preparing for your tattoo ceremonY
Get plenty of rest the day/night before. A good night's sleep will help your body, mind and spirit the day of your tattoo, and will also help with pain management. Tattoo ceremony takes a lot of energy for both recipient and practitioner so rest up!
Stay hydrated. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water at least 24 hours before your ceremony. Tattooing dry skin is more painful.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine at least 24 hrs before your ceremony as it is dehydrating and thins the blood which will extend tattoo time. Blood thinning medication will also affect pain and time, please let me know if you are taking blood thinning medication.
Hold your intentions for your tattoo, and be open to receive and release. You may do this in meditation or simple breathe work, writing it down or simply holding your intentions in your heart.
Prepare offerings for your guides and ancestors in exchange for their service and this sacred gift as they hold space for you during your tattoo ceremony. These offerings will be placed on the altar I have prepared. Some offerings can be food (loved ones favorite foods), sacred objects, photographs, an amulet, a crystal etc.
Be mindful of your tattoo placement. Dress in a way that allows for easy access. Wear loose comfortable clothing. I suggest wearing [clothing] for your tattoo placement.
Please bring any items you need for support. Examples: a blanket, crystals, stress ball, sentimental objects you would like close to you. The studio is a no shoe space, so if you have comfy home slippers you would like to bring, please do! I also have slippers at the studio you can use.
Eat well. Make sure you eat well before your tattoo. This will help with pain management and overall wellness. I suggest bringing food and/or snacks in case your tattoo takes longer than expected. There is also the option of ordering food.
Preparing for your Tattoo CeremonyPlease wear an N95 mask or equivalent, for the duration of your ceremony.
When you arrive, place your belongings in the space provided.
Check in. We will do a check in with each other, and I will go through with you all the steps I will take. I will also add the general steps below. This is also a good time to talk about your needs and boundaries during your tattoo ceremony. We can talk about your body needs like how often you need breaks, water, food, tea etc. I will do the same. I will also check in with you often during your tattoo.
You may place your items on the altar as I will most likely be setting up your when you arrive.
Then I will prep and apply your design to the desired area. This is also when I start the clock. I will end the clock as soon as I finish your tattoo. Depending on the size and placement, the stencil could take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2+ hours depending on if I need to draw the design in the desired placement. An example of when I need to draw the design is an arm/leg band. The reason being is that the stencil is flat and the arm/leg is basically a cylinder that tapers so it will not translate well if I just used a stencil.
After your design is applied, we will open the space with prayer and grounding, and invite your guides and ancestors.
During your tattoo ceremony, you may release energy in any way that your body is calling to be released. Some people cry, sing, talk, breathe deep, make noises, chant etc. My studio is private with pretty good sound proofing, so please feel as free as you are able to let go.
When your tattoo is finished, we will close the space with prayers and you will take your food offerings with you to be consumed as soon as you can. If you do not wish to consume the food, you can bury it in a space that you feel called to. I like to bury offerings by a tree.
Day of your Tattoo CeremonyCancellations must be made well in advance, prior to your ceremony date. Otherwise, you will lose your deposit and will have to pay a deposit again to re-book.
Exceptions are:
Proof of Covid-Positive test results
Emergency situation
Cancellations