Shane Coley
Ko Whakamārama tōku Waka
Ko Tararua tōku Maunga
Ko Manawatu tōku Awa
Ko Rangitane tōku Iwi
Ko Ngati Rangitēpaia tōku Hapu
Ko Te Rangimārie tōku Marae
Ko Shane Coley tōku ingoa
Ko Rangiotu ko Te Papaioea ahau
Kei Tai Koura tōku kāinga
Intuitive Tattooist Energy Healer Ancestral Connection
Heading 5
Born in Palmerston North, Manawatu, Aotearoa/New Zealand, my journey with tattooing began in 1987, igniting a passion that has evolved into both an art form and a spiritual practice. I opened my first tattoo studio on the iconic Cuba Street in Wellington, where my early work was deeply influenced by traditional Māori carving and Ta Moko. My foundational knowledge came from two revered master carvers and Ta Moko artists, Tom Bishop and Rawiri, whose wisdom shaped my understanding of tattooing beyond skin—into the realms of identity, culture, and spirit. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of Aotearoa’s most inspiring Ta Moko artists, including Inia Taylor III (Moko Ink), Tommy Downs, Mike E, Turumakina Duley, Gordon Toi, and the talented collective at House of Natives. My journey also led me to collaborate with globally renowned artists at studios like Into You (London), Tokyo Hardcore (Japan), and Saved Tattoo (Brooklyn, NYC), where I expanded my perspective and honed my craft on the international stage.
Tattooing as a Spiritual Practice
Tattooing, for me, has never been just about ink on skin. It’s a sacred practice, a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Early in my career, I became aware of the energetic and emotional shifts happening during tattoo sessions. Clients would experience unexpected emotional releases—crying, laughing, trembling—as if the process unlocked something deep within them. Some felt embarrassed, not understanding what was happening, but I always reassured them, “Let it come, let it go.”
What I was witnessing was more than emotion—it was healing, a reconnection to their Mauri (life force, energy, and source of emotion). This wasn’t just tattooing; it was an ancient ceremony in modern skin. Clients would often reach out weeks or months later, sharing how their tattoos had sparked transformational shifts—emotional healing, clarity, release of old wounds, and a deeper connection to themselves.
The Evolution of My Creative Process
As I grew into this understanding, I shifted how I approached design. Initially, I’d create designs before meeting clients, but it felt disconnected. I realised that the energy needed to flow in the moment, with the person present. When I let go of control, stood beside them, and opened to the energy, the designs began to emerge effortlessly—not from me, but through me.
It felt like I was downloading their design from the universe. These weren’t my creations; they were already out there, woven into the client’s story, their ancestry, their soul. I was simply the channel, the bridge bringing their design to life. Their tattoo was already written in their energy—I was just the one to uncover it.
Dreams, Symbols, and Intuitive Connection
Sometimes, days before a session, I’ll have vivid dreams revealing symbols or images meant for a specific client. Other times, an image will flash into my mind during the day, a clear message that this element needs to be included. When I share these with clients, they’re often met with awe—the symbols hold deep personal, ancestral, or emotional significance they never mentioned, yet the tattoo speaks directly to their soul.
Tattooing as a Portal for Transformation
This is more than art. It’s a rite of passage, a sacred dialogue between the individual, their ancestors, and the universe. Every line, every mark, carries intention, energy, and healing. Through this process, I’ve come to understand that tattooing is an ancient language, etched into the skin but written by the spirit.
If you’re drawn to this work, it’s because your story is ready to be told—not just on your skin but within your soul.
Let’s uncover it together.
A Powerful Tattoo Story: The Connection Between Spirit, Symbols, and Skin
I’d like to share a memorable tattoo experience that has stayed with me over the years. I was tattooing a friend and client when something extraordinary unfolded—one of those moments that remind me how deeply connected tattooing is to the spiritual realm.
