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Transformational Empowerment Sacred Tattoo Design
The energy of this latest sacred tattoo design feels appropriate for today’s Equinox energy and perhaps as you read through some of the symbolism it embodies, you’ll come to see why I feel it may be a good visual for the insights I shared about in today’s post about Autumn’s return: “Falling” Into the Grace of You – Welcome Autumn Equinox
The drawing is done to scale to fit on my client’s entire left forearm, to the measurements he provided me. The longest length and width both being 12 inches. He already has a full right forearm piece and this one would be an energetic counterpart to that, but also mirroring his current journey.
This design will wrap around the forearm, so the left and right sides were created to come together and match up with each other when they do meet. It is created to face the viewer as seen by someone who is looking at you when you extend your arm to them.
The longer 12 inch area at center where the crane is, is meant to be on the inner forearm and the rest will wrap around his arm, bringing the lion and elephant to the outer parts of it on top. The indented area at the wrist is to provide 2 inches of space on the top of the forearm, where he will later be creating hand pieces to extend into each of his arms, in order to provide room to flow those designs from the hands into the wrists.
The design has a flowing energy that is a blend of divine male and female in the aspects depicted. My client’s right arm energy symbolism feels much more masculine, so I wanted to create a nice, softening balance to that on his left arm, which does represent the more divine feminine qualities within each of us. However, still keeping it strong and interlacing a lot of sacred geometry as well, which is that divine male aspect. This left forearm is meant to show a bit of his inner/vulnerable/intuitive/magickal elements, but in a very empowering way – strength in vulnerability.
It also interweaves soul elements, symbols that are part of his journey, animal spirit guides, elements that support him into his wholeness, symbols he’s worked with in the past, the transformative energy taking place in his life, and the eternal expansiveness and beauty of his unique soul.
He only provided me two elements he really wanted to be a part of the design, which are the lion and elephant. The rest was up to me to intuit together.
The piece was quite the journey to create and a lot of intricacy to layer and weave just right, as I had quite a large canvas to work with, which helps AND also adds to the balance needing to be worked into each part of the story unfolding.
These are the symbols/images that showed up along with some symbolism included. Everything weaves one into another:
- Top right corner – lion: a solar animal of wisdom, strength, personal power, assertiveness, loyalty, majesty, courage, dignity, justice, balance in relationships and emotions, the alchemy of gold
- Butterfly emerging from the lion – butterfly 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 clarity of mind needed before self-transformation and the ability of the soul to embrace it
- At center top – merkaba – “Mer” means Light. “Ka” means Spirit. “Ba” means Body. Mer-Ka-Ba means the spirit/body surrounded by counter-rotating fields of light, (wheels within wheels), spirals of energy as in DNA, which transports spirit/body from one dimension to another.
- An hour glass with sands sifting through that merges with the lion’s mane/energy and stems from the cherry blossom tree below it – hourglass represents time, cycles, nature, balance, transience, inevitability, temporal, transitions, one half is the sky – other is the earth – creating integration of the material and ethereal
- Cherry blossoms throughout on left and right from the growing branches of the cherry blossom trees rooted from below at wrist and expanding/growing up – The breathtaking but brief beauty of the cherry blossoms, according to Buddhist tradition, symbolizes the transient nature of life. They also reflect, in traditional Japanese values, that of purity and simplicity. The cherry blossom is also tied with the samurai culture, representing the fleeting nature of the samurai’s life and symbolic of drops of blood. They also represent the arrival of Spring, end of Winter, end of difficult/challenging periods, joy, beauty, freshness, new generation, life cycle, beauty and sexuality, love in a language of herbs, promise of fruit to come – fruits of your labor revealing in abundance.
