About My Reading based tattoos

About The Tattoos 

Tattoos have been used as healing aids for as long as humanity has existed, and I found them to be a perfect way to use traditional Trolldom “trapping” methods, as well as Icelandic Galdrastafir and other nordic staves and symbolism in a modern practice. “Reading tattoos” are meant to replicate a feeling, experience, want, or general theme, and represent whatever it is you have brought to the reading in a symbol. Traditionally, pain is often used to “trap” this experience into the symbol itself. In traditional Icelandic Galdrastafir methods, blood is what empowers this symbol. Tattooing seems to be the perfect way to intertwine these traditions. This symbol is to help remind you of this experience, like an easily accessible reminder.

 These appointments will first consist of the reading. I am not one who believes in the performative nature of modern-day “witchcraft.” The reading will not include any smoke or mirrors, but instead real historic methods. We will focus on the important parts of this ritual; the energy and thoughts behind whatever it is that you have brought in as a foci. I will ask you a number of questions about the intent behind this symbol. I will ask you to make sounds, make movements, and draw. After the reading, I will ask you to give me around 30 minutes to craft your symbol based on our reading together. I use some traditional Icelandic and Nordic symbols to represent certain things, but this can easily be omitted if you please. Please feel free to ask me questions about your design!

 

During the tattoo, I will give you directions to help “charge” the symbol, which includes simple breathing techniques. 


A Little About Me

I have studied Nordic Folk traditions in many capacities. I have studied Trolldom (Nordic magic and folklore) under Johannes Björn Gårdbäck, A world-renowned author and teacher based in Sweden. I also have a MS in the subject, with my thesis in history of folklore and magic in Iceland and Finland from the University of Helsinki. Currently, I am studying both independently and with teachers and family to broaden my knowledge in Icelandic and Finnish folk tradition and magic. Combining history and magic is one of my favourite things, and what better than a tattoo for the final product?



 

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me!

  • "As someone who has always found an element of healing and self discovery in the process of getting tattooed, Zella’s reading based process has been a revelation. The ability to work with Zella with so much intention and focus has allowed me to explore and process extremely significant journeys and themes in my life. Zella creates a space to do this work that is safe and affirming. She makes me feel seen and understood and as the pieces come together, I always have the feeling that we’ve co-created something powerful. Zella is deeply knowledgeable about her craft and generous with her insights and explanations, I cannot recommend her reading based approach enough. No other art I have is quite so custom nor so meaningful. "

    -Brooke

  • "I absolutely loved the ritual of getting a reading tattoo from Zella. I don’t buy into the hocus pocus stuff, and that’s not what this was about. This was about respecting the history of an ancient practice in a modern setting. In that sense, it’s almost therapeutic. As a client, I felt truly listened to. I was uncertain as to how the symbol would come to fruition, but Zella guided me through and made the entire process easy. While I have a few tattoos, this one remains my favorite, both for the experience and the artwork itself."

    -Dennis

  • "Zella provides a sense of warmth and care for any of the tattoo experiences. However, the reading tattoos were on another level. Vulnerability can be scary but know that the environment and Zella's company will foster a sense of inner connection. Since getting my reading tattoo, I have felt the drive to push through the mental pain points I focused on during the ritual. The reading tattoo experience is a reminder to focus on yourself, the support within the community, and the strength to heal and grow. If you are on the fence about getting a reading tattoo, I would encourage you to learn more about yourself through this lens. It's such a unique experience that transcends the spirit."

    -Megan

  • "The reading and tattoo were both great experiences. I had zero idea what I wanted this tattoo to symbolize when I came in and I left with a beautiful and symbolic tattoo for my grandparents. The reading was very inviting and interactive, ensuring its personality to each person who does it. I felt completely comfortable sharing my experiences, thoughts, and emotions to create this tattoo and looking back at the tattoo now, it is still so incredibly symbolic and relevant to my life and I am really glad to have it on me forever!"

    -Olivia

  • "I was pretty nervous about what my experience may be like doing a reading tattoo with Zella, but was more than surprised with how comfortable and safe the experience felt! It felt much like a conversation, with some questions asked but the ability to dive into the important details I wanted included. All of our practices seemed so in line with what we talked about in the initial discussion of the story and I had a really cathartic experience with all of the details coming together. Would highly recommend this for anyone interested or thinking about it, part of the experience was being vulnerable and open to the process. Probably my favorite tattoo I have!

    -Zach