Star Tattoos Star tattoos are very popular tattoo designs for women as well as men. They are popular as a first tattoo because star tattoos are usually small in design and they don't have to be very complicated, a simple black star tattoo can be very striking. Read on and be inspired by our star tattoo ideas. There are many variations of star tattoos and many people claim that these images have a powerful symbolic or metaphysical meaning. Tribal Star Tattoo In fact, the star is one of the oldest symbols and a significant image in many religions and belief systems. Stars have always been awe inspiring, even today, when we have science to help us understand what they are. Before modern times, humans looked up at the sky and tried to explain that magnificent view with the help of mythology and religion. That's why stars and star tattoos became such a powerful symbol. Stars are universal symbols, not tied to a specific religion or culture, and can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Shooting Star Tattoos Star Tattoo Shooting star tattoos are a very popular image, being versatile and pretty. They are suggestive of wishes coming true. A shooting star tattoo can incorporate a ‘trail’ of smaller stars, which is very pretty and delicate – a great way for a tattoo to cover a slightly larger area but still remain subtle. Shooting star tattoos are also a symbol for (short-lived) success and good luck. Nautical Star Tattoos Nautical Star The nautical star tattoo is the most masculine design amongst star tattoos. Nautical star tattoos are considered old school. In the early days of tattooing, they used to be popular amongst sailors, who had them for guidance and protection. Sailor Jerry is a famous tattoo artist from those days. The nautical star is a 5-pointed star, the points are split in half and filled with an alternating color (usually black-red or black-white), creating a 3d illusion. Sailors used stars and the North Star (aka Polaris) for navigation, so it's not hard to see why so many of them have star tattoos. They function as a guide to get them back home safely. Soldiers have them for the same reason. Swallow tattoos also have a similar kind of nautical history. Also today, people have star tattoos for similar reasons, you can rely on them when you are lost in your life, they are a light in the darkness. In Ireland the nautical star is a symbol for good health, it's an old Pagan symbol you can find in certain Irish hospitals. The nautical star tattoo has a special meaning in the gay and lesbian community. Some gay and lesbian people have a nautical star tattooed on their wrist as a sign of their disposition. The wrist is a place that can easily be covered by wearing a watch or a bracelet. Curiously, many celebrities have a star tattoo on their wrist (see further). The nautical star is also a popular punk rock tattoo design. The Star of David Tattoo Star of David Some star tattoos also have a religious meaning, like a Star of David tattoo. The Star of David, a Jewish symbol, is a 6-pointed star and symbolizes the rule of god over the universe and his protection from all directions: North, South, East, West, Up and Down Interestingly, though the Jewish faith prohibits tattooing, a Star of David tattoo is not uncommon! Moon Star Tattoos Sun Moon Star Tattoo Moon star tattoos are just what they sound like – they combine a moon and star image, the standard representation of the night sky. Some of these have a slightly fairy tale look, like an image from a child’s picture book. Others are more stylized. These and other star tattoos can be incorporated into a tribal-style tattoo design. In fact, sometimes a star shape is open to interpretation – more of a stylized star shaped tattoo design. Moon star tattoos don't have the deep symbolic meaning the other star tattoos have, but they can be very beautiful designs. The Pentagram Tattoo Pentagram Tattoo Another star tattoo design with a religious or spiritual meaning is the pentagram tattoo. The pentagram (aka pentangle), a five pointed star, has been used as a symbol by many religions and cultures throughout history, it's one of the oldest symbols in the world. Here's an overview of the different symbolic meanings of the pentagram: - The pentagram is a symbol of protection against evil.
- Astronomy: the pentagram is a symbol of feminity. During it's path around the sun, the planet Venus follows a pattern that resembles a pentagram.
- 5 elements: the pentagram is the symbol for the 5 elements: light, air, wind, fire and water.
- Ancient Egypt: on ancient Egyptian graves, the pentagram is a symbol for the celestial sky.
- Pythagoras: for Pythagoreans, the pentagram is a symbol for mathematical perfection.
- Christianity: the pentagram symbolizes the 5 senses and is a symbol of health. In the Middle Ages it was the symbol for the 5 cross wounds of Jesus Christ.