- Crane at center with sort of watery design around – crane represents balance, grace, longevity, success, royalty, using your past as a source of strength in the present, protection, quiet wisdom, peace with the inward journey and with solitude
- Torus-like, sacred flower at center by crane – cosmic and life flow
- A lot of energy flows that keep things fluid throughout, alive, and also soften the energy, as well as provide an organic balance to the sacred geometry
- Temple-like feel to the center around crane
- Koi fish swimming upstream in the upper left – koi symbolize good luck and fortune, prosperity, courage, ambition, aspirations to improve oneself and grow/evolve, strength, perseverance through difficult situations, aspiring to great heights – legend has it that koi climb the falls of the Yellow River to become a dragon – the koi is swimming toward the merkaba and butterfly, signifying this spiritual rebirth and transformation into wholeness my client is journeying into
- Elephant that has a hint of Ganesh – I wanted to keep a realism to the elephant like with everything else, as well as movement, fluidity, and power with the ears flowing in the wind which creates this majesty, but does wear some signifying elements to denote Ganesh, including its eyes – elephant symbolism: determination, loyalty, honor, social connection, highly attuned sensitivity, stability, patience, strength, sovereignty, longevity, happiness, good fortune, power. Ganesh – protection, effortless clearing of obstacles, total acceptance, wisdom, knowledge, the energy from which everything manifests and into which everything dissolves
- Above elephant – Buddha in the cherry blossom tree with spiral at third eye
- Top left – nautilus-like spiral spinning and merging with the mane of the lion and from which all around it spins into creation from
- To left of elephant the center of a flower of life – seed of life (split because it will come together when wrapped around arm)
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
There is currently a waiting list, and a monthly limit of only 6 additional clients I can take alongside that. You can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: Life Changing Tattoos
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle format here: Spiritual Skin
You can also order your personal copy here: Signed and Inscribed Copy of Spiritual Skin
Rewriting the Sacred Relationship to Self with a Sacred Tattoo Design
There are so many beautiful souls I have the honor of collaborating with and so many connections I am able to rekindle through this soulful work of sacred tattoo designing. Being an eclectic, cosmic pilgrim, I have deep gratitude for the opportunity to journey to the far corners of the Earth, Cosmos, and depths of soul with this process.
I am grateful for the experience of knowing each person through this process of working intimately with soul essence and am humbled to be able to create designs that I hope reflect the unique beauty of each soul in the collective tapestry of life. My hope is always that when each person gazes upon their designs, that they will see and be reminded of their unified essence. And when they wear them, that they will feel greater embodiment of that truth.
The best part and reward for me is when I hear and feel how the designs affect each person they are created for.
Sometimes my clients have specifics they are interested in incorporating, other times not, and sometimes a mix of both, but always how the vision evolves and channels through, is where the journey lies. And that process is where the magick is in the way things are drawn, integrated together, and even the new things that reveal themselves that were not mentioned,
This piece merged from themes shared and not shared. The “not” shared themes were revealed later upon my client viewing what had manifested and then recognizing the truths that had channeled through, which were forgotten and now remembered. I love that.
For example, after creating the piece I learned my client is the astrological sign of Cancer, as well as had connections with Artemis/Hecate, which are just some of the surprises that energetically came through.
All of which are expressions of her strengths and the energy she has available in her well of inner gifts to draw from.
As always, this is another very layered piece in symbolism that is a Divine Feminine tapestry of depth and integration on many levels – encompassing self empowerment, healing, abundance, nurturing, joy, inner radiance, strength, and guidance, love, protection, magick, ancient Celtic roots, coming to a transformational crossroads in life, and more – all seeming to be pointing to a theme of there being strength in vulnerability.
It feels to be rewriting the relationship within and supporting the soul expressions that will be transformatively healing when released to shine through.
Some of the messages are speaking through these:
The Feminine Archetype that is of many layers including Earth Mother, angel, priestess, goddess (I was getting hints of the strength of Greek Goddesses Artemis and Hecate wanting subtly through in this depiction, as well as the nurturing compassion of Mother Mary), guardian of nature, weaver of magick – essences that are around my client, but also within her…reflecting a piece of her soul’s focus.
She wears a feathered headdress that represents freedom and higher consciousness, with roses at center that mirror a heart shape to emanate universal love that is a harmony of heart and mind, and twigs at each side to connect with the Earth and ancient tree wisdom.
Her wings fold lovingly and supportively around the tapestry of her work and loves, embracing my client, embracing the mysteries of life, and embracing Earth herself.
She wears a robe with cascading sleeve of ocean energy with waves and spirals of water merging from the Nautilus shell (that emerges/AND merges with the inside of her wing. The Nautilus’ integrated chambers are symbolic of continuous progress, balance, new ideas, visionary discoveries, innovation and inspiration, renewal, eternal continuity, expansion, consistency, evolution, interconnectedness, divine perfection, natural flow, stability and internal harmony within regeneration, abundant creative energy – in general, a symbol of life and “the journey home” to Source within All That Is, through a succession of transcendent spirals.
