(Source: Todd E. Creason) – Dad and grandpa displayed their Masonic affiliations with a nice ring, or a lapel pin–and of course the always popular automobile emblems. But there is a new generation of Masons coming up through the ranks, and instead of showing their fraternal pride in the more traditional way, they are showing their Masonic affiliations in a more permanent way.
With Masonic Ink . . .
It’s a popular subject. Nearly two years ago I wrote a short piece on the subject, and it continues to get a large number of hits. Over my travels these last several years, I’ve seen a lot of Masonic ink. And many Masons have sent me photographs of artwork they’ve had done, or artwork they’ve run across.
And I can certainly see why Masonic tattoos are so popular. First of all, the symbols are intriguing, and every Mason seems to
identify with one in particular that is meaningful to them. Secondly,
tattoo artists seem to really enjoy working with those traditional
designs.
Some of the artwork I’ve seen is absolutely stunning. There are York Rite designs that feature the symbolism of the Chapter, Council and Commandery. There are Blue Lodge designs that feature the All Seeing Eye, and the Square and Compasses. There are Shriner designs that feature scimitars and pyramids.
I’m not quite ready to go under the needle quite yet, but I enjoy looking at the artwork others have had done, and judging for the success of my last blog on the subject, I’m not the only one.
So what I thought I’d do is open this up. Have you got a Masonic tattoo you’d like a share? Take a picture of it, and send it to me at [email protected]. I thought I’d create a permanent album of these photos. Be sure and include your name, lodge, and location.
Todd E. Creason is an author and novelist whose work includes the award-winning non-fiction historical series Famous American Freemasons and the novels One Last Shot (2011) and A Shot After Midnight (2012). He’s currently working on the third novel expected to be
released in 2014. All of Todd E. Creason’s books are sold at major online booksellers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble and are available for both Nook and Kindle.
Moe is the founder of GnosticWarrior.com. He is a father, husband, author, martial arts black belt, and an expert in Gnosticism, the occult, and esotericism.
I have a problem and it’s really driving me crazy, Moe. Back in 1988 I had a spiritual experience while reading the bible and understanding it in a symbolic way, no need to try to explain the experience here, but having never heard of Gnosticism and having no experience with Christianity, I got a large Jesus portrait on my lower inner arm. After a few years and further investigation I learned I was a Gnostic. The tattoo is a good piece, but I don’t like people misunderstanding my beliefs. So now I need to find someone with the talent to cover it with something else. I hope to do this soon. If anyone has any ideas of a good cover for a Jesus portrait, let me know. Please !! I thought of getting the sun tattooed over his face. ARGH
Hey hipmonkey! Well, what is ironic is that I got one too at 17 years old and mine as the Jacob’s ladder leading up to Jesus. It was if I was compelled or driven to have that as one of my first few tattoos of many. However, I do not wish to cover mine and look at these as ancient memories. The facts are that the first Christian were just Gnostic converts. So maybe you have some Gnostic Christianity in your blood that you should just embrace with your symbolic tattoo rather than think of it as a mistake.
Yeah, others say leave it alone too. I did put a nice exotic question mark right below Jesus about 8 years ago in hopes it might desire to strike up a conversation. If I could add a Gnostic symbol somewhere close I’d be happy with that too. 🙂
It’s a popular subject. Nearly two years ago I wrote a short piece on the subject, and it continues to get a large number of hits. Over my travels these last several years, I’ve seen a lot of Masonic ink. And many Masons have sent me photographs of artwork they’ve had done, or artwork they’ve run across.
I’m not quite ready to go under the needle quite yet, but I enjoy looking at the artwork others have had done, and judging for the success of my last blog on the subject, I’m not the only one.
I have a problem and it’s really driving me crazy, Moe. Back in 1988 I had a spiritual experience while reading the bible and understanding it in a symbolic way, no need to try to explain the experience here, but having never heard of Gnosticism and having no experience with Christianity, I got a large Jesus portrait on my lower inner arm. After a few years and further investigation I learned I was a Gnostic. The tattoo is a good piece, but I don’t like people misunderstanding my beliefs. So now I need to find someone with the talent to cover it with something else. I hope to do this soon. If anyone has any ideas of a good cover for a Jesus portrait, let me know. Please !! I thought of getting the sun tattooed over his face. ARGH
Hey hipmonkey! Well, what is ironic is that I got one too at 17 years old and mine as the Jacob’s ladder leading up to Jesus. It was if I was compelled or driven to have that as one of my first few tattoos of many. However, I do not wish to cover mine and look at these as ancient memories. The facts are that the first Christian were just Gnostic converts. So maybe you have some Gnostic Christianity in your blood that you should just embrace with your symbolic tattoo rather than think of it as a mistake.
Yeah, others say leave it alone too. I did put a nice exotic question mark right below Jesus about 8 years ago in hopes it might desire to strike up a conversation. If I could add a Gnostic symbol somewhere close I’d be happy with that too. 🙂