When I got my Three of Swords tattooed on my ribcage, everyone thought I was embracing pain. I just liked how it looked and what it meant to me after a bad breakup. The artist did something cool with the negative space between the swords - there’s a hidden rose that only shows when I breathe deeply.
What card are you thinking of getting? Mine kept showing up in readings before I decided to get it tattooed. Three times in one week actually.
My grandma taught me to read cards when I was little. She used to say the symbols have their own energy.
If you’re thinking about a design, I’d spend some time figuring out which card feels right for you. Some of them are pretty intense, like The Tower or Death, and that’s something you’ll be looking at on your body every day. Maybe something like The Star or The Hermit? Or one of the suit symbols, if that means something to you? Just pick something you won’t get tired of seeing.
Get multiple cards? I know someone who started with The Fool and keeps adding new tarot tattoos for big life events.
You could pick cards that match different parts of your practice. Like if you’re into yes/no readings, maybe The Sun for yes vibes and The Moon for no or unclear answers. Or you could do a small spread design - three cards for past, present, future. Leave the future one as just an empty border and fill it in later when you know what card fits.
For style, I’ve seen nice minimalist versions that hold up well over time. Or you could go with full color from whatever deck you use most. Rider-Waite is the classic, but you probably have a deck you like better.
When choosing your card, think about which energies you want to bring into your daily practice instead of just picking based on the artwork. Your tattoo becomes something you live with every day.
I chose The Star for mine because I wanted that reminder of hope and renewal whenever I see it. It’s like carrying that card’s guidance with me. Since the cards have meant a lot to you, think about which specific lesson or quality from the deck you’d most want to keep with you. The tattoo becomes both a nod to your process and a guide for what’s next.