Unlike most of the 80s and 90s content we’ve covered so far in Halloween Month, the use of crystal balls dates all the way back to the Celtic Druids.
Scrying was a popular practice in Victoria times, just like the use of planchettes and ouija boards in seances, but it differed in that crystal balls weren’t for connecting with the deceased.
Scryers were the people who would (claim to) see images in water or crystals and would guide people to make certain decisions in all aspects of their life. Some Christian groups considered crystal gazing as a form a magic, thereby a satanic practice – they were concerned its use could lead to demonic possession.
Something like that would be considered an extreme reaction in the present day, although these kinds of attitudes do actually extend to the practice of tattooing and the people who are covered in them. Fortune telling and tattoos aren’t for everyone, but there’s no reason to refrain from participating in things we enjoy, as long as everyone is a willing participant.
We see a new tattoo in your future… but will it be a crystal ball tattoo? Well, that’s entirely up to you. These selection of 15 (now 25 – September 2019) tattoos might just convince you to add new piece to your collection.
Traditional crystal ball and hand tattoo by @avalontattoo
Crystal ball tattoo by @alexandrafische
Sparkly crystal ball and hands tattoo by @sadboykurt
Pastel sparkly traditional style crystal ball tattoo by @linneatattoos
Witchy hand and crystal ball tattoo by @alexrowntreetattoo
Sparkly crystal ball tattoo by @ashleyluka
Blackwork eye and crystal ball tattoo by @raycorson
Sparkly hands and crystal ball tattoo by @goldlagrimas
Neo trad candle and crystal ball tattoo by @masonchimato
Sparkly galaxy crystals and crystal ball tattoo by @goldlagrimas
Neo trad hand and crystal ball tattoo by @inkbear
Colourful traditional crystal ball tattoo by @robhamiltontattoo
Black and grey stylised crystal ball, tambourine and roses tattoo by @kristenfanchertattoos