NeoPagan Ink

Torn Up

2010-09-03T19:25:00.000-05:00

Belated Birthday

2010-09-03T19:21:00.002-05:00

Yes, those are gummy bears.

While I was away from blogging NeoPagan Ink had its second birthday, how 'bout that?

2010-09-03T19:18:00.000-05:00

Symbolic Trio

2010-09-03T19:13:00.000-05:00

Angelic Devil and Fairy

2010-09-03T19:08:00.000-05:00

Hummingbird and Sun

2010-09-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

Here, have a twofer.

Remaining Beltaine Ink

2010-09-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

I've been away from blogging for a good long while and must now play catchup!

Fragile Beltaine Bulb

2010-05-26T19:41:00.000-05:00

Beltaine Dog Tags

2010-05-26T19:37:00.000-05:00

Beltaine Root Beer Fanny

2010-05-26T19:32:00.000-05:00

Beltaine Issues

2010-05-26T19:29:00.001-05:00

Some more great ink from Chelsea photographed on Beltaine.

Beltaine Scorpion

2010-05-17T07:35:00.000-05:00

Beltaine Sun and Moon

2010-05-17T07:33:00.000-05:00

Beltaine Pent

2010-05-17T07:31:00.000-05:00

This nice Ouroborus pentacle is another of the great tattoos I photographed on Beltaine!

Beltaine Runes

2010-05-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

More Beltaine Ink

2010-05-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

Here's another tattoo from Beltaine!

Beltaine Ink 4: All Seeing Butterfly

2010-05-09T13:27:00.001-05:00

Here's another great tattoo from Beltaine; this is another very nice piece belonging to Chelsea.

Beltaine Ink 3: Hawk

2010-05-04T14:18:00.002-05:00

Another of the great tattoos photographed on Beltaine! This belongs to my cool new friend Bob and was inked at Electric Voodoo Tattoo in Springfield, Missouri.

Beltaine Ink 2: Colorful Kali

2010-05-04T11:03:00.002-05:00


Kali

This gorgeous Kali is another tattoo I was blessed with photographing on Beltaine. This tattoo belongs to the gracious Chelsea, who will be making more appearances here at NeoPagan Ink, and was inked by the fine folks at Electric Voodoo Tattoo in Springfield, Missouri.

Beltaine Ink

2010-05-04T06:43:00.005-05:00

This lovely tattoo comes from the even lovelier Larissa who made a great May Queen for some recent Beltaine festivities I attended. It was inked at Electric Voodoo Tattoo in Springfield, Missouri. This tattoo is just the first in a series of many great tattoos I was able to snap photos of while celebrating the day. I hope you all had as good a Beltaine as I did!

Nice Moon and Pent

2010-04-25T10:32:00.002-05:00

This tattoo comes from reader Anar and was inked by the fine folks at Brothers Tattoo in Morgantown, WV.

Thanks to Anar for sharing with NeoPagan Ink!

Mjollnir

2010-04-18T21:03:00.001-05:00

This tattoo comes from tattoo artist Missi.

I designed this Mjollnir for my partner who is Norse Pagan, this Thor's Hammer incorporates pieces from many traditional Thor's Hammers found in excavations within Scandinavia from the viking era.

Thanks to Missi for sharing this tattoo with us!

Dogwood Blossoms

2010-03-31T14:25:00.000-05:00

White Dogwood

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

The above is a nice tattoo to celebrate our blossoming spring here in the Northern Hemisphere. This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of TheNinth and is licensed under Creative Commons. These pretty flowers were inked by artist Adam at the Baltimore Tattoo Museum. FYI, the dogwood is both a flower and a tree and is the state tree/flower of my home state of Missouri!

Happy spring!

Green Man Chest Piece

2010-03-31T14:14:00.001-05:00


Awen's Green Man

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here we have another reader submission, this one from Awen 13 who says:

The center piece is the green man which has six additional faces within the design. On my chest there are five bind runes and two other symbols. The two pentacles on my upper body are ancient symbols from Hebrew texts. The tattoos were done by Shad Perlich who did a fantastic job.

Thanks so much to Awen 13 for sharing his great tattoos!

Awesome Triskele

2010-03-31T13:33:00.002-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This gorgeous tattoo comes from reader Kitsune and was inked by Nathan at Sailor Jim's Electric Tattoo Company out of Logan, Utah. Here's what Kitsune had to say about her tattoo:

In the tattoo itself the Triskele shows that all three principles of Eolas, Fírinne and Dúlra are connected to each other. The Irish Gaelic around the triskel says ” Truth, Nature and Knowledge” which are the three flames that illuminate all darkness, in an Irish saying. The acorn and oak leaves represent growth in knowledge and strength..It reminds me to always step in the direction of these three principles with strength and commitment. My Celtic ancestry guides my heart naturally to these and If i steadily grow with them I cannot fail.

To read more about Kitsune's tattoo, visit her very interesting blog.

And thanks to Kitsune for sharing her beautiful tattoo!

Amazing Horned God

2010-03-26T20:25:00.008-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This positively gorgeous Cernunnos comes to us from reader Richard who says:

It is a representation of The Horned God, Cernunnos, or Herne. To me it is symbolic with my connection to him as one of my patrons and was done as a devotional act to honor our bond.

Thanks so much to Richard for sharing his stunning tattoo!

Irish Pride Chest Piece

2010-03-17T15:21:00.002-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This gorgeous chest piece comes from the Flickrstream of ChiBart and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Happy Saint Pat's!

Evil Leprechaun

2010-03-17T15:13:00.003-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This nasty fellow comes from the Flickrstream of Ragz1138 and is licensed under Creative Commons. He was inked by the fine folks at Katalist Konsepts out of Fort Collins, CO.

Venus of Willendorf 2

2010-03-07T21:59:00.003-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This stunning tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Arbuford24 and is licensed under Creative Commons.

The name "Venus of Willendorf" is something of misnomer. Yes, it was found in Willendorf, Austria. But the original statuette isn't really a representation of the goddess Venus, for she dates from approximately 25,000 BCE, which makes her much older than any mention of Venus or her Greek counterpart Aphrodite. She was given this name to make clear her importance as a very early goddess figure. You may ask why she looks the way she does. We don't really understand it and can only make educated guesses. She's probably a large woman to represent fertility and plenty. After all, only a people with lots of crops to harvest can grow so hefty. Her large breasts also play into the same ideal: large breasts produce more breast milk making for strong healthy babies. Those notions seems pretty straightforward to me but not all her characteristics are so obvious.

What I wonder about most is her face. Why is she-essentially-faceless? It may be because the ancient artist couldn't begin to put a face on the divine and so didn't try. It could be a representation of the facelessness of women, meaning her ability to produce healthy children was more important than her looks or her mind and opinions. It could be any number of things. Whatever the original reasons behind the statuette the Venus of Willendorf has become a much-revered image among modern pagans and is a personal favorite of mine. Enjoy.

You can see another Venus of Willendorf tattoo here.

Baba Yaga via Hellboy

2010-03-04T11:49:00.017-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This awesome, albeit unfinished, tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Armchairdj and is licensed under Creative Commons and, according to Armchairdj, was inspired by the Hellboy version of Baba Yaga. The more finished tattoo, seen here, is not listed under Creative Commons hence the link instead of that unpleasant copyright infringement thing.

The playing card is from an official Hellboy game and, just like the comics, features the art of Mike Mignola.

Baba Yaga is a fairly evil witchy character who lives in a hut set on chicken legs in the forests of Eastern Europe. She is surrounded by the usual skulls and bones and also somewhat typically devours the foolish who wander into her midst. In ancient Slavic myth Baba Yaga was probably one of the many Great Goddesses who suffered demonization under the comparatively new religion of Christianity. The fact that she travels via a mortar and pestle and sweeps her tracks clean with a broom points to her older, more authentic status as an Earth and healing goddess as a mortar and pestle was/is used to grind herbs with the intention to heal the sick. The broom is an obvious reference to cleaning a physical space but was/is also used by witches to ritually cleanse an area of negative emotions and so further compounds the idea that Baba Yaga can rightly be interpreted as a benevolent deity.

Botticelli Ink

2010-03-03T19:21:00.010-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Okay, so it's still in progress but I don't care. This Birth of Venus, from the original Botticelli masterpiece, is too gorgeous to not post. This lovely tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of artist Shannon Archuleta and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Venus, or Aphrodite if you're more inclined to the Greek side of things, was born from the foam, we all know that. But what many people don't realize is that, according to Hesiod, she was born from the foam of the ocean because Uranus was castrated by his son Cronus. Said member was thrown into the sea which became pregnant and voila! Venus. Her older, Greek name, Aphrodite, comes from aphros "sea foam". How's that for a birth story?

Iris for Imbolc

2010-02-01T00:29:00.009-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

These lovely tattoos, of iris and a butterfly, come from the Flickrstream of Rambleonsylvie and is licensed under Creative Commons. This tattoo, except for the original butterfly, was inked by artist Tom Meyer.

The iris is just one of many flowers associated with the spring-is-coming-please-hurry-up holyday of Imbolc so I thought it fitting to share this nifty tattoo.

Incidentally, this Imbolc marks the 11th year since my initial dedication to the pagan path. Yay for me!

More Great Froud Ink!

2010-01-23T18:45:00.006-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

The above image features some more amazing artwork from tattoo artist Lisa Schmoldt of Otherside Ink from our good friend Daniel who has contributed more to NeoPagan Ink that any other reader. Yay Daniel! Here's what he had to say:

The tiniest of Faerie offering up a berry as some times a little bit of magic in your life is enough to see you through.

These tattoos feature art by Brian Froud and Amy Brown. To see more of Daniel's great tattoos go here, here, and here.

And a great big "Thank you" to Daniel for sharing so much amazing tattoo art with us here at NeoPagan Ink.

Nice Eye Horus

2010-01-16T19:40:00.005-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This awesome Eye of Horus (or Eye of Ra, depending on which myth you read) comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Micaeltattoo who works out of Sao Paulo.

We hadn't had any Egyptian stuff lately so I felt the urge and this tattoo was just calling to be posted. Enjoy.

Negura Bunget Ink

2010-01-12T16:54:00.008-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from reader Iulia and is one of the most unique tattoos ever featured here on NeoPagan Ink. It was inked at Black Ink Studio in Bucharest. Here's what Iulia had to say about it:

The symbol is above my left wrist and it represents the principle of four, the natural form of the Universe to manifests itself - the 4 seasons, the 4 phases of the moon, the 4 moments of the day, the 4 winds, the 4 cardinal points, the 4 elements.... Macrocosmos’ manifestation in microcosmos. It is also the logo of one of my favorite bands, Negura Bunget, a Romanian Black Metal band whose ideology is deeply rooted in Transylvanian spirituality.

Thanks so much to Iulia for sharing this great tattoo!

And here's some Negura Bunget for all you black metal lovers out there.

Back Snowflake

2010-01-09T00:24:00.000-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This lovely tattoo, on this even lovelier back, comes from the Flickrstream of Sweetz_Eyez and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Lady Justice

2010-01-08T20:03:00.002-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of ibroodnow and is licensed under Creative Commons.

8 January is a day sacred to Justitia, Roman goddess of, you guessed, justice. I imagine the ancients didn't imagine their goddess with such an impressive chest but it's a nice tattoo nonetheless.

Froud Pixie

2010-01-04T00:14:00.001-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here's another very nice tattoo from reader, and multiple submitter, Daniel based on original art by Brian Froud. Like his other awesome tattoos this was also inked by Lisa Schmoldt of Otherside Ink. Daniel shared the following poem to go along with his pixie tattoo.

From the 19'th Century

Nora Cheeson

The Pixies

Have e’er you seen the Pixies, the fold not blest or banned?

They walk upon the waters; they sail upon the land,

They make the green grass greener where’er their footsteps fall,

The wildest hind in the forest comes at their call.

They steal from bolted linneys, they milk the key at grass,

The maids are kissed a-milking, and no one hears them pass.

They flit from byre to stable and ride unbroken foals,

They seek out human lovers to win them souls.

The Pixies know no sorrow, the Pixies feel no fear,

They take no care for harvest or seedtime of the year;

Age lays no finger on them, the reaper time goes by

The Pixies, they who change not, grow old or die.

The Pixies though they love us, behold us pass away,

And are not sad for flowers they gathered yesterday,

To-day has crimson foxglove.

If purple hose-in-hose withered last night

To-morrow will have its rose.

You can see more of Daniels' amazing tattoos here and here.

And I'm sending a big "Thank You" out to Daniel for sharing so much of his amazing tattoo work!

Triple Spirals, Again

2010-01-02T00:46:00.005-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This gorgeous tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Chris dB and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Yeah, it's another tattoo of spirals. And it's another tattoo of a triple spiral similar to those at Newgrange. What can I say? I'm a junkie.

Fireworks Ink

2010-01-02T00:14:00.005-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This groovy tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of EpicFireworks and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Hey folks, I've been really busy with the holidays, as everyone else has I imagine. Anyway, back to blogging now. Happy New Year!

Yule Sun

2009-12-20T12:49:00.003-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This groovy sun tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Fabi Dorighello and is licensed under Creative Commons. It was inked by the fine folks at Dark Side Tattoo.

Kingfisher Ink

2009-12-15T03:35:00.003-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

These gorgeous Kingfishers come from the Flickrstream of Graeme Fraser and are licensed by Creative Commons.

In ancient Greece, the week before and the week after the winter solstice were peaceful days on the sea allowing the kingfisher to hatch her egg. As the Greek goddess Alcyone was represented by the kingfisher we now call these days the Halcyon Days. From Wikipedia:

The myth of Ceyx and Alcyone describes how Alcyone, as recorded by Ovid, pines all day by the shore where Ceyx was destined to return. Unfortunately Ceyx, who is referred to as the son of the morning star (a reference to the solstice, not anything satanic), has died in a shipwreck. Alcyone finds this out, and throws herself into the sea. The gods feel pity for Ceyx and Alcyone, transforming them into Halcyon Birds. The first Halcyon days were those days in winter, on which Alcyone first lay her eggs. Her father Aeolus, god of the wind, calms the seas each year since so she can lay them again.

These are considered days of peace and prosperity. I like to think of these days as a calming time before the insanity of the mainstream holidays kicks in.

Tiger Totem

2009-12-10T23:20:00.002-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes to us from reader Heather! It was inked by artist Alex at Good Times Tattoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Heather had this to say about her gorgeous tiger:

I've always been attracted to tigers and everything that they stand for. My very first tattoo was of one and I feel like it's not just my totem but that perhaps I was one in a prior life. My love for them surrounds me and my home.

Thanks so much to Heather for sharing her tattoo!

Tattoos Around the Net

2009-12-08T04:17:00.000-06:00

Here, have some linkage.

The Orlando Sentinel has a nice 70 image gallery entitled Girls with Tattoos featuring some very nice tattoos. Sure, many of the women are a little on the trampy side but almost all of the artwork is solid. I especially like the black and white fairy in photo number 25.

Gizmodo has a nice little gallery of Obsolete Gadget Tattoos which is a blast from the past apparently designed to a)make you laugh and/or b)make you feel old. Either way, it's worth a look. I particularly like the audio cassette tapes with the tape all pulled out and messed up. How many times did I have to find a pencil or pen to wind that crap back in? Ah, good times.

And if you haven't already, be sure to add Top Tattoo News over at Alltop to your regular reading list.

Colorful Snowflakes

2009-12-04T02:31:00.000-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

These pretty snowflakes come from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Shannon Archuleta who works out of San Francisco. Shannon's work has been featured previously several times on NeoPagan Ink. To see more of her work visit: Cat People Tarot, Mandala Back Piece and the Colorful Eastern Dragon.

Cornucopia Ink

2009-11-29T00:06:00.001-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This gorgeous tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of my_new_wintercoat and is licensed under Creative Commons. (To see another cool tattoo from my_new_wintercoat, go here.)

This tattoo was inked by Mike at Black Cat Tattoo out of Boise, Idaho.

The word "cornucopia" means "the horn of plenty" and is most closely associated with the Greek goddess Copia, a goddess of prosperity and plenty, who carried it with her. She belongs in the posse of the goddess Fortune, goddess of fortune and luck. There are various versions of its origins. The most popular one states that the cornucopia was originally a goat's horn from which the god Zeus drank as a child. To protect him from his father Chronus, who was eating all of his children to prevent them from usurping him, Zeus was sent away to live in a cave. The story goes that either the goat herself tore off her horn to nourish the infant Zeus or that he, jerk that he could be, tore it from her head. Now, you might ask, how does a horn, from the head of animal, provide milk to feed a child? I don't know, I really don't, I just work here. To read more about the cornucopia visit The Flower Shop Network.

More Froud Ink: Crumb

2009-11-27T00:27:00.006-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This amazing tattoo, a take on Brian Froud's Crumb, comes from reader Daniel who says:

Watching over me...still to be joined to some dog roses and vines.

Thanks to Daniel for sharing this tremendous tattoo!

P.S. Be sure to check out the comments on this post! Daniel chimes in with some more background about this tattoo. The artist who inked this tattoo is Lisa Schmoldt of Otherside Ink out of Florida.

Athena: Watchmen Style

2009-11-22T01:21:00.001-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This gorgeous Athena tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Ohnocriso and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo is based on original art by Dave Gibbons from the comic The Watchmen.

Cat People Tarot

2009-11-21T01:11:00.005-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This fabulous tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Shannon Archuleta. The fabulous original artwork comes from the later, great Arizona artist Karen Kuyendall.

