Nautical Star Tattoos Designs

Nautical star tattoos designs history and meanings are a hot debate, just as the design is a hot style statement. These nautical star tattoos designs are at least over one century old. It is said, when there were no modern navigation systems for helping the sailors sail the oceans, they relied on the stars. The sailors of the northern sea sailed with the help of the North Star and the other constellations of the northern skies. Whereas, sailors in the southern sea sailed using the guiding light of the southern stars and the Southern Cross became the most famous one. The sailors were a superstitious lot. They got themselves tattooed with nautical star symbols, a five pointer star, like the star on nautical maps and compasses, hoping that as stars guided them home, the tattoos will prove lucky and take them home safely.

The modern day version of the nautical star symbols is quite different. These tattoos are very popular among the military, punks, gays and lesbians. The soldiers believe that nautical star tattoo symbols will guide them home safely, just as the sailors. The punk rockers trace their history of the nautical star tattoo symbols to 'Sailor Jerry'. He was the most famous tattoo artists in history. Sailor Jerry was known for his nautical star tattoo ideas that were not only innovative but 'cool'. The punks interpret the meanings of nautical star tattoos designs as finding ones way in life. They have developed beautiful sleeve tattoos merged in the nautical star tattoos designs on the elbows or elsewhere on the arm.

The gay and lesbian connection of the nautical star tattoos designs dates back to 1940s and 50s. It was a time when alternative sexual preference was not a norm and women had to hide their alternative choices. These women would sport a five-pointed star, that was easily hidden under the watch during the day. They would sport this tattoo freely, in the evenings when out of town. Today, these tattoos are worn by many lesbians in honor of their pioneering sisters. The soldiers and punks who sport the nautical star tattoos designs, aggressively oppose this gay-lesbian connection of the nautical star tattoo symbols. Whatever, may be the interpretation of the tattoo, one cannot disagree on the point that sailors were the first to wear the nautical star tattoos designs.

Nautical Star Tattoo Ideas

There are many types of nautical star tattoo ideas that are incorporated by many tattoo lovers. Each design has a specific nautical star tattoo meanings. Let us look at some of the popular nautical star tattoo ideas.

Nautical Star Tribal Tattoo
This is one of the oldest symbols that has its roots in many religious beliefs and traditions. There was a time when man would gaze at the stars and explain the various religious mythologies and give predictions of the future. These nautical star tribal tattoos are basically a symbol of power. There are many other nautical star tribal tattoos that are not connected to any religious traditions and may mean many different things to different people.

Shooting Star Tattoo
The shooting star tattoo is a very versatile and cute looking tattoo. The design could have a trail of smaller stars, that are delicate and pretty, covering larger skin area, yet not loosing their delicate character. The shooting star tattoo designs mean 'short lived success', 'good luck' and 'wishes coming true'. Whats your shooting star tattoo gonna mean?

Nautical Star Tattoo
One of the most masculine design are the nautical star tattoos designs. These old school tattoos are 5-pointer stars that are split in half by filling with an alternative color that is usually 'black-white' or 'black-red'. This alternative filling creates a 3D image. Sailors and soldiers as discussed above, wear them as a guide to bring them home safely. For others, they are the 'light in the darkness'. In Ireland, this is an old Pagan symbol that means good health and is displayed in certain hospitals.

Star of David
The religious side to the nautical star tattoos designs is the Star of David tattoo. It is a Jewish symbol that has a 6 pointed star symbolizing the rule of God over the universe. It also symbolizes the protection of God in all directions; North, South, East and West.

Moon Star Tattoo
The moon star tattoos are a combination of moon and star that represent the sky. They have a fairy tale look, that is stylized. They are many times incorporated in the tribal tattoo designs and more often do not have any deep symbolic meaning attached to the design.

Pentagram Tattoo
This five pointed star tattoo is another religious or spiritually symbolized nautical star tattoo design. It has been used by many religions and cultures throughout the world and has been interpreted differently each time. Some of the pentagram nautical star tattoo meanings are as follows:

• The pentagram star is said to be protection against evil.
• It is a symbol of femininity. According to star astronomy, the path followed by Venus around the sun, looks like a pentagram.
• It stands for the five elements; light, air, water, wind, fire and earth.
• The ancient Egyptians used this symbol for the celestial sky.
• The pentagram is a symbol of mathematical perfection for the Pythagoreans.
• The pentagram means the 5 senses in Christianity and is a symbol of health. The deeper meaning of pentagram in Christianity, symbolizes the 5 cross wounds of Jesus Christ.
• In black magic, a reversed pentagram inside a double circle stands for Satanism. There is a goat head in the pentagram and each point of the star has a Hebrew letter that forms the word LVTN or Leviathan. The Leviathan is a mythological sea monster from the Old Testament.
• Where there is evil, there is good. In case of Wicca or white magic the religion based on nature, the pentagram is a symbol of faith.

The 56 Star Girl
18 years old Kimberly, a Belgian girl got 56 star tattoos incorporated on the left side of her face. This has made her a famous over night. However, she is getting the tattoos of stars removed through laser technology that may take about 2 years. (Psst: Kimberly has stated she intends to keep the stars above her eyes!)

Seven Pointed Star Tattoo
Also called the septagram, the seven pointed star is a symbol of the mystical side of an individual. It is often related to the Hindu symbols when paired with the seven planets. It represents the perfect male and has a significant importance related to luck and fortune.

Octogram Star Tattoo
The octogram star tattoo represents a sence of fullness in oneself. This eight pointed star has its roots with both, the Pagans and Egyptians. It is also popular among the American firefighters that carries a lot of meaning to the wearer.

Nanogram Star Tattoo
The nanogram or nine pointed star is a symbol of stability and the achievements in ones life. According to the Norse mythology, it represents the nine worlds.

These are a few nautical star tattoos designs that basically symbolize a journey that is guided by the star. Whether you are on a journey to serve your country, or a journey to search your true identity, these nautical star tattoo symbols, will prove to be a helping hand. I hope these nautical star tattoos designs do guide you to your destination.