in developing higher awareness, and psychic enhancement. We gather these symbolic attributes because night creatures conduct their life-sustaining activities in complete darkness. As humans, we may translate this as symbolic of living our lives by intuitive feeling rather than physical sensory perception. Philosophically speaking, night creatures do not tumble in the dark, and neither do humans. We use our dreams, our awareness, and our deeper, inner knowing to navigate through the darkest hours of our lives. Faith is another tool we use to move through shadowy times of uncertainty, and the moth also shares this aspect. The moth never questions provision. She has complete faith that all of her needs will be meet each night.
Buffalo symbolism: provision, gratitude, abundance, consistency, strength, stability, blessing, prosperity…the Buffalo is a sacred animal the Native American Indians and is a true reminder of the greater whole. The Buffalo is like a hologram – one example of abundance – it’s behemoth features are a physical manifestation of the store-holds available in the energetic realms. The White Buffalo is considered incredibly holy. When the White Buffalo comes into our awareness (dreams, vision or even while hiking) it is a huge sign of promise, and great prosperity is soon to come after sighting this regal creature. Buffalo reminds us that we are always provisioned and our attitude towards abundance influences the rest of this planet.
Horse symbolism: power, grace, beauty, nobility, strength, freedom…The Horse symbol meanings of power are widespread through most cultures, and it is linked as an emblem of life-force. Many cultures assign the attributes of the four elements to the Horse: Earth, Fire, Air and Water. As a Native American symbol, the Horse symbol meanings combine the grounded power of the earth with the whispers of wisdom found in the spirit winds. The Horse has long been honored has helper, messenger, and harbinger of spirit knowledge to the Native American. Considered wild and an emblem of freedom, the Native American sees many potentialities in the symbolic nature of this noble creature. Another aspect of Native American symbol meanings of the horse comes with the understanding that the wild freedom of the Horse can be harnessed and used to the benefit of the tribe. This understanding comes only when man and beast enter a silent contract, acknowledging mutual respect and awareness of responsibility to each other. Black Horse: mystery, death, night, secret, messenger of esoteric knowledge.
Butterfly symbolism: Butterflies are messengers of powerfully transformative healing and regenerative energy and symbolism to the indigenous peoples across time. They symbolize the precious miracle of life, hope, love, transmutation, magick, joy, reincarnation – to the Maya, butterflies are seen as ancestors returning for a visit to physicality and have a very earth and cosmic bridging connection (ex: the galactic butterfly symbol – Hunab Ku powerfully broadcasts your reaching to actively join the consciousness of our galaxy), resurrection, transition, communication, celebration, lightness, time, soul, unquestioning embrace, freedom, keeping the faith, grace…phew!…it felt to be speaking to another aspect of my client in this greater expansion sense with her shifting work, community sharing, spreading of her wings in deeper ways of service and heart-deepening, more and more.
There’s always so much more to the designs than I can possibly write about, but I like each person to feel what it speaks to them and to know that energetically so much is imbued and will be felt and activated regardless of whether or not we are literally aware of the specifics.
I’m grateful for this opportunity to support another soul’s beautiful and transformational journey and to help manifest a sacred design, soul-mirror-template for empowerment.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin, 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 and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
The Continued Rise of Spiritual Tattoos Especially Among Women & Yoginis
Photo by Jill Shropshire from the article Spiritual Expression: Yoginis & Their Tattoos
I love seeing how the symbolism of tattoos as a spiritual expression continues to spread. It makes me smile to witness the increase of reading about and hearing from others on this subject, including personal experiences of the depth in which this sacred body art resurgence is collectively supporting energetic shifts.
There definitely seems to be a continued parallel between a conscious, evolving spiritual journey and spiritually reflective tattoos.
A few days ago Allison Jacobson (my dear friend that you may have remembered having gone through her own major sacred tattoo transformation with the Sacred Scarab Goddess tattoo design I helped her create) posted the article, Spiritual Expression: Yoginis & Their Tattoos, on Facebook.
Not only does this article by Sara Lovelace share some light-hearted takes on, as she puts it, the “parade of personality in a yoga class,” it also proceeds to discuss the “feminine revolution” and how the “growth in female yoga practitioners in the last decade dramatically parallels the rise in the percentage of women getting tattoos.”
“One study said women are 59 percent of the tattooed population.”
The article links both yoga and tattoos as “ancient forms of spiritual expression.”