The waves of ocean energy and spirals flow into the celtic knot/triquetra symbol at the bottom of her sleeve, anchoring the whole design and drawing energy down into the earth and integrating into the physical. The upside down triangle shaping to be that of the feminine energy as well. Circular knots symbolize cycles of life/eternity/interconnedtedness. The triquetra is the energy of the trinity and supports integration, balance, and freedom.
In the sleeve, floating in the waves and spirals of the water energy there is “anam cara”. Something that was important to my client to have in this piece and actually what connected her to me. In essence, Anam Cara is that uniting of inner and outer within yourself in the temple of your sacred “you” home, that then bonds with the energies of others on that same level you have attained in beauty and love with yourself. So to have it written on “your sleeve” so to speak, is to acknowledge that sacred union and partnership you have with yourself and that you are sharing in joy with the collective. Anam Cara essence emanating from shining and sharing your inner light and beauty in all of its glory. You can read more on how the energy of Anam Cara unfolds from within our sacred relationship to self and then without in bonding relationship and connection to others here: Anam Cara
At her heart chakra is a Celtic Crescent Moon with two Celtic infinity symbols and a triangle inside of it. It is woven between the ringlets of curls in her hair and rests on the waves of the ocean at right, symbolizing a depth of feelings, expansive and healing illumination of what is deep within being brought to surface, and the nurturing qualities cradled in the heart. The Moon is considered a luminary, although produces no light of her own. She reflects the Sun’s light, which mirrors her image to us. In this way of projecting light, she symbolizes the subtlety of how we may gain clarity and indirectly receive insight, and how we can soften our gaze to access esoteric meaning. The Moon also symbolizes cycles, the shadow, mystery, wonder, balance, renewal, time, emotions, the subconscious, intuition, fertility, femininity, transition, passivity, perception, receptivity, the night, nocturnal creatures, illumination…She is connected to the element of Water (mother of all sea creatures as well) and is ruled by the sign of Cancer. Alchemical teachings share that the Moon is connected to Silver, which carries the symbolism of clarity, purity and brilliance that the Moon so beautifully exudes. Since Silver is one of the 3 metals that are the foundation of the Prima Materia, this makes the Moon part of the Trinity of transformation. She is also associated with Kuan Yin, the Virgin Mary, Thoth, Diana, Artemis, and Hecate, to name a few of her archetype associations.
At the top of this design, drawing the energy up and bring energy down simultaneously, is another Celtic heart knot with triquetra/trinity symbolism and then more knots/triquetras at the side, with maple leaves at end. Maple leaves serve as a love symbol, as they depict the sweetness and wonder of love in everyday life.
Hovering above her gentle, outstretched hand (that gives as gracefully as receives) the magick that emerges are two blossoms of daffodils. Daffodils are symbols of rebirth, new beginnings, 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), 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. These add the energy of sensitivity, sweetness, tenderness, and gentleness, as well as connection to the Earth Mother and Nature.
And rising from below, just brushing her hand, is an ethereal moth that is bringing “to light” the things that are hidden. Moths are so magickal and they have powerful meaning that takes us to our depths. They symbolize dreams, shadows, otherworldliness, secret knowledge, psychic awareness, strength in vulnerability, determination, subtlety, intuition and faith. They help you to navigate through the darkest hours in your life, to embrace the shadow, provide healthy balance and integration, and assist you in trusting your inner knowing that is guided by the power of the Moon.
Let your heart be guided by the messages and energy speaking through the design to you. These designs open portals of energy for the person who will be wearing it and for the people who may see it.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
There is currently a waiting list, and a monthly limit of only 6 additional clients I can take alongside that. You can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: Life Changing Tattoos
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle format here: Spiritual Skin
You can also order your personal copy here: Signed and Inscribed Copy of Spiritual Skin
Sacred Tattoo Design Update: Waiting List & New Client Limit
I’m immersed in some pretty amazing tattoos these days with some pretty amazing clients. And, it’s like a vortex of powerful symbolism and codes over here that are opening all kinds of portals, as I work day in and day out on the back up of designs, due to my being away a lot over the last couple of months.
I want to extend my appreciation to everyone for your patience, as this is work that truly benefits on all levels from not being rushed.
As you know, there is a waiting list for design work, and since a lot of the pieces have been amping up in size and breadth of involvement, it’s recently become necessary to limit the number of new clients I can take each month, in addition to the clients I already have.
This also helps me to be able to turn work around more efficiently.
That said, I can only take on 6 new clients per month alongside the current waiting list.
When you place your deposit to hold a space, you will also be scheduled into the calendar and provided a week that we’ll be co-creating your design in.
