Tattoos of cards?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 12 Sep 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Rhiannon	12 Sep 2001
Now I know that we've discussed various subjects such as flavors for the cards, which cards to hang on your wall for inspiration and things of that nature. Now I'd like to talk about getting REALLY serious about your favorite card! :D I know that StarShine has a tattoo of a card (Ace of Cups) on her ankle, was it? I found a website that has an example of someone who got the Death card tattooed on their arm. http://www.tattoos.com/gallery/colgal05a.htm I was wondering what card everyone else would pick? Also I was wondering if you feel that by picking a card to actually ink onto your body, you are taking on both the positive and negative aspects of that card. For ex: If you had the Lovers on your thigh... for everyone else they would see the card face up, but if you were looking down at your lap the card would be in reverse. Just something to think about. I think I would choose the Hermit most likely. I can deal with being wise and with being childish too. ;) (there I go with my Gemini nature again!) Rhiannon :)

Hoonoki	13 Sep 2001
cool ... i have 5 ta2s already and i didn't know what to get for my 6th one until i read your post. I can't decide coz i like so many cards of the major arcana. but I'd rather have the Wheel of Fortune tattooed on me since it's my soul archetype. And to avoid any views of looking at the card reversed, i think i'll have it done on my back. :D

Elphaba	13 Sep 2001
I was just thinking about this the other day :). I saw the Healing with the Fairies Oracle and I now know that I must buy the deck cause I really want the ''Stand Your Ground" pic ,or a fairy like it, tattooed on me somewhere. I already have a S.S.Boulet shaman pic tattoed on my left arm but I've always wanted a bunch of them.

deso	13 Sep 2001
I would want The World because I had an incredible mind journey when I was meditating with it.

deso	13 Sep 2001
Quote: Elphaba (14 Sep, 2001 06:06): I was just thinking about this the other day :). I saw the Healing with the Fairies Oracle and I now know that I must buy the deck cause I really want the ''Stand Your Ground" pic ,or a fairy like it, tattooed on me somewhere. I already have a S.S.Boulet shaman pic tattoed on my left arm but I've always wanted a bunch of them. I just recently bought the Faeries' Oracle deck, Elphaba. It's gorgeous and seems to call forth that very elemental side of our nature....that far forgotten self. It's a wonderful tool!

kozmik	14 Sep 2001
I've considered for a very long time getting the REJUVENATION card from the Tarot of the Cat People as my third tattoo..hhmm...

faunabay	14 Sep 2001
For a long time I've been looking for a phoenix I liked to get as a tattoo. Hadn't been able to find one I liked enough to have on my body forever....that is until I got my Robin Wood deck. I've been thinking about getting the judgement card in RW. I'd want to put some little pieces of clothing on the woman in the card I think. But I love the idea of having the woman/phoenix rising out of the ashes as a tattoo. It describes me well.

cSpaceDiva	17 Sep 2001
I really like the idea of a phoenix. The Amazing Fortune-Telling Book has a phoenix as the death card. Considering the recent tragedy, the phoenix is such a hopeful symbol, being reborn out of the ashes.

cSpaceDiva	17 Sep 2001
I really like the idea of a phoenix. The Amazing Fortune-Telling Book has a phoenix as the death card. Considering the recent tragedy, the phoenix is such a hopeful symbol, being reborn out of the ashes.

kamala	19 Sep 2001
my name is kamala and i have a tattoo of the 3 of swords on my forearm. i put it there because it's always the card that pops up in every reading, and a lot of other reasons, but anyway, i'm saving up to get the strength card on my opposite forearm, because thats my mom's card that always pops up for her, and because i consider my mom my strength in a lot of my life situations, so it's sort of a personal tribute to her.

Kiama	20 Sep 2001
I know of somebody who also has the Ace of Cups tatooed on her arm, well, all the way down it actually. She also has a huge Ace of Pentacles on her left leg. If I was to get a tatoo, which is highly unlikely, I would probably go for the Lovers from the Gendron Tarot, or the Hanged Man from thr Robin Wood. Possibly also the Lovers and Magician from Buckland Romani. I may also choose the Empress from Robin Wood.... Kiama

StarShine	28 Sep 2001
What a cool thread Rhiannon! I actually feel pretty dense, Why didn't I ask that! You are just too smart. Yes, I have the Ace of Cups from the Goddess Tarot on my right ankle. I chose this card because, well, first of all, the beauty of it took my breath away, and I love what that card stands for. Kind of a "my cup runneth over" thing. I never thought about the reversed meaning, but before we can appreciate an abundance of joy, we must know sorrow. And what fun would achievement be without the occasional setback? I can live with that. After all, it is life. I have been thinking about another one, and I am seriously considering the High Priestess from the Robin Wood Deck. I know it is odd for a woman to get a tattoo of a woman, but I just LOVE the way that card feels! I don't know why. I also like the Ace of Pentacles from the Robin Wood.

EveAnna	28 Sep 2001
I think if I had a tattoo it would have to be The Empress from the Rider Waite. This card seems to have attached itself to me anyway and I think its a nice card. :)

Rhiannon	29 Sep 2001
Quote: StarShine (28 Sep, 2001 14:40): You are just too smart. *Sigh* I know... It's a curse I have been forced to learn to live with. What will I ever do with this incredible intellect I am burdened with???!!!??? ROFLMAO :D Am I full of sh*t or what????? :D Thanks StarShine. I am seriously thinking about getting a 2nd tattoo. This time of a card. I thought posting this would help me sort out the cards I really like and the ones I don't. I also love to read the great conversations that start from posts like this one and the "flavors" thread. Thanks to all for your opinions! Rhiannon :)

caraMiaculpa	10 Oct 2001
hee! i already have a phoenix tattoo that a friend of mine designed for me. it's a slightly abstract design (the flames look like flowers). absolutely beautiful, and merely in black tipshading. i don't know what card i would pick for a tattoo. i don't even know which deck i would pick from. most likely i'd get the wheel of fortune, the world, or strength. it's difficult for me to decide because my journeys in the tarot are just starting. on a side note, my next tattoo is going to be the character for Om. it'll be on my back near my heart. something to keep me at peace....

The Tattoos of cards? thread was originally posted on 12 Sep 2001 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.