Star Tattoos

Star Tattoos: More Complex Than They Appear
A star is a star, is a star… Or is it? Apparently, things are not so simple in the tattoo world!

Have you ever seen a star tattoo and wondered why the wearer chose that particular star? While stars seem deceptively simple (and there are a few patterns that are just for fun), the reality is that every Star tattoo is different and each one has its own special meaning just like any other tattoo worn today. Star tattoos represent many different things for those who wear them and depending on the number of points, type and style of star; they may represent goals, aspirations and specific roles that the wearer has taken on. The star is actually one of the oldest and most often misunderstood patterns used on the human body.

Here are just a few examples of star tattoos and their meanings:

The Star of David or Hexagram
The Star of David has a religious meaning and represents the long held belief that the biblical figure David carried a shield in its shape into battle against Goliath. It therefore represents divine interaction with mankind. It is also known as the Seal of Solomon or creator’s star and often figures in the Jewish faith. The symbol has been around for a very long time and became most commonly known during World War II when a similar star was worn by Jews in Nazi Germany.

The Pentagram
The Pentagram is arguably one of the least understood and most heavily vilified of all the stars worn by human beings on the skin and in jewelry. There are two forms of the pentagram and therefore two meanings. On a star whose top point is facing down like a ram the star represents negative or “satanic” energy. The opposite of this is the star whose top point faces upward and which represents protection, balance, storytelling and magic. Many people mistakenly believe that both stars are “evil”. Each of the four other points represents the elements earth, air, fire and water and the top point represents the spirit. Those who chose to wear the top facing star are often attempting to represent the harmony of these elements in their lives.

Shooting Star
This star represents particularly important moments in a person’s life. These could be special relationships, enlightenment, a promotion or any other important event that enacted change in that person’s life.

Nautical Star
This star represents guidance. In older times this star was used as a way to guide a person back home and safely through a long journey. Those who wear it today are often seeking guidance a leading light in their lives that they don’t currently have. It’s also held as a symbol of protection.

7, 8 and 9 Pointed Stars
The seven pointed star represents the mystical side of the wearer, luck, fortune, integration and in some cultures the perfect male it also represents the seven chakras of the spiritual body. The 8-pointed star represents balance, harmony and cosmic order as well as regeneration. The 9-pointed star represents stability and accomplishment in the wearer’s life and can also be worn to represent the presence of change in the person’s life to reach those goals.