I need chrysanthemums. All kinds of them, for strength and protection.

Tattoo by Brittany Owner of Pins and Needles Tattoo in Simsbury, CT July 2021

Last Tattoo Before Top Surgery!

So now the time has come for Top Surgery and I am mixed with gratitude, anxiety, a health amount of fear and excitement. It felt very fitting that this tattoo is the last one I get before my body and I finally experience true congruence. For me congruence is also about symmetry and it felt really fitting to have the other side of my neck tattooed to match the tattoo Brittany had previously done.

In my previous tattoo she did some beautiful buttercup-esque flowers which in the magical world area very feminine and childlike flower that connects us to humility.

This new balancing piece is a Chrysanthemum surrounded by lavender. Chrysanthemum are a very special flower as they are considered to connect to the masculine and adult nature of humanity. They represent the element fire and the sun and are strongest during Halloween as they connect us to our ancestors. Even more so yellow Chrysanthemum are used in teas for healing properties and burned for house blessing ceremonies. This all felt so incredibly fitting to have them in such a visual spot and before surgery where they can balance the feminine and childlike energy the has always been such a big part of my being (and my trauma).

So as I go into surgery, as my body changes drastically for the better, I feel truly grateful to have this as part of this part of my life’s journey. I am deeply reminded of my favorite TV Show, American Horror Story, where Delia rebukes the roses from her mother and demands Chrysanthemum for healing and protection. Thank you AHS, Coven for always brining me magical, dark joy in the most beautiful of moments.