‘Lo Hawk
What is the story behind the ‘Lo Hawk Tattoo?
The ‘Io (hawk) is the highest flying predator on Hawai’i Island (not on any of the other Hawaiian Islands). The ‘Io is also the highest expression of divinity in Hawaiian metaphysics. It is the unseen source, eternal law, cosmic overseer.
Michelle’s tattoo was not planned–design, where on the body, or size. It birthed itself as she sat with a woman tattoo-anthropologist and discussed what she waited 25 years to have marked.
It is a visible signature of accountability and authority–a sigil. It signifies the woman’s role (Sacred Feminine) in ancient times–birthing (and returning) everything from the non-physical/spiritual realm into physical realm.
Each feather of the tattoo signifies the process of creation and death:
Impregnation -> Incubation -> Birth -> Nurture -> Death.
And the cycle begins again. Incubation is not just procreation, but our goals and sacred functions in how we impact the world.