by Ed Fitch

 

Although this ritual is inended primarily for the very common Celtic Teutonic interlace tattoos that people have put about their upper arms, it can be

applied too to most tattoos on the arm and body that are intended

as protective talismans.

 

At the dark of the Moon, go to a place of solitude.

Take with you an image of your patron deity

(with female aspect that appeals to you), a candle,

a iron knife (or athame), and a small bottle of rum or

similar god-power elixer. Dress as befits a warrior.

 

Set the images of your male and female patrons in a place of honor,

and set the rum and the knife before them. Sit before the images,

gaze on them, light the candle, and meditate for thirty-nine heartbeats

upon your connection to your protective patrons.

Then open the bottle of rum and liberally wet your finger with it.

On your tattoo draw the "Tyr" rune (with arrow pointing upward),

then on the opposite side of the tattoo draw a sun-wheel

(a circle with an X drawn in it)

 

Say: O High Ones, hear my call!

 

Pick up your blade and lay it across your tattoo

in three places, saying in these or similar words:

 

 

If you have a tattoo on the other arm,

or another place on the body,

repeat this spell on that tattoo also.

Then hold the bottle of rum up before the image of your patron,

saying in these or similar words:

 

 

Pour a little of the rum before the image of your patrons,

drink some yourself, and relax for a while.

You may wish to talk with your patrons about your life

and about the protection you desire.

When you feel that the time is proper,

put out the candle, and depart.

 

It is well to repeat this ritual whenever you feel the need of it,

and in times of stress or danger. Also, at the dark of the Moon

each month it is a good idea to "feed" your tattoo

by annointing it with rum.

 

From Llewellyn's 2003 Magical Almanac