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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
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
Radio Interview with John Fortuna: “That’s What He Said” Explores the World of Sacred Tattoos
Today I had the honor and pleasure to be a guest on “That’s What He Said“ with John Fortuna, “World’s Most Honest Psychic,” intuitive, author, and teacher who has helped thousands with his special intuitive gifts and professional counseling experience over the last 26 years.
I really enjoyed connecting with John, as he has such a lovely energy. I found the timing of our radio interview falling on the Libra Full Moon to be a beautiful and synchronous reflection of creating harmonious relationships between self and others. Very fortuitous indeed and one of those Universal winks. 😉
I also loved the synchronicity of John’s family and their connection with tattoos, as his wife is contemplating a second now at 43 after her first (at 40) intentful design, his daughter has the desire to be a tattoo artist and practices on her parents with tattoo sharpies, and John has been considering his own sacred design as well. How beautiful is that?!
You can catch our show at this archived link: That’s What He Said
The title of the show will include his two guests today, myself and Belinda Farrell, a Certified Master NLP Practitioner, a Certified Master Hypnotherapist, a Reconnective Healing™ Practitioner Level III, and a Huna practitioner and healer.
It is a two-hour show starting off with John and Belinda discussing her transformational work and book, “Find Your Friggin’ Joy” for the first hour, followed by the interview with me. You can listen to the whole show, as there are valuable things to learn from Belinda’s sharings, or you can also fast forward to 58:36 for the start of the second half where you will jump right in with John and I discussing “Spiritual Skin.”
Here is another direct link to today’s show as well, without looking through the archives: That’s What He Said
Loving gratitude to John for sharing his time and interest in this sacred art and for such a beautiful interview. I hope you enjoy it.
A Little About John:
John Fortuna has known he was different since age 6, when he found a fortune telling deck in his parent’s room and began using them to read people and discern their futures. At age seven, John was involved in a hit and run accident; while unconscious he had a near death experience in which a woman in all white appeared and gave him the option to go back to his mother or stay with her.
John chose to return home, but her final words inspire him to this day, “ Now that you know the truth, you can never live your life the same.”
Since then, people of all ages, cultures, and religions have sought his wisdom and counsel. People wait months to speak with him in private sessions and leave with a sense of calm serenity and hope. People from every continent look to John for answers about their relationships, careers, and even their spiritual paths.
John Fortuna’s unique perspective is enhanced by his spiritual beliefs, professional experience as a family counselor and child protective services social worker, and his commitment to his wife and children.
John believes it is through the choices we make with our free will, we set in motion a pattern of events. It is up to you to follow that path through to the end or make a change and break the cycle.
“That’s What He Said…” explores people’s most pertinent questions about relationships, finances, career, health, family and spirituality. His honest answers, sharp wit, and accurate readings amaze his fans week after week.
To Contact Me And For More Information:
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
Celtic Butterfly and Tree of Life Sacred Tattoo Design
As mentioned, I’ve been in flowing with the beautiful Celtic energy this week in the most recent wave of new sacred tattoo designs. I had a lot of fun working with this current piece and the essences of things my clients wanted to see embodied in this design.
Each piece I design is so unique because they embody the energy of each individual soul and so they take me on these limitless journeys that not only creatively challenge me to draw from the limitless source of the Universe, but beautifully fill me with the honor of experiencing such brilliant lights along the way.
This sacred design combines the symbolism of Butterfly medicine, the Tree of Life, Spiral and Heart energy, and the Trinity Knot. Interestingly, this pieces is ALSO going on my client’s inner left forearm. Quite the synchronicities flowing energetically with these!
The image that first came to me in right away was a butterfly for this client. Butterfly medicine symbolizes transformation, celebration, transition, lightness, soul, time, grace, elegance, freedom, joy and bliss, miracles, flexibility, cycles of life, creativity, gentleness, preciousness of life, as well as the medicine the ability and clarity of mind needed before self-transformation.
I felt to create a more abstract butterfly, as is mirroring of her unique style, with beautifully Celtic-inspired wing designs that held symbolism in them as well. I included Spiral and Trinity Knot designs that it unveils with spreaded wings. A Spiral, signifying growth, spins into a Trinity Knot, symbol of eternity – therefore symbolizing a spirit journeying into the infinite.
