California Freemason: I understand you’re an expert on Masonic tattoos.
Rene Ceniceros: I’ve been tattooing for 16 years; I’m mostly known for my black and gray and fine-line work. During the pandemic, I started my own clothing line, Sanctum Secretum, with a lot of my Masonic tattoo designs and imagery. One of the reasons I like doing Masonic tattoos for brothers is that since I’m a Mason, they don’t have to explain these symbols’ meaning to me or give away any secrets. I’ve even corrected some Masonic tattoos where there’s a missing detail or something’s pointed the wrong direction. 

CFM: What are the most common Masonic tattoos you’ve done?
RC: Square and compass tattoos are the most popular, but I try to grease it up—add my own design. I’ve also done a few sleeves with allegories from the first, second, and third degrees. I’ve done some Shriner tattoos, some sacred geometry designs. I’ve also tattooed people with their lodge logos, and I’ve even helped create logos for a few lodges. I made a design for Martinez № 41. Apparently, it’s the home of the martini, so the design had a martini glass in it.

CFM: Do you see a connection between Masonry and your artwork?

RC: I think tattoos are like a rite of passage. You’re going to be a Mason as long as that tattoo is around. We see them as a reminder, too—a representation of something greater than us. Also, if you’re a brother and you see someone with an obscure Masonic tattoo, you give them a nod or a look.

CFM: And I’ve heard you’ve even given some tattoos in Masonic lodges, right?
RC: Yes, in September our lodge hosted a Tiki Tattoo social event. We had three tattoo artists, including me, from different lodges come out. We created some Masonic designs in advance, people chose one, and we’d tattoo them on the spot. I didn’t expect it to take off, but it did. We probably tattooed 20 people that day. And since it was open to families and friends, we even tattooed some of the wives.