The Albatross (Toroa) and a Powerful Connection
The night before the session, I had vivid images appear in my mind. I knew instinctively that these symbols needed to be part of his tattoo design. As I sketched, one image stood out—a giant albatross (Toroa). It felt significant, though I didn’t yet understand why.
When I met with my client, I explained the korero (story) woven into his design, detailing which sections represented his family members, his ancestral connections, and personal journey. As I pointed to the albatross, he stopped me in awe and shared an incredible story.
Just a few days earlier, he had been driving with his son when an albatross landed right in front of their car. They both got out, standing face-to-face with this magnificent bird. He described it as an eerie, powerful encounter—a silent connection, like meeting a guardian or even an ancestor. The timing of the tattoo and the image felt deeply significant, as though the universe had orchestrated the moment.
The Sun, Ra, and Ancestral Presence
We started the tattoo at his home in Wellington, set up in his lounge near large bay windows. It was a typical overcast Wellington day, grey skies and muted light. But as I began tattooing the section dedicated to his son, named ‘Ra’ (which also means sun in Māori), something incredible happened.
The clouds suddenly parted, and the sun shone through with overwhelming brilliance, bathing us in warmth and light. This radiant energy stayed with us the entire time I tattooed his son’s symbol onto him. The moment I finished that section, the clouds closed over, and the sunlight disappeared. It felt like a blessing from the universe, perfectly timed with the story we were etching into his skin.
The Spirit of His Uncle
As we continued the tattoo, a sudden noise came from behind us—something falling, though we were alone in the house. I felt a distinct presence standing behind me, as if someone was watching over my shoulder. Every time I glanced back, I could almost see someone there, just beyond the edge of my vision. A voice echoed in my mind:
“It’s his uncle, it’s his uncle. Everything is good.”
I didn’t say anything at the time. We finished the tattoo, but that night, I couldn’t shake the feeling. I knew I had to tell him.
The Confirmation Over Coffee
The next morning, we met for coffee. As we talked about the tattoo, I gently asked,
“Was there someone you were really close to growing up?”
He looked at me, eyes widening, and replied,
“Yes, my uncle.”
Without missing a beat, we both said in unison,
“But he’s passed away now.”
I shared what had happened—the noise, the presence, and the message I’d heard:
“Your uncle was there, standing behind me, watching over us. He was giving us his blessing.”
Tears welled in his eyes. That simple confirmation meant everything to him. It was more than a tattoo; it was a moment of ancestral connection, healing, and reassurance.
The Deeper Meaning of Tattooing
This is just one of many experiences I’ve had throughout my life as a tattoo artist. Moments where the veil between worlds feels thin, and tattooing becomes more than art—it becomes a spiritual ceremony, a bridge between the living and the unseen. I hold these moments with deep respect, as sacred reminders of the power that exists beyond ink and skin.
Everything Is Vibration
When I reflect on it, everything is energy—everything carries a vibration. Whether it’s trees, plants, or people, every living and non-living thing vibrates at a unique frequency. Even images and words evoke specific vibrations, resonating with us in ways we may not fully understand.
This is why symbols have held such profound importance throughout history. They don’t just represent ideas; they carry an energetic charge, vibrating at a frequency that can trigger specific causes or effects in our reality. These sacred symbols, lines, and patterns influence not just our minds but our very energy fields.
When we apply these images through tattooing, we are invoking more than art—we’re channeling a vibrational shift. Whether it’s drawn from the universe or brought to the surface from within, I believe that tattooing has a profound impact on the wearer—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s a powerful form of energetic expression that aligns us with something greater.
The Ways of Old: Reviving the Ancient Spirit of Tattooing
Let’s bring back to tattooing the knowledge and wisdom that the ancients lived by—an understanding deeply rooted in spiritual connection, ceremony, healing, and the balancing of energies that shape who we are on this journey through life. It’s time to honour the Old Ways, practices that have been forgotten in much of the modern world but are now slowly reawakening.