Snowflake

2009-11-17T23:10:00.002-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This lovely snowflake comes from the Flickrstream of Augrust and is licensed under Creative Commons. This was created by the artists at Dejavu Tattoo Studio out of Chiangmai, Thailand.

Just a pretty little welcome to winter!

Boar

2009-11-12T16:52:00.003-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This supercool boar was inked by the fine folks at Mod Tattoo out of Stoughton, Wisconsin and belongs to reader Richard. He had the following to say about it:

The boar is a totem spirit of mine and represents my connection to the Earth and also protection, particularly my role as protector of my family.

Thanks to Richard for sharing his tattoo!

Snake Oil Ink

2009-11-10T00:07:00.001-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This nifty tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Opacity and is licensed under Creative Commons.

I guess this is technically an advertisement but it's so cool I don't care. The oil refers to a product of the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which just happens to be one of the coolest stops for your aromatherapy and other witchy needs. What I like most about this tattoo is it's similarity to old fashioned hoodoo items.

Mandala Back Piece

2009-11-09T18:01:00.003-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This gorgeous mandala comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Shannon Archuleta who works out of her shop in San Francisco.

Sugar Skull

2009-11-01T22:58:00.000-06:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here's another tattoo, this time a sugar skull, from the Flickrstream of Opacity; it's licensed by Creative Commons.

Swamp Thing, Dead Lady

2009-10-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see larger version(s).

These gorgeous tattoos come from the Flickrstream of Sfllaw and is licensed by Creative Commons.

Looks like Swamp Thing on the left and maybe a dead zombie gypsy on the right? Anyway, enjoy!

Beetlejuice

2009-10-31T00:07:00.001-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of BlindInsect and is licensed by Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked by artist Keeth Cherrington from Atomic Zombie Tattoo out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Beetlejuice is the title character from another amazing Tim Burton film; it wouldn't be Halloween without showing him some respect. My most favorite quote from the movie goes like this: Adam, a recently deceased man, has just asked Beetlejuice about his qualifications as far as getting rid of the living people who have moved into his house. Ya see, Beetlejuice is a "bioexorcist" who works to scare off the living so the ghosts don't have to put up with them. And Beetlejuice says:

Ah. Well... I attended Juilliard... I'm a graduate of the Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plague and had a pretty good time during that. I've seen the EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES, AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE IT... NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT YOU'RE TALKING TO A DEAD GUY... NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK? You think I'm qualified?

Spider Fairy

2009-10-30T21:53:00.002-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This ooky fairy comes from the Flickrstream of Opacity and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Just another dark goddess type to mark the season! I'm kinda thinkin' this might be based an original painting so if someone knows anything about it be sure to speak up.

Sad Zombie Lady

2009-10-29T00:35:00.001-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This sad zombie lady comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Trev Poulson who works out of Loyalty Tattoos of Clearfield, Utah and is licensed by Creative Commons. If Trev's work looks familiar that's because his work has been featured here before in the form of the gorgeous Headless Lady.

Jack Skellington Ink

2009-10-28T00:09:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This killer Jack Skellington tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Vgsgeek and is licensed by Creative Commons.

For those of you who don't know, and I pity you, Jack Skellington is the big man about Halloween town in the film The Nightmare Before Christmas by that master of weirdness, Tim Burton. In it, Jack discovers Christmas town and wants to bring his own scary flair to the joyful holiday. He has good intentions but ends up scaring the holy hell out of people before being shot down and landing in a graveyard. I know he's probably a metaphor for something really deep but I just like him for his adorable creepiness.

The Fool and His Skeleton

2009-10-27T06:43:00.011-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

The tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Ste3ve and is licensed under Creative Commons. It was inked by Martin Roberson of Lucky Stars Tattoos, San Jose, California.

The card image comes from Wikimedia Commons and is a recolored version of the classic Rider Waite Smith Tarot card, the original images of which are now public domain.

The idea is an original concept of the owner that includes the normally fleshed Fool as a skeleton in honor of The Day of the Dead festival. The Fool is one of the trump cards that make up the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. I think this is a fascinating reinterpretation of the Tarot and while The Day of the Dead, and Tarot, aren't strictly pagan I couldn't resist sharing this tattoo!

Oops! Did I Do That?

2009-10-23T07:20:00.002-05:00

I learned a hard lesson this morning: never moderate comments when teetering on the edge of sleep. Overnight there was a comment made about the Ahura Mazda tattoo featured here in April. I guess I got a little punchy and accidentally rejected it even though I read it and wanted to publish it. And, since I moderate through the Blogger Dashboard and not email, it's apparently gone forever. So, if the commenter could post their comment again I'd be much obliged. Thanks a heap; I look forward to discussing the tattoo with you!

Killer Cat

2009-10-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This supercool tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Tlindenbaum and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Bat in Flight

2009-10-21T22:32:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here's a nice bat from the Flickrstream of Earley Curley and is licensed under Creative Commons.

If you look closely you can just make out what appears to be two nipples, so, I don't know how accurate this is but it's neat all the same!

If Zombies Attack I'm Tripping You!

2009-10-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

Here's some wicked zombie ink from the Flickrstream of ChiBart; it's licensed under Creative Commons.

Existing Together

2009-10-21T02:53:00.002-05:00

This is actually my tattoo. It is the ever popular Coexist image. This image, at face value stands for all religions coming together on this big ole blue-green marble. For me it's a little deeper though. To me it stands for many people from VERY different backgrounds. I got it when I first realized how much my husband (then just my roommate) really meant to me. He has two children from previous relationships and it just came to me: No matter how much these other two women may irk me or hurt me, we all have to get along for the sake of these kids. And if I'm not willing to do that then I need to let him go.

Needless to say I've worked on accepting and dealing with these women (at times they try their hardest to negatively effect my life) and I married my hubby this year. :) It hasn't been easy all the time but when I look at my arm I'm reminded to strive for cohesion.

Halloween Kitty

2009-10-20T22:20:00.005-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This cute scaredy cat comes from the Flickrstream of Neverfeltbetter and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Just one of many spooky themed tattoos to come!