Sound familiar? 😉
I particularly got a giggle out of her sharing this:
“Spending hundreds of dollars on spiritual garbs isn’t, perhaps, what the ancient yogis had in mind. I don’t remember Pantajali saying anything about moisture wicking organic cotton fair trade om editiontank tops. Maybe I read the abridged version.”
And loved her personal view on the feminine revolution and how it translates for her, adding, “There is a Hindu goddess by the name of Lirbai who is depicted as being covered in tattoos—full sleeves, actually. She has female worshippers who adorn their bodies with tattoos in tribute to her. When I see this Goddess, I’m so relieved to see myself staring back. To look back and not turn into a pillar of salt, but find evidence of my own divinity. I can see it in you too, sisters.”
This reminds me of a quote I share in my book Spiritual Skin:
“A man without tattoos is invisible to the Gods.” ~Iban Proverb
It also brings to mind the chapter where I include information about your body as a temple, which equates to being, by definition, a dwelling place of God or a divinity. Yes, sacred tattoos are one way to integrate the physical and spiritual into the divine wholeness of which is innately you.
As I’ve shared in my recent radio interviews, articles and book, a recent survey shares that 1/3 of the people getting tattoos choose designs reflecting their spiritual or religious beliefs and first-timers are especially prone to get this genre of tattoos. This all points to the new paradigm of awakening into our divine wholeness, rapidly spreading.
In my recent post Women and Tattoos: An Historically Symbolic Evolution of the Divine Female I shared in tandem with Sara Lovelace about the rise in women getting tattoos, as well as discussed its reflection to the Divine Female and Divine Male, and spiritual tattoos as self-expressive forms of transformation and empowerment. The post was tied in with the short article titled, “A Secret History of Women and Tattoo,” by Maria Lokke that focused on the thriving tattoo culture, especially among women, accompanied by beautiful images of tattooed women in history.
The article stated:
“In fact, 2012 was the first year in which more women than men were tattooed in the U.S (twenty-three per cent of women, compared with nineteen per cent of men).”
It’s an interesting story that is rewriting itself, as we journey further into the collective experience we are sharing together.
If you’d like to read the whole article by Sara Lovelace, you can do so here:
From Vision to Skin – Another Sacred Tattoo Design Comes Full Circle
Co-creating meaningful and transformatively powerful sacred tattoo designs is one of my passions and calls to service. Not only has this process been hugely supportive to my own personal evolution, but it has also helped many along their own paths of conscious growth and integrative healing.
I embrace this role very seriously, as it can be such a powerful tool to shift not only one’s reality, but DNA as well. 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.
If you haven’t read my article on that you can read it here: Sacred Tattoos: Personal Portals to Genetic Rewiring
A recent survey shares that 1/3 of the people getting tattoos choose designs reflecting their spiritual or religious beliefs and first-timers are especially prone to get this genre of tattoos.
I’ve recently been a guest on some radio shows where the focus of the interviews was discussing this new paradigm of sacred body art that is growing in reach, depth, and expansion across the globe. It’s really amazing to see how much this spiritual art form is increasingly becoming a hot, yet conscious topic of interest for many.
I love to see and feel the results of what my clients experience in all stages of the process we engage intimately in, in order to manifest an “essence” capture into form for them. I really enjoy hearing about how they use the designs as meditative art to help integrate the energy until they have it actually inked on to their skin, but it’s truly a beautiful thing to see the personal expressions of their souls come to life in the flesh and to hear about their life-enhancing shifts as a result. It’s truly an honor to walk a part of their journey in life with them.
Today, another beautiful journey has come full circle and I wanted to share images of the before and after results of the creation of one very happy client’s “Spiritual Skin.”
These images are of the Sacred Celtic Mandala Tattoo Design (for more info about this design and its symbolism please see the link) that many people had really loved, so I thought you would all enjoy seeing the final results of this magickal piece.
Dan, at Dan’s Tattoo Shop in Hayden, Idaho, is the tattoo artist who beautifully captured the design onto my client’s skin. It’s always a team effort between the three of us – client, designer and tattoo artist.
I’m so pleased to hear how happy my client is. She shared, “…you really captured my spirit.” And this is part of the reason I am called to support people with this journey of choice – to be a channel for sacred designs that are catalysts for change and personal truth.
To view more of my sacred tattoo designs visit: Tattoo Gallery
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process, pricing, and some testimonials please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book, as well as see what other readers have to share about how they have been touched and transformed by its content here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin