Symbolizing direction, guidance, and protection, the compass tattoo is a key design in geometric and nautical body art.
A compass tattoo might not look like much on paper, but once you commit to your flesh, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without it. More than just a hiker's gadget, compass ink is a symbol of the inner compass we all carry within us that keeps us on our path no matter what life throws our way.
We all look for our Pole Star in life, that fixed point where we can place our deepest desires and goals. Things don't always go smoothly, but with the right tools, we can stay the course and fulfill our true purpose.
From nuanced symbolism, runic compass and cartography to various styling options, techniques and applications, our guide to compass tattoo meanings gives you some fantastic information to incorporate into your own design.
Symbolism in compass tattoos
1. Compass tattoos signify guidance, protection, and direction.
Through the development of tattoo art, the compass symbol has been inked by those collectors seeking direction, protection, and guidance.
For some, such as sailors and soldiers, they show guidance and protection on sea voyages and signify a longing for a home away from home and a connection to loved ones they have left behind.
For others, the compass provides direction (and balance) to people as they make decisions throughout their lives. Having a permanent reference point to look at as you go or recall it in memory helps keep you grounded and clear-headed.
2. Vegvisir: The Viking Compass
The Viking compass, a Norse spell also known as Vegvísir, derives its name from an ancient Icelandic manuscript.
The runic compass symbol became known as "the signpost," a spell that guides one through treacherous weather and terrain without getting lost.
The Viking compass consists of eight sticks that branch off from a common point, with each stick representing a primary or intermediate direction. Each tip of the staff ends in a unique symbol, believed by Norse scholars to be a protective rune.
The Viking and Celtic compass tattoo can be a powerful symbol to honor one's lineage or to grant oneself guidance and protection. Just as the Vikings were fearless warriors and adventurers, they were also bound by a deep loyalty to their communities and loved ones.
3. North Star/Nautical Star Tattoo Bedeutungen
Also known as North Star tattoos, the nautical compass symbol is commonly used in tattoo art to honor fallen combatants who served in the Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard.
Many people also view the North Star/Nautical Star tattoo as the only proven way to know where they are and choose the symbol to associate its concept with guidance, good luck, and protection.
A nautical star tattoo is popular with tattoo lovers in contemporary ink styles and the simpler old-school compass lines.
Historically, nautical compass tattoo designs have been engraved to celebrate the life of a sailor lost at sea, but also for collectors who feel more connected to the maritime lifestyle.
4. Meanings of the compass and clock tattoo
Compass and clock tattoos are used in combination to provide time (clock) and direction (compass) symbols as a reminder that time is limited in your life so you should explore in every possible direction until this time. has expired.
While clocks are man's attempt to interpret time, the work of geography and cartography is man's effort to understand the physical world, so you will often find maps and geographic instruments as well.
Incorporating these various symbols into a design can create beautiful tattoos that represent the wearer's lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
4. Compass Rose Tattoo Idea
The rose is an almost universal symbol of love in tattoo design: it has been one of the most enduring and visible motifs in body art for centuries.
Often color variations, stylistic changes, and placement choices create nuanced symbolic meanings or technical interpretations of the classic rose tattoo idea.
The compass rose tattoo symbolizes love and devotion for the motherland. When you are away from shore and your loved ones, the tattoo represents your situation and helps advance your return to your home port and the loved ones you are struggling with.
5. Star Compass Tattoo Meanings
The earliest methods of navigation involved observing landmarks or observing the direction of the sun and stars.
Ancient navigators looked at the constellations to mark their position when they could not hug the shorelines, and from there maps were made by reading the positions of the stars and constellations.
Star compass tattoo designs also signify a longing for home, but also appeal to collectors who are looking for the stars or are interested in horoscopes and zodiac signs.
6. Compass Arrow Tattoo Designs
Many people like simple or small arrow compass tattoo designs meaning north, south, east and west, mainly as simple compasses and arrows inked with black ink.
In this design, the arrow and compass symbol implies traveling in a new direction (physical, mental or spiritual) and can refer to anything from a new chapter in life and traveling in the right direction to a new relationship or a new career path.
A simple compass arrow tattoo can also signify longing for home while you are away and a means of staying connected to what you may have left behind.
Compass arrow body art can also refer to time travel or to past, present and future ideals of the self, as well as the limitations under which humans have previously operated.
Application-related and technical approaches
7. Little Compass Tattoo Meanings
A small compass tattoo is a perfect way to remember how powerfully and clearly your own navigational needle works. Some collectors prefer large renderings paired with bold afterimages, others prefer to keep their compass art small and simple.
You may not always make your presence obvious, but you will always know that you are there as a symbol of leadership.
