The tattoo works to connect the individual more securely with the totem spirit. The act of making a physical image of the totem in your skinmaking it an actual part of your bodycreates a pathway for the spirit of the totem to manifest itself in your life. And as such, the relationship is strengthened, between yourself and your totem. Relationships bestow rights, privileges and also responsibilities. A totemic tattoo is no different.
Empowerment flows from relationship.
And power is acquired from the act of getting a tattoo. The quality of one s spiritual life can be greatly improved, depending upon the mindfulness of the act. A tattoo is an act of sacrifice, blood is shed, pain experienced, and your old form dies as the new, tattooed body is birthed. Going through an act of sacrifice sets up a reciprocal relationship with the spirit of your tattoothe object of the ritual. A debt is incurred from the tattooing itself, because of your sacrifice, and help from your spirit ally can be expected in reciprocation, because of your commitment to it.