Sheer Zed is a writer, Buddhist shaman, musician, and artist. He has contributed to Hadean Press, Indie Shaman, Rituals & Declarations, and many other publications. A countercultural activist, underground music artist, and magickal practitioner for more than 30 years, he lives in Bristol, United Kingdom.
“A powerful account of traditional Thai magick written into the skin of a dedicated spiritual seeker. Sheer Zed approaches his pilgrimage and healing journey with great sensitivity and bravery and is transformed in partnership with the Ajarn and living spirits who now share his body. An important resource for those drawn to the transformative magic of tattoo and the traditional magical arts that the Thai people have gifted to the world.” * Peter Grey, author of The Red Goddess and cofounder of Scarlet Imprint * “An authentic initiate, Sheer Zed has written an intriguing, indepth exploration of Sak Yant and the complex initiation practices of Thai Buddhism, sharing his own moving story of loss, discovery, and transformation during four separate pilgrimages. Essential reading for anyone interested in Thai tattoo magick.” * June Kent, editor of Indie Shaman * “A fascinating glimpse into the invisibilia of Thai culture, and one that invites—even needs—participation in order to be fully understood. Herein, the reader will find luck-bringing Jing Jok spirits, a ‘redneck ghost doctor,’ and a person seeking—and perhaps finding—something clear and real while still sitting with human(e)-ness with its foibles, its messiness, and its often-unseen beauty. Sheer Zed takes us along for the trip through an autobiography en spiritu traced upon skin and etched in the heart-mind.” * John Anderson, DAOM, author of The Way of the Living Ghost and Opening the Vermillion Spirit * “Sheer Zed offers this fascinating account of the forgotten sacred art of body inscription. Vivid, visceral, and valiant. Stories of integrity and adventure abound. As readers, we travel on the author’s words to a world rarely seen and reverently understood.” * Sara McCarthy, musician and professional tarot reader * “The book is part spiritual memoir, part cultural ethnography, and part occult travelogue. Zed’s writing is bold, poetic, and deeply personal, moving between his own inner transformations and the outer rituals of the Thai Buddhist magicians.” * Kellie Schorr, The Tattooed Buddha * “I definitely highly recommend Sheer's book. It's a personal, autobiographical, and touching book about growth and transformation. It's an educational book which really helps us understand the essence of Thai Buddhism.” * Miguel Connor, author of The Occult Elvis: The Mystical and Magical Life of the King *