Angelina Jolie, known for her collection of meaningful tattoos, embarked on a unique journey to safeguard her marriage with Brad Pitt by adorning her entire back with mystical tattoos before their divorce.
The 41-year-old actress and filmmaker opted for this drastic measure while in Siem Reap, Cambodia, directing the film First They Killed My Father.
She summoned Ajarn Noo Kanpai, an ex-Thai monk and esteemed tattoo artist, from Bangkok, Thailand, to perform the intricate inking.
Pitt was also present in Cambodia during this significant moment.
The tattoos, called Sak Yant, consist of ancient Thai Buddhist symbols and mantras aimed at symbolically binding the couple as husband and wife.
These designs were incorporated alongside Jolie’s existing tattoos, such as “Know Your Rights,” a traditional Thai tiger, and Cambodian writings.
The mystical tradition behind these tattoos is rooted in providing protection, luck, strength, and healing powers to the wearer, as per the Daily Beast.
The tattooing process involved a handheld method using steel rods mounted with a surgical needle, which is recognized for its accuracy but intense pain.
Described as a bee sting followed by a swarm of bees attacking, the application signifies a profound spiritual journey for those seeking such body modifications.
Beyond love voodoo, the tattoos may serve as a tribute to the lives lost during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge reign.
Sak Yant tattoos are more than mere body art; they offer wearers spiritual reminders that extend beyond conventional tattoos.
The designs range from cleansing unwanted spirits to attracting success, fortune, and shielding against black magic and curses.
Despite the painful process, these tattoos reportedly heal faster due to the shallow piercing depth of the surgical needle compared to traditional tattoos.
Notably, Pitt also received a protective tattoo from Kanpai—a Buddhist symbol on his stomach, using the same ink as Jolie’s artwork.
This collaboration with the tattoo artist isn’t new for Jolie, as she had previously inked her shoulder blade and received a tiger tattoo in the early 2000s.
Kanpai’s clientele includes other celebrities like Cara Delevingne and Michelle Rodriguez.
Jolie’s tattoo collection extends beyond just protective symbols, featuring a tribute to her late mother with the letter M on her palm and the birthplace coordinates of her six children.
Despite these symbolic gestures, Jolie and Pitt’s divorce proceedings have been public and complicated.
In a recent interview discussing her movie project in Cambodia, Jolie expressed the challenges faced during the marital breakdown, emphasizing the importance of family unity and privacy amidst difficulties.
As Jolie navigates through personal struggles, her journey with mystical tattoos remains a testament to her belief in spiritual protection and symbolism.
While the tattoos may not have saved her marriage, they serve as visible reminders of her enduring strength and resilience amidst life’s challenges.
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