Yantra tattoos are believed to be magic and bestow mystical powers, protection, or good luck.[5]
In Southeast Asia, sak yant are used for protection and to ward off evil and hardship. The tattoo is particularly popular among military personnel, police, taxi drivers, gangsters and others in perceived dangerous professions. In recent years Hollywood celebrities such as Angelina Jolie have made them popular among women.[citation needed] The tattoo only confers its powers so long as the bearer observes certain rules.
It is believed that the power of sacred tattoos decreases with time. So, to re-empower them each year, sak yant masters celebrate with their devotees the Wai Khru ritual. Wai khru means "pay homage to one's teacher". In Thailand, the most impressive Wai Khru is held at the temple of Wat Bang Phra.[9]
Sak yant designs are also applied to many other media, such as cloth or metal, and placed in one's house, place of worship, or vehicle as a means of protection[citation needed] from danger or illness, to increase wealth, and to attract lovers.