Hey hi hello, I just really wanna talk for a minute about devotional tattoos and why it’s a nuanced subject worth considering before you jump headfirst into getting one.
I want to preface this by admitting I have several, and almost all of them are very visible. I love seeing others’ tattoos as well. I’m not going to harp on quality or money or anything like that, this isn’t the post for comparing artists or cost; I just want to touch some subjects nobody really seems to discuss when it comes to devotional or dedicated tattoos, or even body modifications.
1) Consider the permanence of the tattoo. You change, your gods change, but that ink will still be in your skin. I’m the world’s worst Impulse Tattoo Decision guy, but try to think ahead here. Will the imagery you choose hold that same meaning years from now? Does that matter to you in any way? If you and your god part ways or if you choose to step away from your devotion, will that tattoo be a sore reminder or can you enjoy it for what it is? For example, my devotional tattoos carry many meanings that I feel will always been a pleasant reminder of time spent with those gods and also the personal touch added to them.
2) Consider what you’re offering as the devotional act. Are you offering the time spent in the chair/on the table, beautiful art, or a way to carry them on your person forever? Tattoos come with pain and blood. There’s no way around that. Looking at the many taboos and heavy bonds associated with blood, I’d really like to advise against offering the more grisly bits of your experience without some deep, thorough research. Offering blood or pain can be seen as anything from miasmic or insulting to oath-binding, and it’s best to have your mind in the right place about what you want to offer and why. Research what it means to your gods a million times plus one beforehand.
3) Ask your gods if they’re okay with it if you’re unsure, or if it’s something they’d even want. This also can touch base with point 2 above. You can get whatever tattoos you want, sure, but their input could be invaluable. You wouldn’t tattoo someone’s name on you without asking first, right? And even if you did ask, it could be awkward and strange. Similar concept. Their feelings on the subject, if they have any at all, matter. They may not care. They may have input. It can’t hurt to ask!
I think I could go on about this forever, but I’ll save that for a second post. Again, this isn’t the post to talk about quality, aftercare, cost, etc. This is purely food for thought if you’re considering devotional tattoos or modifications.