This Butterfly also represents the more feminine aspects with her gracefulness and curved wings and design, and that connection with understanding both the strength and fragility simultaneously in life.
I set it off with a stylized Tree of Life that blends the Spiral energy throughout and merges the top Spirals into Hearts. The Tree of Life captures the essence of Celtic belief in the interconnectedness of all things – earth and sky, plants, animals and all beings – in the cycle of life. This Tree of Life depicts a tree, leaves opening in the new Spiral cycles of life into eternal journeys that lead to abundant of heart expansion in the process. The trees roots grounding in the earth and the limbs reaching in different directions of where the path will lead on the continuous journey of enlightened awareness.
There is a vulnerability of Heart (hence the addition of the Spirals creating Hearts at top – also to represent the deepening and opening of my client’s own heart to embrace unconditional love and compassion for self and others always through the journey) and strength present. There is also a focused energy in creating the very clear and asymmetrical design with symbols that have both Triangular points and Circular energy (which we learned in the last Celtic design post are both symbols that represent clarity). The Circle symbolizing also your self-awareness within the construct of the universe and cosmic consciousness and of course, eternity. The Trianglular shapes of the Trinity Knot pointing upright is a visual symbol of ascension and brings the concept of duality to a third position of integration and harmony. The peak at top symbolizes higher thought, inspiration, enlightenment, oneness of mind, aspiration, focus, unity consciousness. In this way it helps to focus and center the inner conflicts in order to be in stillness of peace with the wholeness of who you are and within that peace to be guided by your authentic voice.
The Butterfly and Tree of Life merge at center and share the same body from which their energy unfurls into individual beautiful through the growth cycles. This shared body creates a strong foundation that is grounded and focused, yet from this center of groundedness, has the freedom to take flight and flow – the root wholeness and sum of the individual paths taken along the soul journey.
These symbols felt very empowering in terms of the energy intents to embody – those of enhanced feminine power, sweetness, yet strength, tenderness, awareness, gentleness, clarity of mind, and a time of honesty within self.
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
Sacred Celtic Mandala Tattoo Design
I love observing the shifts that take place and the energy that flows in at any given time. It’s all very telling…always. They seem to come in waves and this especially holds true with the sacred tattoo energy I help co-create. There definitely feels to be an energetic pattern or commonality that aligns.
As shared, there was a big surge of “Africa” energy for a while and a lot of Divine Male clients all at once, then a major shift into Shamanic energy, and now we come into the enchanting Celtic flow.
It’s really fun to be able to travel the eclectic, mystical waters as I dive into where the next co-creative sacred tattoos will take me.
Today’s design I’m sharing is what channeled through as a sort of magickal Celtic Mandala integrating both a sacred geometry and organic energy together. The symbols that came through for it (mirroring of my client) were the Spiral, Triple Spiral, Triangle, Circle, Daffodil, and Dragonfly. This piece was intuited for my client’s left inner forearm, at the widest area just under the vein where you give blood.
A little about the symbolism in it, as I know everyone likes to see what all is possible to bring into sacred tattoo designs:
The Triple Spiral represents drawing in the three powers of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone and is a sign of feminine power and empowerment through transition and growth. It’s called the Threefold in this case when that center triangular shape with hole is present, representing the hub and signifying unity of the three power.
The Spiral, which I added to the Triple Spiral arms and inside of the Dragonfly represents ethereal energy radiating both outward and inward and symbolizes growth, birth and expansion consciousness, as well as the continuous cycles of life.
Both the Circle and Triangle commonly symbolize clarity. The Circle symbolizing also your self-awareness within the construct of the universe and cosmic consciousness and of course, eternity. The Triangle pointing upright is a visual symbol of ascension and brings the concept of duality to a third position of integration and harmony. The peak at top symbolizes higher thought, inspiration, enlightenment, oneness of mind, aspiration, focus, unity consciousness. In this way it helps you focus and center the inner conflicts in order to be in stillness of peace with the wholeness of who you are and within that peace to be guided by your authentic voice.
