Using Tattoos as Portals
This article is not a response but more of a perspective related a subject I like, namely tattoos.
Let’s talk a bit about tattoos.
Tattoos are widely spread over many cultures, time frames and of course can enforce and define different beliefs based on cultural heritage.
Can serve as a form of individual expression, collective expression or even more profound, spiritual expression.
There are different types tattoos, from simple geometric shapes to complex artwork and all carry a meaning.
Here’s a classification of tattoos based on cultural or stylistic origins:
Tribal Tattoos:
- These tattoos draw inspiration from various indigenous cultures around the world, such as Polynesian, Hawaiian, Borneo, and Native American tribes. They often feature bold, geometric patterns and symbols that hold cultural significance. Tribal tattoos are known for their strong lines and black ink usage.
Maori Tattoos:
- Maori tattoos originate from the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori. Known as “Ta Moko,” these tattoos consist of intricate designs incorporating spirals, curves, and bold lines. Maori tattoos often symbolize one’s ancestry, social status, and personal identity. Each design is unique and holds deep cultural meaning.
Native American Tattoos:
- Tattoos inspired by Native American culture draw from the rich traditions and symbolism of various tribes across North and South America. These tattoos may feature elements such as feathers, dreamcatchers, totems, animals, and spiritual symbols like the medicine wheel. They often represent a connection to nature, spirituality, and heritage.
Polynesian Tattoos:
- Polynesian tattoos hail from the islands of the Pacific Ocean, including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Hawaii. These tattoos typically feature intricate patterns, including waves, sharks, turtles, and other marine life, as well as symbols representing strength, courage, and family. Polynesian tattoos are characterized by their use of black ink and extensive coverage of the body.
Celtic Tattoos:
- Celtic tattoos are inspired by the art and culture of the ancient Celts, who inhabited regions of Europe, particularly Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and parts of England and France. These tattoos often feature knotwork, spirals, crosses, and animals like dragons or birds. Celtic tattoos symbolize concepts such as eternity, unity, and connection to nature.
Japanese Tattoos (Irezumi):
- Japanese tattoos, also known as Irezumi, have a rich history dating back centuries. They feature intricate designs influenced by traditional Japanese art, including motifs like dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and samurai. Japanese tattoos often tell stories or represent personal beliefs, with each element holding symbolic significance.
Neo-Traditional Tattoos:
- Neo-traditional tattoos are a modern take on traditional tattoo styles, blending elements of classic eclectic tattooing with more intricate designs and vibrant colors. These tattoos often feature bold lines, exaggerated perspectives, and a wide range of subject matter, from animals and flowers to pop culture references.
These classifications provide a broad overview of the diverse range of cultural and stylistic influences in the world of tattoo art.
Of course there are many other combinations of and subcategories of tattoos but most of them have roots in the ones mentioned above.
Each category encompasses unique traditions, symbolism, and aesthetic characteristics that contribute to the rich tapestry of tattoo culture globally.
Let me mention a few reasons, outside the cultural ones, for which an individual will decide to have a tattoo:
Aesthetics. Well, tattoos look nice but could be used to hide some “flaws” or “improve” a “skin defect“. I used italic style for text because that is what an individual thinks or believes and to be frank, if they feel better about themselves after they had a tattoo done, that is all what matters.
Emotional. I am sure some of you know someone who has their mom tat all over their back or heart area.
Yes body art can be representative to such emotional states, individuals, situations and act as reminders.






Most individuals see tattoos as a representation, as a symbol of a certain energy, mood, idea, concept… it is true and so much more than that, a tattoo is a portal for that specific definition, for what is representative off, a portal for the energy it represents.
I’m not a tattoo artist but I did a few, back in the day, from concept art to nidle dot by dot but I never knew or I was not interested in the deeper meaning of the tattoo art.
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Let’s go with an example, a snake as tattoo.
Representative to culture or religion a snake or a serpent represents the bringer of hidden knowledge (reference to the Eden story) but in other cultures the serpent has other connotations and meanings like the inca feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl (/ˌkɛtsəlkoʊˈætəl/) (Nahuatl: “Feathered Serpent”) is a deity in Aztec culture and literature. Among the Aztecs, he was related to wind, Venus, Sun, merchants, arts, crafts, knowledge, and learning.
The Ouroboros, the serpent which eats its own regenerative tail is representative to eternal cyclic renewal.
All these depictions have meaning, carry energy and are always active because we desire them to be.
A tattoo is exactly that, a portal empowered by your own energy, your own focus, your own belief.