By the way, I'm still hot on the pursuit for contributors so if you're interested let me know.

Headless Lady

2009-10-17T17:58:00.005-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This cool tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Trev Poulson and is licensed under Creative Commons. Trev is a talented tattoo artist who works at Loyalty Tattoos and Piercing out of Clearfield, Utah.

Here's a nice dark goddess to brighten up, or darken down, your Samhain season. Don't know if this an original work by the tattoo artist or someone else. Either way, it's very nice. I like the contrasting use of color and black and gray. She's one hell of a sexy goddess.

Halloween Every Day

2009-10-14T04:35:00.006-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This groovy tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Katie Cowden and is licensed under Creative Commons.

I know we're still two weeks 'til the actual day but I'm getting the Halloween/Samhain fever so here's the first tattoo celebrating my favorite season. If you haven't already done it this is your official NeoPagan Ink message to get out your pumpkin lights and skull candles.

Very Excited to Be Here!!!!

2009-10-12T10:13:00.002-05:00

Hi!

I'm SO excited to be able to contribute to NeoPagan Ink. I've been reading this blog for a while and I really enjoy seeing how all sorts of different paths can be visualized. My husband is in the Navy and I'm in college. I have two step-kids and I write in my blog Forever Searching about how those three things impact my life.

I am an eclectic Pagan and have been for about 5 years now but I just got serious about practicing about a year or two ago. Again I'm excited to be here and I hope that I can make a wonderful contribution to this site.

Call for Contributors

2009-10-08T19:32:00.012-05:00

I was wondering, would any of my readers like to join NeoPagan Ink and be regular contributors? My requirements are pretty straightforward:

1. Images

You'd have to know how to download/upload images. And you've got to be willing to put in the time to find images; sometimes it can take a while to sift through all of the vaguely labeled images on Flickr. More importantly, all images would have to be licensed under Creative Commons or otherwise be free to use. That means no swiping images from wherever you might happen to find them. No copyright infringement allowed. (I know I've still got quite a few examples of infringement on here but I've already got too much to deal with to go back and update/change/remove them. I plan to eventually!)

2. Competency

I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing anyone on board unless I knew they were competent writers and that they knew their way around the internet. You don't have to be a scholar but you'd have to be able to write something decent and make use of your spell/grammar checker. As mentioned above, you'd also have to know how to download/upload images. And you'd have to know how to handle Blogger and make nice looking posts with correctly functioning links. You don't have to be a blogger necessarily but it would go a long way toward proving to me that you know how to handle the Blogger site. That said, as far as I know, Blogger is the simplest blogging format so if you know how to post text, links and images on a message board you'd probably be just fine. Still, if you want to contribute I'd need some link(s) to show me that you could do a decent job. It could be a link to your personal site or blog, a message board you frequent, your Facebook, etc., just as long as it includes some proof that you could handle things. If you'd prefer you could just send me an email with some links and pictures to show you know how to do those things and that would be fine.

3. Understanding of or Interest in Paganism/Mythology

You wouldn't necessarily have to be pagan to contribute here but it would help if you have a general knowledge of paganism, mythology and the related symbolism. Or you've got to have a high level of interest in these things and a willingness to spend time learning about them so you could present coherent and interesting posts. There's plenty of things I've posted about that I wasn't very familiar with so I had to spend time learning about them; it's part of the fun!

4. Regular and worthwhile posts

This is pretty self-explanatory. You would be expected to publish at least one post per month (but would be very welcome to publish as many as you wish!). And while long explanations aren't required for each post you would be expected to post more than just a photo and a link most of the time. (I've been guilty of doing this, especially lately, which is why I'm looking for some help! My hope is that with others contributing there would be plenty of time to devote to writing quality posts.)

For the record: I'd still be contributing and have veto power and all that. For instance, if you repeatedly steal images, don't write enough posts or start being a jerk I'd kick you right to the curb. (If life got in the way and you couldn't post for a while that would be fine as long as you gave me some heads up.) I'll also maintain control over reader submissions and the associated email address.

To conclude, if you're not sure what being a contributor would entail just go back and read some older posts and that should give you a pretty good idea. If you have questions before throwing your hat in the ring feel free to ask either through comments or through email. I'd really like to keep this blog going and would greatly appreciate some help. I look forward to working with you on this great project!

Swedish Ink

2009-10-07T00:25:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Efigment and is licensed under Creative Commons.

The rune on the left is Mannaz which represents the self, the human race or how those things are perceived. I think the center rune is supposed to be Thurisaz, which should have longer lines extended from towards the top and bottom instead of looking like a sideways triangle, but perhaps the photo doesn't do the tattoo justice. At any rate Thurisaz has to do with reaction from another force or conflict.
The rune on the right is Sowilo which is linked to achievement and success. (By the way, being that I'm not a Nordic pagan I've gotten these explanations of the runes from Runes, Alphabet of Mystery.)

The larger symbol beneath the runes is what really interests me. According to the owner it's from an ancient rock carving found in Sweden, but I've been unable to pin that down or find an image. If any of you tattoo enthusiasts are familiar with the symbol I'd appreciate a heads up. Whether I discover the original source or not I just love this tattoo. Simple, elegant yet powerful.

Spiral Back Piece

2009-10-06T01:44:00.004-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Metaphorge and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked by the amazing Idexa of Black and Blue Tattoo out of San Francisco. Be sure to visit the site as there is a lot of very nice work to view.

No real historical background to add to this; I'm just a sucker for spirals. They can be found the world over from almost every culture and every epoch. While they don't always represent the exact same things from region to region throughout time they are usually somehow linked to either goddess worship, veneration of ancestors or the continuity of life, or all of the above.

Hamsa

2009-10-03T05:42:00.000-05:00

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This gorgeous tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Jovino and is licensed under Creative Commons.

A hamsa is an ancient hand-shaped symbol usually utilized for protection. It is most popular in the Middle East and North Africa and is believed to originate with the ancient Phoenicians of Carthage (that'd be North Africa for you non-history buffs). Another name for the hamsa is the Hand of Fatima in honor Fatima Zahra, daughter of the prophet Muhammad.

