Spirituality, Top Stories

Tattoos & Spirituality

tattoos spirituality

“My body is a journal in a way. It’s like what sailors used to do, where every tattoo meant something, a specific time in your life when you make a mark on yourself, whether you do it yourself with a knife or with a professional tattoo artist.” (Johnny Depp)

The history of tattooing began approximately five thousand years ago. It is as colourful and varied as the personalities who choose to wear them. Tattoos have been used for all kinds of purposes but despite the fact that body-art has a long and sacred tradition, certain groups of society still frowns upon them. Some people believe that it somehow “interferes” with the flow of natural energies. Others suggest that tattoos reflect loose morals. The bottom line is that the stereotypes which modern society holds regarding the use of tattoos are unfounded.

For those who wear tattoos they appear to have a personal meaning, a statement of individuality. Personally, I believe that a tattoo not only reflects a state of mind but has an undeniable effect on its wearer at a spiritual level. It is an artistic creation that offers more than what appears to meet the eye.

Our appearance, including body art — is always a reflection of our internal state. Nowadays you can see a huge variety of tattoo types- icons, both ancient and modern, are extremely popular as are various forms of symbols which carry a special significance to the individual wearer. The heart of the matter is that a tattoo is a very personal thing, for the individual it can reflect the spiritual side of his or her personality. For those who practice “tattooism” it can be seen as something which is profoundly individualistic, telling us something important about that person.

A lot of research has been carried out into understanding tattoo meanings and explanations of some of the most popular tattoo designs in the World today. Birds, for example, are often considered a symbol of our spirit, representing the creativity and inspiration within us. Cross Tattoos generally represent religious symbolism and Celtic history. Winged Tattoos have spiritual meaning for wisdom and protection. A butterfly often represents love or freedom. Wild animals can signify strength. Any form of aquatic life symbolizes intuition and imagination. Various ancient symbols can represent our aspirations or need for protection.

It is understood that tattooing has been used as a means of protection and healing since ancient times. People of many different traditions have put marks on their bodies to relieve pain, to remain connected to their beloved and their ancient ancestors.

Every person comes to their tattoo with a different story. An individual might decide to get a tattoo as a part of the healing process, or might simply feel an urge, or need to decorate their body. Tattoos have the power to help and to beautify, something to make us remember, at times to express emotions and to restore.

I believe that a tattoo can be heal because it helps us to change our perception of ourselves. It can change the way we are perceived too. Undoubtedly, well chosen images have the power to transform, empower and heal a person who chooses to wear them.

In my opinion, tattoos can restore the energy. I completely agree with that point of view when someone might experience a blockage of energy around a particular chakra, by placing a tattoo near or over a chakra point the area can adjust and heal.

The power of the image is very impactful and creates its own powerful energy. We are connected to the energy pattern that we are and we wish to be.

Need I say more? Expressing your spirituality in any form is beautiful, don’t you think? It is like wearing a piece of your soul on your skin…

Previous ArticleNext Article