If you need your design before the date provided, due to a tattoo appointment you have scheduled, or energetic needs, please let me know upon contacting me. Rush jobs that must take place in a certain time-frame are subject to my availability of working off-hours, which would equate to a higher rate fee, reflectively.
Design work books up quickly, so if you’re interested in getting on the schedule let me know.
For more information and to place your deposit for a space in the schedule please visit:
Skin That Tells A Beautiful Life Story – Senior Citizens Show Us What Tattoos Look Like At Age 70
I often hear people share their worries over what their skin might look like one day when they’re older, if they were to embark on the path of getting tattoos. A lot of this stems mostly from conditioned societal beliefs and judgments about it and what is deemed “acceptable” and “appropriate”.
I happen to be adorned with my own “Spiritual Skin“, as I call it, and feel that like scars (which I visibly have at my left brow bone), that these are marks of my personal soul story in this life and beyond, that express a richness of depth that emanates without the spoken word.
Although I grew up in a strict household and with grandparents that were very religious, I just knew this was my personal expression and never thought about how I’d be seen in my aging years with it, as who I am is what I believe will speak for itself.
Whom ever so chooses to see something else has every right to do so. It will not change who I am.
And I can no longer imagine who that is without the tattoos that are a part of the temple body that I cherish.
I also happen to have tattoo design clients in their 50’s and 60’s that are getting their first tattoos, if not adding more to their already beautiful tattoos and they all look amazing!!! There’s something about a confident and empowered soul that knows who they are.
At the link below you’ll find more, of what I consider to be, uniquely beautiful images of 70 year-young souls proudly wearing their life stories on their skin.
Senior Citizens Show Us What Tattoos Look Like At Age 70
Written interview with Tania Marie, Reiki Master teacher, visionary artist, author, sacred tatoo designer, by Annabel Ruffell…
I had the honor of being interviewed by the beautiful and compassionate, Annabel Ruffell, founder of Journey for Earth, a global awareness company committed to inspiring change for humanity, the environment and animals, one choice at a time. We actually connected back in 2012 and synchronicity through the interview she shared on my friend, Jenny Yemaya of The ARC, brought us full circle.
Annabel is also a fellow artist, and an amazing one at that. I love her passion for focusing on the inspiration to effect change and she does this out of a love for all of life – something we also share in common.
You can learn more about her through her TEDx Change Talk
Annabel also interviews founders of environmental, animal, and humanity organizations, parents, and inspiring public figures – people that are making a difference – as she believes that we can be inspired through other’s passionately living their life journey with commitment to a purpose and desire to make positive impact on our planet. The question she poses to everyone is, “What kind of journey are YOU on?
Here are my answers in the written interview with Annabel.
How Has “Spiritual Skin” Touched Your Life? – Share a Review
I’m up to my Third Eye in sacred tattoo designs and loving it. 😉 I can see and feel how the energy is shifting so much and so rapidly with everyone, as these designs are amping up not only in symbolic depth, but more and more people are also feeling this vehicle of expression and portal-awakening to be one of their chosen tools of their journey.
One of the most beautiful and valuable things to me that has come from writing my book, “Spiritual Skin”, has been in hearing from others about how their beliefs, ideas, and lives have changed because of experiencing a perspective shift from reading it.
It’s touched me greatly to learn that some even experienced opening and depth to the way they connected with others who have tattoos that they never would have before, finding a new appreciation for each person’s choices.
In some cases I’ve heard about relationships mothers had with their children being enhanced with their new perceptions on tattoos.
My own mother and father had their own transformations so much so that my mom, who would never get a tattoo, said to me “After reading your book, it makes me feel like I would really want to get one too” and my dad has exhibited proud expressions when others stop me to say something nice about my tattoos while he is with me.
In another incidence there was a beautiful story that moved me about a woman who never would have previously stopped to talk to a homeless person, but found herself finding a way to engage meaningfully, after reading my book, and stopped to connect with a homeless man to ask him about his tattoos.
And a lovely, young woman who has courageously supported her family and herself in life 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 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.”
These kinds of things are priceless to me and are the reasons I do what I do.
If you’ve already read “Spiritual Skin” and haven’t yet shared a review on Amazon, I would love to hear what your impressions and experiences are from reading the book and your journey with sacred body art.
