Freckles, birthmarks, laugh lines. Our skin is a map not only of where we’ve been, but also of what we’ve survived and who we are. So it makes sense that our ancestors of nearly every culture expressed themselves by adorning their skin with sacred markings. Yes, odds are somewhere down the line, your ancestors were tatted.   Tribal markings and sacred rituals have always gone hand in hand. Maybe that’s because there’s more to tattoos creative expression than just making something look cool (though, let’s be honest, that’s reason enough to go for it). Tattoos can serve as a reminder—for a loved one, a battle we’ve overcome, or to keep our chin held high in the face of adversity. This energetic exchange between you and your artist binds you both together for a minute or a few hours of connection as you make a permanent change to the way you’re seen. The pillars of tattooing are artistry, communication and storytelling. Words or none, tattoos are a language all their own. They speak volumes to the soul who chose them. While everybody has their own reason for getting a tattoo, the style you feel called to can say a lot about