DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL
Community Grief Ritual + Memorial Flash Tattoos
We all carry grief. Our own, and each other's.
I've long thought tattoo artists to be unsung grief workers.
Every week, they steady their hands and memorialize someone's beloved, while a stranger tells them the story of their greatest loss. This is a modern grief ritual.
Throughout history there are endless examples of community grief. Singing and wailing and dancing around fires. Beating drums, digging graves, tending to each other.
But in modern American culture, most of us are displaced from any meaningful grief practices, replaced instead with fractured attention and something hungry beneath.
We need more rituals. Grief needs a witness.
Join us for a modern grief ritual all our own. 4 hours of tender lessons and community rituals with Erin, and for those who want to let it sink into their skin, optional grief themed flash tattoos with Jehr, owner of Landmark Tattoo. Spots are limited 🖤
Details:
Sunday, December 6th, Wheat Ridge, CO (15 mins from Downtown Denver) 1-5pm
The Best (kinda-sad) Day:
Join death educator and ceremonialist Erin Merelli, and Jehr of Landmark Tattoo for an afternoon of community ritual, remembrance, and optionally, ink. What exactly does that mean?
This gathering is open to anyone carrying grief. You do not need to be a death doula (although yay if you are). You only need to understand that grief belongs in community, and want to show up to learn, to express, and to witness.
In our 4 hours together we will offer a variety of ways to participate, all optional:
The art of memorial tattooing
Learn about memorial tattoos and the ways the body can become a place of remembrance. Receive one, should you wish (details below).
Community Grief Ritual
Speak the name or story of someone you are grieving. Say what you wish you would have said.
The art of shrouding
Those who wish may participate in a guided shrouding experience with another person. Shrouding is both a practical deathcare skill and a profound meditation on mortality, vulnerability, and the tenderness of being cared for.
No one will be required to speak
, share, be touched, participate in shrouding, or take part in any ritual that does not feel right. You may participate fully, observe quietly, or step outside and return when you are ready. We will witness one another with tenderness and without fixing.
is a special place, aesthetic and comfortable and designed specifically for groups of people to come together to meet, mourn and memorialize. A variety of non alcoholic beverages and light snacks provided.
The Venue:
Tattoo Details:
Erin and Jehr are custom designing a selection of death, grief, and afterlife themed tattoos. Before getting your tattoo, you will light a candle for your loved one, and throughout our day together you will have the opportunity to share their story. To continue their legacy and say their name.
You will receive the flash menu in advance so you have time to choose your design and placement before the event. Tattoo appointments will be scheduled in 45-minute time slots throughout the day and into the evening. Once registered, you will be emailed the sign up sheet to select your tattoo time slot.
Pricing
Community Grief Ritual $155
Includes the full four-hour gathering, teachings, community rituals, death contemplation, optional shrouding experience, and refreshments.
Community Grief Ritual + Memorial Flash Tattoo $255
Includes the full four-hour gathering and one memorial flash tattoo by Jehr of Landmark Tattoo.
Space is Limited
To preserve the intimacy of this experience, we will welcome approx 30 grievers, with time for almost half of them to get tattooed. First come, first served.