Pomegranate

2009-09-30T19:26:00.004-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Ragz1138 and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked by Ragz Rejected of Katalist Konsepts out of Fort Collins, Colorado. (Also home to the beloved Mez Love whose work has been and will be featured here many times!)

30 September marks the ancient Roman holiday in which Meditrina, goddess of medicines, is given fruit offerings.

The pomegranate, however, is also a key element of the myth of Prosperpine (Roman) or Persephone (Greek) and the ancient explanation of the seasons. Persephone was the daughter of Zeus, chief of the Greek pantheon, and Demeter, goddess of the harvest. The story goes that while she was out gathering flowers in a field Hades, god of the underworld and one of her many admirers, caused the Earth to open up so that he could rise up and grab her. Her mother Demeter was in such distress after she went missing that she neglected her duties. The crops began to fail and the people began to starve. Eventually the other gods interceded and Hades promised to release Persephone but only after giving her a pomegranate. When she ate of the fruit it caused her to be forever tied to the Underworld which meant she had to stay there at least one third of the year. During this time her mother Demeter refused to let any plants grow which created the season of winter.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

2009-09-27T04:19:00.004-05:00

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The tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Mean Daddy and is licensed under Creative Commons.

The photo of the original art comes from the Flickrstream of Erik Visser and is also licensed under Creative Commons.

I know this isn't really a paganism related image but it's so cool I decided to feature it anyway. This is a tattoo of the famous painting "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt much loved for its ecstatic and vivid expression of love between the two figures awash in a sea of gold leaf and flowers.

Haida Ink

2009-09-25T00:12:00.001-05:00

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This awesome tattoo, of an egg, a raven, a whale and a woman with a labret piercing, comes to us from the Flickrstream of Zach_ManchesterUK and is licensed under Creative Commons. It was designed by Haida artist Freda Diesing.

The Haida were and are American Indians of the northern coast of British Columbia near the border of Alaska. Like many native peoples their use of symbols and mythic figures on masks, totem poles, etc., often denote lineage and status. Unfortunately, much of their myths have been lost to time leaving us with only educated guesses as to the meaning of many of their symbols. We do know that the raven features heavily in Haida mythology and art and serves as their trickster who provides freedom but also threatens chaos.

Big Devon Ink

2009-09-24T07:11:00.010-05:00

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These fabulous images come from reader Daniel and were inked by Lisa Schmoldt of Otherside Ink out of Port Charlotte, Florida.

Here's what Daniel had to say about his tattoos:

Green man, Faerie mask of truth and Fae. Markers of the end of my long residence in the UK and a sort of tarot reading of my life at the moment. (What a long story that is that weaves round and round Devon ./ Devan. below is the tale I told the artist....Here's a picture (again) of my last and my first home. It was originally several miners cottages, the earliest dating from the late 1600's. The miners, a mixture of Norse, Yorkshire and Cornish folk were all very superstitious, believed in a host of other-world residents, including fairies, pixies, underground goblins and the Norse beargaust or mountain spirit. I pretty much re-did the house room by room out to the bare stone over the course of 20 years feeling and discovering the work of hands long gone from this earth. Both the children were brought home to that house from the hospital, and was their home for almost their entire life.A village full of friends, job and home. It was an amazing wrench to tear me free from there, driven by my wife of 25 years need to be back in the states, and by her decision that soon she needs to leave me..one of the main reasons for the fairy tattoo...Change, ties to the old country (and a late 1600's garden where the fae could dance on any given night), my reminder to myself to seek beauty and magic in a time where I saw so little of either in my life. The cottage was named Kipling's Cottage, after Rudyard Kipling's grandfather who was a lay preacher in the village. Kipling visited his grandfather there and one of his poems is titled "On Greenhow Hill" (the name of the village) and is about a soldier, telling of the village life to a comrade as they await the appearance of a sniper that has been harassing their company. Kipling's last book was a children's story collection titled "Rewards and Fairies" (I only found the last out after you linked the fae and I for life....) Kipling was English, lived a long time in America, and eventually returned to England to live in Devon...After my long stay in England (in Kipling's Cottage), I've returned to America and you tied me forever to Devan! (the name Lisa gave the Fae as she inked her into me) Since then, the fairy has been joined to the Green Man. He's one with the earth and seasons. He's the male element of nature. Between them lie the mask of truth, chosen by you on a moments whim or inspiration. In that aspect I see myself as the Green man, of the earth, tied to the cycles of work and the world, wandering the earth, I often need to touch stones, old buildings, trees. I put my feet in the oceans wherever I go to feel them on me. When I went to Alice Springs, I risked all manner of parasites and god knows what to drink from the original Alice Spring rising from the sands. Yesterday before coming to see you I went and stood in the Gulf (my first time there) to feel it and take it into me. With the addition of the green man and mask, I'm seeing my wife as the Fae, in her own world, separate from my world, yet she's been my magic, beauty and joy past, and between us the mask of truth that we are now both holding up, trying on and showing each other our masked truths. I don't know what changes these truths will bring, but you placing the mask between us at that time was prophetic, a turn of the tarot cards. Lastly the mask and the green man are both Brian Froud pieces. Brian's home is in ....wait for it..lol Devon. Lastly both my children went to school for their early years at a small Montessori School in an old foresters cottage on the Duke of Devonshires estate in Yorkshire. So many turns and twists that come back to the same things...

Thanks so much to Daniel for sharing his amazing tattoos and great background information with us here at NeoPagan Ink! And here's the aforementioned Kipling's Cottage to finish off this great post. Thanks again Daniel!

P.S. You can see more Brian Froud art in tattoo form here and here.

P.P.S. The fairy is from an Amy Brown piece.

SPQR

2009-09-22T01:05:00.000-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Geekygirlnyc and is licensed under Creative Commons. This tattoo is really red cuz it's fresh, but still mighty fine.

