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Underground > Temple >

I'm getting a tattoo

00:11 / 11.04.04

for quite a while, i've been wanting to tattoo ganesh on my forearm. i've finally decided to cross the traditional image of ganesh (a fine modern print done by a local artist) and, for personal taste, the elephant denizens from that mythical world in the first few issues of the latest run of hawkman (if you know what i'm talking about, i'm sure you'd agree that it was an awesome depiction).

so that's the plan. now, essentially a newbie to magick (reading, mostly, but i picked up hine's books and i'm moving towards practicing magick), i'd really like some input as to how i should go about ritual. i've read the posts about tattoos, so i know some of you have done this before, so i ask: how did you go about it, magickly (sp?)?

i'm fortunate in that the tattoo artist would be open to any decoration, and would probably partake in any sensible group ritual.

so what are you're ideas. as i see it, this is a sacrifice to ganesh, my skin, my blood, so that he can bless me to live a life full of change (good change), etc., etc... a sigil, maybe? what would you say?

19:24 / 11.04.04

this seems like a cool idea. ive worked with ganesh alot thus far in my magick career and it really does bring about results.
regarding tatoos ive thought alot about using them magickly. the only really effective seeming methods ive come up with is to create a servitor with a specific life long purpose and have its corresponding sigil tattooed onto a specific part of my body that matches it goal.

using ganesh as a tatoo i dont know. perhaps in conjunction with a normal tic for tac ganesh relationship it can help remind you that "Ganesh's got yo back." or something like that. heh. anyway hope that helped a little.

toodles.
-sEE_hER3.

The Prince of All Lies

04:19 / 12.04.04

I'm not too excited about the idea..I have thought of it, of course, but unless it's a lifechanging magick ritual or something like that, I think a tattoo is a pretty drastic choice...Myabe you could get a temporary tattoo if you're not too sure about the effect of your magick..

07:18 / 12.04.04

Getting a tattoo IS a life changing Magickal ritual.....

How big is the planned tattoo? 'Cause you might wanna think about how long any specific ritual elements can go on. And how do the bits about getting up to stretch/ go to the toilet, letting your artist have a cigarette break, and stopping for a bite to eat fit in?
How much will the pain and contant buzzing affect your concentration?
All I'm saying, I guess, is that I've always found it to be a long, boring, uncomfortable experience, but good luck anyway.

11:20 / 12.04.04

Getting a tattoo IS a life changing Magickal ritual

Yes. In case that hasn't sunk in quite yet, let me just repeat that again:

Getting a tattoo IS a life changing Magickal ritual

Go into it with that attitude, and you are most of the way there already.

Now, having had my own ink done in ceremonial setting, I can tell you basicly how we did it. The artist in question opens his shop before work with a ritual circle consecration including (when possible) the people who will be getting work done that day. After working with you on sorting out all the details, he lights a stick of insence amd has you hold it and state your intent before work is begun. That's basicly the magick part. Stating "I am doing this for this reason to have this effect" before doing the work to witnesses is in and of itself powerful magick. Then, there are people who hang around and drum to help you get into trance and generally help with the energy flow. That's about it, and really, that's about all you need.

Something to keep in mind as well. Tattoos are a mind altering experience. You are put under a constant low level of pain that triggers endorphal release in your brain to help counter. Its easy to slip into trance states during, and afterwards you can feel high as a fucking kite. Mine was 3 hours at the base of the spine, and let me tell you, I was way out of my mind for hours afterwards. The arm isn't nearly so intense, but you'll get some of that. That's good fuel for gnosis, make use of it.

19:50 / 13.04.04

cusm- thank you. that ritual seems to be what i had envisioned, but much more elaborate.

i hadn't really considered the power of witnesses.

as far as the drumming, i had considered the buzz of the pen to be something to concentrate on (though, it WOULD change/stop) or a walkman. as far as the pain of a tattoo leading to euphoria: i've had quite a few trance experiences concentrating on pain. i find it to be EXTREMELY easy to create a deep level of concentration on pain.

oh, and the tattoo is less for "ganesh has my back" than it is as a constant reminder that change looms over me, and i shouldn't run from it. and, having an image of ganesh looking at me everytime i begin to fire up my lighter, might keep me from doing it, as well as any other long-term or short-term changes i am trying to force upon myself, being it a belief, an ability, or a habit.

the tattoo itself i am seeing as six-eight inches on the underside of my forearm. two, three-four hour sessions in the chair. outline then color, so maybe i can break up the ritual, giving meaning to each step.

02:39 / 16.04.04

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