໑Essence Tattoo Ceremony໑

An Essence Tattoo Ceremony Is An Embodied Journey To The Core Of Who You Are—Your Essence.

A return to yourself.
To the body that knows its truth, to the soul that remembers, the rituals that carry us and connect us with each other, and weave us into the web of life we are part of.
To the quiet layer within you where ancient wisdom has never disappeared, but waits patiently for you to open yourself to listen.

The ceremony opens up a space where you can slow down, land, and be present with what wants to be seen within you.
Everything that wants to take shape already lives within you: your story, your desires, your inner wisdom, the connection with your ancestors and guides, and the symbols that move through your life.

During the ceremony, I will guide you, together with the field and the energies that support us.
There is nothing you need to create; simply be open to what wishes to emerge.
We listen to the movements that arise, the images that present themselves, the emotions that speak, the whispers of your body.

In this way, the handpoke tattoo becomes a tangible echo of an inner journey, your unique story. An anchor that reminds you of what has always lived within you.

A ceremony of coming home.
A reminder of your essence.

  • “I asked Iris if she could design a tattoo that she felt would suit me. When she shared the design and explanation with me, it immediately appealed to me and I could identify with it. On the day of the ceremony, Iris started with an energetic session that allowed me to relax completely. During this session, I was able to visualize and feel that the chosen tattoo suited me, which felt really good. Getting the tattoo done was just as relaxing. I experienced no pain at all and was therefore able to remain in the wonderfully relaxed energy that was present. I found this method of handpoke tattooing to be fantastic and it cannot be compared to 'standard' tattooing. This ritual had a real feeling and positive energy that I had never experienced before. And the result is beautiful. Now that I have this tattoo, I look at it and wear it with pride; it belongs to me. Thank you, Iris!"

    - Rudy

  • When Iris showed me the tattoo design she had drawn, I knew that this was the one. It immediately felt right. Iris understood me perfectly, and the design was finished in no time. Before she started tattooing, she performed a ritual, which was truly special and magical. I felt very comfortable and relaxed. I felt very connected, safe, and secure. The tattooing went smoothly, and Iris did it very professionally. I enjoy my beautiful tattoo every day and am incredibly happy with it! Iris, thank you so much for this wonderful and beautiful experience!"

    - Marjolein

  • “I am very happy and grateful for the beautiful tattoo Iris gave me. Ever since she started her handpoke art, I had a strong feeling that I wanted to get a tattoo from her. I had been thinking for a long time about a tattoo that would symbolize my life as a dancer. The handpoke technique feels very different from the machine, much softer, and I am incredibly grateful and happy with the result. I would recommend everyone to get a handpoke tattoo from Iris, because she works in a very personal and unique way. The result will always be a beautiful and fitting piece of art."

    - Hazel

Essence Tattooing,
an ancient practice

Since time immemorial, cultures around the world have worn tattoos on their skin as part of life. For thousands of years, the Celts and other ancient cultures tattooed by hand. Tattoos were applied in ceremony and were tangible symbols of guidance, protection, transformation, and connection.
The ceremonies and tattoos served as a rite of passage, a reminder of the essence of the soul and the journey it takes.

My work is rooted in this ancient wisdom: a living tradition in which the body once again becomes a vessel for meaning, connection, and story.
Tattooing in a ceremonial setting is a sacred moment of remembrance. The lines that appear on the skin are not just ink, but energy, story, return, a celebration of life itself.

And at the same time, this work is more than just symbolism.
An Essence Tattoo Ceremony is a therapeutic and healing experience that has a profound effect on the body and consciousness.
The symbolism of a tattoo intertwines not only with your physical body, but also with the subtle energy field around it.
It is a process that opens, remembers, and sets things in motion.
It invites you to return to who you really are and to feel what is ready to emerge within you.

I work with the handpoke technique: a traditional form of tattooing that does not use a machine.
Each dot is placed by hand, with complete attention and care. This requires time and dedication because every movement carries an intention. Because there is no machine noise, there is room for stillness and deep connection.

A ritual of transformation and initiation.
An anchor that connects you to the intelligence of your body,
your path,
your humanity and inner wisdom,
the ground beneath your feet
and the greater whole of which you are a part of.

Full-day Essence Tattoo Ceremony

During a Full-Day Essence Tattoo Ceremony, you receive a hand-poked tattoo within a serene space where undivided attention, safety, and embodied depth are woven into the experience. Within this setting, we create a tangible echo of your unique story, a reminder of your true essence.

  • Once you have completed the application form and we have scheduled the Essence Tattoo Ceremony, you will receive a preparation and integration guide from me.

    This guide offers rituals to support you in preparing your body for the day of the ceremony and the receiving of your tattoo.

    It also includes insights into the energetic significance of specific areas of the body, allowing you to make an attuned and conscious choice about where you wish to receive your tattoo.

  • Receiving a ceremonial tattoo is a journey from the inside out. This process is a dance between my attunement and your willingness.

    I want you to feel heard, seen, and fully a part of the creation process, and I welcome every level of involvement you choose to bring:

    • Co-creation – weaving together
      You are more than welcome to share your own wishes, stories, and the symbolism you carry with you and wish to see reflected in the design. Your input serves as an anchor for my attunement. In the lead-up to our ceremony day, we will take the time to refine details and adjust symbols until the design fully resonates with your inner world. This requires mutual alignment and a process of organic back-and-forth movement, but it also builds a deep trust—in your own voice and in me as your artist.

    • Complete surrender – trusting the unknown
      You can also choose to grant me complete creative freedom, fully opening yourself up to whatever wishes to emerge from the attunement and what needs to be seen and anchored in your life at this moment. By tuning into your intentions and energy field, I receive the imagery, symbolism, and energetic information that your tattoo wishes to carry.

    Whether you bring a clear vision or a heart wide open to the unknown: the design is always rooted in the subtle layers of your essence.

  • On the day of the ceremony, we gather in softness and slowness. This is the moment your tattoo physically comes to life and finds its place upon your skin.

    A personal altar, carrying your intentions, your process, and your unique story, forms the center.

    We open the ceremony with a prayer, creating a space where your journey can safely land. From this grounding, we sink deeper into a meditation that helps you to fully arrive in the present moment and drop deeper into your body, with blue lotus tea or ceremonial cacao to support you (should you choose to use them).

    What unfolds on this day arises in the moment. Sometimes it is silence, sometimes sound; perhaps connecting with ceremonial cacao or blue lotus, or simply being present.

    Within this space, we create room for the physical encounter with your design. Whether the imagery has already been woven together with you in the lead-up, or it is unveiled to you today as a gift: I invite you to trust in this unfolding. While the imagery flows through my hands, it is deeply rooted in your own essence.

    We will take all the time needed to feel into the design together and let it settle within you. In my space, your autonomy comes first: there is always room for fine-tuning the details and the exact placement. It is your body and your transformation; only when the design feels like a true homecoming in your skin will we move on to tattooing.

    I listen to what you feel and need, while simultaneously inviting you to trust the process that began long before today: from the moment you decided to embark on this journey.

    When the design is ready to land in its place and your system is ready to receive, we begin weaving your hand-poked tattoo: an intimate, slow ritual where intention, body, breath, and consciousness become interwoven.

    We close the ceremony with a small blessing in the studio, in the forest behind my studio, or in the garden beneath the magnolia tree. Afterwards, if you wish, we will take a few photos of your new tattoo.

  • Integration is an essential part of the journey: it is the space in which the symbolism of your tattoo can settle, your body can speak, and the design slowly anchors its presence and effect.

    After receiving your tattoo, a phase begins in which your body, your energy, and your consciousness align with what has newly opened. Your ceremony sets something in motion that requires time, space, and gentleness.

    Integration starts the moment you say "yes" to this journey, deepens during the ceremony, and often continues to unfold for a long time afterward. It is completely normal for feelings, dreams, insights, or physical sensations to intensify or, conversely, to soften during this period.

    To support this process, you have received a preparation and integration guide from me. It includes simple rituals, body-oriented exercises, and other tips to help you keep listening to what the energy of your tattoo wants to open within you. After the ceremony, take enough time for yourself, avoid scheduling appointments, and be present with everything that moves through you.