You can leave your review at Amazon here – just click on customer reviews and then create your own review: http://tinyurl.com/spiritualskinreview
Thank you dearly to everyone for keeping this sacred art alive and for bringing the true meaning and value of it to the world. I believe that, as my book title shares, there is much “more than skin deep” that you can take away from an exploration of spiritual meaning behind sacred tattoos.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
You can easily make your deposit at the link provided to embark on this journey in partnership with me. There is currently a waiting list, so deposits are needed to hold your place, since the designs are created on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
An Inside Look At One Soul’s Sacred Tattoo Experience – Mari’s Journey with “Spiritual Skin”
So, you’ve heard a lot from me about my own tattoos and my insights on the sacred designs I am blessed to be able to partner in co-creating, but other than some of the testimonials you can find at my website, we have yet to hear a personal story shared from the other side of this collaborative process.
Today, will fill that missing link, as I bring to you one of my beautiful clients – turned dear friend – who truly embodies her own unique expression of sacred body art. I love that designing these sacred pieces brings me into collaboration with souls across the globe, from every walk of life and age, and allows me to be a vehicle of support, as I am humbled to work so intimately with each soul.
I have made many life-long friends and reconnected with soul family because of this work and I am grateful to witness the blossoming and shifts that each individual journeys, as they so graciously invite me to walk along with them for a brief, but powerful part of that path.
Today, I am excited and honored to share with you one of my dear clients and friends, Mari Braveheart-Dances. She and I, along with her gifted tattoo artist, Bethrah Szumski, have created already 4 sacred tattoo designs and are in process of 3 more. She is an incredibly courageous woman – just as her name reflects – who dances with symbolism and understands this process in reflective resonance to my own journey.
Mari’s experiences have created huge shifts in her life, that I’ve been grateful to be a part of, hear about, and witness. She has recently made a huge transition, during the time we have known each other, which has her courageously following her dream to empower and support herself. This has involved a physical move and soon to find her transitioning across the states to a special area in California so that she can pursue her intents and gifts. I’m so excited for her.
If you’ve seen my own sacred body art, you can see how she and I are walking expressions of our unique souls made visible through our skin, as you explore her photos shared here. It’s definitely not the path for everyone, but for many it is one tool and way that we have chosen to embody our self-expression and create integrative healing portals via the vehicle of our bodies as artistic and cosmic temples. Some people may never be drawn to tattoos, some may wear one, and others may find that several speak their individual language wanting expression.
Then there are people who will be triggered by the sight of tattoos, which will bring up their own individual processes to explore (or not), as well as people who are daily experiencing their own shifts in judgments, perspectives, and ideas surrounding tattoos.
You may find these two articles to be of interest if you are considering this path:
The Essence of You – Do Tattoos Support Or Hinder Your Personal Expression?
Sacred Tattoos – Personal Portals To Genetic Rewiring
The most recent piece Mari and I worked together on was her Shaman’s Necklace, which was the first piece I had created as a neck and chest ornamentation. It was quite the undertaking on many levels, but I have to say, when I saw it completed, I was incredibly moved by the way it not only had come to life, but how Mari radiated in wearing this like the true Goddess that she is.
I’ve shared photos of Mari, her sacred tattoos, and the designs we have worked together on, throughout this article, to explore as you read her personal thoughts on the process we have embarked on. I look forward to the continued journey with her and hope that you find her experiences to be insightful and inspiring.
Here’s Mari Braveheart-Dances as she shares from her heart about her “Spiritual Skin“
Mari’s Thoughts on sacred tattoo designs:
My Tattoos are my Intentions. They are my heart and my soul. You put an energy into your body, your mind, your being, your skin – and you are changed. But the change for a truly energetic/spiritual experience of course comes from within yourself first.
Putting permanent ink on your body is a huge decision. It is not simply ink on skin. As a creator, you have the creative license to adorn your naked body if you wish to. This is no cause for shame. This is something to be proud of. When you take it to the level of interconnecting your inner world and intentions or whatever way you view it, with the outer world: energetic as well as physical – you engage a level of existence for yourself that heretofore was unheard of.
Make no mistake about it. Inking oneself is huge. In a perfect world, it would not ever be taken lightly. It’s serious business, at least in my opinion. I care about body, and I care about my being myself. I love the absolute beauty and creative genius that goes into my Spiritual Skin! Why is it huge?
Because Spiritual Skin shifts things. Tania can explain all that, but I am simple about it. My world has shifted as if the tectonic plates had mis-aligned in the past some-odd years. My Spiritual Skin journey has been a part of my waking up from a bad dream, and coming closer and closer to the light I wanted in my life.
My Tattoos are Incredibly Beautiful. To see them is to know beauty and symmetry, true love, anam cara, transformation, warrior-ness, phoenix, Powerful Woman, Wolf, Raven, and The Sea, among others. All this is beautiful. It is a small part of me, Mari Braveheart-Dances. I am grateful to my co-creatrixes: Tania Marie who designed most of my tattoos through a beautiful process of weaving our energies back and forth in an infinity pattern of connection. She is not only an artist in the physical realm of being, but also and equally importantly in the spiritual/energetic realms — and Bethrah Szumski (Bethrah doesn’t have a tattoo website, as she no longer tattoos except for long-held clients) who as an artist transferred Tania’s designs onto my skin. With a true tattoo artist – one who inks you – I insist on them being both artist and tattoo artist. Bethrah is both. She made everything flourish together in one living, breathing, intentional work of art. Not only that, but Bethrah added the beauty and meaning that tied it all together. All three of us are certainly co-creatrixes of my beautiful Spiritual Skin!
Since Tattoos are much more than ink on skin, hence the experience “Spiritual or Sacred Skin,” you have to expect your life to change. If you do tattoos like I do them, as intentions, your life will change. You must trust the universe to bless you with the beauty of your intentions. Also understand that you will have to hold on to your seat, as it may be a bumpy ride in terms of adjustment. If your family is as conservative as mine, you may not fare so well. I would say to be aware, always, of energy from yourself and others. Tattoos call people’s energy. They call your energy. They are, in my opinion, a bid for power. I speak of Spiritual Skin.
It’s very important to believe in yourself, and to feel proud of your work. Tattoos are, to me, a work of art and art being life itself – equivalent to life. Tattoos = Art = Life!
And there you have it – a fragment of this wonderful and wondrous, and very beautiful – energetic and spiritual and physical journey of Spiritual Skin.
~ Peace and Love, Mari Braveheart-Dances ~
Mari’s personal process with the inking and her thoughts on how to approach and understand the unique journey that will be your own, relative to you and the energy you are integrating:
It was a shock to me to experience being tattooed for the first time. I was not prepared at all for the pain. But as I have had many tattooes, I’ve learned that my own state of mind is the most important factor in the experience. I think, too, that it is essential to have an excellent relationship with your tattoo artist as this encourages the healing process as well. It’s helpful to me, in fact essential, to focus on very deep breathing both before, and during the inking process. Also, I personally don’t schedule too much around a tattoo session, as I find that it takes away from the relaxation I need in the healing process.
I always go into a session with the knowing that I will heal perfectly, and I am vigilant about aftercare. My tattoo artist at first refused to do my hands, for various reasons – not the least of which is that hands are known to heal poorly. But I “knew” that this would not be the case for me. It was painful, of course, but not unbearable – it actually went incredibly well, and I have a pretty big tattoo on one hand. Healing was unbelievably perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever had such excellent healing as my hand tattoos!
For my large chest piece, which was done over about five or six sessions, I experienced the greatest learning curve being inked. The chest is a pretty difficult place to be tattooed, and on the third time I was the most peaceful I’ve ever been on a tattoo. It was the only time I experienced some ability to step outside the pain and find my way to experiencing it as less-pain, and I was able to continue longer than both my tattoo artist and I expected me to.
The last section of this chest piece, which is actually a sort of “necklace” that goes from one side of my neck, across my chest, and to the other side of my neck, was unexpectedly the most difficult tattoo experience I’ve ever had. I realized that it had much to do with the energetic intensity of this particular part of my tattoo – and for the first time I experienced severe bruising. I’d had the same sort of work done on the other side of my neck, and that was not the case there. In other words, often the experience of being tattooed is related to the type of animal or symbolic design that is being inked. As I looked in the mirror at my neck, I saw that Raven stood in the shadow of “the great bruise,” and I understood on an energetic and personal level why that had to be.
There is almost always some sort of “opening” into new experiences as I’m being inked, but I find that the main opening takes place over time, as I become more and more open to the shifting taking place within me, and in my life, as a result of living with my Spiritual Skin.
Mari on her experiences with me and what it has meant to her to work with the process of tattoos as “Spiritual Skin”:
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.
