tattoo ritual

for me, tattooing is more than just art—it is a medium to support you in your healing journey, to release and transform trauma, to honor lived experiences, to affirm joy and existence, to return home to your body, and so much more. it is my greatest honor to aid in your healing by surfacing a tattoo that is calling to be unearthed. together, we can cultivate a sacred space for you to receive tattoo in a way that makes you feel empowered, affirmed and seen.

be prepared for differences in tattooing-this is a ceremony! in comparison to modern machines—this handpoke ceremonial method is much different:

• in order to create this healing space, i require more time, spiritual energy, and manual labor. this includes rituals prior to actual tattooing and aftercare (see below for process).

• the application of handpoke tattoo is much less abrasive on the skin and the healing time is much faster.

• the sensation of receiving a handpoke tattoo will vary.

• traditionally, handpoke tattoo tools are made from natural materials. i tattoo with organic, vegan Kuro Sumi black ink and modern-day single-use disposable needles.

tattoo ritual process:

as mentioned above, the tattoo ritual is a spiritual practice and a ceremony, which will take more time and preparation from both of us. given how different and unique this is, i outlined a very detailed process below so you know what to expect.

before the day of your ceremony:

1. i will review your intake inquiry form. if things feel in alignment i will email you with more details and schedule a free 20 min phone consultation where you can ask me additional questions.

2. once your security deposit is received, your ceremonial date is confirmed and i will start with tawas, which are hilot methods of divination. the first and main divination ritual reading is kilubansa*, which will provide information on placement and design of your tattoo and what spiritual healing and guidance you may need

3. your kilubansa reading will be done in-person (o’ahu only) or virtually via video call only. after your kilubansa ritual reading, i may perform other tawas* depending on what is initially revealed in the kilubansa

4. after we complete your kilubansa and tawas and confirm tattoo placement, we determine the design, which consists of motifs. motifs are based on your ancestry or a custom design.

*tawas are filipino ancestral divination rituals that can detect the root cause of spiritual ailments and/or provide spiritual guidance. the types of tawas that i work with are kilubansa, tawas sa itlog (egg divination) and tawas sa papel (paper divination). tawas can be done in-person and long-distance.

*kilubansa is a filipino ancestral divination ritual that focuses on using the 4 elements to achieve emotional, physical, and spiritual equilibrium. it is similar to an astrology natal chart, but works with the sound and energy of a person’s name through baybayin (ancient filipino writing system), filipino numerology, and intuitive divining.

design process:

the design of your tattoo is specific to you. it is directly tied to your ancestry, culture or related to how the elements show up in your Kilubansa. i specialize in cultural symbols, ancestral geometric patterns, textile motifs, and script. the following can inform your design:

• what element(s) needs harmony and balance as revealed from your Kilubansa reading

• ancestral tattoo patterns of your ethnic heritage or genealogy

• ancestral textiles

• ancestral/cultural pottery motifs

• cultural items with patterns

if you don’t know your ancestry, not to worry. your Kilubansa reading, cultural upbringing and what family means to you, can all inform how to determine a placement and how i can customize a meaningful design.

i will not tattoo any ethnic/cultural designs if there is no direct connection between those motifs and your ethnic and/or cultural heritage.

placement

while tawas and kilubansa can inform us of potential placement for your tattoo, i also honor your self-determination in where you might feel called to receive the design on your body. together, we can discuss placement.

during ceremony

performing a ceremony requires very specific intention. i consider it my responsibility to hold a sacred space for you and take special care in doing so. on your end, plan to commit the entire day to this. your patience and presence are key as there are no set times for the ritual length. allow yourself to fully arrive, settle, feel, and take breaks.

• on the day of, we will have an opening and closing invocation. during these times, i will invite you to share what’s on your heart and mind, or what your spirit calls for, and any items that are of special significance.

• What I do goes beyond pressing ink into the skin with a needle that causes pain and surfaces a design. I am a tattoo doula and ceremonialist, a holistic healing practitioner, not a tattoo artist. I utilize tattooing as a form of energy work/energy healing, in the context of tattoo ritual. I guide people to move through the pain that comes up during their ceremony, to release that energy and transform it.

• This kind of release and transformation can look like laughter, joy, crying, breathwork, vocally emoting, singing, wailing, even screaming—whatever your body and spirit longs to do. remember—this is a ritual of letting go of burdens, shame, trauma, as well as receiving and uplifting affirmation, strength, resilience and love.

• When we allow ourselves to release, to grieve, we can then begin to experience healing. When someone is receiving their tattoo, I am also facilitating energy healing/energy work (including but not limited to calling of the soul, oracion, chant, etc). to support them moving through the pain.

• People shed and birth new iterations of themselves through tattoo ritual. Tattoo ritual will not magically heal you from your pain and trauma, but it is a start and/or continuation of whatever it is you are working on healing for yourself.

note: sometimes, i may invite a mananabang ng batok (tattoo doula) from my support team to be present to join and assist during ceremony.

energetic exchange (rates)

the energetic exchange (rate) for ceremony is a flat day rate, not hourly. ceremony is up to 8 hours for the day, be prepared for this. this all can be discussed further if we are slated to confirm a ceremonial date.

booking

if you are interested in receiving tattoo in ceremony, please click the button “booking form” below.