    Four weeks after receiving your tattoo, we will have a short 20-minute integration call. If you feel a need for further deepening or guidance after that, you’re always welcome to book a personal 1:1 session with me.

  • Elements of this ceremony:

    • Preparation and integration guide.

    • Opening ceremony through prayer and meditation.

    • Personal altar, aligned with your intentions and unique story.

    • Connecting with a plant medicine: ceremonial cacao or blue lotus.

    • The unveiling: meeting and feeling into your unique design together.

    • Body-oriented energetic exercise to create space for receiving your tattoo.

    • Organic snacks, fruit, and tea.

    • 20-minute integration call: approximately 4 weeks after the ceremony.

An Essence Tattoo Ceremony is a deeply personal and transformative process. After you submit your inquiry, we will always schedule a brief, non-binding introductory call.
This allows us to align and see if there is a mutual match, ensuring it is the right moment for your ceremony.

Request your ceremony

tattoo only

Would you like to receive a handpoke tattoo, but an Essence Tattoo Ceremony doesn't feel like the right fit for you at this moment?

In the serene setting of my private studio, I create handpoke tattoos with undivided attention for you.

If desired, we can deepen the session with ceremonial elements. taking a moment for meditation, honoring an intention you bring, or allowing your body to be supported by cacao or blue lotus tea throughout the session.

After your inquiry, we will connect via email.
If you’d prefer to discuss your ideas personally to ensure they align, feel free to let me know, and we can schedule a brief call.

request

FAQs

  • The button on this page will take you to the application form for an Essence Tattoo Ceremony. Once you have completed this and we both feel that the time is right for our journey together, I will contact you with available dates and further details to book your ceremony. A deposit is required to reserve a ceremony.

    For a tattoo-only appointment, click on the "request" button on this page. This button will take you to the request form for making an appointment. Once you have filled this in, I will contact you. A deposit is required to reserve a tattoo session.

  • What are the effects of an Essence Tattoo Ceremony?

    Tattooing in a ceremonial setting is a sacred moment of remembrance. The lines that appear on the skin are not just ink, but energy, story, and return—a celebration of life itself.

    An Essence Tattoo Ceremony is more than just symbolism; it is a therapeutic and healing experience that has a profound effect on your body, consciousness, and energy field. It is a process that opens something, remembers something, and sets something in motion. It invites you to return to who you truly are and to feel what is ready to come to life within you.

    In this way, the tattoo becomes an embodied symbol of your essence, a silent bridge to your inner light, and a living reminder of your wisdom.

    Each tattoo is carefully tailored to your intention, your energy field, and the subtle layers that want to speak through you. With the ink, we weave intention into life, making the tattoo an anchor that connects you to yourself, your path, your soul, the ground beneath your feet, and the greater whole of which you are a part.

    The effects of this ceremony reflect the clarity of your intentions, your openness, willingness to go through life's thresholds, and trust in the mysterious. Old patterns, energetic blockages, unprocessed emotions, or old beliefs may begin to shift or release. At the same time, getting a tattoo can help you strengthen your creative power, inner voice, heart wisdom, and personal power.

    An Essence Tattoo Ceremony is an initiation—a ritual of transformation and embodiment—that invites a deeper expression of yourself. It opens a gateway for growth, renewal, and expressing your unique self, your essence, in everyday life.

  • Investment in your process

    Full-Day Essence Ceremony

    A Full-Day Essence Tattoo Ceremony is a day entirely dedicated to your intention and process. Because every marking is unique in meaning, size, and detail, we work with custom pricing.

    The investment for a ceremonial day starts at €250 incl. VAT. Following your request, I will tailor the exact price personally to you.

    After our initial alignment, you will receive a personal proposal so you know exactly what to expect beforehand. A reduced rate applies for returning clients.

    What is included:

    • The preparation:
      A preparation guide, the intuitive attunement, and the creation of your design.

    • The ceremony:
      A full day of undivided attention, including all ceremonial elements and the handpoke tattoo ritual.

    • Care without time pressure: We work organically and tune into your pace. Should the Full-Day session unexpectedly run slightly over time, we will schedule an extra moment together to complete it in peace, free of charge.