My client resonates with wild flowers, like me, and Daffodils immediately struck me. The daffodil has beautiful symbolism that felt very balancing for this piece. Daffodils are symbols of rebirth, new beginnings (as they are connected to March and the Spring Equinox that heralds a new season), good fortune and luck (you never want to have or give just one as it is said this will not bring good fortune, but more than one is fortuitous – I added three in the design to keep with the energy), ray of hope and light ahead, assists in reminding you to be in your heart and not let ego lead you, purity, the sun always shining down upon you, and joy. The flowers I felt to make more organic, to balance the more abstract qualities to bring in that energy of sensitivity, sweetness, tenderness, and gentleness, as well as connection to the Earth Mother and Nature.
The Number 3 generally symbolizes creative power, growth, magic, intuition, expression, versatility, pure joy of creativity, celebration, very goddess energy connected and reflective of the Empress in the Tarot, overcoming duality, manifestation, integration, complete cycles, flow.
The Dragonfly symbolizes also prosperity, good luck, strength, peace, harmony, purity, but also change, change of perspective, going beyond the surface to the deeper meanings of life, power, poise, maturity, elegance, grace, defeat of self-created illusions, clear vision into the realities of life, discovery of your own abilities and your true self, removal of doubts, self-discovery, removal of inhibitions, living in the moment, living to the fullest, and ability to see beyond human limitations. I created the Dragonfly as a mixture of magickal and organic to be that energy of Divinity within the Human Temple Body where physical and spiritual meet, and created it in a more flowy quality to bring in that femininity and natural elegance.
I integrated all of them to create a very potent and focused energy that also had room to flow and grow in an organic nature – balancing right and left brain and bringing a wisdom and alchemy of how to work in that middle space that knows how and when to use each part in the attainment of the whole. While the Mandala itself was lovely, I felt that combining a magickal dragonfly flying toward it would signify the continuous journey of evolution and to work towards consistence presence and mindfulness in your conscious awareness and choices. There is also a sense of drawing energy inward and outward at the same time within the Mandala, and a blossoming energy, along with a bit of alchemical mysticism.
This all felt to be perfectly mirroring of the essence my client had expressed and that came through for where she is at, what she is celebrating, and what she is moving into and intending to create.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s journey, as we continue with the Celtic flow.
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
Radio Interview with Lady Dee of Mind Magick: Spiritual Tattoos for Transformation & Empowerment
Tonight I had the beautiful opportunity to be a guest of Mind Magick with Lady Dee on Culture Freedom Radio. She interviewed me with some really great questions focusing on my book “Spiritual Skin” and the topic of sacred tattoos. We also delved into a deeper discussion of the “magick” that sacred tattoos can play as a supportive role in this new paradigm awakening – a reminder of your Divine nature.
If you missed the show live, you can listen to the full interview at this link:
Spiritual Tattoos for Transformation and Empowerment
Loving gratitude to Lady Dee for such a beautiful and enjoyable interview, and for honoring this sacred art with her loving attention and interest.
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
Enchanting Shaman’s Necklace Sacred Tattoo Design ~ Earth, Sea & the Eternal Mystery
Another magickal sacred tattoo design journey came to closure while I was away in Utah. As I mentioned recently, there has been a lot of beautiful shamanic and integrative energy of Earth and Cosmos flowing in through the collective hearts. And that means for me, tapping into the energies I really love when creating these powerful and unique reflections.
I love that I was able to work on and complete the full process while I was away in Utah’s nature. It is beautiful country there and being in the enchanting snow, mountains and forests was great energy to immerse in for channeling this piece.
However, the piece channeled through in vision and essence when I visited the beach here at Crystal Cove, right before leaving to Utah, and then came into manifestation on my trip. This combination helped to integrate the perfect blend of energy my client had wanted. It’s always is a treat to see how things unfold when you flow with where you are guided, as my beach walk was a last minute embrace, which proved fruitful in anchoring the energies of both Sea and Earth.
Hence, the energy of this sacred tattoo is an infusion of Sea, Earth and Cosmos into a magickal/shaman blend that has sort of an enchanting, light, graceful, yet potent feel to it. The essence of things my client had expressed came through in imagery that sort of melds into almost an enchantress who has descended from the stars to nurture and seed the earth she loves. So, while connected to that ancient Earth energy, it is also otherworldly and demonstrative of the reason that brought her to Earth to share and support what she loves.
