Spiritual tattoos have been there in human culture for a good thousand years. In different societies and epochs, they had different purposes involved. If both contemporary tattoos and body markings emphasize aesthetic value, personal expression is pre-eminent. Still, the spiritual meaning vested by others remains significant for many.
Historical Context of Spiritual Tattoos
Many thousands of years ago, tattoos were being done that could be dated back to thousands of years. The Egyptians used tattoos as a form of religious protection. The use of tattoos in many Polynesian cultures, such as the Maori, signified spiritual marks, acts of passage, and a sign of social rank. Much the same were the Native Americans, who used tattoos to signify a spiritual journey, totem animals, and tribal betterment.
1. Tattoos Bear Strong Spiritual Symbolism
This is shown when an overwhelming percentage of those people who wish to express and symbolize their journey through life have a tattoo. For example, in Hinduism and Buddhism, a lotus flower stands for purity and spiritual enlightenment. Similarly, through a tattoo, the Christian can also have a reminder of their faith and their relation with God either as a cross or Bible verse marked on the skin.
2. Tattoos as Spiritual Protection
It is in this tattoo that there exists a very strong emotional and spiritual relationship, much greater than a piece of body art. Tattoos, according to many cultures, have spiritual protection. With the aid of tattooing the body with amuletic or symbolic representations, it is believed that evil might be lured away through the design from bringing harm and even divine protection. This, for instance, including the Hamsa hand that is prevalent in other Middle Eastern, North African societies, is believed to have the ability to protect one from the watchful eye and bring luck.
Tattoos as Another Source of Personal Power
Through cues of potency, resilience, and valor, they remind the wearer of their inner strength and capacity to emerge victorious in adversity. This can be very personal and intensive for someone who has overcome hardships or is on their journey of growing.
Connection to Ancestry and Identity
Tattoos, sometimes, allow a person to connect with their heritage and cultural icon. Tribal tattoos, traditional symbols, and ancestral markings often act as a way to honor one’s roots and to feel that one belongs somewhere. Such tattoos are usually very deep in the spiritual meaning, linking the wearer to his—he and the lingerie—of the ancestors, in an effort meant to unite the spirits of the people.
Spiritual Meaning of Modern-Day Tattoos
Tattoos still hold spiritual overtones in many modern secular contexts. It could be these geometric patterns, mandalas, and sacred geometry being used in tattooing that mediate between a vision of the universe, harmony, and connectedness of all forms. These designs bring forth spiritual connection and realization at an even deeper level of one’s place in the cosmos.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Looking for Tattoo shops in St Petersburg Florida? Black Amethyst has you covered! They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.
