Tattoo Magic

Liz Ramos, under the supervision of Cassie the cat, gets colorful and discuss the significance of tattoos in witchcraft.

Blessings witches! As part of a vast group of practitioners, we are all aware that symbolism and imagery are extremely powerful tools available for manifesting our workings. Some of our most powerful imagery from ancient civilizations through the present and beyond are tattoos. Used in rituals, honoring loved ones, or even for whimsy, tattoos are an underappreciated magical tool.

The oldest known tattoos to date are located on Ӧtzi the Iceman, the oldest mummy to date. His body was preserved with 61 tattoos, made from cuts with charcoal rubbed in. Scientists believe that his tattoos were used to treat arthritis or other ailments, as his are placed primarily around joints or areas where chronic pain would be located, instead of ritualistic like later tattoos came to represent. The Celts used their tattoos to show clan affiliations, spiritual beliefs, and  protections; intimidate enemy armies; etc. Today, many people use tattoos in these ways, as well as show hobbies/interests or honor the deceased. In my case, I have tattoos for my deceased Feline Leukemia kitties, a hummingbird to honor my grandmother, a Friday the 13th stake tipped candy cane, hamsa with lotus/pentacle/eye, Universalist Unitarian flaming chalice, and my witch hands with an Aqua Tofana poison bottle. This fall/winter, I will be adding a crescent moon with florals and crystals, my Taurus constellation, and a cute chibi-style Krampus (to memorialize my mom and I going back to Salem to experience Krampusnacht).

In witchcraft, tattoos can be used by people both in and out of the broom closet. Some people, like my mom, get things like an enchanted broomstick or spell books while in Salem or other historical spaces. Others use imagery like Brigid’s Cross, runes, ogham lines, owls, crows, pentacles, triple moon, or any other ‘witchy’ symbols in their tattoos. For many (like my Hamsa with accessories), these are used as visible protection barriers. Others depict their deities or symbols of them to honor them. Tattoos can even be considered a glamor magic, as it allows magic enhancements on the skin.

If you are someone who loves tattoos and wants a forever magical symbol, this may be right up your alley. Blessed be, and ink up witches!

Elizabeth Ramos is a magic practitioner who specializes in nature focused, healing, protective, and ancestral magics. She is a Reiki Master-Teacher and lives with her husband and their several Feline Leukemia Positive kitties in Upstate New York.

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