- Satanism (black magic): they use a reversed pentagram inside a double circle. Inside the pentagram is the head of a goat. Each point has a Hebrew letter, forming the word LVYTN (Leviathan, a mythological sea monster from the Old Testament).
- Wicca (white magic): a religion based on nature. The pentagram is a symbol of faith for wiccans. Pentagram tattoos are a fairly popular goth tattoo.
In any case, suffice it to say that star tattoos can sometimes transcend the purely decorative and take on a more metaphysical or symbolic meaning. Celebrities with a star tattoo: - Aaliyah: this late R&B star has has a star tattoo on her hand.
- Drew Barrymore: famous actress with a moon star tattoo on her right foot.
- Tokio Hotel: Bill Kaulitz, singer of the band Tokio Hotel, has a star tattoo on his abdomen and his band's logo on his neck.
- Rihanna: has a small star tattoo on her left ear and a shower of stars in her neck. She also has a Sanskrit prayer tattoo on her stomach.
- Victoria Beckham: a Spice Girl with 5 stars on her lower back, depicting her family members.
- Bjork: has a small star tattoo behind her right ear.
- Boy George: 80s singer with a Star of David tattoo.
- Gisele Bundchen: super model with a star tattoo on the inside of her left wrist and a moon star tattoo on her right ankle.
- Aaron Carter: singer with a nautical star tattoo on his right arm.
- Gerry Halliwell: another Spice Girl with a star tattoo (on her back).
- Kate Hudson: Kate has a small star tattoo on her left foot.
- Norah Jones: famous jazz singer with a star on her lower back.
- Anna Kournikova: tennis player with a stars tattoo on her lower back.
- Avril Lavigne: punk-pop singer with a small star tattoo on her left wrist.
- Lindsay Lohan:actress with a small star on her left wrist.
- Eva Longoria: another actress with a star tattoo on her left wrist.
- Kelly Osbourne: reality tv actress and singer with a small star tattoo on her neck.
- Pink: she has a shooting star tattoo on her left shoulder and a red star on her hand.
- Ashlee Simpson: another celebrity with a star tattoo on her left wrist.
- Britney Spears: has a small star tattoo on her right hand.
- Joss Stone: has a shooting star tattoo under her right ankle.
- Tila Tequila: has a star on her both hands.
- Bruce Willis: has 3 stars on his left shoulder.
Among the most popular of designs, star tattoos are quickly becoming the image of choice when it comes to artistic expression. Why? Because star tattoos can have so many different types of meanings, while being classic at the same time. Simply put, a star will never go out of style. Star Tattoos Meaning Star tattoos can symbolize a variety of things, including a reminder to always reach for the stars or to relive a memory of a fleeting moment in your life that shined as brightly as a star in the night sky. On a clear night, stars can take us away from all of our problems just be twinkling in the distance. They take us all to a simpler time and yet remind us of peace and tranquility. Star tattoos can serve as a reminder of a special memory of a starlit night or perhaps they symbolize a goal that you have reached and want that to be forever imprinted on your skin. Star Tattoos Placement As for placement, star tattoos are most commonly incorporated on the arm, shoulder, ankle or abdomen. Because a star is also used to define a famous notable, star tattoos are popular among celebrity clientele. As such, they are becoming increasingly popular among celebrity hopefuls and stars in the making. Star tattoos can be very dainty making them popular among females, but can also be designed boldly for male customers. Star Tattoos Photos Because actual photos of a star may not provide enough detail to translate over into star tattoos, the best images may be found in artwork or samples of star tattoos. If you happen to have an artistic notion, you may be able to create your own image from which to base your tattoo. Once you have the image on paper, you can take it to the artist who will be applying your tattoo and ask if they can recreate the image on your skin.
Before the purchase or application of star tattoos, an individual should make sure that the artist is properly trained and licensed to produce a safe and quality tattoo. Any tattoo, including star tattoos, is not to be applied by an amateur or anyone who has not been properly trained in the handling and sterilization of tattoo equipment. If you have any questions about the safety of your tattoo, be sure to ask the artist who applies it. He/she will bandage the site of the tattoo and provide you with instructions on how to avoid infection and general care for the site until it has completely healed.
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