    • Integration:
      An integration guide and a 20-minute follow-up call (approx. 4 weeks after the ceremony) to discuss your experience and how the marking has landed.

    Payment & Reservation
    To reserve your space, a non-refundable deposit is required. The amount depends on the price estimate provided after receiving your application. This secures your date and allows me to begin the preparation and the creation of your design. The remaining balance can be settled prior to the ceremony. To keep this experience accessible, payment in installments is always possible upon request.

  • Tattoo only session

    The price for a tattoo-only session starts at €70 (incl. VAT). The final price is determined by the size and complexity of the design, as well as its placement on the body.

    Based on your completed application form, I can provide an estimate and a formal price proposal.

    To confirm a tattoo-only appointment, a non-refundable deposit is always required. The amount depends on the price estimate provided after receiving your application.

  • Yes, a payment plan is possible. Please contact us when booking to arrange a payment plan.

  • Payment Terms & Commitment

    Due to the preparation, time, depth, and energy invested in every ceremony, I maintain the following conditions. To book an Essence Tattoo Ceremony, a non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space in my calendar.

    The deposit as an anchor and preparation This deposit is more than a practical step; it is a confirmation of your commitment and dedication to the intentions of your ceremonial journey. Additionally, the deposit covers the hours I invest prior to our meeting in attunement and the creation of your unique design.

    Your journey begins the moment you fill out the application form with the intention to book, and it deepens as soon as you commit to a date and make the deposit.

    In the space between your intention and our actual meeting, much can be set in motion. Resistance, doubt, or tension are natural responses; these often arise because your system senses that an inner shift is on its way.

    This is precisely why the deposit serves as an anchor: a consciously chosen ‘yes’ that helps you stay rooted in your process, while allowing me the space to work on your design with full devotion.

    Practical arrangements

    • Payment:
      The remaining balance must be settled before the day of the ceremony, unless we have explicitly agreed upon a payment plan in advance.

    • Availability:
      As this work is intensive and profound, I have space for 1 to 3 ceremony clients per month. This limited availability ensures my full presence, care, and attention.

    • Rescheduling:
      Should it be necessary to reschedule your appointment, your deposit remains valid. As I attune specifically to your arrival and reserve dedicated time for the design process, I ask that you communicate any changes at least 7 days before the original date. This applies unless there is a situation of force majeure. The new appointment must take place within 60 days. Please note: due to my schedule, a new date may not be immediately available.


    Tattoo-only session

    To book a Tattoo-only session, a non-refundable deposit is also required. The amount depends on the price estimate provided after receiving your application.

    Rescheduling:
    You may reschedule a Tattoo-only session while retaining your deposit, provided this is communicated at least 72 hours in advance and the new appointment takes place within 60 days (unless there is a situation of force majeure).

  • Essence Tattoo ceremony
    The symbolism in my designs is strongly connected to the elements of the earth and the universe, medicinal plants, healing herbs, animal guides, and sacred symbols.

    These tattoos are not simply designed, but passed on through the essence of the person receiving them. Together, we decipher this language as it emerges through you, and translate it into a design that can be woven onto the skin.

    The process is a co-creation between your essence, your guides, your ancestors, the creative force itself, and me. It requires surrender and trust: letting go of control and opening yourself completely to the magic, the space, the mystery, and the potential of what wants to emerge. At the same time, we create the design in alignment and care—we make sure it feels right and just right before it is applied to the body.

    I never copy other people's work. On the request form, you have the option to upload photos for reference (these can also be of my own work), but I will always retain my own interpretation and creative freedom during the design process.

    In the years that I have been offering this work, almost all people have experienced that the design emerged naturally from within themselves, rather than being imposed on them. It feels as if it has always been there. This is the essence and magic of ceremonial tattooing.

    Tattoo Only
    I never copy other people's work. On the request form, you have the option to upload photos for reference (these can also be of my own work), but I will always retain my own interpretation and creative freedom during the design process. It helps if you provide as clear a description as possible of your wishes and fill these in on the request form.

  • I work exclusively with organic, non-toxic, vegan, and heavy metal-free ink.

    This is the safest, purest, and most minimalist ink that is kind to both the body and the earth, as it is the purest form of tattoo ink.

