About the Book:
Aiming to settle a debt that society has with tattoos, Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is both a guide for those seeking something special through their tattoos and a must-read for learning about the power of the art of tattooing.
In these pages, author Ness Bosch brings to the table a necessarily holistic understanding of tattooing as both a ritual and a healing tool. Tattoos are deeply rooted in our human experience and spirituality, and this book is a stepping stone for seekers aiming to carry on the legacy of Ritual Tattooing.
These pages are packed with healing and magical intentions for the future to come and for anyone walking a sacred path, moving away from the stigma, marked by Ritual Ink in connection to this ancestral practice.
Endorsements:
"Sacred Tattooing by Ness Bosch is a sweeping exploration of tattooing as both a physical and spiritual practice. Covering the subject from indigenous origins to modern paganism - and everything in between - this book is the perfect guide for anyone looking to understand tattoos through this lens. Explaining how the art is rooted in spirituality and continues to be a powerful expression of belief, this is a must-have for those seeking to understand this subject as much as those already engaging with it.'
— Morgan Daimler, author of Celtic Fairies in North America and Paid With A Kiss
“Ness Bosch's Sacred Tattooing provides the reader with an excellent introduction to the sacred history and present of an artform possessing a complex social and religious biography. In addition to illustrating the fascinating and diverse history of tattooing across the world, Bosch invites the reader to consider how they might embark upon imbuing their own tattoos with sacred meaning and power, both during the tattooing process and afterwards. This is a valuable book to contemplate for anyone who is interested in tattoos, whether as a cultural practice, an artform, spiritual expression, or all of the above.”
— Olivia Church Ph.D, author of Pagan Portals Isis, Sekhmet, and Osiris
“In Sacred Tattooing Ness Bosch brings to light a world of practice that has been an aspect of occult praxis and cultural phenomenon for millennia. Forging a path from our shared histories to the practitioner upon the table today Bosch approaches tattooing with clarity and purpose, treating it as a deliberate act of spiritual engagement rather than a matter of style or subculture. It gives weight to the intention behind the mark, recognising the depth of what it means to carry something permanent on the body. The writing is measured, respectful, and unafraid to challenge superficial approaches. It offers a grounded reflection on what it is to inscribe meaning through pain, through choice, through symbol. For those seeking more than aesthetics, this is a rare and necessary guide to a practice too often misunderstood or trivialised.”
— Daniel Yates, theologian, folklorist and witch, author of Arcanum and To Glimpse a Hollow Hill
“This is a remarkable book, probably the most comprehensive to be devoted to its subject. It provides a better understanding both of the nature of tattooing and the nature of magic, and does so by an exploration of the history and value of tattoos, coupled with one of their powerful connection to spirituality, based both on research and experience. It is thus an excellent guide to its subject both in theory and practice.”
— Ronald Hutton, historian and author of the Stations of the Sun, The Triumph of the Moon and Queens of the Wild, among others
“Ness Bosch has written a beautiful book. It is very interesting, especially the message, how a Tattoo can change your life. Because getting a tattoo is for life, if you regret it, it's for life. If you are proud and happy about it, it is also for life. It was very interesting to see different Tattoo traditions in the world. Amazing work. Thank you, Ness.”
— Tihoti Faara Barff, Haitian Tattoo Artist and Teacher.
"Tattoos are incredibly important to me and my own inkage depicts my spiritual journey in great detail. Each one has a particular meaning and was done with intention. Some of my tattoos were particularly sacred being created by a Priestess and accompanied by ritual and chants. Ness Bosch has created a tome of insight into tattoos and what they should mean to those undertaking them today. Including a detailed history and journey of words to tell the tale of this ancient and magical practice. A meaningful book whether you have or are contemplating sacred tattoos or maybe you are just interested in the art and design of it all. Fascinating.”
— Rachel Patterson, English Witch, High Priestess and best selling author of over 30 titles on the subject of Witchcraft
“Sacred Tattooing by Ness Bosch is a comprehensive exploration of ritual tattooing, from its history to its expansion into the modern day. Bosch carefully considers the complexity of indigenous practices, class, culture, colonialism, and more, through a lens of personal interaction and careful research. This is a vibrant book that offers a nuanced and vulnerable perspective on tattooing and its ability to set intentions on skin.”