Often inked in an inconspicuous location (tattoos on the wrist, ankle, or inner forearm are the most popular placements) and applied in a minimalist style, the small compass tattoo is a popular choice for a piece meant only for to your eyes
8. Geometric Compass Tattoos
While compass tattoos are an attractive vintage tattoo style, the modernized geometric compass design, with its bold lines and intricate angles, can be a great talking point or an opportunity for your artist to put some mustard on your concept. of direction.
While many of these designs are in black ink or shades of gray to evoke a printed map, you can also have your geometric compass in bright colors.
Due to the somewhat linear shape of many geometric compass tattoos, these tattoos are commonly seen on the forearms.
While a geometric compass design can make anyone stand out aesthetically, this is also a tattoo with a message; They believe it will help you navigate rough seas and know which way to move as it is also popular to use in 3D prismatic compass tattoo art and mandala tattoos.
9. Watercolor Compass Tattoo Designs
Compass angles and lines, whether simply etched or highly detailed, provide a great center for creating a watercolor tattoo design.
While the shading is a bit lighter than a traditional tattoo, a nautical watercolor tattoo is just as bold in concept. Watercolor tattoo designs are striking for their simulated use of brush strokes, paint splatters, and the like to disrupt the rigidity of a compass, map, or grid.
The most notable feature of a colorful compass tattoo is the lack of a defined overall outline or hard black ink, with imagery inspired by the free-form impressionist style and color scheme.
However, don't be fooled by the lack of limitation; The watercolor tattoos are incredibly calculated and meticulously executed by a tattoo artist with great technical skill.
10. American Traditional Compass Tattoo Meanings
Since the original traditional tattoos were often done by sailors, it is not surprising that a compass is one of the most common options in the traditional American tattoo style.
This instrument was used by sailors and adventurers to find their way across desolate lands and is most commonly associated with hopes for luck and a safe journey home.
Compass tattoos often have the meaning of protection, guidance, and hope, but can sometimes be used to show more of a sense of adventure or wanderlust.
There are many different possible designs for compasses. Some traditional tattoos feature a retro compass encased in a metal circle, while others just feature the eight-pointed star as a simple compass tattoo.
Adding a compass rose or other flowers is often a romantic symbol, showing that a person is being guided home by undying love. Swallows are also a common combination with a compass design because sailors saw swallows when near land.
11. 3D-Compass-tattoo
A popular contemporary option is a 3D compass tattoo, which allows you to further develop your design symbol by adding more layers of meaning.
My favorites are the realistic glass and metal renderings of navigational compasses that look ready to hold and use.
Many tattoo artists create an intricate pole star or prismatic compass pattern that seems to add an extra layer of texture to your skin, while others have used it as an embedded effect for text, a mandala tattoo, or other imagery.
Whatever the meaning of the compass you want to map, there is a 3D option that can complement your idea.
Diploma
Compass tattoo meanings are an intricate and eclectic part of the tattoo art landscape. They can operate from an everyday location, such as representing direction and guidance, or creating a symbolic connection to protection.
The compass tattoo design is also heavily influenced by the range of stylistic applications and techniques that can give you an old school marine aesthetic or create a totally contemporary and realistic concept that connects with your own sense of identity.
See more about- What do koi fish tattoos mean?
FAQs
What does a compass tattoo symbolize? ›
Compass tattoos are a universal symbol for direction in life, and the symbolic choices that we make. A compass tattoo can be the mark of an explorer, a symbolic image, and is often both. There is a spiritual value in getting lost, but nothing compares to the feeling of finding your way back again.
What does a simple compass tattoo mean? ›Compass tattoos originated as a common ink choice for fishermen and sailors, as they believed the designs would bring them good fortune during their travels and would always guide them home. Nowadays, the compass is the universal sign for all those who find fulfillment in constant travel.
What does a compass tattoo mean woman? ›One of the most meaningful tattoos an individual may get is a compass tattoo. It may represent direction, protection, and passion.
What is a Viking compass tattoo? ›Vegvisir (Viking Symbol) Temporary Tattoo
Also known as the runic compass, or the Viking compass, the Vegvisir made of eight Viking rune staves, is renowned as a symbol of guidance and protection by Vikings. Vegvisir itself means 'wayfinder' and 'sign post' in Icelandic language.
A compass is a device that indicates direction. It is one of the most important instruments for navigation.
What do compass symbols mean? ›Safety and protection. Since ancient times when the compass was first created, it has been viewed as a symbol of safety and protection. It can always guide you home safely and protect you from getting lost.
Is compass tattoo lucky? ›A compass tattoo is used as a good luck charm, as something which will guide you to the right path of life.
Are compass tattoos cool? ›Compass tattoos are not only meaningful, they also look cool – which is why they are one of the most popular tattoo designs for men.
What does a compass tattoo mean for couples? ›In general, compass tattoos symbolize direction, guidance, protection, and safe journey.