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If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
You can easily make your deposit at the link provided to embark on this journey in partnership with me. There is currently a waiting list, so deposits are needed to hold your place, since the designs are created on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
To enjoy a visual journey of some of the sacred tattoo designs I’ve had the honor and privilege of co-creating, please visit: Spiritual Skin for my YouTube video. You can also explore some of the tattoo designs I have helped create, along with completed images as “Spiritual Skin” here: Tattoo Design Gallery
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle format here: Spiritual Skin
You can also order your personal copy here: Signed and Inscribed Copy of Spiritual Skin
Universal Love, Service & Wisdom of Authentic Remembrance – 3 Simple Laws That Showed Up Again
Three nudges makes a charm. This is the third time within the last two days that my post on The Three Incan Laws comes to my attention. It’s actually a post that has drawn a lot of resonance and interest since it first went up and has been very meaningful for a lot of people in varying ways.
The three nudges included 1) a new client that was drawn in by it, 2) it suddenly popping into my thoughts last evening likely based on its message link to current energies and an upcoming retreat, and 3) the lovely Angela Gerber of Butterfly Effects Meditation (who wears her own pair of magickal butterfly wings tattooed on her back to reveal her inner Butterfly Goddess) asked to share it along with some of her own thoughts, in a post for her website, which went live today here:
So with that, I am feeling guided to reshare it, as the foundational simplicity of the three laws really speak to creating harmony and grace within your experience of life.
You can also view my original post here:
Women and Tattoos: An Historically Symbolic Evolution of the Divine Female
Synchronously, this recent article (1/16/13) from The New Yorker was shared with me by someone who admires my work on the same day this week that I was a guest on Culture Freedom Radio’s Mind Magick with Lady Dee discussing sacred tattoos – the topic being Spiritual Tattoos for Transformation and Empowerment. The message of empowerment and freedom of self-expression in ways that symbolically have meaning and purpose (with effects both personally and collectively) seemed to be the shared thread in both my own message and what stood out to me most in the article.
The short article is titled, “A Secret History of Women and Tattoo,” by Maria Lokke and focuses on the thriving tattoo culture, especially among women, stating that:
“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).”
Couple this statistical fact with a recent survey that revealed 1/3 of the people getting tattoos choose designs reflecting their spiritual or religious beliefs (especially so among first-timers) and we find how it all points to the new paradigm of awakening into our Divine Wholeness rapidly spreading.
Sacred tattoos are just one of the many choices we can choose from to do this that supports freedom of self-expression best mirroring our authenticity.
I did not find the higher percentage of women-getting-tattooed statistic to be surprising, as it actually made a lot of sense to me given my experience so far with helping clients in the co-creation of their own sacred tattoos, plus the fact that it mirrored the shifting frequencies into embracing the re-awakening of the Divine Female and conversely, the Divine Male in direct correlation to this return.
The true male is as engaged with the Divine Feminine return while they activate their own female energy within themselves into balanced partnership and empowerment. I have seen this in the work I’ve been assisting with my male clients’ sacred tattoos and how they are truly tapping into this inner dance of harmony. The new designs are all being created with rich symbolic representations of how each of my clients are empowering their Divine Female and Male into integration at this juncture on their life journey – a beautiful manifestation of the new energy we are in.
The new male is not threatened or in fear of the awakening female, but rather is embracing full support of this transition as he becomes aware of how the old programming is holding him back from his divinity. Equally so, the new female is empowering these repressed parts into full beauty and glory, without need to hide her Divinity.
Needless to say, I have been moved deeply from witnessing the transformational experiences shared by my female clients with their sacred tattoos that have assisted exponential leaps in their empowerment.
Maria Lokke goes on to share in her article:
“Tattoos appeal to contemporary women both as emblems of empowerment in an era of feminist gains and as badges of self-determination at a time when controversies about abortion rights, date rape, and sexual harassment have made them think hard about who controls their bodies—and why.” As we approach the fortieth anniversary of Roe v. Wade, this observation is especially resonant.
Symbolically poignant in supporting how I had come to discover the healing power of sacred tattoos to transcend the personal and become collective.
Maria Lokke’s article highlights author Margot Mifflin’s work in her 1997 book (with a third edition release on 1/15/13), “Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo,” which examines this trend in a cultural, image-rich, history of tattooed women and female tattoo artists through the ages and examines the evolution of the tattoo culture in the last fifteen years.
You can read the entire article here: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo, as well as see all 9 photograph selections that accompany it (I only shared a few of my favorites for this post), along with captions by the author.
All photographs from “Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo,” by Margot Mifflin, published by PowerHouse Books.
