Tattoos are a touchy subject. What was at one time considered taboo is now totally main stream—and quite popular.  My belief in tattoos derives from my overall belief structure.  I believe that there is a world beyond that which our sentient selves can perceive.  I believe this world is both parallel with our world yet beyond our world.  Some may articulate it as “life after death”.  Some may describe it as purgatory or the underworld.  While some may describe it as a “Spiritual side” as most of us are spiritual beings.  There is an array of nomenclatures to choose from. I do not have a clear cut articulation of this dimension or even how it is connected to the physical plane of existence that we live in, but every so often life throws a hint or two.  There is a crack in the cosmic egg if you will and elements tend to bleed through.

I do believe in what some would call “demons” or “angels “or “gods” or however you want to classify them—spirits (energy).  I do believe that these entities are beyond ordinary perception.  I do believe they have some sort of vested interest in us and our current reality.  I do believe some of these entities are benevolent, some are nefarious, some are indifferent and many are after their own self-interest.  I do not believe these entities are not necessarily eternal, but I do believe as beings with souls that we are eternal.  I do believe to an extent these entities are dependent upon us as a source of energy (a type of renewable resource), and they draw upon this energy in various manners.  One popular method is through prayer: a manner in which a person voluntarily gives forth their focus and energy to an outside entity.  Some entities may establish symbiotic bonds; some may feed off of pain, fear, and devastation; and some may use skillful manipulation to obtain what they need.  Some of these being are more powerful than others.  Some have different capabilities than others.  Some have different limitations than others.  Some are bound by time.  Some are bound by place.  And some are bound by rituals: ie incantations(songs), patterned movements (dance), sacred acts (sex,murder,etc.), opening of gateways (sex, drugs, alcohol, mutilation, tattoos).  Any of the above acts creates vulnerabilities within the soul to invite said entities in. The most subtle and powerful manner of entry is through thought.  Thoughts are their greatest means and their greatest mode of operation.  Thoughts are innocuous; most don’t take the time to consider where their thoughts are coming from.  And if thoughts are listened to enough they start to become a part of who you are.  They are repeated frequently enough that you begin to build a level of comfort with the thoughts and even start to identify with them.  Thoughts lead to beliefs, beliefs lead to actions, what you do in a way makes you who you are.

This leads to my beliefs regarding tattoos.  I do believe tattoos are one of those gateways. In a sense they are walking billboards marketing and commercializing your vulnerabilities.  They often times advertise which entities would have the best chance of entering or rather impose suggestive influence or rather afflict the person.  In a sense tattoos are a means of branding, a walking bill board if you will– a manner of free marketing to those who are open to suggestion.  I believe even the most harmless of tattoos can leave one open for suggestion.  All it takes is time and effort and a seed planted for suggestion to eventually manifest.  All it takes is for one small chink in the armor and eventually persistence will find its way in.

Thus I’m always cautious around people, and understand that when I’m around certain people that their actions may not be fully their actions.  I understand that their actions are a conglomerate of complex occurrences.  And I understand that if I choose to connect with these people on any level, I am not simply connecting with them on this physical plane but also on another level.  That the fact that I am choosing to connect with them, I am connecting with all that comes along with them.