It also integrates light and shadow aspects that meet in harmony through the heart and voice (which is where they will sit on the Heart and Throat Chakra areas). It was an exciting evolution to witness and feel the design unfolding, as well as to experience the transitions of my client from tattoo to tattoo we’ve co-created together. Major shifts indeed that mirror the seasons of change.
This sacred tattoo design is quite large and will drape from left (Wolf) to right (Raven) of neck, cascading down into the décolleté – creating an enchanting, alive shaman’s necklace. From the sides of neck, it will then sort of flow down the skin at the base of neck, and where neck and chest and neck and between the shoulders connects.
In between Raven and Wolf is this flow of Earth, Sea, and Cosmos energy melding together a nautilus shell, hummingbird, flowers, fan shell, watery waves, feathers, cosmic stars, and a butterfly, to represent the Galactic Butterfly (or Hunab Ku) symbolism.
I love how the hummingbird hovers at the Heart Chakra and at center of this shapeshifting tapestry, since legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation – perfect mirroring essence for my client’s evolutionary and miraculous journey.
Some times I like to refrain from describing too much, as I like the designs to speak for themselves, relative to the viewer and wearer. In this case, I would love to share what my client expressed about it, as she so beautifully expressed the essence of her piece that I had felt channeling through her in energy and visuals. She speaks the language of my visions and I feel that her expression demonstrates how an open channel created between myself and each soul I co-create with, can result in a perfectly reflective connection during the process that does not need to be communicated in words, yet is received in heart and mind, telepathically.
In my client’s own words about her Spiritual Skin:
“It is an amazing piece. Very much what I am feeling within. I do love all the symbolism. I also see a great-bodied snake right under Wolf, going into the nautilus shell. I love the subtle designs on that part, as well as how it flows into the shell. The feathers coming down on each side are graceful and flowing. Wolf and Raven at the top are just as I feel them – Guardians.
As Wolf, I keep my nose close to the ground for the next scent. I mostly know and am sure of where I am now. Instinctual, close to the earth – as Wolf, I know I cannot take the next step without knowing where I am now. And I am learning that that is all that is important – to fully inhabit my place right at this moment. Wolf sniffs out the Earth-path. As Raven, I am transported away from the earth, and go traveling to seek what I need to know in order to take that next step. This is what Raven does – and knowing this is my answer. Raven travels in the ethers to retrieve what is hidden and brings it into the light. Their purposes are interwoven, and used in tandem.
I love the fantastical shapes of energy that is changing, not stagnant. Love Hummingbird drinking of the nectar of life. I love the waves, and the feeling of the sea throughout the piece. It is very sensual. The balance is incredible. Balance of shapes and feel, Sea and Earth. Sky. There is much fire energy elsewhere and here was needed the solid stability of Earth and Water – I will even say that where Hummingbird is drinking her nectar – the area that is a sort of oval – reminds me of the Sacred Vagina. I love that. I don’t think it is obvious, but to my mind it is sacred. It is a perfect blend of Earth, Sea, Sky, and the Eternal Mystery.
This star-space under/a part of Raven – is, to me, the entrance to the Mystery. The place Raven goes for help and healing and information. The black hole in the universe that She flies into and back. It is Her secret and sacred entrance to All that Is.
Oh, I am really uplifted by this piece, Tania! I mean the energy is rising up into my chest and this is what I needed. It is an honor to work with you, as the energy is so fluid and real between us. I ride the wave of this Beautiful energy and am thankful beyond words for your channeling. For listening to me with your heart and with your Inner Eyes of Understanding and Perception.”
Reflecting the gratitude and love right back at you dear one. I am honored to walk this journey with such exquisite souls.
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
Africa Under My Skin – An Epic Sacred Tattoo Design Journey
I just completed a very unique sacred tattoo design that not only reflected my client’s life, but took me along on his epic journey in heart and spirit. I’m filled with emotion right now as I write this, so this will likely be a short post on this very powerful piece.
It wasn’t until the design came to closure that I suddenly was hit with the energetic magnitude of it.
