As we move into the Age of Aquarius, interest in psychedelics is on the rise again, influencing a creative shift in Western culture and inspiring a new and diverse generation of psychedelic tattoos. While the relationship between tattoos and psychedelics may seem insignificant at first, both have played important roles in ancient and indigenous societies as sacred tools to initiate initiation rites and promote inner healing.
One of the most interesting explanations for tattoos’ relationship to psychedelics comes from famed psychonaut and renowned ethnobotanist, Terrence McKenna, who saw tattoos and psychedelic drugs as similar ventures for the spirit; believing that both marked a return to our “authentic”, “archaic” selves, and that both spoke of a “rejection of linear values”.
As psychedelics continue to be decriminalized and accepted into modern medicine, we see legal access to these substances increasing around the world as a means for people to initiate inner healing, escape the confines of reality and reconnect with themselves; all the processes that are powerfully complemented and commemorated through the act of tattooing.
If you’ve been interested in a psychedelic tattoo of your own, join us as we explore the history of psychedelic body art and explore the work of some of the most talented tattoo artists working within these mind-boggling genres.
history of psychedelic tattoos
Psychedelic tattoos first emerged in the 1960s and 1970s against the backdrop of the American counterculture revolution. As young people began to break away from the conservative values of their parents’ generation, many experimented with psychedelics, sex, and new art forms in an effort to feel liberated from the constraints of the “old world.”
Inspired by the psychedelic posters of San Francisco, tattoos began to appear with images such as peace signs, yin yang and daisies, which signal support for free love, the fight against war, the civil rights movement and appreciation for Eastern mysticism. Popular tattoo motifs during the psychedelic era also included doves, grateful dead bears, blades of grass, butterflies, and mushrooms; all symbols that spoke of the desire of countercultures for awakening, evolution and peace.
Modern era psychedelic tattoos are sometimes inspired by the classic psychedelic tattoo motifs of the 60s and 70s, with a perfect example from minneapolis tattoo artist Lindsee Bee. Known for her technicolor daisies, playful butterflies, and gorgeous fluorescent mushrooms, Lindsee revives the quintessential designs of the ’60s and ’70s through her signature style, reminiscent of haight-ashbury bohemian art.
the best psychedelic tattoo motifs
In contrast to the colorful volkswagen vans and multicolored daisy chains of yesteryear, many contemporary psychedelic tattoos utilize dissociative compositional styles, illusory textures, mind-blowing fractals, and intoxicating double vision effects.
Whether you want to recreate an Alex Gray painting, pay homage to the cosmos, or recall an epic spiritual journey, a psychedelic-themed tattoo is a great way to inspire ongoing healing while integrating lessons from your experience.
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Join us as we explore the best psychedelic tattoo motifs, visionary artists, and more!
mushroom tattoos
As magic mushrooms move ever closer to legalization in the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, more people than ever are experimenting with these enigmatic mushrooms and remember their experiences with a mushroom tattoo. From blackwork botanical renderings to funky traditional designs swirling with daytime hues, mushroom tattoos are wonderfully suited to a variety of styles and aesthetics. In addition to commemorating a magical mushroom journey, mushroom tattoos are also used to signify rapid growth, psychic power, and the call of magic.
acid tattoos
When it comes to tattoos inspired by the kaleidoscopic and mystical realms of LSD, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to design. From 3-D LSD molecules to tongue-dissolving eyelashes and disorienting Alice in Wonderland tattoos; acid has inspired a lot of surreal and powerful designs.
marijuana tattoos
If you’re looking to make your love of marijuana official, marijuana tattoos are a bold and expressive way to celebrate Mary Janes. if you like neo-traditional marijuana plants, thin joints or new school buds; grass tattoos can be easily created in a wide variety of expressive styles. To make your marijuana tattoo feel truly psychedelic, elements of surrealism, outer space, and geometric patterns can all work to paint a mind-blowing landscape.
peyote tattoos
Considered to serve as a mystical portal between humanity and god, the peyote cactus has long been used by indigenous cultures as a ceremonial tool for healing and exploration. tattoos honoring peyote often incorporate fractals, Egyptian symbolism, and surreal desert landscapes. If you’re looking for an understated psychedelic tattoo, blackwork-style peyote buttons work as a strong yet subtle ode to this special cactus.
San Pedro cactus tattoos
Responsible for producing a powerful visionary tea known as Huachuma, the San Pedro cactus has long been used by shamans and healers throughout South America as a medicinal and spiritual tool. Whether you prefer vintage illustrations with cutout cactus stars, quirky traditional potted cacti, or black and gray desert scenes, the San Pedro cactus tattoo is a stunning tribute to the concepts of divine masculine energy, exploration, and healing.
mdma tattoos
mdma tattoos are as varied as the people who wear them, from fine line molecular designs to ignorant style pills in baggies. This stark contrast between MDMA tattoo images works to shed light on the two very different worlds in which the drug has made a splash. Although primarily considered a rave drug, MDMA has undergone extensive clinical trials for its use in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, as the drug has been shown to help people process and transcend persistent trauma. /p>
ayahuasca tattoos
Ayahuasca-themed tattoos make up some of the most complex and visually intricate psychedelic pieces. Often accented by exotic spirit animals such as jaguars, snakes, frogs, and lizards, ayahuasca tattoos commonly feature disorienting geometric patterns, elements of optical illusions, and vibrating chakra points. tattoos that incorporate the main symbols, entities and lessons of your ayahuasca journey can be a useful integration tool after a trip.
dmt tattoos
Known as the “spiritual molecule,” DMT is considered the most powerful psychedelic in existence. full of vibrant hues, dizzying fractals, open heart chakras and piercing third eyes; DMT tattoos are worn as permanent reminders of the unseen, the otherworldly, and the spiritual. For those who prefer a small and simple piece of DMT, options like a tattoo of a DMT molecule or a symbol or image representative of the main lesson of the journey can be a powerful option.
The experience of psychedelics can be profound, which may be another reason why these psychedelic tattoos are so striking and inspiring. being able to take something that allows you to tap into parts of your brain, and part of perspective or reality, that you definitely can’t tap into otherwise can be a life-changing experience. Kind of like getting a tattoo!!
transcendent experiences can allow you to feel more connected and more at peace with the world around you…just make sure you don’t have a bad trip! Whether you’re drawn to surreal tattoos, looking to honor a life-changing experience, or want to show your support for psychedelic medicine, we hope these mind-blowing tattoos have helped inspire and guide you along your journey!