— Irisanya Moon, author of Pantheon: The Greeks, The Norns: Weavers of Fate & Magick, and many other books
“Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is one of the best and most complex books about the connection between tattooing and spirituality. The author teases out thread after thread from the tangled yarn of many ancient traditions and tells the story of tattooing. However, Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is not merely theoretical; the book is a practical manual for tattoo artists seeking to restore this art's spiritual dimension. Sacred Tattooing is a guide for spiritual tattoo artists and those seeking to enshrine special moments or rites of passage through grafting sacred symbols and images onto their skin. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, filled with stories and pieces of lore from across the world and complete with practical exercises, Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is here to support anyone interested in the spiritual dimension of the ancient yet ever modern art of tattooing.”
— Daniela Simina. Author of Fairy Herbs for Fairy Magic: A Practical Guide to Fairy Herbalism
"Humans have marked their bodies for tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years. Ancient preserved remains around the planet intimately illustrate the human connection to permanently altering the body through tattoos, more often than not with ritual significance. Bosch explores this important and multifaceted aspect of human culture from the earliest evidence to the present day."
— Benjamin Stimpson, therapist and author of Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Developing Ancestral Veneration Practices
“In this powerful and deeply researched book, Ness brings to light the ancient, cross-cultural roots of tattooing as a sacred and transformative art form. Her exploration is both reverent and revealing-- an invaluable contribution for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual lineage behind inked skin. A vital read for practitioners, seekers, scholars and artists alike.”
— Katie Ness, historian, yoga teacher, artist and author of Word Witchery: The Path of the Poetry Priestess
About the Author:
Ness Bosch is an Iberian Shamaness and Priestess. Polyheist Celebrant, author and independent researcher, mother of 3. Ness lives in Kilmarnock, Scotland, where she is a founding member, HP of the Goddess Community Scotland and founder of The Path of the Bones and the Clan of the Bone Woman (La Huesera). She is the Head of the Covenant of the Waters and the Temple of Astarte. She is a Hierophant Priestess, Dame Commander, and Archdruidess of the Fellowship of Isis
https://www.thepathofthebones.com
Aiming to settle a debt that society has with tattoos, Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is both a guide for those seeking something special through their tattoos and a must-read for learning about the power of the art of tattooing.
In these pages, author Ness Bosch brings to the table a necessarily holistic understanding of tattooing as both a ritual and a healing tool. Tattoos are deeply rooted in our human experience and spirituality, and this book is a stepping stone for seekers aiming to carry on the legacy of Ritual Tattooing.
These pages are packed with healing and magical intentions for the future to come and for anyone walking a sacred path, moving away from the stigma, marked by Ritual Ink in connection to this ancestral practice.
Endorsements:
"Sacred Tattooing by Ness Bosch is a sweeping exploration of tattooing as both a physical and spiritual practice. Covering the subject from indigenous origins to modern paganism - and everything in between - this book is the perfect guide for anyone looking to understand tattoos through this lens. Explaining how the art is rooted in spirituality and continues to be a powerful expression of belief, this is a must-have for those seeking to understand this subject as much as those already engaging with it.'
— Morgan Daimler, author of Celtic Fairies in North America and Paid With A Kiss
“Ness Bosch's Sacred Tattooing provides the reader with an excellent introduction to the sacred history and present of an artform possessing a complex social and religious biography. In addition to illustrating the fascinating and diverse history of tattooing across the world, Bosch invites the reader to consider how they might embark upon imbuing their own tattoos with sacred meaning and power, both during the tattooing process and afterwards. This is a valuable book to contemplate for anyone who is interested in tattoos, whether as a cultural practice, an artform, spiritual expression, or all of the above.”
— Olivia Church Ph.D, author of Pagan Portals Isis, Sekhmet, and Osiris
“In Sacred Tattooing Ness Bosch brings to light a world of practice that has been an aspect of occult praxis and cultural phenomenon for millennia. Forging a path from our shared histories to the practitioner upon the table today Bosch approaches tattooing with clarity and purpose, treating it as a deliberate act of spiritual engagement rather than a matter of style or subculture. It gives weight to the intention behind the mark, recognising the depth of what it means to carry something permanent on the body. The writing is measured, respectful, and unafraid to challenge superficial approaches. It offers a grounded reflection on what it is to inscribe meaning through pain, through choice, through symbol. For those seeking more than aesthetics, this is a rare and necessary guide to a practice too often misunderstood or trivialised.”