This happens often, as while I am in the midst of channeling, I am in that suspended place of receiving and bringing forth. It is at the end that all that came through and manifested, suddenly integrates into experience. And when I step back to take it in, all of the encoded layers really knock on my heart.
Interestingly, I received the request for this piece and read the story while I was in transit, traveling. Very apropos, as you’ll read why.
I also have found it very interesting that this is the fourth sacred tattoo design that is connected with Africa. I have recently helped co-create three designs for male clients who live in Africa, and one that has a very strong connection to Africa and had been traveling there while I was creating his design.
Again, I’m not sure what the full meaning of this is, but I’m honored to be part of these journeys and to be assisting energetically in supporting transformational shifts in that part of that world. I also understand there is meaning for my soul history in this region from things I know in my past, which is why I have felt called there at some point soon too.
Anyway, needless to say, this was a beautiful journey and here is a little about the symbolism.
I took in the energy of my client’s journey and incorporated the specifics he wanted in a way that would emulate the essence of his desires and more. St. Christopher was one of those elements, along with a map of Africa. In the process, I came to see how much St. Christopher is part of his life, and in many ways also symbolizes an aspect of my client. He has carried with him a medallion of St. Christopher since he was one year old, given to him from his grandfather.
A little about St. Christopher: He is the Patron Saint of travelers whose name means “Christ carrier.” St. Christopher is depicted as a tall, robust middle-aged bearded man carrying a staff and Christ child on his shoulders as he wades across a river. He devoted his life to carrying people across an impassable stream and one day a child appears who asks to be carried across too. Surprisingly, the child steadily increases in weight as Christopher carries him across until the point his tiny burden becomes almost too heavy to bear. He then asks the holy child why he weighs so much, to which the child replies that he carries the weight of the world’s sins upon his shoulders. As a reward for his service, Christopher’s staff is miraculously transformed into a living tree, and Christopher himself became the Patron Saint of travelers.
As mentioned, there were many layers to this design, including St. Christopher. The child carried also symbolizes my client’s son, along with aspects of himself…the child who was born in Africa, his inner child, and the child at heart that has returned to Africa – both integrating healing at this time. St. Christopher’s robe flows as the outline of Africa on the left, he looks up at the child, but also up and towards Africa. The child holds the Earth globe in his hands, as the future of the Earth is in the hands of our children, but also as they say, the child replies that he is so heavy to St. Christopher because he is carrying the world’s sins upon his shoulders. The fact that St. Christopher is standing in the water, to me not only depicts his carrying people across waters in travel safely, but also is symbolic of cleansing and renewal, which is what my client is experiencing on his journey and what he is assisting in support of Africa’s people. His journey of helping to link tiny villages and communities for assistance through the bridging of roads is supported and protected by St. Christopher.
Within the map of Africa I also faintly made it somewhat topographic, but also the shadings could be seen as roads, as well as veins and muscle. I wanted Africa to feel alive and pulsing, the way my client explained her to be. So the way I drew it was to emulate almost a heart and veins and blood. I wanted to depict it as he felt it to, beneath the skin, part of him, and emerging out of from under his skin – and also creating in effect, an ancientness of his Mother country.
As my client shared, he feels Africa to be “under my skin and her dirt runs through my veins.”
He also explained that they have a saying there that the reason the soil is so red in Africa is because of all of the blood that has been spilled on her. He shares, “I believe this could be true, but I also have never seen kindness anywhere in the world in all of the places I have traveled to, as the kindness you will find in Africa.”
The whole piece is very “epic” in nature – passing down a legendary story of his life and a piece of Africa’s essence, through his spiritual skin.
As the title of my book goes, “Spiritual Skin – Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep.”
This tattoo really emulates the spirit of this meaning. I am beyond grateful to walk with each soul on their journeys. It is TRULY an honor.
In Lak’ech Ala K’in
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
Shape-Shifting Sacred Tattoo Design: A Shaman’s Magickal Journey of Emergence
Back in the sacred tattoo design energy flow again, with several powerful pieces emerging. So many of these latest designs are holding amazing shaman, animal medicine, and shape-shifting energy. I love it, love the energy of each of the soul’s they are channeling through, and I am loving how the visions manifest into being!
