Fresh ink.

As the end of my master's program looms, I am planning on some fresh ink. I have decided on this unlikely image:

carved in Firm Kut, the larger is 1.5", the smaller 1"
I carved the first, then decided I wanted it smaller.

The dragon is a highly nuanced symbol as it combines the serpent and the bird, which in isolation each carry their own symbolism. Together, the dragon is a powerful, mythical creature dating back to antiquity. 

Although the dragons of the East and the West have quite similar physical characteristics, their symbolic representations are drastically different and, in a way, indicate the cultural differences between these civilizations. The most notable difference between the Asian and European dragons is that while the European folklore has portrayed the dragons as evil, fearsome and malevolent creatures, the Asian cultures regard them as benevolent beings. (https://www.ancient-symbols.com/dragon-symbolism.html)

I have always been fascinated with dragons, and love the portrayals of dragons in films like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon, and even those dragon-like creatures in Avatar. Come to find out (from a friend who is a Reiki master and knows about such things), my Chinese zodiac is a dragon. And, even more interesting was, while playing in the Wizarding World, I discovered my patronus is (would be?) a dragon. If you are unfamiliar, (which I suppose most are not), a patronus is a type of 'anti-dementor' guardian. Dementors are symbolic of soul-sucking depression, and frankly, who isn't tormented by soul-sucking depression now and then, especially these days. All that to say - dragons keep showing up in my life.

Back when I finished my mindfulness studies program at the start of the pandemic, graduation festivities were summarily cancelled. So, I marked the accomplishment with a mindfulness symbol tattoo.

As everything started locking-down, I quickly determined that I could make the best of it by taking another master's program. It sure has kept me occupied, without a doubt. But, my graduation for this degree will again come and go without fanfare. I have chosen the dragon to represent this challenging psych program, but also as a way to acknowledge these past years of (political, societal, and climate) chaos. Just like the semi-colon on my wrist, a dragon symbolizes resilience through difficult circumstances. I am still here and moving forward. 

the Breathe symbol,
carved in Firm Kut, .5" x 1.5"

Another symbol I really resonate with is the 'breathe' symbol, which incorporates the 'om,' described as the universal vibration. It seems, to me anyway, that human spirituality and science are merging - but in reality, they have always been intertwined. This symbol embodies both the scientific and spiritual concept that all things, including human breath, have a unique vibration, and they come together to create the sound 'om.' The inventor and scientist Nikola Tesla once said "If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration." 

I haven't added the Breathe symbol in permanent ink ... yet. So many of us have tattoos - have you carved yours? Seems like they might make pretty good sig-stamps :)