— Daniel Yates, theologian, folklorist and witch, author of Arcanum and To Glimpse a Hollow Hill
“This is a remarkable book, probably the most comprehensive to be devoted to its subject. It provides a better understanding both of the nature of tattooing and the nature of magic, and does so by an exploration of the history and value of tattoos, coupled with one of their powerful connection to spirituality, based both on research and experience. It is thus an excellent guide to its subject both in theory and practice.”
— Ronald Hutton, historian and author of the Stations of the Sun, The Triumph of the Moon and Queens of the Wild, among others
“Ness Bosch has written a beautiful book. It is very interesting, especially the message, how a Tattoo can change your life. Because getting a tattoo is for life, if you regret it, it's for life. If you are proud and happy about it, it is also for life. It was very interesting to see different Tattoo traditions in the world. Amazing work. Thank you, Ness.”
— Tihoti Faara Barff, Haitian Tattoo Artist and Teacher.
"Tattoos are incredibly important to me and my own inkage depicts my spiritual journey in great detail. Each one has a particular meaning and was done with intention. Some of my tattoos were particularly sacred being created by a Priestess and accompanied by ritual and chants. Ness Bosch has created a tome of insight into tattoos and what they should mean to those undertaking them today. Including a detailed history and journey of words to tell the tale of this ancient and magical practice. A meaningful book whether you have or are contemplating sacred tattoos or maybe you are just interested in the art and design of it all. Fascinating.”
— Rachel Patterson, English Witch, High Priestess and best selling author of over 30 titles on the subject of Witchcraft
“Sacred Tattooing by Ness Bosch is a comprehensive exploration of ritual tattooing, from its history to its expansion into the modern day. Bosch carefully considers the complexity of indigenous practices, class, culture, colonialism, and more, through a lens of personal interaction and careful research. This is a vibrant book that offers a nuanced and vulnerable perspective on tattooing and its ability to set intentions on skin.”
— Irisanya Moon, author of Pantheon: The Greeks, The Norns: Weavers of Fate & Magick, and many other books
“Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is one of the best and most complex books about the connection between tattooing and spirituality. The author teases out thread after thread from the tangled yarn of many ancient traditions and tells the story of tattooing. However, Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is not merely theoretical; the book is a practical manual for tattoo artists seeking to restore this art's spiritual dimension. Sacred Tattooing is a guide for spiritual tattoo artists and those seeking to enshrine special moments or rites of passage through grafting sacred symbols and images onto their skin. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, filled with stories and pieces of lore from across the world and complete with practical exercises, Sacred Tattooing: Ritual Ink for the Spiritual Seeker is here to support anyone interested in the spiritual dimension of the ancient yet ever modern art of tattooing.”
— Daniela Simina. Author of Fairy Herbs for Fairy Magic: A Practical Guide to Fairy Herbalism
"Humans have marked their bodies for tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years. Ancient preserved remains around the planet intimately illustrate the human connection to permanently altering the body through tattoos, more often than not with ritual significance. Bosch explores this important and multifaceted aspect of human culture from the earliest evidence to the present day."
— Benjamin Stimpson, therapist and author of Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Developing Ancestral Veneration Practices
“In this powerful and deeply researched book, Ness brings to light the ancient, cross-cultural roots of tattooing as a sacred and transformative art form. Her exploration is both reverent and revealing-- an invaluable contribution for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual lineage behind inked skin. A vital read for practitioners, seekers, scholars and artists alike.”
— Katie Ness, historian, yoga teacher, artist and author of Word Witchery: The Path of the Poetry Priestess
About the Author:
Ness Bosch is an Iberian Shamaness and Priestess. Polyheist Celebrant, author and independent researcher, mother of 3. Ness lives in Kilmarnock, Scotland, where she is a founding member, HP of the Goddess Community Scotland and founder of The Path of the Bones and the Clan of the Bone Woman (La Huesera). She is the Head of the Covenant of the Waters and the Temple of Astarte. She is a Hierophant Priestess, Dame Commander, and Archdruidess of the Fellowship of Isis
https://www.thepathofthebones.com