The shamanic energy really feels prevalent right now, as more and more people are revealing and honing in on these gifts in a focus of return to natural harmony with Mother Earth and the Cosmos as their powerfully integrated selves.
Today’s Spiritual Skin focus is just that – A Shaman’s Magickal Journeyof Emergence. I am officially claiming that I fall in love with each piece I have the honor and pleasure of working collaboratively on and with each I continually uncover the bountiful creative expressions of the collective heart.
This design integrates several powerful symbolisms that mirrored my client’s essence self along with her journey of deeper personal and collective opening in heart service and empowerment.
I always listen and allow myself to be guided to what best hones in on the particular energy in the now moment and that embodies most supportively what would be empowering for each client.
Many times I have much to draw upon and much that is shared beautifully in our interactive consulting dialogue, and so it is always important that I fine tune in to just which frequencies are sharing their music most prominently. Some times I receive images and symbols that are not shared and they become space holders for the new energy, are symbolic of parts of their essence they hadn’t been focused on, and/or end up revealing things my client had forgotten to share or had significance in ways at the time were part of their journey into discovery.
In the case of this one, there were stand-out images and symbolism that definitely came through and I loved how everything wove together like a fine and intricately beautiful web of expression.
Many times, like with this design, I receive images and visions before I hear specifics from my clients, or have read what they have shared. I love when they are reiterated literally or in energy through their expressions.
One of the images that hadn’t been revealed in consulting, but came into being with this piece was the swallowtail butterfly.
Aside from the swallowtail having the butterfly symbolism mentioned below they also are symbols of innovation, which in part came from studies on the reflection and scattering of light by the scales on their wings, which led to the innovation of more efficient light-emitting diodes – LED. Who knew?! They are also butterflies of fairly open country and wide ranges of migration – freedom adventurer travelers indeed. And, with at least 550 species, members of the family are found on all continents except Antarctica making them quite a collective and eclectic butterfly family. The family also includes the largest butterflies in the world, the Birdwing butterflies of Australia. Swallowtails are different in a number of anatomical traits from from all other butterflies, most notably, their caterpillars possess a unique organ behind their heads, called the osmeterium. Not only are they diverse, visionary, and adventurers, but they are highly unique beings with an extra bit of brain power! 🙂
Needless to say, butterfly medicine came through instead of some of the other literal image depictions that had been conveyed, in a burst of vision where a swallowtail unveiled its wings as the unfurling of my client’s “beingness.”
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.
I also love this sharing about Native American Butterfly Legends by Denise Handlon titled Butterflies – Symbols of Life and Hope:
“Some tribes in the Native American culture believe that butterflies can take one’s wishes up to the Great Spirit. Capture a butterfly, whisper your wish to it, and release it to the heavens. It is believed that all wishes will be granted in gratitude for the freedom of this delicate creature. Other Native American stories include the story of the ‘Children who refused to walk’. In order to get the babies to move from four legs to two a handful of pebbles were thrown into the air and as they scattered they changed into beautifully colored butterflies. The children were so delighted they jumped up and began to chase the butterflies.
Some people believe that the Fancy Shawl Dance, as exhibited in ceremonial Powwows, is believed to have been derived from the ‘butterfly dance’. It is the story of a young butterfly whose mate was killed in battle. After removing her beautiful wings she wrapped herself in a drab cocoon and isolated in her lodge. Family and friends stopped by to console her, but she was wrought with grief. Not wanting to be a burden to her tribe she took her wings and medicine bundle and journeyed far and wide.
As she travelled across field and streams, she stepped lightly on each stone, her eyes downcast. It was in this way that she spotted a beautiful stone and her grieving heart was healed. Filled with gratitude for a new life of joy and renewal, she shrugged off the cocoon unwrapped her wings and began to dance a joyful dance.
When she arrived back to her tribe she told her People of the journey she took and the healing stone she discovered. In celebration, the People danced to celebrate a new beginning. To this day, the butterfly dance is danced using brightly adorned shawls in The Fancy Shawl Dance.”
The butterfly that emerged in this particularl sacred tattoo design also portrays that integration and centeredness with having one foot in each world of physical and nonphysical and setting the heart a-flight with the way my client is bridging with her work and travels.
