Fleshing it Out: Sacred and Profane Body Modifications

The world over, body modification is used as a way to express identity – whether that is self-identity, cultural (or sub-cultural) affiliation, personal milestones, political views, spiritual connections, or other points of personal expression. Are you aware of the modifications you have already made to live the life you currently have, such as having a specific hair style to blend in with your peer circle, or living at a specific body weight? We will look at the wide variety of body modifications available today (from henna/mehndi to hook hangs, tattoos to ritual jewelry, stage makeup to genital reconstruction surgery, breast augmentation to flesh removal), and discuss the energy and inherent in each type of modification, and their social implications today. Let’s examine together why every act of modifying our flesh can be sacred, and every act can profane – no matter the type of alteration, no matter the transformation.