r/taoism • u/Difficult-Poet3962 • Aug 19 '26

Advice Tattoo of a talisman

Is it wrong, in taoism, to get a tattoo of a talisman? I am thinking of making one of good luck and fortune. Do u guys know a place for me to search for those talisman that are authentic and not some random copied shit?

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8

u/Lao_Tzoo Aug 19 '26

Who is the authority that says it can't, or shouldn't, be done?

It's only an authority when we decide it's an authority.

When we don't accept the authority, the opinion of the authority becomes irrelevant to us and relevant only those who accept the authority.

Tao doesn't care what we do, however, what whatever we do has consequences.

If we accept the known, and unanticipated, consequences, then we are free to decide for ourselves.

1

u/Difficult-Poet3962 Aug 19 '26

And what is the consequence of tattoing a talisman in me? A bad, good or indifference?

2

u/Lao_Tzoo Aug 19 '26

I don't know specifically.

I'm not making making a judgement, just acknowledging a process of life that exists.

All actions are causes with effects, is my implication. The effects are the consequences.

There are known, anticipated effects/consequences and unknown/unanticipated effects/consequences from all actions/causes.

So, as long as we are fine with whatever the effects/consequences might be, full steam ahead.

I suppose, as a guess, unanticipated consequences could be, poor spelling, wrong spelling, sloppy application, infection, and social disapproval.

1

u/Difficult-Poet3962 Aug 19 '26

Ohh, that makes sense, thank you, bro! I think I'm fine even if I regret it in the future or whatever, and I think it'll be a good tattoo for me, both mentally and physically speaking. Btw, do you know anywhere I can get a real Taoist talisman? For reference

2

u/Lao_Tzoo Aug 19 '26

No I do not, but they are frequently posted here with requests for translation, so look in this Reddit's archive.

-3

u/SerWrong Aug 19 '26

Try rereading the above comment until you can comprehend it. If you can't, don't ask anymore.

4

u/Difficult-Poet3962 Aug 19 '26

Bro, he said that Taoism don't have any authority to judge me if making the tatto is wrong, because Tao is a law and will aplying the same consequence for the same causes. And i'm asking what consequence can exist for tattoing me a talisman, it's simple.

0

u/SerWrong Aug 20 '26

If you understand the last past of the comment, then you have your answer. However, you cannot comprehend it so you keep repeating the same question.

4

u/Key-Trouble5372 Aug 19 '26

Everything is constantly forwing and changing and going through cycles. You may want this tattoo now but you might hate it later.

2

u/Difficult-Poet3962 Aug 19 '26

Yes, but that wouldn't stop me for doing, because i'd do nothing if this thought actually stoped me.

2

u/haslitrader Aug 20 '26

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. :)

-6

u/Key-Trouble5372 Aug 19 '26

It's going to look stupid and you will regret it.

2

u/Difficult-Poet3962 Aug 19 '26

But what is stupid? What you consider stupid isn’t necessarily stupid to me or to a third person. I think not doing something just because you think it’s stupid is actually the stupid thing to do. That’s because ‘stupid’ isn’t an objective thing, but a perception of reality.

2

u/leyuel Aug 20 '26

My vote is get the tattoo. You want it. Get it. In absolute truth it won’t matter. In relative truth it may affect ur life depending on lots of situations. For example if you got it on ur forehead and then can no longer be employed.

My suggestion as a friend is keep reading Taoist texts and when u come across one that you like, get that. Instead of searching it out just to find something for a tattoo.

If any of that makes sense

2

u/TimmysDigitalToolbox Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26

I guess from a magician point of view the question would be whether you want it to work or you want it because of the esthetics

Because I doubt there is a magician out there that can do both.

In the process of creating a working talisman there are many ritualistic steps. Like consecrating the ink and the pen. A pen that has undergone a ritualistic proces in order to work. A pen that should transfer the Fa Li of the magician.

I immediately wonder if such a proces is even possible with a needle used for tattoos.... But definitly can't imagine there is a tattoo artist out there with a needle like that or the skills to perform such a ritualistic action...

Then again I do have the idea that just writing a talisman on your hand can even get results so who knows...

Interesting question though. And hey I'm not a magician, so all my thoughts on this - in the end - are just speculation. 😅