SPQR stands for Senatus Populusque Romanus which, roughly translated means "The Senate and the People of Rome". This was a phrase that by most accounts became well known not too long after the founding of the Roman Republic but, of course, lost some of its luster under the monarchy when the Senate and public opinion were subjugated by the Caesars and their successors. It appeared on coins, military standards, monuments and countless speeches and documents.

Curly Autumn Tree

2009-09-21T04:42:00.003-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of MadeMistakes and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This is an original design by the owner and I'm just lovin' it! It's an autumn type of tattoo what with there being no leaves on the tree but the little curled branch is evocative of the fun and playfulness of this time of year as well. And the bird looks to me like a raven and that's all Edgar Allen Poe and that's autumn and Halloween-ish too. Nice.

Inukshuk

2009-09-18T06:06:00.004-05:00

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This nifty tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of EclecticBlogs and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked by Tim at Dragon FX out of Alberta, Canada.

This tattoo features a fascinating example of the equally fascinating Inukshuk which are stone monuments of many Arctic peoples, particularly the Inuit. Though they dot the landscape all the way from North America to Greenland their exact purpose is unclear and there are several theories. Some say they are landmarks in a terrain that features no natural distinguishing features in a nearly never ending sea of snow and ice. Other theories suggests that they aided in marking boundaries, as places of food storage or even possibly in herding animals. Whatever their historical uses they have become a recognized symbol of Arctic cultures and have grown so popular as to become the logo for the 2010 Olympics which will be held in Vancouver.

Orion

2009-09-15T07:47:00.005-05:00

Click image(s) to see the larger version(s).

This tattoo interpretation of the constellation Orion comes from the Flickrstream of Xtrarant and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This gorgeous tattoo was inked by Conan Lea of Voluta Tattoo out of Indianapolos, Indiana.

The photo of the actual Orion constellation comes from here; my Google search tells me it's free to use.

Orion is a popular figure from Greek mythology slain either by the goddess Artemis or the Scorpion that would become the constellation Scorpio. History doesn't provide us much source material concerning Orion but we do know that he was a giant man who served as a hunter and was honored as a hero.

Lotus

2009-09-13T00:30:00.003-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Creativemuffin and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked by Kelly at Tattoo Zone is Rockaway, New Jersey.

We will first turn to Egypt. As the lotus sinks under the water at night and reemerges when the sun returns it was closely associated with the sun. It was also linked with the idea of rebirth and was thus closely tied to Osirian cult as Osiris ruled over death.

The lotus features more heavily in several Asian religions, especially Buddhism and Hinduism. Many deities are depicted as standing upon lotus flowers; Vishnu, Brahma and the goddesses Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Kubera are among the most closely associated with the lotus. Within the realm of Buddhism it is said that everywhere Gautama Buddha stepped a lotus would spring forth.

Watercolor Faery

2009-09-10T08:19:00.005-05:00

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It's that time again folks: time for a fairy tattoo! This beautiful faery comes from the Flickrstream of Castorgirl and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked at Famous Dave's Tattoo Studio in Hamilton, New Zealand by Famous Dave himself.

This tattoo is based on an original work by artist Amy Brown.

Spider

2009-09-08T00:07:00.002-05:00

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This tattoo image comes from the Flickrstream of Sundown27 and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Spiders are much more noticeable during this time of year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. It seems to be because many are feeding up and so building bigger and better webs between almost almost any two trees/objects that will stand still. Just last night I went to fetch a dog and walked right through a web that was easily 4 feet wide.

Grandmother Spider is a much beloved figure of American Indian lore. She once made a web, laced it with dew and tossed it into the sky to form the stars. It is a wonder and a joy to behold the wonder of spiders. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend you spend some time outside watching a spider build it's web; it's a fascinating way to receive lessons from Grandmother Spider.

Garuda

2009-09-06T18:50:00.006-05:00

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This amazing tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Eylon and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This tattoo was inked at Slave to the Needle out of Seattle, Washington by guest artist Isaac Fainkujen from Phoenix, Arizona.

This tattoo features Garuda who, along with Ganesha the elephant-headed god and Hanuman the monkey god, is one of the principal animals gods of Hinduism. Garuda rules all birds and also displays his mastery over the wind with his amazing speed. He has the head, wings, beak and talons of an eagle and the rest of his body is human. He is a great fighter for good and often eats the evil.

Beautiful Phoenix

2009-09-04T00:23:00.002-05:00

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This gorgeous photo comes from the Flickrstream of Kurt Elster and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Depending on who you ask the phoenix is of ancient Phoenician or Egyptian origin only later being appropriated by the Greeks. According to lore the phoenix can be multi-colored and live for about 500-1000 years. When the phoenix reaches the end of its life cycle it builds a nest out of myrrh twigs and then burns up. The ashes, of course, are from what the newborn phoenix emerges. For this reason the phoenix has long been identified with eternal life, resurrection and the purifying characteristics of fire.

The myrrh is also significant as the sap, or resin of the myrrh tree, was used in embalming and burned as incense during funerals as well as other sacred rites of pagan as well as Judeo-Christian religions. Myrrh was so highly prized in the ancient world that is was often worth more than its weight in gold.

Bee and Flowers

2009-09-04T00:02:00.000-05:00

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This gorgeous tattoo is licensed by Creative Commons and come from the Flickrstream of Onion.

This tattoo was inked by Rev. Matt Ellis.

I know spring flowers aren't right for this time of year in my hemisphere but I just felt like saying a goodbye to flowers before the chill of autumn kicks in.

Brian Froud Fairy

2009-09-03T22:39:00.003-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Fairyfroggie and is licensed under Creative Commons.

This is one of the Pressed Faeries of the incomparable Brian Froud -- which are just what they say they are.

You can see another Brian Froud tattoo here.