    I do not tattoo in color, but use black ink and gray wash variations.

  • It is impossible to estimate exactly how long a session will take, so do not schedule any important appointments after your tattoo session. It may take longer than expected.

  • Unfortunately, I cannot tattoo you if you:

    • Are allergic to metals or ink.

    • Have heart and vascular abnormalities.

    • Have used antibiotics or blood thinners and have problems with blood clotting (such as hemophilia).

    • Have diabetes.

    • Have an immune disorder (such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis).

    • You have chronic skin disease, skin irritation, or eczema at the site of the tattoo.

    • Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Nutrition
    It is important to eat and drink well beforehand. Preferably drinkplenty of water and ginger tea before the session and in the weeks afterwards. Drink at least 48 hours before the session no alcohol at least 48 hours before the session. During the Essence Tattoo Ceremony, I will provide healthy snacks and tea, but I recommend that you bring something to eat yourself. Although you will be sitting or lying still during the tattooing process, your body will be working hard to protect itself from external "intruders." This takes energy, so it is wise (especially with a large tattoo) to eat something in between to provide your body with extra energy.


    Aftercare
    A new tattoo is similar to a graze. Poor care and unhygienic treatment can cause wound infections and scar tissue. In addition, wound infections can lead to a less attractive tattoo. If you take good care of the tattoo, it will take two to six weeks for the wound to heal.

    If you have just had a tattoo done, you need to take good care of it for the first two weeks. You can purchase two products for this purpose: pure coconut oil and Unicura Balance antibacterial hand soap.

    Care

    • Leave the second skin on for 4-5 days .

    • You can shower with the second skin.

    • It is normal for wound fluid and ink to be visible under the second skin.

    • Remove the second skin in the shower after 4-5 days or sooner if it comes off.

    • Is the skin around the second skin becoming red or irritated? Remove it immediately.

    • Do not touch the tattoo unnecessarily and avoid tight clothing, bathing, saunas, swimming for 6 weeks, and intensive exercise/excessive sweating for the first 3 weeks after getting a tattoo.

      Excessive sweating causes too much ink to come out of the wound, which negatively affects the final result of your tattoo.

    • Avoid exposure to the sun and sunbeds for the first 2 months after getting the tattoo, in order to prevent the risk of abnormal pigmentation. If exposure to the sun cannot be avoided, use a sunscreen with SPF 50, but only on a fully healed tattoo. A tattoo that has not yet fully healed should not be exposed to direct sunlight and, if exposure cannot be avoided, should be covered.

    After removing the second skin, follow these care instructions for 14 days:

    • Gently wash the tattoo with water and unscented soap ( such as Unicura Balance antibacterial hand soap).

    • Pat the tattoo dry with clean paper towels ( not a towel!).

    • Then apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment . Use pure coconut oil or shea butter for this, and if your skin is irritated, use Vaseline or Bepanthen cream. Don't use too much, as your skin needs to be able to breathe.

    • Moisturize the tattoo and the surrounding skin by applying cream to this area 2 to 3 times a day and every time after it has been in contact with water. This is a guideline; you can apply cream more often if you wish. Drink plenty of water and ginger tea and avoid alcohol.This supports your skin and body in healing and removing excess ink from the tattooed skin. Alcohol can slow down the healing process.

    • Do not scratch. Do not rub. Only dab gently. Scabbing is part of the healing process, and scabs should be left in place for as long as possible. Do not pick them off.

    Additional information

    • For an Essence Tattoo Ceremony, you will receive a comprehensive preparation and integration guide in advance.

    • I always apply your tattoo with the utmost care. If, after healing, it appears that part of the tattoo has not taken properly, I will touch it up for you free of charge the first time, provided this takes place between 6-10 weeks after the tattoo session.

    • In some cases, I charge a fee for the first touch-up. This includes placements where there is a high risk of fading and/or negligent aftercare. We always discuss this in advance.

    • After 10 weeks, the free update expires and a normal rate applies.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch!

  • My private studio is licensed to perform tattooing work. The licensing and registration of my private studio can be found via this link under the heading ‘vind hier je studio’: https://www.veiligtatoeerenenpiercen.nl