Ink & Blade: The History & Sacred Rites of Tattoo Art (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780738779737)

Explore the history of tattooing as a sacred art and use modern tattoo rituals to immerse yourself in spiritual and magical experiences.

Tattooing is one of humanity's oldest art forms, practiced on nearly every continent. It was a sacred way to express individuality, embody power, communicate with the spirit world, tell stories, and so much more. This extensively researched, heavily illustrated book will help you reclaim the sacred meaning of tattoos that has been largely lost in today's world.

Tattoo artist and ritualist Morpheus Ravenna takes you on a journey across the world and centuries, revealing practices from Europe to Asia to the Americas and from the Paleolithic era to Colonial times and beyond. Sí shows how tattoos were used to heal body and soul, connect with ancestors, process death, protect loved ones, honor rites of passage--and how you can do the same in your life. Filled with rituals and tools for both tattoo artists and tattoo receivers, this book is perfect for making body art a sacred experience.

In addition to gorgeous artwork and thought-provoking questions throughout, Morpheus shares wisdom on a wide variety of topics and practices:

- Meditations
- Bathing and anointing rituals
- Ritual clothing
- Inking rituals
- Ritual tools
- Invocations
- Tattoo ancestors and lineages
- Building community
- Aftercare guidelines