Many tattoo artists around the world are embracing these ancient traditions, weaving spirituality into their craft. This shift is powerful and inspiring—a reminder that tattooing is more than skin deep. In a world overwhelmed by superficial consumerism and endless distractions, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves and our sacred connection to others. But through intentional tattooing, we can help rebalance the energies that connect us to Spirit, Heart, Mother Earth, and the Universe.
Book Your Session Now to experience this reconnection.
Tattooing as Energy, Consciousness, and Creation
The ancients knew that tattooing was far more than just placing an image on the skin. They understood that lines and shapes create energy, and everything is energy, which is, in essence, consciousness. When we create a design, we are creating energy, and when that energy takes form, it becomes its own kind of consciousness within the tattoo.
When two energy systems are in resonance, they exchange energy and information. This is the heart of tattooing—not just the image, but the energetic relationship between you and your tattoo.
The Sacred Elements: Placement, Intention, Ceremony, and Blessing
Placement, intention, ceremony, and blessings are not just rituals of the past—they are key to creating tattoos that carry real meaning and power. The ancient tattoo traditions infused these elements into every piece, and their importance is just as relevant today. While some Indigenous cultures have kept these practices alive, for many, this sacred approach to tattooing has been lost.
But now, as humanity and Mother Earth undergo profound shifts, more people are seeking a return to these ancient ways—not just in life but in the way they receive their tattoos. Tattoos become more than art; they become spiritual tools for healing, protection, and transformation.
Honouring Ancestral Wisdom
I also honour my own Celtic and Viking heritage, acknowledging the wisdom of my ancestors and spiritual guardians. By reconnecting with these ancient roots, I bring the knowledge of healing, protection, ceremony, and ritual into my approach to tattooing.
This isn’t just tattooing. It’s a sacred ceremony, a rite of passage, and a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
Spiritual Tattooing: A Sacred Journey Beyond Ink
The practice of Spiritual Tattooing is open to everyone, regardless of culture, religion, or tattoo style. It’s not confined to any specific tradition and can be experienced by anyone seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection through their tattoo. While much of my work is influenced by Māori and Polynesian designs, this reflects my background, knowledge, and lived experience in these styles. However, the process, ceremony, and intention behind Spiritual Tattooing can be applied to any style that resonates with you.
Whether your tattoo holds personal, ancestral, or symbolic significance, we’ll explore the reasons and intentions behind it together. This intention is infused into every part of the journey—from the development of the design to the ceremonial process during your tattoo session.
The Transformative Power of Spiritual Tattooing
The way this form of sacred tattooing can transform lives is truly incredible. I’ve witnessed time and again how clients experience profound shifts, emotional breakthroughs, and personal healing through this process. Beyond the tattoo itself, the experience is often described as peaceful, meditative, and deeply grounding.
In addition to the spiritual and emotional benefits, I also integrate Energy Healing into tattoo sessions. This added layer of healing works to balance your energy field, supporting both the body and spirit throughout the process.
Ancestor Tattoo: Merging Tattooing with Energy Healing
Ancestor Tattoo is a unique combination I’ve developed that fuses tattooing with energy healing. This holistic modality works across multiple layers of your being—physically, emotionally, mentally, genetically, and spiritually. The goal is to identify and remove energetic blockages that may be holding you back, creating imbalances or feelings of being “stuck” in life.
I began combining energy healing with tattooing after noticing how many of my clients experienced unexpected emotional releases and life shifts after their tattoos. Over time, I recognised that I was not just creating art—I was facilitating healing. My natural ability to work with energy became clear, and I realised that tattoos themselves carry vibrational properties that can promote deep healing.
How It Works: Healing Through Ink and Energy
While each person’s journey is unique, the process typically leads to the release of energetic blocks, encouraging healing, personal growth, and the awakening of parts of yourself that may have been dormant. Through this fusion of art and energy, you’re not just receiving a tattoo—you’re experiencing a powerful transformation, stepping into a greater version of yourself.
This is more than body art. It’s a sacred ceremony, a rite of passage that honours your soul, your story, and your connection to something greater.