Star Tattoos: Symbolisms and Styles

Although star tattoos are a common and simple design, their deeper meanings mean so much more to so many people.

le. There are so many variations of stars, with so many sightings and scientific findings of them over the years.

They are filled with wonder and inspire people to do the most amazing things. With so many different designs to choose from, it’s worth doing your research before touching ink to your body.

That’s what we’re here to do, we’ve researched so you don’t have to.

What are Stars? Science and Culture

Stars are massive entities, known as celestial bodies. They’re effectively large balls of hydrogen and helium, producing large amounts of light and heat.

Our sun is the closest example we have of a star, even though it’s still almost 150-million kilometers away from Earth. If you look up at night and see glowing dots, more times than not, they’re stars.

You’re also able to see planets from down here on Earth, however, they are a lot less frequent. Simply put, life can’t exist in the universe without stars.

Their light and heat are essential for life to thrive. Without our sun, life on Earth wouldn’t exist, which inspires a lot of tattoo ideas and meanings.

Interestingly, a lot of stars that you can see in the night sky are so far away, they may already be dead. The further away a star is, the longer it takes for its light to reach the naked eye.

Stars are so far away that we measure the distance in light-years.

For example, the nearest star, apart from our sun, is called Proxima Centauri. This star is 4.3 light-years away, meaning it is 4 years and 3 months away from the Earth.

Constellations are often seen in tattoo designs as well. They are massive groups of stars, sometimes forming patterns and formations across the sky.

Many have names, often dating back centuries. In Greek mythology, constellations were often seen as god-favored heroes and beasts who received a place among the stars.

They were seen as semi-divine beings with an infinite amount of time, gifted to them by the gods for their deeds. Shooting stars and constellations were seen by people on Earth as striding across the heavens. 

There are plenty of well-known constellations which can be seen from Earth. One is called Orion, named after the Greek hunter.

It can be seen as three stars in a straight formation, spread across the sky. Carvings of the constellation, using mammoth ivory, were found in a cave in West Germany in 1979. The carvings are thought to be anywhere from 32,000 to 38,000 years old.

Shooting stars, also known as meteors, are specs of dust that can be seen in our planet’s atmosphere. They burn around 135km above the Earth and appear as a bright light shooting across the sky.

When there’s a large spike in the amount of shooting skies appearing in the sky, it’s known as a meteor shower.

Most meteors break up well before they make contact with the Earth, burning up in the atmosphere due to the high speeds they travel at.

In history, both the Greeks and the Romans had the same god of the stars, known as Astraeus.

The hexagram or six-point star is heavily associated with the Hindu faith and is thought to heavily link the perfect relationship between humanity and the divine.

When this balance is consistent, the symbol represents the attainment of nirvana. Nirvana is the highest form of achievement in Hinduism and Buddhism and is considered as the moment in a person’s life where they achieve complete salvation.

In history, the Star of David is recognized worldwide as the holy symbol for the Jewish faith and is also represented using a hexagram.

Many will get the star tattooed on them as a reminder of their religion, and to deny the temptations that test their faith every day.

In popular culture, the star is used a lot in films, branding, and music alike. For example, in the Marvel films and comics, Captain America’s trademark shield is red and white with a giant star presented in the middle.

This represents the US flag, which in turn, represents freedom and defiance. Likewise, with Captain America’s friend and colleague War Machine.

He wears an iron suit with a giant star on the front, once again representing freedom and independence in the face of adversity.

Popular singer Rihanna has a tattoo of a constellation on her upper back, leading onto her neck. The cascade of stars is said to be the same as rapper Chris Brown’s tattoo.

Star Tattoo Meanings

When it comes to the tattoos themselves, there are loads of different meanings and interpretations that can be made.

Nautical star tattoos look different from your ‘standard’ star design and represent the North Star seen in the night sky.

Sailors and nautical pioneers used to follow the North Star and use it as bearings before compasses were used. It can represent finding yourself after a hard time in your life, or even a safe return.

The nautical star is used by American sea services frequently.

When it comes to the North Star, it can mean different things on different parts of the body. For example, in some areas, having a nautical star on each of your shoulders can represent security and leadership.

However, when on the arm or the wrist, it can act as a daily affirmation because you look at them so much.

Those who wear two stars on their body in ink show what they’ve been through and that they’re heading in a brand-new direction now.

It serves as a reminder for themselves, that they are strong and can keep their life heading on the right track.

Shooting star tattoos are used a lot in the world of ink and have a lot of meanings. Like the superstitions that have been around people for centuries, they hold a foreshadowing of good luck.

It’s thought that those who make a wish upon viewing a shooting star will have that wish granted to them, so long as they don’t tell anyone what they wished for.

It can also signify a new start in someone’s life, leaving behind the past and moving on to the future. On top of this, it can symbolize a significant time in your life, whether that be a period or a certain date, or time.

Some people are known to get a shooting star tattoo to represent the birth of a child. The star is accompanied by a date or a time, symbolizing the special moment.

One star variant frequently seen and used throughout religion is the symbol for the Antichrist. An upside-down star is often seen as a way of representing all things Satanic.

It is thought that rituals and other sins are acted in the presence of this symbol.

Many people will have this tattoo to represent evil and dark within magic. The pentagram is an international symbol used by Satanists, Wiccans, and Pagans alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a star tattoo represent?

Star tattoos are a sign of ambition and success, because of their positive associations with the sign. However, it can also represent hope and honor.

Like a guiding light of an actual star, so can be your tattoo.

What is the meaning of a 5 point star tattoo?

The nautical star is a symbol associated with American sea services and tattoo culture. It is usually portrayed with half black and white shading, to resemble the look of a compass rose.

What is the meaning of a small star tattoo?

A small star tattoo can represent guidance and freedom, representing the North Star. some see it as a symbol of hope after the North Star helped guide the slaves to safety.

It can symbolize protection on the path to a new, and better life.