Double Vajra Tattoo

This evening a man with a spiritual connection to many religions chose as his tattoo this powerful symbol from the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu traditions. Wearing symbolic representations of the icons of faith can bring the surface of the body closer to the mind and spirit, uniting them as one.

Double Vajra Tattoo by Pat Fish

"Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. Additionally, it is a weapon which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force).

The vajra is essentially a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball-shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab. The vajra is used symbolically by the dharma traditions of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, often to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power. The use of the vajra as a symbolic and ritual tool spread from India along with Indian religion and culture to other parts of Asia."

The pattern for this tattoo is available for purchase and immediate download at

http://www.luckyfishart.com/doublevajra.html

Celtic Valor Half-Sleeve Tattoo

This client commissioned a custom half sleeve based around my 'valor knot', and this is the result after the first two sessions. The original knot is round, and it is now extended with complimentary knot weaves to be a wide band that extends down to his elbow and fills the inside of the arm. The first session required fitting the knots to the body, and linking up the lines and connections. The second session was taken up with making all the lines crisp, and shading the "cross-overs and -unders." In the third and final session a colored background will complete the project.

Celtic Valor Sleeve Tattoo by Pat Fish

The essence of bravery is distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy. Whatever the conflict, whatever the cause, it is those with valor who watch our backs. This integrated knot work is body armor for the brave.

Celtic Knot Lioness Tattoo

Today a gal requested a tattoo wrapping the calf of her leg, uniting a dynamic lioness head from the Book of Kells with a pattern of Celtic knot work forming the body. She had had surgery on that knee and wanted to place the tattoo there as a strengthening mark. The result is something bright and powerful, walking forth with her for the rest of her life.

Celtic Knot Lioness Tattoo by Pat Fish

The pattern for this Celtic Lioness tattoo is available for purchase and immediate download at

http://www.luckyfishart.com/celticlioness.html

St. Brigid's Cross Tattoo Touch-Up

Years ago I did this Saint Brigid's cross on the back of a wonderful woman who has become a friend. And as it "aged gracefully" I did mention a few times that a tune-up would be appropriate, but only today when she was planning to drive through Santa Barbara did I get a chance to do a rebuild. I went over the black lines and the green in the knot work, leaving the brown in the rushes muted. Now it will be lovely for another decade. 

St. Brigid's Cross Tattoo Touch-Up by Pat Fish

Tradition tells of St. Brigid, patroness of Ireland, converting a dying Pagan king by forming this cross from rushes strewn on the floor of his bedchamber. It is an enduring symbol beloved by the Irish, who fashion them from reeds and place a new one over the lintels of their homes annually.