Depicted is a Native American Indian shaman/medicine woman shape-shifting collectively as all of what she embodies and portrays, but remaining individually unique simultaneously. I created her to look somewhat lion-like in facial featuring, as well as brought in some of the deer power animal essence through her facial energy, which had been another aspect of this client’s guides. She wears feathers, perhaps of the eagle or owl in her hair (again more of her guides), entwined twigs and leaves of Mother Earth, and her caped shawl with lion main emerging reminds me almost of the furry bear garments of the Native American Indians (bear and lion both also guides). But the stand-out was the lion and he emerges from her heart and throat chakras –his main and her hair and shawl all merging and integrating, his face doubling as the curvature of her neck and breast, and as the support system of the shoulder area and upper body standing in strength.
At the solar plexus a lotus essence almost like ethereal fire, emerges atop the butterfly with energy integrating into the lion’s mane, her hair and shawl. The swallowtail at the lower 2 chakra areas being released and freeing its creative abundance and joyful breadth of life-giving. Her hands are embracing of letting go within the power of knowing all is within to work alchemy as the magician, shaman and medicine woman that she is.
I see the depictions of all the elements here of earth, fire, air, water and spirit in symbolism.
This sacred tattoo was seen as energetically most supportive on the back – in that upper back area of the heart, higher heart chakra, just below the base of neck to really open and deepen those energies being shared in service and emanating at heart and soul.
I like to let the image reflect to each person what they receive from it, as there is so much more that unveils over time and to different eyes and open hearts than what I could possible share or see. I am in sort of channel trance of receiving when creating so I don’t always piece it all together until it actually manifests. I merely hold the essence and visions at heart until then. My service is to be a conduit for the image to come through and to integrate and weave it into its symbolic form as Spiritual Skin.
This piece of course is hugely rooted in shamanism, centeredness, balance, groundedness, empowerment, expansion, opening, releasing and honoring, as well as deepening emergence. Always so many layers that are much “more than skin deep” images.
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
Sacred Elephant Tattoo Design for the Heart Chakra
Sacred Elephant Tattoo Design for the Heart Chakra – Click on photo to enlarge
I’ve been so excited to see many of my clients having their sacred tattoo designs brought to life in the flesh this year. 2013 really seems to be an empowering opening for everyone and these Spiritual Skin symbolisms are helping the new energies to take form. I’ve enjoyed the images sent in, and shared, of finalized tattoos and tattoos in the process from my clients. It’s also been an honor to also see some of them in person.
The journey is always an individual one and based on a combination of divine and personal timing coming together synchronously. For this reason, some of the designs I helped co-create last year, are now just manifesting physically, but I’m also seeing the speeding up process, as my newest clients have all been immediately turning around their designs in ink!
This weekend I finalized the last of three sacred tattoo designs for 3 male clients I was working on this week. They have all been so powerful and really took me through quite a journey with each.
This last one is a beautiful marking point to end this energetic grouping with. It is the co-creation of the design work I donated towards a vegan-themed tattoo to the silent auction at Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres in Acton, CA, which helped raise funds to continue the dedicated work Farm Sanctuary does in rescue, education and advocacy.
All three of these recent pieces were large, this one being the biggest so far at 10 inches wide by 14 inches tall in measurement. It’s intended to sit center of the chest with head at the Heart Chakra, ear to ear spanning from nipple to nipple, and then trunk tapering down to navel. Pretty powerful and offsets a sort of Yin/Yang energy to my client’s full back piece.
After much reflection on the energies and ideas presented, I felt very drawn to only focusing on the elephant that you see pictured here, as it has such a presence and strength to carry the energy of the symbolism, without a lot more. Integrating layers and aspects within the elephant, representative of a personal soul journey inwardly evolving into manifestation, rather than outside of the elephant, felt resonating. It also felt aligned to keep this design on the more organic and realism side, with some elements of magical and spiritual more subtle rather than poignant, as my client’s back piece was.
Less was more in this area of the Heart Chakra to come from a place of simplistic, yet powerful truth.
I focused on the elephant, a Swahili word, Furaha – which means joy, musical resonance (the Treble Clef), the Sun and Moon depictions, and a Gerber “Daisy” to symbolize homage for my client’s beloved animal companion that bears that name. These came through as the most important aspects to represent and convey.