Dualing Arm Tattoos

2009-08-31T20:55:00.002-05:00

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This image comes from Rebecca and were inked at Phoenix Tattoo Company out of Tempe, Arizona. Here's what Rebecca had to say about her tattoos:

I put some thought into the symbolism of the tattoos when I got them done. I have a sun with the Libra sign and the horned god symbol on my right arm. They are on my right arm because in Wicca and Paganism the right hand side of your altar is for God and male spirituality. I have the Libra sign because my amazing husband is a Libra. I have the opposite on my left arm. I have a moon, Scorpio symbol, and the triple goddess symbol. For similar reasons-goddesses and female spirituality go on the left hand side and I am a Scorpio. I love the balance of my tattoos! I am representing myself, the goddess, my husband, and the god!

Thanks to Rebecca for sharing her tattoos!

Alchemical Elements

2009-08-26T18:25:00.003-05:00

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These tattoos come from the Flickrstream of Notquitetrish and is listed as All Rights Reserved but is featured here by kind permission of the owner. (Thanks!)

These tattoos feature the alchemical symbols for the four elements. The top tattoo represents Earth and the next is Air followed by Fire. The next is the symbol for Water followed by the astrological symbol for Leo the Lion.

Turtle and Moons

2009-08-26T17:41:00.003-05:00

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These tattoos come from the Flickrstream of Jake Sutton and is licensed by Creative Commons.

The tattoo was inked by Fish at Th'Ink Tank Tattoo in Denver, Colorado.

The turtle features heavily in many American Indian creation stories. Usually various sea animals bring mud from beneath the ocean to form the land which the World Turtle carries on its back.

Horus Ink

2009-08-24T21:04:00.005-05:00

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This nifty tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Petechons and is licensed by Creative Commons.

This tattoo features the Egyptian god Horus, which is a somewhat misleading thing to say. The name Horus has come to be a catch-all name referring to four distinct deities, the most famous one being Heru-sa-Aset or Horus-son-of-Isis who battles the evil Set to avenge his father Osiris. He is a falcon headed deity who wears the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.

You can see other Horus tattoos here and here.

Grapes

2009-08-19T00:40:00.002-05:00

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These grapes come from the Flickrstream of Rambleonsylvie and are licensed by Creative Commons.

Today is the festival of the Vinalia Rustica; it is a day to make offerings to the ripening vines. It is a day belonging to the goddess Venus (Greek Aphrodite) in her aspect as patroness and protector of gardens, olive groves and vineyards. This day also marks the founding of her oldest temple in 293 BCE.

Sigil Ink

2009-08-18T10:50:00.002-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Suitablyawesome and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Don't know what this personal sigil means of course but it looks awesome! For those who don't know a sigil is an image created either from pre-existing symbols or original designs or a combination of both intended for a specific goal by the practitioner. Geometric images often feature in the sigil and each element of the whole has its own meaning.

More Maori Ink

2009-08-18T10:31:00.003-05:00

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This nice work comes from the Flickrstream of DesignRhea and is licensed by Creative Commons.

This is another fine example of Maori Moko tattoo art. Maori tattoo isn't just pretty and intricate designs. It is a language in art that can express a persons social standing in their culture, convey marital status and represent things/persons important to them, etc. The Flickr page says this tattoo represents the owner's three children. To learn more about Maori tattoos visit this previous post.

Woody Green Man

2009-08-18T10:23:00.002-05:00

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This interesting Green Man comes from the Flickrstream of Banana Donuts ~ Half Baked Photography and is licensed by Creative Commons.

I like this Green Man, it's different than any other I've seen before. It makes me think of the Green Man during the fall and winter after all the leaves have fallen. And though we are a way from that here in the Northern Hemisphere I can feel it coming slowly but surely.

Huginn and Muninn

2009-08-17T06:13:00.004-05:00

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This amazing tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of tattoo artist Mez Love and is licensed by Creative Commons.

Mez Love is probably my favorite tattoo artist, for two reasons: 1. Amazing artistry, I've never seen any of her work that wasn't flat out gorgeous. 2. She has tons of her tattoo images on Flickr licensed for free use. Awesome.

Anyway, this tattoo features Huginn and Muninn who are the two ravens associated with Odin, chief of the Norse pantheon. Huginn is thought, Muninn is memory; they fly all over the Earth and at night they return to Odin and report what they have seen.

From the Grimnismal:

The whole world wide, every day,

fly Huginn and Muninn;

I worry lest Huginn should fall in flight,

yet more I fear for Muninn.

Dog Days End

2009-08-15T22:15:00.003-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Whitewolf Productions and is licensed by Creative Commons.

Today marks the official end of the Dog Days of Summer. The term was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to denote the hottest days of summer running for about forty days from roughly July through August. Why "dog"? Because of Sirius the Dog Star. These days were originally the days when Sirius became visible right around sunrise; this is no longer true due to the procession of the equinoxes. Romans were even known to sacrifice dogs to Sirius to appease its rage hoping for a break from the dangerous heat. Because this time was so hot and offered the least rainfall it was/is considered a somewhat evil time when life was precarious and all manner of bad things could take place.

Peri

2009-08-13T07:14:00.004-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Kawaface and is licensed by Creative Commons.

This tattoo features the Persian Peris, descendants of fallen angels who must serve penance before being readmitted to heaven.

Colorful Celtic Knot

2009-08-11T01:55:00.005-05:00

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This tattoo comes from the Flickrstream of Photo o'Randomness and is licensed by Creative Commons. The tattoo was created at Iron Brush Tattoo and Body Piercing out of Omaha, Nebraska.

The Celtic knot is a favorite of many tattoo owners including pagans but many others as well. There are more Irish-Americans than there are actual Irish in Ireland so it makes sense that tons of people would have Celtic knot work tattoos. Contrary to popular belief, however, the Celtic knot isn't an invention of the ancient Celts, or Gauls, who originated in a large area of what is now mostly France and only entered Ireland to escape the Romans. They are a 7th century CE art form created by Irish Catholic monks to decorate their religious manuscripts of the gospels as they worked to convert the last of the pagan holdouts to Christianity. They were influenced by older knot work designs from the Middle East which they transformed into a completely unique and now wildly popular Irish symbol.