Spiritual Skin Holiday Gift Ideas & 20% Off Sacred Designs – A New Paradigm of You is Here!
As we edge closer to the completion of 2012, thoughts turn to the seeds we are each planting to create the evolutionary leaps of transformation we desire, both personally and collectively. A new paradigm of experience knocks at the door for our embracing. And what lies beyond the threshold is a new realm of conscious creation.
Sacred tattoos have increasingly been on the rise with the shifts taking place, especially this year of 2012. I have seen both myself and many clients experience huge transformations, openings, empowerment, and freedom through the birthing of their “Spiritual Skin.”
I’ve been so proud of the courageous embracing these beautiful souls have gone through and LOVE the stories they share of how their lives have changed in powerful ways for the better after getting their sacred tattoos. SO BEAUTIFUL!
I got two very powerful portal/gateway beacon tattoos of my own this year and had some out-of-this-world experiences take place within and without, including even in tandem with direct Earth shifts at the time of their birthing. And I’ve continued to have amazing experiences with direct channeling and manifestations linked with the integration of their energies with mine.
2012 has really been an awakening and transmuting for many and I’ve been able to directly observe how the tattoo scene has evolved back into the sacred art form it originated as. I also have had direct experience of hearing how people’s ideas and judgments have been transformed. Big stuff and I LOVE this!
Everything is energy and the energy is what comes through intent-fully chosen tattoos. They simply embody magick. Not separate, not defining, and not altering of who you are at the core, but are an extension of your energy expressed through you so that others can feel who you are and see with new eyes a whole picture that exists. They also help to activate and empower more of who you are at the core with the power of their intentful symbolism.
This has the ability to assist in DNA shifting/aligning and accessing portal experiences, which in turn collectively has healing benefits and openings – VERY MUCH aligned with the December Gateways we are approaching and what 2012 has been focused on preparing us for.
And, like I shared in my post Some Cool Tattoo Facts & Statistics – Transforming Lives One Tattoo at a Time:
As our inner and outer worlds continue to rapidly change, more and more people are being drawn into the world of body art, especially with the shift in perspective on how tattoos can actually help support a new reality of experience in your life. Sacred tattoos that are consciously and intuitively chosen in a way that most supports the intentions, needs and empowered healing you desire are increasingly becoming the new paradigm of tattoos that mirrors the now.
Several have contacted me about new empowering tattoos they are wanting, as we near the end of 2012. These to mirror their huge transformations and courageous leaps they are making, and to assist with the new they are seeding.
With the approach of 12/12/12 I keep feeling called to be of greater service in the ways I have to give and so I am offering a 20% discount ($25 off) on my sacred tattoo design fees for anyone who would like an empowering spiritual tattoo to embody your intents, as you walk through the last 2012 gateways of the year. You can take advantage of this special until 12/12/12.
For information on the consultation process, my regular fees, and testimonials visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
All of the designs and completed tattoos you see in this post are designs I have channeled and helped to birth. (Click on each to enlarge for detail) To view more examples of sacred tattoo designs I have helped co-create with my clients please visit: Sacred Tattoo Designs
Each design is a custom creation that manifests from the inspiration received through open and vulnerable energetic sharing between myself and my clients. The greater the openness, the greater the flow between us to co-create the mirroring design of your soul.
I will be away facilitating a trip in Bimini from 12/15 until 12/22, so I will not be able to receive requests during that time, having no email or phone access. So if you would like to have the design created before then, keep this in mind. Otherwise, you can utilize your design services upon my return.
A personalized sacred tattoo design is a powerful way to honor yourself and can also be a unique and meaningful gift to someone in your life that is embarking on this journey of sacred body art. Gift certificates available.
And for the tattoo aficionado in your life, or if you are interested in a new paradigm of tattoos that mirrors the collective shifts, Spiritual Skin may be the perfect gift of empowerment.
Many who have been on the path of getting their first tattoo, or wanting to bring more meaning, spirituality, and power into their next tattoo, have read this book. They shared how they found it to be supportive in understanding how much more a tattoo is than they thought and found it helpful to begin their process of an intent-fully designed tattoo.
You can purchase a paperback copy at Amazon with free shipping for the holidays here: Spiritual Skin
Wishing everyone continued support with all of the changes you are making and peace, love, and grace to assist the process beautifully.
If you have any questions, would like to purchase a certificate, or would like to begin your sacred tattoo journey you can email me at tania@taniamarie.com.