The elephant depiction is an artistic representation of a beloved photograph by Nick Brandt, a favorite photographer of my client’s. The background, when inked, will reflect (as only a hint in the design template shows) will be like the background in the photo, keeping the elephant in a natural environment, and yet there is a sort of surreal aspect in the desolate plane and the clouds, with the elephant so regally and powerfully present. Darkening the shading near and around the elephant and then diminishing/softening, as it extends out so it is like something materializing, is my vision expressed for how this will come into being when inked.
I placed the Treble Clef in the trunk. You can see it, but it is also worked into the trunk to be a little hidden. I felt since the elephant’s trunk is the way it communicates through sound, this to be a mirroring place, plus the fact we often hear of the elephants “trumpeting” their sound, hence the music overlay.
In the elephant’s right ear (left when facing) I worked into the elephants folds of the ear, the Gerber Daisy in homage to the animal companion in my client’s life named Daisy. And in the elephant’s left ear (right when facing) at the bottom folds I worked in the Swahili word Furaha that was very important also this client. I wanted it not to stand out like a sore thumb, but to look like part of the design. The sun and the moon I placed at the Third Eye/Crown Chakra area of the elephant. The crescent moon supporting and cradling the sun image above and overlaying it (both worked into the folds of the skin a bit) with a infinite spiral center. This felt to be a way to bring integration into the enlightenment aspect (and the journey of ascending , evolution, and centered power) of the elephant and focused and emanating energy. I liked having the sun and moon together in a sort of Yin/Yang balancing way. It also felt to be creating a very intentful energy when you gaze upon the elephant that draws in and gives out from the center of “beingness”.
Close up of integrated symbols into the elephant – click on image to enlarge
A little more on the symbolism involved, as I love to share how very intricate things are, even in their seeming simplicity:
The daisy (a symbol of gentleness, innocence and sweetness of life) in the right ear lends its energy to that of the left brain (which is our more male/analytical/logical part of brain). So the daisy brings this softening to that aspect and lends an “ear” to listening compassionately to others. The word “Furaha” in the left ear, associated with the right brain of (female/intuitive/creative part of brain), brings the essence of joy to this process when we wisely let these aspects guide us in integrated balance with our wisdom. Here we listen to all aspects of life in presence, both within and without, giving and receiving joy in the process of embracing.
The Treble Clef trunk lends its energy to speaking, communicating, engaging, sharing, from the music of your heart and in harmony and synergy with your trueness, as well as to and with others. Understanding there is a subtle musical essence in how we speak and in everything we create and these tones are important in relaying the core essence and energy behind what is shared. So it helps to be mindful of integrating the feeling with the action and having them vibrate and harmonize as one. To speak from your truth and to share your individual song with the world.
The sun and moon help to keep that presence of mind and intention and to stay balanced, centered, integrated, mindful, and having that gentle strength that exudes from within.
Here is some information on Elephant symbolism for anyone interested:
Marveled by the Chinese, Indians and Africans as the most auspicious symbol from the animal kingdom embodying strength, dignity, virility, fertility, prudence, wisdom and intelligence, the elephant is worshipped and honored, sacred and loved. In Buddhism, the elephant is one of the eight precious holy animals and the India God Ganesha (remover of obstacles) is pictured as having the head of an elephant – signs of revered greatness.
In Feng Shui, the Elephant is considered a sacred symbol. Although it is often used to symbolize power, wisdom, strength and fertility, it can also be used to symbolize longevity and success. It can act as the grantor of wishes and as the protector of the household. For most feng shui applications, the elephants are usually depicted with the trunk up, as this symbolizes the showering of good luck, prosperity and victory.
Elephant Wisdom:
Strength
Royalty
Connection to ancient wisdom
Removal of obstacles and barriers
Confidence
Patience
Using education opportunities
There is always more than meets the eye in how I piece things together, than simply a drawing or putting things where ever they fit.
I’m excited to see this come into manifestation soon and excited that James Spooner, Los Angeles vegan tattoo artist, will again be co-collaborating on this one. Fun! James will, as he does beautifully, add his own artistic flair and tweaks to the piece and it becomes, as each sacred tattoo design does, collaborative effort of all three people together.
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