Tattoo, a spiritual experience, a new identity
Seems I have found another prove that tattoo can be experienced spiritually, and that tattoo artists in the 'western' world are also trying to celebrate spirituality with their art.
Found a cool article about a tattoo artist and the story from one of her client. Check this out.
A story of one person's search for the perfect tattoo artist.
Deanne H. had gotten a beautiful tattoo from Kitty and is preparing to receive another one soon. I asked her to describe the meaning of the experience:
"My tattoo was definitely a spiritual experience. When I moved to NC, I needed to let go of many things, and many things required me to BE BOLD, or at least act as if. One of my first “other-directed” experiences was meeting a Native American elder in Black Mountain who came up to me and asked if I knew my animal totem? He said the Hummingbird danced all around me and was inviting me into its experience of life. Known for their endless energy and unlimited capacity for joy, hummingbird medicine was to be the guiding energy as I walked into this new life in the mountains. Although I had never seen a real hummingbird before that experience, immediately they started appearing in my life, in all forms from many people who knew nothing about my connection to them.
When it came time for me to let go of my identity of 11 years and resign from Public Education, I was totally scared and had no idea what I was going to do, who I was going to be next! And then the inspiration found its way to my chattering ego-mind...I am going to get a tattoo to mark this momentus turning point. One that most clearly illuminated not what I was letting go of in fear, but what I was making room for, with gratitude. I knew I wanted to permanently imprint myself with joy.
I found a picture of the exact hummingbird—the Magnificent Hummer—whose colors represented this rite of passage. I carried it with me to many tattoo parlors in Asheville before finding someone with the right energy to be part of this magical endeavor. Then when I found Kitty—an artist of inspiration and intuitive creativity—getting that little bird onto my body was a collaboration of clear intention and divine assistance. For me, it was not about the finished product so much as following through on guidance for me to be bold in my joy and permanently own the nature of my spirit. As a result of that guidance, I have a beautiful tattoo and a connection with Kitty that has continued almost 3 years later. We have recently been discussing my next tattoo...so this adventure continues."
* Extract of Article from WNC Woman "Celebrating the Strength, wisdom and grace of women