If you spent any time watching Power on Starz, you know James St. Patrick was a man of two worlds. On one side, he’s the sharp-suited nightclub mogul chilling at Truth. On the other, he’s Ghost—the cold-blooded kingpin who vanishes into the night. But for fans who pay attention to the details, it’s the James Ghost St. Patrick tattoo on his back that tells the real story.
It isn't just decoration. Honestly, it’s a mission statement.
When we talk about the ink on Omari Hardwick’s character, we’re talking about a very specific piece of iconography: a massive, ornate cross flanked by wings. It stretches across his shoulder blades and down his spine. It’s huge. It’s intimidating. But it’s also weirdly contradictory, much like the man himself. You see it most clearly in scenes where Ghost is at his most vulnerable—usually in his penthouse, away from the eyes of the Feds or his rivals. That’s when the mask slips, and the ink remains.
The Religious Duality of the Ghost Tattoo
Why a cross? That’s the big question. Ghost wasn't exactly a saint. He spent most of the series lying to his wife Tasha, chasing Angela Valdes, and making sure people who crossed him ended up in a permanent sleep. But that's the thing about the James Ghost St. Patrick tattoo. In many urban subcultures and specifically within the narrative of Power, the cross represents a plea for protection.
It’s a "God judge me because the streets won't" kind of vibe.
The wings add another layer. In traditional tattoo artistry, wings symbolize freedom or a desire to transcend one's current state. Ghost wanted out. He spent six seasons trying to go legit, trying to shed the "Ghost" persona and just be James. The wings are his aspiration. They’re his hope that he could fly away from the drug game without the weight of his sins pulling him down.
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Spoiler alert: it didn't really work out that way.
Behind the Scenes: Is the Ink Real?
Here is where people get confused. Is the James Ghost St. Patrick tattoo actually on Omari Hardwick’s body?
Nope.
Omari Hardwick has his own tattoos—he’s got quite a few, actually—but the specific back piece we see on Ghost was a prosthetic application designed for the show. The makeup department on Power spent hours ensuring that the ink looked lived-in. It had to look like something a young Jamie got in Jamaica, Queens, long before he had millions in the bank. If you look closely at the edges in high-definition shots, you can see the "fading" effect they applied to make it look like it had aged with him.
His real tattoos had to be covered up with heavy makeup before the Ghost pieces were applied. It's a grueling process. Most actors hate sitting in the chair for that long, but Hardwick has often mentioned in interviews that the transformation helped him get into the headspace of the character. The weight of the character’s history is literally painted onto his skin.
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What the Tattoo Says About His Relationships
The tattoo serves as a silent witness to his most private moments. Think about his scenes with Angela. When he’s with her, he’s trying to be the "clean" version of himself, the man she knew in high school. But that massive cross on his back is a reminder of the life he can't escape. It’s ironical, really. He’s trying to be reborn, yet he’s carrying this heavy religious imagery that implies he knows exactly how much penance he owes.
Tasha saw the tattoo differently. For her, it was the mark of the man she built. She knew the Ghost that needed protection. She was the one who helped him climb to the top of the food chain. To her, that ink wasn't about "moving on"; it was about the strength required to stay on top.
Why Fans Are Still Getting This Design
Years after the original series ended and transitioned into the Power Universe (Book II, III, and IV), people are still walking into tattoo shops asking for the James Ghost St. Patrick tattoo. It has become a symbol of a specific type of ambition.
It represents the "hustler’s spirit."
People connect with the idea of being a "Ghost"—someone who moves in silence, someone who provides for their family at any cost, and someone who carries their burdens on their back without complaining. It’s a heavy aesthetic. It requires a lot of real estate on your body. If you’re thinking about getting it, you’re looking at at least three to four sessions if you want that level of detail and shading.
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Common Misconceptions About the Ink
- It’s a gang sign: Not really. While some tattoos in the show are meant to signify street affiliations, Ghost’s back piece is more personal and spiritual.
- It changed during the show: Fans sometimes think the tattoo evolved, but it remained consistent. The only thing that changed was the lighting and the camera angles, which sometimes made the shading look different.
- It’s a cover-up: Some theorists thought Ghost got the tattoo to cover up an old "Kanan" related tattoo. There’s zero evidence for this in the script. It’s just a cool fan theory.
The Legacy of the Ghost Image
The James Ghost St. Patrick tattoo isn't just about the ink; it's about the legacy of a character who redefined the "anti-hero" for a generation. Ghost was flawed. He was a villain to some and a hero to others. The tattoo anchors that complexity. It’s a piece of art that represents the struggle between who we are and who we want to be.
When you see that cross, you see a man who is praying for a second chance while simultaneously preparing for a war. That is the essence of Power.
How to Approach Your Own Power-Inspired Tattoo
If you’re genuinely looking to replicate this look, don't just take a blurry screenshot to your local artist. You need to find someone who specializes in Black and Grey Realism. The Ghost tattoo relies heavily on "negative space"—using your natural skin tone to create the highlights in the wings and the center of the cross.
- Find High-Res References: Look for the Season 3 or Season 6 promotional stills where the back piece is clearly visible.
- Scale it Properly: This isn't a forearm tattoo. It needs the width of the shoulders to breathe. If you shrink it down, the detail in the feathers will turn into a dark blob over time.
- Consider the Pain Factor: The spine and the shoulder blades are notoriously spicy spots for a needle. Ghost might have been tough, but he wasn't real—you are. Prepare for some discomfort.
- Think About Meaning: Don't just get it because it looks cool. Think about what that duality means to you. Are you trying to leave a past life behind? Are you looking for protection?
The James Ghost St. Patrick tattoo remains one of the most iconic pieces of body art in television history. It perfectly encapsulated the "Ghost" persona: visible only when he chose to be, and carrying a weight that most people couldn't imagine. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who appreciates the art, there’s no denying that the ink helped make James St. Patrick the legend he is today.
Before committing to a full-back piece, start by consulting with a reputable artist who can map the anatomy of the wings to your specific muscle structure. This ensures the tattoo moves naturally with your body, just like it did on screen. Also, remember that a piece this large requires significant aftercare; keep it moisturized and out of the sun during the healing process to maintain the crispness of the lines. Investing in high-quality ointment and following a strict cleaning schedule for the first two weeks is the only way to ensure the ink stays as sharp as Ghost's suits.