What does compass symbolize in life? ›Compasses represent motivation and inspiration. As a symbol, the compass signifies bringing motivation to a person feeling lost. It gives a sense of hope and inspires you to follow your heart and your rightful path. Also, compasses always point North, a direction which symbolizes progress, betterment and inspiration.
What is the meaning of compass in the Bible? ›
To surround; encircle. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou COMPASS him as with a shield. ( Psalm 5:12 ) Source: A King James Dictionary. ( Used with permission.
What is Nordic compass? ›It is an eight-pointed shape, with each point having a unique design. The Vegvisir Compass is also known as the Nordic compass, the runic compass, the Odin compass, and the Viking compass. It was not a literal compass, but a symbol used to prevent you from losing your way.
What Norse pagan tattoos to avoid? ›As long as you avoid the Swastika, the Sonnenrad, the Valknut, and the Celtic Cross which have been associated with white supremacy, you are fine. Just make sure to do your research first and choose a design that you will be happy with for years to come.
What does compass arrow tattoo mean? ›A compass arrow tattoo represents going forward in a new direction or starting a new chapter in life. Another common design choice is a diamond arrow, which symbolizes having the strength to move on thanks to the gem's reputation as one of the toughest materials in the world.
What are 3 uses of compass? ›Uses of a compass
A compass helps you to: Know which direction you are travelling in – this is called your heading. Align or orientate your map with your surroundings – setting the map. Work out which direction an object or destination is from you – its bearing.
one of the four main points of a compass: north, east, south, west. symbol indicating the cardinal directions (N, S, E, W). one of the seven main land masses on Earth.
What does the color of compass mean? ›The compass needle is painted in two colors. Assuming that the compass is held flat, the red end points to north, and the white end to south.
What is the meaning of celestial compass? ›as·tro·compass. plural -s. : a device that by mechanically solving the astronomical triangle reveals the bearing of any recognized celestial body to a navigator and is used especially near the earth's magnetic pole where magnetic compasses are not reliable.
What does the red part of a compass mean? ›Useful things to know
The most important part on the compass is the magnetic needle. It swings around the compass as you move, but the red end will always point in the direction of north and the white (or sometimes black) end will always point in the direction of south.
For these reasons, rainbows (as well as rainbow tattoos) are often thought to bring good fortune. Sapphires are a symbol of good luck since ancient times.
What is the luckiest tattoo? ›
Maneki Neko Good Luck Tattoo Designs
According to Japanese culture, Maneki Neko, or the beckoning cat, is a symbol of good fortune. As the cat extends its right paw, it brings good fortune to its owner.
The ankle, wrist, hip, fingers, on the side of the ribcage, and behind the ear are all popular placements right now, especially among celebrities, and all are great for different reasons. Sometimes when you're feeling stuck, the best thing to do is consult with a tattoo artist.
Where is the hardest place to tattoo? ›The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. The pain you'll experience getting tattooed here is very severe. In fact, most tattoo artists advise against people getting armpit tattoos.
Where are secret areas for tattoos? ›- On your chest. ...
- Inside your lip. ...
- On your neck. ...
- Inside your arm. ...
- On your upper thigh. ...
- Underneath your finger. ...
- On the side of your finger. ...
- On your collarbone.
Blackwork tattoos are a bold and dramatic tattoo trend that is gaining popularity among tattoo enthusiasts. These tattoos use solid black lines and shading to create intricate and eye-catching designs, often with a strong geometric or tribal influence.
What is the hardest tattoo to do? ›Realistic And Portraiture
The most difficult form of realism in tattooing is probably portraiture, because it requires the artist to capture both the likeness and character of a real person. Realistic tattoos can be created using colour, or in black and grey form.
Another variation of an ambigram tattoo is when the tattoo reflects one word at a certain angle and another at a different angle. The visual symmetry of an ambigram tattoo makes it a lot more appealing than its usual counterparts.
What does a 3 arrow on finger tattoo mean? ›The three arrows symbolize the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that our kiddos have. The arrows pointing outward to represent moving onward and upward on our lives as we live, love, advocate, and celebrate our child. " Unity and Courage Among Us. Rise Up. Move Forward." #TheLuckyFewTattoo.
What tattoo symbol means love? ›Hearts are a universal love symbol. They represent deep love and affection and are easily personalized into different colors and sizes. If you want to announce to the world how much you cherish your Significant Other, a heart tattoo is for you.
Which way should a compass tattoo face? ›Guidance – following your North Star, or navigating your life's journey towards your True North is where compass always pointing to the north symbolizes guidance. It will without fail always lead you to where you need to go.
What religion symbol is a compass? ›
The Square and Compasses (or, more correctly, a square and a set of compasses joined), is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect's tools and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons.