light world

Light World is part of the same idea as Dark World.

It displays the world tree of Shamanism, that spans from the Upperworld (branches) into the Midworld (trunk) and through to the Underworld (roots). Each world is displayed as an individual panel as part of the overall design. The format for the panel shapes is designed to show midworld as the axis point but also as a sphere, representitive of the shape of the earth, terra firma. The Upper and Lower worlds streach out wider to show that they are infinite in size (though Midworld is as well, depending on who you ask and your personal cosmology).

Light World shows a setting sun behind a full tree and grasses. Light world for me is the vital living and growing aspects of Upper, Middle and Lower world. However, the setting sun indicates that darkness will soon cover the lands. Now while darkness will still have life within it, it will still be dark. This for me speaks to my personal aspects, and how I work with darker energies. Also to the fact that all life fades from the moment it’s born. Slowly dying like a slowly setting sun. While not a “bad” thing by any means, it’s merely being acknowladged. The roots are alit and aglow to show that even in the Underworld there can be light, your pathways lit and your ability to find your way simple, clear, well understood. Cherish these times, a clear and lit path is a blessing in the Underworld.

technical info
dimensions: 6” x 3”
tattooed at: Unique Ink, Marion IL
tattooed: October 15th, 2003, 3 hours

photos taken: October 17, 2003